Leadership, dedication and service recognised at Policelink awards ceremony

Assistant Commissioner Brett Schafferius and Member for Aspley, Mr Bart Mellish MP, representing Minister Mark Ryan, have congratulated Queensland Police Service officers and staff who received medals and awards at a ceremony in Aspley today.

The awards presented included the National Medal, the National Police Medal, the Queensland Police Service Medal, Commissioner’s Certificates, QPS Awards for Excellence and Assistant Commissioner’s certificates.

The Member for Aspley said the recipients have a proven range of skills and attributes that enable Queenslanders to place their faith and confidence in their police service.

“Their skills highlight courage, aptitude, boundless dedication and commitment, not only to their profession, but also to Queensland communities. 

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

Superintendent David Tucker and Senior Sergeant Michelle Jarrett received the National Medal which recognises long service in organisations that protect life and property at some risk to their members.

Fifteen QPS members received the Queensland Police Service Medal acknowledging 10 years of diligent and ethical service. A further 13 members received a Queensland Police Service Medal Clasp which is presented for each additional five years of service.

The Organisational Capability Command Assistant Commissioner’s Certificate – Corporate and Support, was awarded to Senior Sergeant Michelle Jarrett.

This certificate acknowledged Senior Sergeant Jarrett’s exceptional coordination and delivery of the Vulnerable Persons Training Package in response to extensive Domestic and Family Violence and Mental Health legislation amendments.

The Commissioner’s Certificate – Corporate and Support, was awarded to members of the QPS Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) Support Network who worked collaboratively with other QPS employees and external participants to develop a video entitled ‘It Gets Better’ which was released in August 2017.

This award acknowledged the initiative of all 14 participants who displayed professionalism, positive behaviour and courage in addressing a significant societal concern, many through their own experience.

The QPS Award for Excellence – Silver (Leadership) was also received by the participants of the ‘It Gets Better’ video. This award recognised the contributions of all the participants in the production of the video which arose from a need to repair the relationship between the QPS and the Queensland LGBTI community and to provide an opportunity to empower and influence Queensland youth.

The video demonstrated that the QPS is an organisation that values and endorses inclusiveness and diversity and highlighted the professional, non-discriminatory and accessible policing services it provides to the LGBTI community.

Assistant Commissioner Schafferius said all the award recipients were of the highest calibre.

“It is a privilege for me to be part of this ceremony to honour the service and dedicated contribution of our members to the safety of the Queensland community,” Assistant Commissioner Schafferius said.

“I know all of today’s recipients will continue to display the leadership, determination and enthusiasm that has been a hallmark of their service to the QPS and the community.

“It’s important we also acknowledge family and friends who provide officers and staff the essential support needed to perform our roles every day, who stand alongside all of us during both the challenging and the rewarding times.”

Media contacts 

Minister Ryan’s Office: Ph: (07) 3035 8300

Police Media: Ph: (07) 3015 2444