More than 315 current and retired police and DPFEM staff will be recognised for a combination of Medals and Awards, at ceremonies in all districts.

This includes National Medals, National Police Service Medals, Commissioner’s Medals, clasps and Secretary’s Awards.

Of the 168 recipients at this Friday’s Southern ceremony, 64 will receive Commissioner’s Medals – including:

• Commissioners Medal (10 Years) – 23
• Commissioners Medal First Clasp (20 years) – 24
• Commissioners Medal Second Clasp (30 years) – 13
• Commissioners Medal Third Clasp (40 years) – 4

The following Secretary’s Awards will also be presented:

• Secretary’s Award 10 Years – 4
• Secretary’s Award 20 Years – 7
• Secretary’s Award 30 Years – 2

Recipients being recognised at this year’s Southern ceremony include:

Detective Sergeant Nathan Hartnett 2024 Investigator of the Year Winner

Detective Sergeant Hartnett’s nomination for Investigator of the Year 2024 highlights his exceptional abilities and unwavering dedication to his profession. His instrumental role in the decade-long investigation and successful prosecution of the Shane Barker murder showcases his extraordinary commitment and professionalism. Despite personal sacrifices, including time away from his family, Detective Sergeant Hartnett remained steadfast in his duties, ensuring the integrity of the trial and supporting the prosecution’s efforts.

In addition, Detective Sergeant Hartnett’s commitment to continuous learning and mentoring new investigators has greatly contributed to the growth and improvement of his colleagues, making him a deserving recipient of the 2024 Investigator of the Year Award.

* The Investigator of the Year Award (now in its second year) acknowledges the efforts of individuals who have gone above and beyond in unravelling the intricacies of complex cases, bringing closure to victims, and instilling public confidence.

Sergeant Rance Swinton – John AG Bird Memorial Award winner

Sergeant Rance Swinton has been selected as the 2024 recipient of the John AG Bird Memorial Award for his dedication and commitment to enhancing the forensic capabilities of Tasmania Police. Sergeant Swinton has been a member of Tasmania Police for 17 years, joining in October 2007, and served at Devonport, Railton and Glenorchy Uniform before transferring to Forensic Services in 2017. In August 2024 Sergeant Swinton was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in the Training, Quality and Innovation Unit, Forensic Services.

During his time in Forensic Services, Sergeant Swinton has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to learning and professional development in the field of forensics.

Sergeant Swinton is currently undertaking a Graduate Certificate in Crime Scene Investigation and has been instrumental in the construction and delivery of legacy programs such as the Crime Scene Techniques Course, online forensic training program, and various forensic policies and procedures, as well as his commitment to high-quality crime scene and general stakeholder management/engagement. Sergeant Swinton is a deserving recipient of the John AG Bird Memorial Award.

*The John AG Bird Memorial Award is presented in recognition of services to Forensic Services to a current member of Forensic Services (sworn or state service employee), who demonstrates a commitment to professional development, initiative in the workplace, strong personal work performance, and a sense of working with and supporting others.

Sergeant Mark Lopes (Posthumous) – Commissioner’s Medal 3rd Clasp (40 years)

Sergeant Lopes began his service as a Cadet on 11 February 1981. Over the years, he served in different capacities, including assignments in uniform, investigative areas and covert policing roles.

Sergeant Lopes also contributed significantly to the Southern District CIB, Bellerive CIB, and the Serious Organised Crime Division.

His career is a testament to his commitment and excellence in law enforcement, particularly in the Hobart area where he spent a significant portion of his career.

Sergeant Lopes is especially recognised for his dedication to combating serious crime and cold case investigations, ensuring the safety and security of the community.

Jonathon Rogers (DPFEM)- Secretary’s Award – 30 years

Joining the department in 1994, Jonathan has enjoyed a varied career within corporate services achieving success in the development and implementation of programs as a result of new legislation and policy changes. Initially responsible for managing property maintenance and refurbishment, in 2002, Jonathan moved to project management, introducing electronic firearms licences and the National Criminal History Record Checking Project. From 2006 to 2013, he focused on drug policy and coordinated the Illicit Drug Diversion Initiative, and later managed District budgets and the U-Turn Program for juvenile offenders.

In 2016, Jonathan took on a Policy Officer role for the Safe Families Coordination Unit, representing the department on cross agency working groups to address family violence. Since 2022, he has overseen the of the new Arch facility on the North West Coast for victims of sexual harm.

Constable Rebecca Rafferty – Commissioner’s Commendation

In recognition of Constable Rafferty’s role in managing a complex and protracted investigation into the murder of Jarrod Leigh Turner over the course of five years, leading not only to the conviction and sentencing of the principal offender and his five accomplices, but also the conviction of a dangerous offender in respect to a most serious and significant case of persistent family violence. Her tenacity, dedication, perseverance, and skill in bringing the perpetrators to justice while supporting the victims, their families and witnesses are worthy of this Commendation.

Sergeant Greg Rogers – Commissioner’s Certificate of Appreciation

In recognition of his exemplary leadership of Taskforce Saturate, commitment to crime reduction and enhancing the organisation’s investigative capacity. Under his leadership, Taskforce Saturate has apprehended 4,022 individuals and detected 12,523 offences. Sergeant Rogers’ dedication to policing reflects our values and has significantly contributed to making our community safer.

Commissioner Donna Adams paid tribute to the recipients, saying the medals were a chance to thank police officers and State Service employees – and the families and friends who support them – for their commitment to keeping the Tasmanian community safe, and for consistently going above and beyond their duties.

“Medals and awards are issued to members who have demonstrated a consistently high standard of work performance, along with demonstration of unequivocally high standards of personal and professional conduct. It’s these people who provide an invaluable contribution to our mission to keep our communities safe,” Commissioner Adams said.