Darling Downs District officers and staff recognised at awards ceremony

Minister for Police and Corrective Services the Honourable Mark Ryan MP and Superintendent Mark Kelly have congratulated Queensland Police Service (QPS) officers, civilians and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) members from the Darling Downs District who received medals and awards at a ceremony in Toowoomba this morning.

Minister Ryan said the recipients have demonstrated a range of skills and attributes that highlight boundless dedication and commitment, not only to their profession, but also to Queensland communities.

“This is the very reason why Queenslanders place their faith and confidence in their emergency services - this faith and confidence is not misguided,” the Minister said.

The presentation saw officers and staff members recognised for their outstanding commitment to serve the Queensland community.

Minister Ryan and Superintendent Kelly presented the national awards for policing, including the presentation of the National Medal and the National Police Service Medal.

Four police officers were presented with the National Police Service Medal which acknowledges past and future commitment to ethical and diligent service.

Four police officers were presented with the National Medal. Sergeant Trevour O’Neil was awarded his first clasp to the National Medal for 25 years’ service.

The Queensland Police Service Medal was awarded to two police officers and two staff members. A further 9 police officers were presented with the Queensland Police Service Medal Clasp, awarded upon completion of extra years of service. Sergeant John Cook received his 35 year clasp.

Detective Senior Constable Virginia Richardson and Detective Senior Constable Michael Stead received their Detective Appointment Certificates and badges.

Constable Scott Nolan received the Commissioner’s Certificate of Notable Action, and Constable Peter McDiarmid received a Certificate of Appreciation.

Two community members received District Officers Certificates for their commendable actions in distracting and subsequently restraining an armed offender at Drayton in May 2018.

Superintendent Kelly said members of the QPS faced challenging and dangerous situations every day while working together to stop crime, make the community safe and most importantly building strong relationships within the community.

“Officers and staff are committed in their role to service the community through the delivering of high quality, innovative, progressive and responsive policing services,” Superintendent Kelly said.

“The Service honours and recognises the ongoing commitment of its members and today’s ceremony acknowledges members who have displayed the highest standards of ethical and diligent service.”

Minister Ryan and Commissioner Katarina Carroll then presented the QFES awards, including the presentation of a first clasp to the National Medal for Station Officer Grant Hodges and Senior Firefighter Peter Robinson. 

The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Medal was awarded to two staff members, one officer and six volunteers, and a further two volunteers and one officer were presented the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Medal Clasp, awarded upon completion of extra years of service.

Three volunteers and one staff member received their Diligent and Ethical Services Medal 1st Clasp, an award recognising QFES staff and volunteers who have distinguished themselves over a prolonged period of time, through commitment to ethical standards, diligence and integrity.

A 40 Year Service Plaque was also awarded to Rural Fire Fighter Gary Patzwald.

Minister Ryan said all those who received awards have shown the professionalism that is a hallmark of the Queensland Police Service and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.

“They are a credit to their organisations, to the community they serve, and to their family and friends,” the Minister said.

Media contacts 

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

Police Media: Ph: (07) 3015 2444