Published Monday, 26 May, 2008 at 10:44 AM
JOINT STATEMENT
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Premier congratulates NQ Police Officer of the Year finalists
Premier Anna Bligh today congratulated the three finalists in the running to be named the North Queensland Police Officer of the Year – an award organised by The Townsville Bulletin.
“This year the finalists are Sergeant Tony Cole from Doomadgee, Sergeant Brad Gough from Rollingstone, and Constable Mandy Arnold from Charters Towers,” said the Premier.
“Tony, Brad and Mandy are all heavily involved in their communities and frequently go above and beyond the call of duty.
“On behalf of all Queenslanders I congratulate and thank these officers for their contributions and dedication.
“Sergeant Cole has 19 years’ experience and has been stationed at Doomadgee for nearly two years.
“He recently rescued a young women who was hanging from a 30 metre water tower by one hand and threatening to jump,” Ms Bligh said.
The person who nominated him wrote: “Sergeant Cole continuously leads by example and has been more than wiling to assist the Doomadgee community at all times even when he is not at work.”
Ms Bligh said: “Sergeant Gough joined the service in 1983, left in 1989, then re-entered in 1991 and we are glad to have him back.
“He was promoted to officer in charge of Rollingstone three years ago and has been described as caring and devoted,” Ms Bligh said.
In fact one resident wrote: "He patrols all areas of the Rollingstone District with a friendly wave to all locals. At Christmas time he always escorts Santa in the SES truck with police sirens going at intervals. We love him!"
Ms Bligh said Constable Arnold had been the school based officer in Charters Towers for more than a year.
“She collects runaway students, gives talks to ‘at risk’ kids, attends school functions, takes troubled students on tours of the police station and is a great support to school staff and families,” Ms Bligh said.
One teacher wrote: “I couldn't recommend a more worthy recipient for this award than Constable Arnold for her devotion and compassion toward the youth of Charters Towers."
Ms Bligh also commended the Townsville Bulletin for creating the award - now in its fifth year.
“Police often don’t receive the recognition they deserve and I thank the Townsville Bulletin for shining a light on some outstanding officers who really are community champions.”
Media contact: Minister’s Office 3239 0199
“This year the finalists are Sergeant Tony Cole from Doomadgee, Sergeant Brad Gough from Rollingstone, and Constable Mandy Arnold from Charters Towers,” said the Premier.
“Tony, Brad and Mandy are all heavily involved in their communities and frequently go above and beyond the call of duty.
“On behalf of all Queenslanders I congratulate and thank these officers for their contributions and dedication.
“Sergeant Cole has 19 years’ experience and has been stationed at Doomadgee for nearly two years.
“He recently rescued a young women who was hanging from a 30 metre water tower by one hand and threatening to jump,” Ms Bligh said.
The person who nominated him wrote: “Sergeant Cole continuously leads by example and has been more than wiling to assist the Doomadgee community at all times even when he is not at work.”
Ms Bligh said: “Sergeant Gough joined the service in 1983, left in 1989, then re-entered in 1991 and we are glad to have him back.
“He was promoted to officer in charge of Rollingstone three years ago and has been described as caring and devoted,” Ms Bligh said.
In fact one resident wrote: "He patrols all areas of the Rollingstone District with a friendly wave to all locals. At Christmas time he always escorts Santa in the SES truck with police sirens going at intervals. We love him!"
Ms Bligh said Constable Arnold had been the school based officer in Charters Towers for more than a year.
“She collects runaway students, gives talks to ‘at risk’ kids, attends school functions, takes troubled students on tours of the police station and is a great support to school staff and families,” Ms Bligh said.
One teacher wrote: “I couldn't recommend a more worthy recipient for this award than Constable Arnold for her devotion and compassion toward the youth of Charters Towers."
Ms Bligh also commended the Townsville Bulletin for creating the award - now in its fifth year.
“Police often don’t receive the recognition they deserve and I thank the Townsville Bulletin for shining a light on some outstanding officers who really are community champions.”
Media contact: Minister’s Office 3239 0199