Two Tasmania Police officers with more then 70 years of service between them have been recognised in this year’s Australia Day Honours.

The Australian Police Medal for distinguished service has been awarded to Inspector David Plumpton and Sergeant Christopher Lucas.

“With individual careers that span more than 35 years, both Inspector Plumpton and Sergeant Lucas have made a valuable contribution to policing in Tasmania and are worthy recipients of the Australian Police Medal,” said Police Commissioner Darren Hine.

Inspector Plumpton joined Tasmania Police as a Cadet in February 1975. He has worked in many areas of policing throughout his career including uniform, traffic, criminal investigation, intelligence and a long time member and co-ordinator of the Negotiators Unit. He has worked in Rosebery, Burnie, Ulverstone, Devonport, Bellerive, Hobart and Glenorchy.

In 1991 Inspector Plumpton was seconded to the National Crime Authority in Melbourne, and in 1996 was appointed to a Federal Judicial Inquiry into allegations of corruption.

“During a career spanning 37 years, Inspector Plumpton has given outstanding and distinguished service to Tasmania Police,” said Mr Hine.

“He is well-respected for his investigative ability and the management of serious crime investigations and has consistently performed his duties at a high level.”

Sergeant Lucas joined Tasmania Police as a Cadet in February 1977.

During a career spanning 35 years, Sergeant Lucas has worked in a number of locations and postings throughout Tasmania, including Hobart, Latrobe, Wynyard and Burnie. He has worked in the Drug Bureau and Criminal Investigation Branch in Burnie, has been Officer-in-Charge of the Wynyard Police Station and Officer-in-Charge of Forensic Services in Burnie.

“Sergeant Lucas’ devotion to duty, diligence and leadership has been recognised throughout his career,” said Mr Hine.

“He is particularly well respected and recognised for his expertise and knowledge within the forensic area of policing.”

Both Inspector Plumpton and Sergeant Lucas are also recipients of the National Medal and the Commissioner’s Diligent and Ethical Service Medal.