OFFICERS RECOGNISED FOR BRAVE EFFORTS IN THE AFTERMATH OF CYCLONE LARRY
Published Tuesday, 29 May, 2007 at 11:35 AM
Minister for Police and Corrective Services
The Honourable Judy Spence
Queensland police officers who served in the devastated regions around Innisfail, in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Larry have today been recognized for their brave and generous efforts.
Minister for Police Judy Spence, together with Commissioner Bob Atkinson, presented 92 Commemorative pins to officers and staff involved in the response and recovery efforts following the natural disaster.
“The efforts of the Queensland Police Service in the days, weeks and months after Cyclone Larry, demonstrated the level of commitment and selflessness that exists within our service today,” Ms Spence said.
“When I arrived in Innisfail to inspect the damage on March 21 last year, I was impressed by the co-ordination of the relief efforts police were involved in.
“They worked around the clock to manage traffic, deploy resources, provide a strong police presence and assist other government agencies.”
Ms Spence said without the bravery and endurance of the officers, the effects of the devastation of Cyclone Larry could have been even worse.
“I know many officers left their families and their own devastated homes, to help those in the community and other members of the local police service recover and rebuild,” Ms Spence said.
“It is an indication of the fine training of our officers in Queensland that you each handled the situation with such dignity and resilience. It is also an indication of your character and strength.”
Commissioner Atkinson praised officers for their dedication to serving their community, despite facing extreme hardship themselves.
“About 60 people sheltered in the Innisfail Station during the storm, including officers, staff and their families who felt unsafe in their own homes,” Commissioner Atkinson said.
“The station itself had roofing panels lifted by gale force winds and parts of the building were flooded.
“Despite this, officers worked day and night to ensure police services were delivered to the cyclone-affected areas.
“The efforts of those officers and staff and the understanding and patience of their families is highly commendable.”
Media contacts: Minister’s Office - Nicola Hazell 3239 6172/ 0408 732 491
Police Media - 3015 2444
Minister for Police Judy Spence, together with Commissioner Bob Atkinson, presented 92 Commemorative pins to officers and staff involved in the response and recovery efforts following the natural disaster.
“The efforts of the Queensland Police Service in the days, weeks and months after Cyclone Larry, demonstrated the level of commitment and selflessness that exists within our service today,” Ms Spence said.
“When I arrived in Innisfail to inspect the damage on March 21 last year, I was impressed by the co-ordination of the relief efforts police were involved in.
“They worked around the clock to manage traffic, deploy resources, provide a strong police presence and assist other government agencies.”
Ms Spence said without the bravery and endurance of the officers, the effects of the devastation of Cyclone Larry could have been even worse.
“I know many officers left their families and their own devastated homes, to help those in the community and other members of the local police service recover and rebuild,” Ms Spence said.
“It is an indication of the fine training of our officers in Queensland that you each handled the situation with such dignity and resilience. It is also an indication of your character and strength.”
Commissioner Atkinson praised officers for their dedication to serving their community, despite facing extreme hardship themselves.
“About 60 people sheltered in the Innisfail Station during the storm, including officers, staff and their families who felt unsafe in their own homes,” Commissioner Atkinson said.
“The station itself had roofing panels lifted by gale force winds and parts of the building were flooded.
“Despite this, officers worked day and night to ensure police services were delivered to the cyclone-affected areas.
“The efforts of those officers and staff and the understanding and patience of their families is highly commendable.”
Media contacts: Minister’s Office - Nicola Hazell 3239 6172/ 0408 732 491
Police Media - 3015 2444