Townsville officers congratulated at ceremony

Today, Minister for Police and Minister for Corrective Services, the Honourable Mark Ryan MP, Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper and Townsville MP Scott Stewart, joined Commissioner Ian Stewart in congratulating and honouring the achievements and commitment of officers from the Townsville District, in an awards ceremony at the Townsville Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC).

Minister Ryan said the recipients have a proven range of skills and attributes that enable Queenslanders to place their faith and confidence in their police service.

“Their skills highlight the courage, aptitude, boundless duty and commitment to not only their profession, but also to their community.

“Those awarded today, are a credit to the Queensland Police Service, to the community they serve, and to their family and friends,” Minister Ryan said.

The Member for Thuringowa said the officers receiving awards were wonderful role models.

“The example they set is exemplified by their dedication to serving their fellow Queenslanders,” Mr Harper said.

The Member of Townsville described the award recipients as everyday heroes.

“They protect their communities on a daily basis with dedication and professionalism,” Mr Stewart said.

Commissioner Stewart presented the National Police Service Medal to Senior Constable Taryn Dusha and Senior Constable Martin White, acknowledging their past and future commitment to protecting the community.

The same two officers also received the National Medal which recognises 15 years of diligent service by members of Australian police forces, defence forces and members of ambulance and fire services. A further four officers received their second clasp to the National Medal, recognising 35 years of service.

Sergeant Clint Drew and Constable Dylan Maestri were presented with the Queensland Police Valour Medal, recognising their exceptional bravery in hazardous circumstances when three people were trapped in a burning vehicle on Palm Island in 2017.

The Queensland Police Exemplary Conduct Medal with a Corporate Clasp was also presented to Janice Joseph for her contribution to the QPS in the corporate area.

Also presented today was the Queensland Police Service Medal, an award approved by the Commissioner in recognition of diligent and ethical service by QPS employees after 10 years of full-time qualifying service. Today’s ceremony saw this awarded to 17 officers.

Commissioner Stewart also presented a variety of clasps to the Queensland Police Service Medal, recognising further qualifying service. Senior Constable David Negus was presented with his 40 year clasp and Senior Sergeant Joe Matheson, Senior Sergeant Ian Wilkie and Senior Constable Brendan Carew were presented with their 35 year clasps.

A further 13 clasps were presented for service ranging from 15 to 30 years.

Constable Michelle Harris was presented with both the Queensland Police Service Award for Excellence and the Commissioner’s Certificate (Operational) for her valuable contribution to the LGBTI support network project, ‘It Gets Better’.

Further, George MacKenzie from the Townsville community was presented with the Assistant Commissioner’s Certificate (Operational) for his courageous role in assisting police to detain and apprehend an offender, despite being assaulted himself, who was involved in a theft in Townsville.

A number of other certificates were awarded today including three officers receiving their Advanced Diploma of Police Investigation, four members of the public receiving the District Officer’s Certificate of Appreciation and one officer receiving their Adopt-a-Cop certificate.

Rounding out today’s ceremony, 16 volunteers were presented with their Volunteer in Policing certificate.

Commissioner Stewart said all award recipients exhibited professionalism and a strong commitment to the community.

“Those who received awards today reflect the high calibre of QPS members and the requirements to deliver ethical and diligent service,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“Members of the QPS face challenging and dangerous situations every day and I congratulate those here today who continue to work together to stop crime and exhibit professionalism and a strong commitment to their community.”

Media contacts 

Minister Ryan’s Office: Ph: (07) 3035 8300

Police Media: Ph: (07) 3015 2444