Exemplary service and displays of courage and tenacity made by members of the Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were highlighted and rewarded in Raymond Terrace on Wednesday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
About 50 sworn officers and unsworn staff of the district were recognised and thanked for their service and diligent work with the NSW Police Force during the second Port Stephens-Hunter Police District Awards held at St Brigid's.
In his opening remarks, Port Stephens-Hunter Police District commander Superintendent Craig Jackson said the awards were a "small way" the force could thank officers and staff for their outstanding work, and their families.
"You continually advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves - the elderly, children and the marginalised. A part of what we do is speak up for them and you do it very very well," he said.
"Today is a day for celebration and acknowledging the positives in what it means to be a police officer or an unsworn member of the NSW Police Force.
"Today is a chance for families to come together to celebrate these achievements. Policing is a calling that involves an officers entire family.
"Today is some small way we take the opportunity to thank those family members for the support they provide. It is this support that enables police officers to do their job. Without all of you we could not do what we do."
Taylor Martin MLC presented presented the first award, the National Police Service Medal, to 10 officers.
Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell APM, the Northern Region Commander, presented most of the day's awards, including the National Medal and Clasps, NSW Police Medal and Clasps, NSW Police Medallion and Lapel Pins, the Commissioner's Commendation, Commissioner's Unit Citation, Commander's Certificate of Merit, Annual Detectives Board Award and Women in Police Certificate of Appreciation.
Chief Inspector Tony Townsend, the officer in charge of Raymond Terrace Police Station, and Sergeant Russell Lloyd each received the National Medal (completion of 15 years ethical and diligent service) 2nd Clasp and the NSW Police Medal - Fifth Clasp (35 years).
Assistant Commissioner Mitchell and Sgt Lloyd, from Maitland Police Station, shared a moment on stage, with the commander later telling the awards ceremony audience the pair were in the same NSW Police Academy class in 1981.
Senior Constable Mitch Parker received the Commissioner's Commendation for "outstanding courage and donation to duty" for his rescue of a man out of cold water on a Dungog property in July 2015.
Snr Cst Parker received a region commendation in 2017 for the same rescue of a man in his 60s who fell out of a dinghy while tending to a pump in his dam.
On responding to the call for help and "without regard for his own safety", Snr Cst Parker stripped out of his uniform and jumped into water that was 8 degrees Celsius at the time.
He swam a distance of 25 metres to reach the man, who was suffering from hypothermia and exhaustion, and dragged him and the dinghy to the bank of the dam.
He removed the man's wet clothing and wrapped in a blanket until paramedics arrived.
"I wouldn't expect anything less from Mitch Parker. He's an excellent young police officer, " Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.
Commissioner's Unit Citations went to Snr Cst Phillip Hannah for his work during the 2013 Blue Mountains bushfires and Snr Cst Chantelle Hannah for her work during an explosion and fire in Wentworthville in 2013.
Snr Cst Jessica Stendord received the Annual Detective's Board Award for her work during an explosion in Roselle, along with the Women in Police Certificate of Appreciation.
Superintendent Jackson presented the final award, the Commander's Commendation, to Snr Cst Troy Bulpett.
The senior constable was commended for his diligent police work in St Mary's in 2015 where he pulled over a driver for using their mobile phone, which led to an arrest and $5 million drug bust.
"I'm very proud to be able to recognise you people here today for the work you have undertaken," Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.
Worimi elder Uncle John Ridgeway did the welcome to country before Wednesday's awards ceremony, which was also attended by Detective Superintendent Brett Greentree, commander of Newcastle Police District, Superintendent Daniel Sullivan, commander of Lake Macquarie Police District, Detective Superintendent Chad Gillies, commander of Hunter Valley Police District, Northern Region Detective Superintendent Wayne Humphrey APM, Chief Inspector Tracy Chapman, Port Stephens MP Kate Washington and Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison.