More than 170 police and DPFEM staff will be recognised for a combination of Medals and Awards, National Medals, National Police Service Medals and clasps at this year’s Medals and Awards Ceremonies across the state.

The Commissioner’s Commendations and Appreciations are awarded to people or organisations who have performed their duties while exposed to significant risk to life or personal danger, have demonstrated a level of bravery, courage or devotion to duty above and beyond what is expected, have demonstrated a combination of initiative, resourcefulness, integrity and commitment which exceeds expectations, or have demonstrated an exceptional level of service delivery.

Among those being recognised include:

Southern 

• Sergeant Damian Bidgood, Senior Constable Jonathan Hitchens, Alan Jackson, Gabriel Kinzler, Han-Wei Lee, John Oxley, Michael Packer, Petr Smejkal, The Mole Creek Caving Club- Commissioner’s Certificate of Appreciation for outstanding commitment, determination and professionalism displayed in the arduous and technical evacuation of Mr David Wools-Cobb at Snowy Mountain Cave on 10 October 2020.
• Senior Constable Craig Crawford, Senior Sergeant William Grierson, Senior Sergeant David Richardson – Third Clasp (40 years’ service)

State Service:

• SES State Director Mr Andrew Lea – Commissioner’s Award for 20 years’ Service.

Western

• Constable Dean Wotherspoon and Paul Darby for outstanding commitment, determination and professionalism displayed in the arduous and technical evacuation of Mr David Wools-Cobb at Snowy Mountain Cave on 10 October 2020.
• Inspector Adrian Shadbolt – Second Clasp (35 years)
• Senior Sergeant Darren Woolley – Second Clasp (30 years)

Northern  

• Sergeant Darren Hill – Second Clasp (35 years)
• The Northern Caveneers Club – for outstanding commitment, determination and professionalism displayed in the arduous and technical evacuation of Mr David Wools-Cobb at Snowy Mountain Cave on 10 October 2020.

Commissioner Hine paid tribute to the recipients, saying that the medals and awards were 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.

“These awards are a chance for me to say thank you for the work that our police officers and State Service Employees do.  It’s these people who provide invaluable assistance in our mission to keep our communities safe,” Commissioner Hine said.