QPS officers and staff members honoured at awards ceremony

Minister for Police and Minister for Corrective Services the Honourable Mark Ryan MP today joined Commissioner Katarina Carroll to recognise a group of Queensland Police Service (QPS) officers and staff members for their contributions to the service.

Today’s ceremony was Commissioner Carroll’s first opportunity in her new role to host an awards ceremony at Police Headquarters.

Minister Ryan had the honour of presenting the two national-level awards to those in receipt of the National Police Service Medal, awarded after 15 years of service as well as the National Medal and Clasps, also awarded after 15 years of service.

Minister Ryan also assisted Commissioner Carroll with the presentation of all other awards for a range of levels of service and achievement.

The National Police Service Medal, recognising a police officer’s past and future commitment to give ethical and diligent service was awarded to former Sergeant James Hermiston, Sergeant Rowena Hardiker and Detective Senior Constable Fiona McGrath.

Both Detective Senior Constable McGrath and Sergeant Hardiker were also both awarded the National Medal for recognition of long service in an organisation that protects life and property at a risk to its members.

First Clasps to the National Medal were awarded to Senior Sergeant Ruben Collopen, Sergeant Julie Ferguson and Senior Sergeant Gerard Simpfendorfer for an additional 10-year period of qualifying service.

Acting Inspector Terry McMahon, Senior Sergeant Garth Peake and Senior Constable Andrew Carpenter were each awarded their second clasp to the National Medal for an additional 20-year period of qualifying service.

Queensland Police Service Medals were awarded to Ms Keira Sommerfeld, Ms Karen Monk, Ms Chrissie McLeod, Mr David Leporati, Mr Les Kershaw, Ms Sally Jelbert, Former Sergeant Julie Gilfoyle, Ms Josephine Chong, Ms Tracey Cartwright, Ms Melinda Ball and Ms Judith Crouch.

Clasps to the Queensland Police Service Medal (QPSM) are awarded to those with more than 15 years of service.

Twenty Year Clasps to the QPSM were presented to Ms Pauline Vasta and Senior Sergeant Alexander Rees.

Thirty Year Clasps to the QPSM were awarded to Inspector Paul Biggin, Superintendent Pete Brewer, Senior Sergeant Jose Ibanez and Sergeant Jeremy Dunn.

Commissioner’s Certificates were awarded to Senior Sergeant Jonathan Lavin, Senior Constable Samantha Killoran, Senior Constable Shane Lundin, Senior Constable Tanya Searle and Mr James Morris.

Detective Sergeant Nigel Bull received the Queensland Police Exemplary Conduct Medal with an Investigations Clasp and Senior Sergeant Peter Bowser received the Queensland Police Exemplary Conduct Medal with Specialist Clasp.

Commissioner Carroll said she was pleased to see so many outstanding recognitions of members in the awards ceremony at Police Headquarters.

“The accomplishments of these officers and staff members demonstrate the dedication and commitment to not only their jobs, but their roles in the serving of the state as a whole,” Commissioner Carroll said.

“It was great to see so many people presented with awards today and those who have been awarded are to be congratulated.

“I recognise and commend the award recipients for their efforts so far, the example they are setting and the hard work it takes to achieve recognition with these awards.”

Minister Ryan said he was honoured to be a part of today’s honours and awards ceremony at Police Headquarters.

“It was a fantastic morning of recognition,” Minister Ryan said.

“It was an honour and pleasure to present the national-level awards and assist Commissioner Carroll.

“It is always wonderful to see the men and women of the Queensland Police Service formally recognised for the sacrifices and commitments they make in the name of service to the state of Queensland.

“All those presented today have my sincere congratulations.”

Media contacts 

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

Police Media: Ph: (07) 3015 2444