Tales of bravery and acts of valour were highlighted during an awards ceremony for Port Stephens police on Wednesday.
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More than 30 sworn officers, four unsworn staff, a police chaplain and 11 civilians were recognised for their service to the NSW Police Force during the Port Stephens Local Area Command Awards.
In his opening address, Acting Superintendent Wayne Humphrey APM, the Port's police commander, commended the award recipients.
He also talked about the changes he had seen in policing and within the Port Stephens Local Area Command since he first moved to the area in 1986.
“To have been given the opportunity to lead the staff here has been a privilege,” he said.
“I've watched this area develop from 1986 when the police strength of Raymond Terrace was 10 GDs [General Duty officers], a First Class Sergeant, two detectives and four Highway Patrol [officers] to now a vibrant, hardworking, well resourced and professional command of about 115 dedicated staff.
“This command punches well and truly above its weight. I have seen acts of valour and bravery, excellent police work, dedication and commitment and a real connection between police and this community.”
Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell APM, the Northern Region Commander, presented national service medals, long service medallions, region commendations and certificates of merit at the November 8 awards ceremony.
Speaking at the ceremony held in Raymond Terrace, the assistant commissioner thanked family and friends for supporting loved ones who work for the police force.
He congratulated and thanked the award recipients, especially for their dedication to domestic violence.
“This area in particular, there is a lot done on a day-to-day basis that people don't hear about,” Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.
“What I'm talking about there is the calls, the service, to domestic violence in particular.
“They [officers] do a very professional job in supporting victims but also dealing with those who are responsible for perpetrating that heinous offence.”
Assistant Commissioner Mitchell presented the National Police Service Medal to 12 officers currently serving in the NSW Police Force and one to former Sergeant Matthew U'Brien.
Among the recipients of the medal, which recognises unique contribution and significant commitment by sworn members of an Australia police service, was the Port Stephens crime manager Detective Inspector Scott Parker.
The assistant commissioner presented 10 officers who have served in the NSW Police Force for 15 years a National Medal.
Port Stephens Sergeant Jeffrey Farmer was presented a National Medal 2nd Clasp for 35 years service to the police force.
Sergeant Farmer was also presented a NSW Police Medal (awarded for diligent and ethical service) for his 35 years as an officer and a region commendation.
The region commendation recognised Sergeant Farmer's efforts with Strike Force Durkan, set up in 2005 to capture the then at large Malcolm Naden.
Hundreds of police, particularly from the Northern and Western regions, were involved in the search effort for Naden who was eventually found and arrested near Gloucester in 2012.
Region commendations also went to Senior Constable Duncan Arnold and Senior Constable Mitch Parker.
Senior Constable Arnold's commendation was for his tenacity and courage in carrying out his duty and arresting a man who was in a drug-fuelled rage.
Senior Constable Parker's commendation was for rescuing a 65-year-old man who fell out of a dinghy into cold water.
The officer stripped out of his closed, jumped into water that was 8 degrees Celsius at the time and swam a distance of 25 metres to help the man.
Police staff member Fusi Slade was awarded a Police Service Medallion for 30 years of service.
She was also awarded her 25 year medallion and a long service award.
Suzanne Prior, Susan Saunders and Vicki Thompson, who provide administrative support to police, were also recognised for their 25 years of service.
Acting Superintendent Humphrey presented Local Area Command commendations, citations and certificates of appreciation at the ceremony.
Father George Mainprize received a certificate of appreciation for his work as a police chaplain.
Members of the Fingal Beach Surf Lifesaving Club also received a certificate for their efforts during a 2015 rescue operation involving a vessel in distress.
Ben Eick, Andrew Lange, Chris Lange, Karen Lange, Ryan Lange Ashley Woods, Brett Woods and James Woods were involved in helping during the operation to help the vessel.
Roger Steel, a volunteer to police, plus civilians Edward Steele and Nathan Waters, who restrained a man who attempted to self harm, each received certificates of appreciation.
Two Port Senior Constables, Wesley Taylor and Chris Watkins, received citations for their work with the 2014 G20 Leaders' Summit in Brisbane.
Taylor Martin MLC, representing MP Troy Grant, the Minister for Police, congratulated award recipients.
“It is important to recognise our police officers for their service to our community,” he said.
“Policing is a very challenging and demanding career. Officers face unique risks unseen in any other work choice. It is a demanding job that often requires officers to go above and beyond the call of duty.
“Police officers here today deserve special recognition because you've made a difference in our community. We all feel safe knowing you are the ones looking out for us.”
As well as friends and family, the ceremony held in the St Brigid’s school hall was attended by Chief Inspector Tracy Chapman APM, Staff Officer Northern Region, and commanders from Lake Macquarie, Central Hunter and Hunter Valley LACs.