OUTSTANDING Coffs/Clarence Police District personnel were recognised for their service at an annual commendation awards ceremony on Wednesday 15 November at C.ex Coffs Harbour.

“The purpose of the awards is to recognise outstanding service, good conduct, meritorious actions and long service,” Coffs/Clarence PD Commander, Superintendent Joanne Schultz, told News Of The Area.

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A range of medals were proudly presented to members of the Coffs/Clarence police force.

The National Police Service Medal, which recognises special status of sworn police officers in protecting the community, was awarded to Sergeant Tuckett, Sergeant McDonnell, Senior Constable Walsh, Senior Constable Kjenslie-Cook and Plain Clothes Senior Constable Robertson.

“To qualify an officer must have completed fifteen years’ diligent and ethical service,” said Superintendent Schultz.

The National Medal and Clasp is awarded to members of all Australian Police Forces, Australian Ambulance Services, Australian Fire Brigades, Australian Correctional Services and State Emergency Services who have completed fifteen years of diligent service to the community in hazardous circumstances, including in times of emergency and national disaster, in direct protection of life and property.

The recipients were Sergeant Tuckett, Sergeant McDonnell, Senior Constable Walsh, Senior Constable Kjenslie-Cook, Plain Clothes Senior Constable Robertson, Senior Constable Kelson (35-year clasp) and Senior Constable Allison (25-year clasp).

There were fifteen recipients of the NSW Police Medal, awarded to sworn members of the NSW Police Force who have completed ten years of diligent and ethical service, with additional pins presented for each subsequent five years’ diligent and ethical service completed.

The Commissioners Emergency Commendation, in recognition of service during bushfires, floods and Covid response in 2019 – 2020, was awarded to Sergeant Tuckett.

The Commissioner’s Commendation for Courage, awarded for action in the line of duty where outstanding courage was required, was given to Senior Constable Flowers for professionalism and bravery when responding to a violent incident at Grafton in 2018.

The Warrant of Appointment, presented to members of the NSW Police Force who have been promoted to the rank of Sergeant, recognises the valuable contribution Sergeants make to the service of their communities and the extensive knowledge, duties and responsibilities associated with that office.

The recipients were Sergeant Brooker, Sergeant Philp and Sergeant Hollis.

The District Commander Certificate of Merit, awarded for exceptional performance of duty at a District level, went to Senior Constable Barnier (ret), for tenacity and bravery when responding to a violent incident at Grafton in 2016.

The Assistant Commissioner’s Unit Citation for outstanding service undertaking a common purpose at a Region level was presented to Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer Skinner and Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer Wilson for their commitment and dedication to duty during their deployment to the Northern Rivers during the 2022 floods.

The Assistant Commissioner’s Certificate of Recognition acknowledging outstanding achievement at a regional level went to Senior Constable Hadley for outstanding work in the prevention, disruption and response to domestic and family violence.

The District Commander’s Unit Citation awarded for outstanding service undertaking a common purpose at a district level was presented to Senior Constable Reynolds for professionalism and commitment to Strikeforce Commeroy investigating a homicide at St Clair.

The Certificates of Service presented in recognition of long and distinguished careers with the NSW Police Force recipients were Sergeant Lloyd (ret), Senior Constable Dowd (ret) and General Administrative Support Officer Morley (ret).

By Andrea FERRARI