Police officers recognised for commitment and service

Police Minister Mark Ryan and Commissioner Ian Stewart have congratulated the Queensland Police Service (QPS) officers and staff who received medals and awards at a ceremony held in Brisbane today.

Minister Mark Ryan said all award recipients were of the highest calibre.

“They have demonstrated a range of skills and attributes that highlight courage, aptitude, boundless dedication and commitment, not only to their profession but also to Queensland communities,” he said.

“They are a credit to the Queensland Police Service, to the community they serve, and to their family and friends.”

The ceremony included the 2016 Adopt-a-Cop awards, with the Adopt-a-Cop program involving the voluntary appointment of officers to schools and other relevant organisations to build positive relationships between police and the school community.

The overall Adopt-a-Cop of the Year award went to Constable Stephen Armstrong from the Fernvale State School, where he has been instrumental in building police, school and community relations in a short period. His determined efforts in implementing programs and continued support have actively promoted the values and beliefs of both the school and the QPS.

Officers from each of the five regions were recognised - Constable Armstrong from the Southern Region, Senior Constable Wade Hastie from the Northern Region, Inspector Grant Marcus from the Central Region, Senior Constable Troy Hews from the Brisbane Region and Constable Natalie Wilson from the South Eastern Region.

Commissioner Stewart praised the efforts of all Adopt-a-Cops in schools around the state.

“The outstanding level of dedication pursued in volunteering for this program highlights the exemplary core values present in each of these officers,” he said.

“The contribution of Adopt-a-Cops is invaluable to the communities in which they serve and to the Service.”

Minister Ryan presented 20 past and present officers with the National Police Service Medal in acknowledgement of their commitment to ethical and diligent service. This award recognises the special status sworn police officers have because of their role protecting the community.

The National Medal recognises 15 years of diligent service by members of Australian police forces, defence forces, and members of the ambulance and fire services. Clasps to the National Medal are awarded for a further period of 10 years’ service.

Minister Ryan presented Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski, Deputy Commissioner Peter Martin, Detective Inspector John James, Detective Senior Sergeant Gary Pearce, Senior Sergeant Mark Ruggeri and Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Toohey with their 2nd Clasp of the National Medal, acknowledging 35 years’ service. A further nine officers received their first clasp for 25 years’ service, and 11 officers received the medal for the first time for 15 years of dedicated service.

Today’s ceremony also saw the Queensland Police Service Medal presented to a number of officers and staff members. The medal is an award approved by the Commissioner in recognition of diligent and ethical service by QPS employees after 10 years of full-time qualifying service.

Eight officers were awarded the QPS Medal for the first time, with the medal awarded posthumously to the late Detective Sergeant Leonard Hooper and the late Inspector James Walsh.

Commissioner Stewart presented Senior Sergeant John Goldsworthy with his 40 year clasp to the QPS Medal and Inspector Peter Assfalg and Ms Mary-Lou Webster with their clasps for 35 years of dedicated service.

Commissioner Stewart acknowledged the devotion and tireless effort of the ceremony’s award recipients.

“Through the duration of their careers each recipient has displayed exemplary attributes as a member of the Queensland Police Service,” he said.

“It is through these awards today that we acknowledge and thank them for their dedication and diligence.

The Queensland Police Meritorious Service Medal is awarded to a QPS member who has provided a continued substantial contribution in a number of areas within the QPS over an extended period of time.

This medal was awarded to Ms Pamela Furner, an Administration Officer who has worked diligently with the Ethical Standards Command for 17 years. In this role, Ms Furner continually performs her duties to a very high standard, assisting investigating officers and senior members of the Command on a daily basis.

ENDS

Media contacts

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