A selection of Maitland police and four community members were awarded for their long-term, diligent and ethical service to the NSW Police Force at an awards ceremony on Thursday.
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Medals and certificates were handed out by Regional Field Operations Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys, Northern Region Commander Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell and Port Stephens-Hunter Commander Superintendent Craig Jackson at the Port-Stephens Hunter awards ceremony at Tocal College.
While some were awarded for ongoing work, others were acknowledged for specific displays of great service in the line of duty.
Achievements of the officers awarded included assistance in catching Malcolm Naden, efforts to apprehend dark web drug suppliers, the arrest of a woman who allegedly threatened police by holding a lighter to a petrol nozzle, and the pursuit and arrest of an offender and subsequent seizing of a firearm, ammunition, $7355 and 13 grams of crystal meth.
Community members David and Rose Guy and Neal and Margaret Savertsen were also acknowledged for their contributions to Maitland Blue Light, which provides a social environment for youth that encourages better relations between young people, police and community members. Blue Light raises an average of $6000 each year for local youth organisations.
Superintendent Jackson said none of the awards were a small feat considering the tasks police do every day.
In his speech, he pointed out the words on the front of the ceremony program – courage, honour and duty.
“These words form the basis for what we as police regard as pre-requisites for doing the day to day business of policing, of keeping our communities safe,” Superintendent Jackson said.
“Policing is not a job for every body.
“Dealing with the worst humanity takes up much of our time and it would be easy to lose sight of the high regard with which the majority of the community hold you as police officers.
Mr Jackson also paid tribute to the families who support the officers.
“You send your loved ones out at the start of the day not knowing what fate will bring them, and receive them home at the end of the shift – often worse for wear both physically and mentally,” he said.
“Without your support and encouragement the job of policing would be infinitely harder.”
It was the first awards ceremony since the Central Hunter Local Command was split and moved into Port Stephens-Hunter and Hunter Valley districts.
Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys acknowledged the effect the re-engineering has had and thanked the officers for their patience through the process.
Major awards
Northern Region Commander’s Commendation
Detective Senior Constable Steven Balks for his devotion to duty during Strike Force Durkin – established to find and arrest Malcolm Naden, who was wanted for more than six years on charges of murder, indecent assault and wounding a police officer.
Northern Region Commander’s Unit Citation
Senior Constable Tiffany Janus for her work in Redfern Regional Enforcement Squad’s Strike Force Oakley – the first operation involving NSW Police targeting drug supply on the dark web. The strike force led to 21 people being charged for the supply of ice, cocaine, MDMA, ecstacy, GHB and cannabis.
The Traffic and Highway Patrol Command Commendation
Senior Constable Craig Smith. On July 12, 2015, a drug-affected female intent attended a Hunter service station and allegedly managed to light up a petrol bowser using a cigarette lighter. Senior Constable Smith and his offsider were the first to respond. The female was hostile and allegedly held the lighter up to the nozzle, suggesting she would spray them with fuel. The officers moved in on the female, restrained and arrested her.
Port Stephens Hunter Police District Commendation
Senior Constable Dean Hofman and Senior Constable Robert Brown for the arrest of a man at Cessnock April 24, 2015. Police received a report of va ehicle performing burnouts in Nulkaba. Police established the number plates didn’t match vehicle and despite their efforts to the man, a high speed pursuit ensued on a dirt road. It turned into a foot pursuit through dense scrub which led to the man’s apprehension. After searching the vehicle police seized a shortened 22 calibre firearm with scope and laser attached, ammunition, $7355 and 13 grams of crystal meth.
Volunteer in policing award 1500 hours
Axel Greif, a dedicated volunteer for more than 8 years. Awarded for ongoing dedication, commitment, loyalty and diligence to Port Stephens Hunter Police district.
Commissioner’s Certificate of Appreciation
David and Rose Guy and Neal and Margaret Savertsen who have been actively involved in Maitland Blue Light for the last 30 years. Maitland Blue Light is a safe social environment for youth to encourage better relations and improve communication between young people, police and members of the local community. It raises an average of $6000 each year for local youth organisations.