Published Tuesday, 20 March, 2007 at 02:13 PM

Minister for Police and Corrective Services
The Honourable Judy Spence
MINISTER PRESENTS MEDALS TO LONG-SERVING LOCAL OFFICERS
Some of south-east Queensland’s most experienced crime fighters were recognised today for their long service and loyalty in safeguarding Queensland communities.
Police Minister Judy Spence and Assistant Commissioner David Melville today presented four long service medals to officers from the South Eastern Police Region.
A police officer and a local resident were also recognised for their efforts in saving the lives of others.
“I believe in Queensland we have one of the finest police services in the world, and like any organisation, its value lies in its employees,” Ms Spence said.
“The South Eastern Region is fortunate to have many officers with extensive knowledge and experience in the area.”
Ms Spence presented the National Medal, which is awarded to those who have served for at least 15 years, to two officers.
One officer was presented with the first clasp recognising 25 years of service, and the daughter of the late Inspector Lesly Reilly was presented with a National Medal and a 1st clasp for his years of dedicated service.
“This small but distinguished group is just a snapshot of the wealth of experience provided by police officers in the South Eastern Region,” Ms Spence said.
“This kind of commitment is rare these days, and we are very fortunate in Queensland to have people who are dedicated to this job for the long haul.
“Local residents can certainly take comfort in the fact the officers in this area have such extensive knowledge and experience.”
Sergeant Robert Duncan was awarded the Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery for his actions in rescuing a woman whose vehicle was trapped in floodwaters at Mundoolun in November 2004.
Local resident Debra Ollard was awarded the Commissioner’s Certificate of Appreciation for her actions in saving a woman from self harm at Reedy Creek two years ago.
“I am always amazed by the dedication of police officers and members of the community who go above and beyond the call of duty,” Ms Spence said.
“Police officers have a very demanding role and protect the lives and property of people in our community at great personal risk.
“It's important we recognise the exceptional level of dedication these men and women show everyday.”
Ms Spence said the Beattie Government was committed to supporting police in the region and across Queensland.
“Since we were first elected back in 1998, we have increased police numbers from 6,800, to more than 9,400 today,” Ms Spence said.
“In the South Eastern Region, police numbers have been increased from 862 in 1998, to 1193 today – an increase of more than 27%.”
Media contact: Nicola Hazell 3239 6172
Police Minister Judy Spence and Assistant Commissioner David Melville today presented four long service medals to officers from the South Eastern Police Region.
A police officer and a local resident were also recognised for their efforts in saving the lives of others.
“I believe in Queensland we have one of the finest police services in the world, and like any organisation, its value lies in its employees,” Ms Spence said.
“The South Eastern Region is fortunate to have many officers with extensive knowledge and experience in the area.”
Ms Spence presented the National Medal, which is awarded to those who have served for at least 15 years, to two officers.
One officer was presented with the first clasp recognising 25 years of service, and the daughter of the late Inspector Lesly Reilly was presented with a National Medal and a 1st clasp for his years of dedicated service.
“This small but distinguished group is just a snapshot of the wealth of experience provided by police officers in the South Eastern Region,” Ms Spence said.
“This kind of commitment is rare these days, and we are very fortunate in Queensland to have people who are dedicated to this job for the long haul.
“Local residents can certainly take comfort in the fact the officers in this area have such extensive knowledge and experience.”
Sergeant Robert Duncan was awarded the Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery for his actions in rescuing a woman whose vehicle was trapped in floodwaters at Mundoolun in November 2004.
Local resident Debra Ollard was awarded the Commissioner’s Certificate of Appreciation for her actions in saving a woman from self harm at Reedy Creek two years ago.
“I am always amazed by the dedication of police officers and members of the community who go above and beyond the call of duty,” Ms Spence said.
“Police officers have a very demanding role and protect the lives and property of people in our community at great personal risk.
“It's important we recognise the exceptional level of dedication these men and women show everyday.”
Ms Spence said the Beattie Government was committed to supporting police in the region and across Queensland.
“Since we were first elected back in 1998, we have increased police numbers from 6,800, to more than 9,400 today,” Ms Spence said.
“In the South Eastern Region, police numbers have been increased from 862 in 1998, to 1193 today – an increase of more than 27%.”
Media contact: Nicola Hazell 3239 6172