Townsville District officers and staff members recognised at awards ceremony

Local Members of Parliament and Deputy Commissioner Bob Gee congratulated officers and staff from the Townsville District who received medals and certificates at a ceremony held at the Townsville Police-Citizens Youth Club today.

Deputy Commissioner Gee presented the National Police Service Medal to five officers, acknowledging their past and future commitment to protecting the community.

The same five officers also received the National Medal which recognises 15 years of diligent service by members of Australian police forces, defence forces and members of the ambulance and fire services.

The five recipients were; Senior Constable Michael Jessup, Senior Constable Tony Whitten, Detective Senior Constable Lynette Nelis, Senior Constable Suzanne Warner and Constable Anna Ryan.

“All recipients have demonstrated a range of skills that highlight their courage and boundless dedication to public service,” the Member for Mundingburra Coralee O’Rourke said.

“Today’s recipients display a level of dedication to duty that gives the Queensland public continued confidence in their police service.”

Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper, who himself received the Ist Clasp to the National Medal for 25 years in Ambulance and the Long Service Medal,  said he knows the importance of recognising and acknowledging our valued Police Officers.

“These are well deserving and fine Officer's and I offer my congratulations to all recipients,” Mr Harper said.

Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the awards shone a light on the outstanding work police do in the community.

“I congratulate these outstanding officers who do such an important job keeping  Queenslanders safe,” Mr Stewart said.

Deputy Commissioner Gee presented two officers with the 2^nd Clasp to National Medal for 35 years of service.

The recipients were Inspector Glenn Doyle and Sergeant Garry Hutcheson.

The Queensland Police Service 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.

Today’s ceremony awarded this medal to Ms Kylie Adhearn and Ms Denise Ashworth.

The Queensland Police Service Medal Clasp is awarded to officers and staff upon completion of an extra five years of service. Deputy Commissioner Gee presented 22 clasps ranging from 15 years to 35 years.

Two certificates were presented during the ceremony.

Sergeant Rebekah Spink was awarded the Commissioner’s Certificate (Operational) for exceeding expectations in the execution of duty in an operational field, and Father Dave Lancini was also recognised for his 20 Years of Service as a Police Chaplain.

Deputy Commissioner Gee said all award recipients exhibited professionalism and a strong commitment to the community.

“Through each of their careers each recipient has displayed a commendable work ethic as a member of the Queensland Police Service,” said Deputy Commissioner Gee.

“Each member should be very proud of their achievements today. The service thanks them and acknowledges their ongoing contributions.”

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