Superintendent Chad Gillies spent his last day in the Port Stephens-Hunter Police District on Friday recognising some of its most distinguished officers.
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In one of his last duties as commander before moving to the Tuggerah Lakes district, Superintendent Gillies presented a number of commendations to officers who had gone "above and beyond" in the line of duty.
"This is a really nice way for me to finish my tenure here," Superintendent Gillies said.
"It's been a privilege to meet and get to know everyone in the two years that I've been here.
"I came here in March 2020, just as COVID kicked off but what I was able to see in that time was the best of what our organisation has to offer.
"The challenges were unprecedented and our staff rolled with it every day to keep our community safe and I think in a lot of respects, actually enhanced our community reputation and certainly our relationships in the community."
He thanked his staff for their support during the last two years and welcomed Detective Superintendent Wayne Humphrey APM back to the Port Stephens-Hunter District, which he took command of on Friday afternoon.
Superintendent Humphrey was previously the Northern Region operations manager before taking up the Newcastle City commander role in early 2021.
Prior to that, he was a commander of the former Port Stephens Local Area Command.
The changeover comes as part of a Hunter and Central Coast-wide shake-up of police district commanders.
"Wayne is a local who has worked here at different times over his career and will be an absolute great asset to the command," Superintendent Gillies said.
The Port Stephens-Hunter Police District Awards were this year held at Tocal College on Friday, May 13.
Maitland High School vice captain Mianeikia-Lei Harris opened the proceedings with a welcome to country.
Among the guests of honour was Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell, who presented National Police Service Medals and clasps, NSW Police Medallion pins, certificates of commission, long service awards, commendations, certificate of merits and unit citations to a group of about 30 current and retired police, administrative staff and volunteers.
Sergeant Russell Lloyd, from Maitland Police Station, was presented his sixth NSW Police Medal clasp on Friday for 40 years service in the force while Sergeant Martine Morley, from Raymond Terrace Police Station, was presented her fourth clasp for 30 years service.
NSW Police Medallion lapel pins for long service were also presented to administrative support officers Fusi Slade (35 years) and Jodie Tytherleigh (25 years).
Senior Constable Trent Moffat was awarded the Northern Region Commander's Citation for the arrest of a man from a vehicle following an armed robbery at a Beresfield fish and chip shop in 2021.
Sergeant Jamie McClelland was awarded the Northern Region Commander's Certificate of Merit for his actions in stopping the attempted suicide of a woman on Tomaree Headland, Shoal Bay, in December 2016.
The woman climbed over a guard rail at the top of the summit. She lost her grip on a tree that she has been holding. Sergeant McClelland had been talking with the woman when she slipped. He grabbed her arm and pulled her back onto solid ground.
Sergeant McClelland was commended by the NSW Police Force for his "bravery, tenacity and commitment to duty" during the incident.
Supt Gillies presented 11 District Commander Commendations on Friday. These went to:
- Sergeant Stewart Mann for the arrest of a high risk domestic violence offender in Medowie in April 2022.
- Retired Senior Constable Cain Emslie for assisting Sgt McClellan in preventing the attempted suicide of a woman on Tomaree Head in December 2016. He was commended for his communication, courage and devotion to duty during the incident.
- Retired Senior Constable Graham Baxter, Senior Constable Rob Brown and Senior Constable Kathryn Kramer were commended for their courage, commitment to duty and swift and immediate action in response to a report of a man who had harmed himself in Rutherford in July 2021.
- Senior Constable Bradley Owens in recognition for his good police work in searching for a missing three year old in December 2018. The toddler was located unconscious in a vehicle. The child was put in a shower while waiting for an ambulance. The senior constable was highly commended for his meritorious action in extremely difficult circumstances.
- Senior Constable Robert Brown and Senior Constable Tiffany Forbes for their swift and courageous actions in responding to a house fire in Maitland in August 2019. The officers forced their way into a home they saw well alight while patrolling and rescued one adult and two children who had been asleep.
- Senior Constable Mark Williamson and Senior Constable Krystle Wilcox for their empathy, compassion and diligence to assist an elderly man who attended Raymond Terrace Police Station in August 2021. The pair escorted the confused and agitated man home. On discovering the man's house was a mess, Senior Constable Williamson stayed for a number of hours cleaning up while Senior Constable Wilcox took the man to the shops to purchase him new supplies.
- Senior Constable Keith Ross for his swift and immediate reaction to an attempted self harm in October 2019.
Deputy Commissioner Thurtell said he was proud to acknowledge the "dedicated and distinguished service" of the Port Stephens-Hunter's police.
"Police frequently face challenging, dangerous and traumatic situations but even in the most trying circumstances you often go above and beyond your duties and responsibilities, not because you must but because you want to," he said.
"Your ability to adapt your skills to whatever circumstances you face is truly quite remarkable and a credit to your character and your dedication to duty."
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Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
