Awards ceremony honours service

Police Commissioner Ian Stewart and the Member for Greenslopes Ian Kaye, on behalf of the Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Jack Dempsey, have congratulated 26 Queensland Police officers and staff who received medals and awards at a ceremony at Police Headquarters in Brisbane today.

Commissioner Stewart presented officers and staff with awards in recognition of their diligent and ethical service, as well as to those whose actions had gone beyond the call of duty.

“The conduct of the police officers and staff reflected the professionalism that is a hallmark of the Queensland Police Service,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“Each recipient showcases a diverse range of talents, skills and attributes required by all members.”

Commissioner Stewart presented Detective Sergeant Peter Robson-Petch with the Commissioner’s Certificate (Operational) for his actions during a fire at a hostel at Red Hill on May 16, 2010. The Commissioner’s Certificate (Operational) may be awarded to any member or group that displays intelligence, resourcefulness and dedication to duty, to a degree far exceeding what might reasonably be expected.

Detective Sergeant Robson-Petch was off-duty, driving in Red Hill, when he noticed thick black smoke and flames coming from a second storey window of the hostel. He entered the hostel several times to help residents evacuate from the building, and searched all rooms, including on the top floor where the fire started, to ensure residents were safe. Detective Sergeant Robson-Petch received medical treatment for smoke inhalation.

Commissioner Stewart also presented the Queensland Police Service Medal and Clasp to a number of officers and staff, in recognition of up to 35 years of service. The Medal recognises 10 years of diligent and ethical service; the Clasp may be awarded on the completion of each additional five years of service.

Mr Kaye presented three types of national-level awards to police officers on behalf of the Queensland and Australian Governments. Senior Constable Paul Vanderham received the National Emergency Medal for his work in the Dalby District during the Queensland flood and cyclone of 2010-2011. The medal recognises those who have given service during a nationally significant emergency. Senior Constable Vanderham thanked his wife, Therese, for the support she provided during the floods, saying her assistance was crucial.

Mr Kaye presented 16 police officers with the National Police Service Medal, in recognition of 15 years of sworn service. He also presented the 1^st Clasp to the National Medal to an officer for 25 years of service. Mr Kaye said the awards celebrated the outstanding service and sacrifices of some of the finest police officers and staff.

“You are a credit to the Queensland Police Service, to the community you serve to protect, and also to your family and friends,” Mr Kaye said.

“You have demonstrated a range of skills and attributes that highlight courage, aptitude, boundless dedication and commitment.”

In a special presentation, a Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee Medal awarded to a Queensland police officer more than 100 years ago, was donated to the Queensland Police Museum. In 1897, Queen Victoria approved the awarding of the medal to the Queensland Police to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee. A medal belonging to the late Sergeant Peter Lynch was unearthed by a Gympie resident in her garden in recent years. The medal was today presented to Commissioner Stewart by Sergeant Lynch’s granddaughter Mrs Eileen Vanderham and great-grandson Senior Constable Paul Vanderham. The late Sergeant Lynch was also awarded two bravery medals after he was shot in the leg while responding to a suspected break and enter in 1913. Those medals have not been found. Commissioner Stewart and Mr Kaye acknowledged the Vanderham family for their contribution to the Queensland Police Museum.