Police officers recognised for commitment and service

Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski has congratulated QPS officers and staff who received medals and awards at a ceremony held at Police Headquarters in Brisbane today.

Senior Constable Kenric Head was presented with the Queensland Police Service Valour Award to recognise his act of exceptional bravery in responding to an incident on September 5, 2014 where a semi-trailer carrying more than 50 tonnes of ammonium nitrate crashed off the Mitchell Highway at the Angellala Creek Bridge and caught fire.

The Queensland Police Bravery Medal recognises a significant act as a result of being placed in a potentially hazardous situation beyond that of normal policing requirements. Nineteen police officers and one ADF member were presented the medal following their acts of bravery when responding to three incidents involving shots fired and house fires, across Bracken Ridge, Mitchelton and Upper Mt Gravatt.

Deputy Commissioner Gollschewski presented four officers with the Queensland Police Exemplary Conduct Medal (ECM) which is an award introduced last year to recognise exemplary service. Detective Inspector David Hickey and Detective Acting Inspector Timothy Leadbetter both received their Investigations Clasps while Detective Senior Sergeant Chris McCann and Sergeant Nicole Fox were awarded their Specialist Clasps.

This award may be awarded to a member of the QPS who has demonstrated exemplary conduct in a specific role or duty which enhances the professional image of the QPS far exceeding what might be reasonably expected from an efficient member of the Service.

The award is presented with a clasp which denotes the nature of the role or duty for which the recipient is being recognised.

The Queensland Police Meritorious Service Medal, an award presented to a member of the QPS who has provided a continued substantial contribution in a number of areas within the QPS over an extended period of time, was awarded to Acting Assistant Commissioner Philip Barrett, Superintendent David Johnson, Inspector Anthony Carstensen, Inspector Stephen Munro, Acting Inspector Troy O’Malley, Detective Inspector Mark Slater and Inspector Arthur Van Panhuis.

Today’s ceremony also saw the Queensland Police Service Medal presented to a number of officers and staff members. The QPS 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.

Deputy Commissioner Gollschewski presented Detective Superintendent Jon Wacker with his 6th Clasp to the QPS Medal for 40 years of dedicated service and Detective Inspector Anthony Graham with his 5^th Clasp for 35 years of dedicated service. Senior Sergeant Robert Richards received his 30 year Clasp and Acting Chief Superintendent Andrew Pilotto, Senior Sergeant Melissa Anderson, Senior Sergeant Lisa Jacks, Senior Sergeant Andrew Kennedy and Sergeant Simon Arnold received their Clasp for 25 years’ service.

Sergeant Nicole Fox and Senior Constable Kimberley Bevis received their 2nd Clasp for 20 years’ service, and Sergeant Mark Jones received his 15 year Clasp.

Deputy Commissioner Gollschewski said all award recipients were of the highest calibre.

“Everyone presented with an award today shows the professionalism that is a hallmark of the QPS,” Deputy Commissioner Gollschewski said.

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

Former South Australia Police Constable Nicholas Wood-Brignall was awarded with the National Police Service Medal in acknowledgement for his past and future 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 ten years’ service. Acting Inspector Christopher Sedl was presented with his 2nd Clasp acknowledging 35 years’ service, and Senior Sergeant Lisa Jacks with her 1st Clasp acknowledging 25 years’ service.