Five of the Service's finest nationally recognised

JOINT NEWS RELEASE

Five Queensland Police Service (QPS) officers are to receive the Australian Police Medal (APM); a national honour in recognition of their distinguished service.

Police Minister Mark Ryan and Commissioner Ian Stewart today congratulated the recipients who all exemplified the QPS's commitment to courage, fairness, pride, and service with honour.

Minister Ryan said the officers came from different regions and varied careers but all displayed the outstanding attributes of a QPS officer.

“I am so proud to be the Minister of a Police Service that has people as dedicated and professional in all the duties they undertake as these police officers,” Minister Ryan said.

“As well as being outstanding guardians for their local communities, these five highly skilled officers are excellent role models for the new police officers joining their ranks each year.

“They share a vast and diverse career history between them, having served throughout Queensland in a number of roles, and will help lead the QPS well into the future.”

The recipients, Superintendent Michael Brady (District Officer, Moreton District), Inspector Keiryn Dermody (Manager, Road Policing Command), Chief Superintendent Kevin Guteridge (District Officer, Townsville District), Inspector Samantha Sanderson (South Eastern Regional Office) and Chief Superintendent Brett Schafferius (District Officer, Far North District), will be presented with their medals at an upcoming ceremony.

Commissioner Stewart acknowledged the dedication of each of the APM recipients.

"The Australian Police Medal is a fitting acknowledgment of each recipient’s outstanding contribution and commitment to serving the Queensland community," Commissioner Stewart said.

"Their leadership abilities and professionalism are qualities that reflect the high standards which are expected of an officer of the Queensland Police Service.

"I would like to congratulate and give my own personal thanks to each of the officers and also recognise them on behalf of the Service.”

Superintendent Michael Brady began his career in 1982 and has served with distinction in a range of police appointments during his career.

He is an experienced investigator spending a number of years investigating major crime. Due to this experience, he was involved in the national benchmarking of investigative techniques.

More recently, Superintendent Brady has been actively involved in the development of a number of community based programs addressing domestic violence and public disorder.

He is acknowledged for his service to the community of Queensland through his dedication and commitment to Crime Stoppers and Neighbourhood Watch as well as other community based initiatives such as project Prado (addressing domestic violence) and the ‘It’s your choice’ program (developed to address youth violence and public disorder).

In 2001, he was formally recognised for his leadership as the District Disaster Coordinator during the 2010-2011 flood and cyclone event.

Inspector Keiryn Dermody has demonstrated outstanding dedication and commitment during her career with the Queensland Police Service.

She is recognised for her leadership, management and organisational improvement skills. She has displayed commitment, skill and excellence in developing and fostering innovation in policing practice.

Inspector Dermody has served a major part of her career in the prosecutions and legal field of the Queensland Police Service. Her professionalism, expertise and knowledge was recognised with early promotions to prosecution positions.

Inspector Dermody is a capable leader who has displayed commitment, skill and excellence, working in Prosecutions/Legal Services, PCYC and more recently engaging and negotiating with stakeholders at Road Policing Command. 

Chief Superintendent Kevin Guteridge is a model officer who has shown outstanding commitment to policing in his 30-year career.

He graduated from the Academy in 1987 and has served the community of Queensland in a broad range of operational areas. 

He is recognised as a leader in diversity, professionalism and staff development. His commitment to his own development and the development of his staff is evidence of his professionalism, leadership abilities and epitomises a pursuit of excellence that has contributed greatly to operational and strategic outcomes.

He excels in Disaster Management response and recovery, having assisted communities in Bundaberg during flooding events in 2010-2011, tornados and extreme floods in 2013 and during Tropical Cyclone Marcia in 2015.

Chief Superintendent Guteridge is a leader who displays dedication, professionalism, resilience and a commitment to fairness. 

Inspector Samantha Sanderson graduated from the Academy in 1995 and is recognised for her leadership and excellence in organisational improvement, change management, and commitment to the ongoing education, training and development of officers.

She has displayed a significant commitment to mentoring fellow officers and continues to take an active interest in their welfare. Inspector Sanderson has served with distinction in a range of police appointments during her career.

Her professionalism, expertise and leadership in the roles of South Eastern Region Performance Officer and senior facilitator of Training and Development at the Academy are acknowledged.

Inspector Sanderson is recognised for her commitment to change management during the implementation of the Taskforce Bletchley and Gold Coast District Cultural Review recommendations including her contribution to the development of policy and procedures as part of those recommendations.

Inspector Sanderson is acknowledged as a champion for women in policing and is seen as a leader who implements change.

Chief Superintendent Brett Schafferius has served the Queensland Police Service and community with distinction since 1985.

He commenced operational police work in Townsville and since that time has worked in many challenging areas across Queensland. He is experienced in general duties, drug squad work, and major criminal investigations.

Chief Superintendent Schafferius has been a district officer of two districts, one in an urban area, the other being the Far North District (one of the most diverse in the state).

In 2012, he was awarded a Commissioner’s Certificate (Operational) for the leadership he showed during the Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley floods disaster. He has been integral to implementing improved disaster management arrangements in the far north of the state.

As a manager and leader, he strives to support Queensland police officers and staff members. Chief Superintendent Schafferius is a champion of equity and diversity in the Queensland Police Service, ensuring all members have an equal opportunity in the workplace. 

Media contacts 

Minister Ryan’s Office:     Sue Lappeman                               Ph: 0418 792 406

Police Media:                                                                                  Ph: (07) 3015 2444