Award-winning work: Assistant Commissioner Mark Murdoch and Constable Mitchell Owen at the Hurstville Police Awards.Picture: Jane Dyson
AN HOUR of clapping and handshakes allowed people to say thanks to St George and Sutherland Shire police who make daily sacrifices to protect the community.
The central metropolitan region police medals and awards were held in Hurstville yesterday to award officers for their long service, bravery and commitment.
Hurstville MP Mark Coure was so excited by the presentation he started clapping instead of turning to get a photo with a recipient on stage, prompting friendly laughter from the audience.
Men and women in blue packed the Civic Centre on MacMahon Street with enough politicians and official guests to form a 20-metre line.
Among the many recipientsw was Constable Mitchell Owens who helped arrest a man who threatened staff and patrons at Caringbah McDonald's with a 30-centimetre knife last October.
Constable Owens was off duty when he confronted the man and chased him to Caringbah railway station where he met with on-duty police.
Detective Senior Sergeant Steve Horn also received a region commendation for his investigative work after the discovery of bones on the Kurnell desalination plant worksite in 2007.
NSW Police Assistant Mark Murdoch said the best way he could express his appreciation was to say thanks. "The medals might not have much monetary value but they mean much," he said.
"We aren't BHP and we can't give dividends to our shareholders but we want to say thanks for your service and commitment."
Hurstville police Chief Superintendent Brad Shepherd said the policing profession was rewarding and satisfying but often required sacrifice. "When I look around the room today a little bit of that pride swells in my heart," he said.
NATIONAL POLICE SERVICE MEDAL
Retired Inspector Ian Moore
Sergeant Larry Stephens
Retired Sergeant Robert Buxton
Retired Sergeant John Lonard
Retired Superintendent Ronald Mason, APM
Senior Constable Bruce Whitwell
Retired Inspector Daryl Irvin
NATIONAL MEDAL
Detective Sergeant Martyn Van Tol
Sergeant Scott Burgess
Senior Sergeant Branko Kubecka
Sergeant Simon Davey
Retired Senior Constable Julie Ward
25 YEAR CLASP TO THE NATIONAL MEDAL
Retired Sergeant Stephen Nicholls
Senior Constable Garry Smith
Inspector Gary Ballard
Sergeant Anthony Quinn
35 YEAR CLASP TO THE NATIONAL MEDAL
Sergeant Garry Keir
NSW POLICE MEDAL
Sergeant Holley Carmichael
Sergeant Simon Hack
Senior Constable Ryan Sheaff
Senior Constable Kelly Donaghy
Senior Constable Sally Meekin
Senior Constable Nathan Higgins
25 YEAR CLASP TO POLICE MEDAL
Retired Sergeant Stephen Nicholls
20 YEAR LAPEL PIN TO THE POLICE MEDALLION
Ms Janice Taylor
15 YEAR LAPEL PIN TO THE POLICE MEDALLION
Mrs Maria Betsas
Mrs Sharon Crow
WARRANT OF APPOINTMENT
Sergeant Matthew Gentle
Sergeant Daniel Ward
Sergeant Simon Hack
Sergeant Simon Davey