NSW ROTARY POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR …Police officer of the year November 2016 Police Monthly...

12 Police Monthly [SLE] November 2016

NSW ROTARY POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2016

Police officer of the year

November 2016 Police Monthly [SLE] 13

Castlereagh LAC’s Sgt Lisa Jones has been named our top cop for 2016.

STORY SALLY LEE POLICE MONTHLY

MAIN PHOTO SNR CST MATT JEWELL MULTIMEDIA UNIT

A lot has happened over the

16 years Sgt Lisa Jones has

been with the NSW Police Force.

The mother of four has two

bachelor degrees under her belt

and, since arriving in Walgett

two and a half years ago, she

has been instrumental in

strengthening the connections

between local communities

and police.

Sgt Jones settled

quickly into the role of

Crime Coordinator at the

Castlereagh LAC, bringing

community groups together

to conduct a safety audit

of Walgett which has led

to significant changes,

and driving a coordinated

approach between

agencies in working with

at risk youth in the area.

These efforts helped

Sgt Jones win this year’s

NSW Rotary Police Officer

of the Year Award, which

was presented by Rotary

Club of Sydney President Alex Shaw

and Commissioner Andrew Scipione

at a black tie event at Sydney’s

Four Points by Sheraton in Darling

Harbour on 4 November.

In their seventh year, the annual

awards celebrate the achievements

and hard work of sworn and

unsworn officers alike.

Commissioner Scipione praised

the award-winners, finalists and

nominees for their dedication,

passion and excellence.

“It is my absolute privilege to

honour some of our finest officers –

from police and civilian staff – who

have shown day in and day out their

diligence and commitment when it

comes to serving the community,”

he said.

“I’d like to sincerely thank each

and every one of those who have

been nominated and congratulate

you on this very special occasion.”

Sgt Jones’ Commander at

Castlereagh LAC, Supt James

Stewart described her as a “truly

exceptional role model” who sets

a fine example for quality

community policing.

“Sgt Jones has been the initiator

and driver of most of our community

engagement strategies that we

have operating,” he said. “These

programs and events are helping

this command achieve reductions in

crime, greatly improve connections

with communities and improve

perceptions of police.”

Two years ago, she brought

community organisations together

to conduct a safety audit of Walgett.

This led Sgt Jones to push for CCTV

cameras in the town centre. She

attained a $155,000 grant for their

installation, which is due to be

completed this month.

Sgt Jones is also responsible for

better interagency case coordination

for at risk children in the area.

Supt Stewart said the approach

she has spearheaded is leading

to even more positive outcomes

than expected.

Recently she organised the

inaugural Giyaali Birralii Kids Back on

Country camp that saw 16 primary

school children and officers from

Castlereagh LAC head to the Narran

Lakes Nature Reserve. The initiative

aims to return its young participants

as positive role models within their

communities and at school.

“It’s also a age when police can

have a positive impact on their

development,” Sgt Jones explained.

“Any intervention into the life cycle

of a young person that encourages

self-awareness, self-respect and

self-control can only benefit the

community as a whole.”

Her other initiatives include

coordinating Walgett’s section of

the White Ribbon Ultramarathon,

bringing Constable Charlie to the

command for a chilld protection

campaign, presenting at a DV and

sexual assault community forum,

organising a visit by the Mounted

Unit and participating in drug and

alcohol awareness programs.

“She does all this and more,”

Supt Stewart said. “Sgt Jones is

a truly exceptional, professional

and committed officer, community

member, role model, school canteen

volunteer, wife and mother.”

RIGHT Sgt Lisa Jones organised

Castlereagh LAC’s inaugural Kids

Back on Country camp that aims to

help shape primary school children into

positive role models in their communities

and at school


Field Operations Police Officer of the Year

Two years and a half ago, Sgt Lisa

Jones arrived in Walgett with her police

officer husband and four children to

take up the role of Crime Coordinator.

Since then she has been instrumental

in building Castlereagh LAC’s strong

connections with the community.

Sgt Jones has developed child

protection programs, drug and alcohol

awareness initiatives, and Aboriginal

youth engagement strategies. One

of her initiatives, the Interagency

Case Coordination Committee, which

identifies children and their families at

risk, has proved particularly effective,

exceeding expectations.

Castlereagh LAC Commander, Supt

James Stewart said, “Sgt Lisa Jones

has initiated and driven most of the

community strategies that are helping

us reduce crime and greatly improve

connections with communities and

perceptions of police.”

Two years ago she brought

community organisations together

to conduct a safety audit of Walgett.

Her perseverance and passion for

the project saw $155,000 in funding

granted in August 2016 for the

installation of CCTV cameras across

the town’s centre.

“The benefits to public safety and

detection of people of interest will be

significant,” Supt Stewart said.

Castlereagh LAC

WINNER

Det Snr Cst Gabriel ReyesMiddle Eastern Organised Crime Squad

After joining the Middle

Eastern Organised Crime

Squad (MEOCS) in February

2012, two years ago Det Snr

Cst Gabriel Reyes was named

officer in charge of Strike

Force Rinis 2, a complex

investigation into the money

laundering activities of a

criminal syndicate involved in

drug importation and supply.

It’s a case that highlights

his strengths in investigative

management as he skilfully

worked to unravel the

syndicate’s complex money

laundering structures. The

investigation collated 270

statements and a large volume

of documentary and covert

evidence and Snr Cst Reyes’

succinct but detailed 57-page

aide memoire has been

relied upon by national and

international law enforcement

agencies and prosecutors.

MEOCS Commander,

Det Supt Peter McErlain

said, “His work ethic is of

the highest standard and

his level of dedication and

investigative aptitude is a

benchmark for others.”

A Camp Quality volunteer

in his own time, at work

Snr Cst Reyes is always willing

to find the time impart his

experience and knowledge

to junior investigators.

Sgt Lisa Jones

Det Sgt Geoffrey SharpeTamworth LAC

The Oxley Target Action Group

that Det Sgt Geoffrey Sharpe

leads is comprised of only

four permanent staff but

achieves results comparable

to proactive units around the

state with far greater staffing

levels. Strike Force Buchhorn,

for example, recently

saw more than 120g of

methylamphetamine seized,

significantly interrupting

the supply of prohibited

drugs around Tamworth.

Oxley Commander, Supt

Clint Pheeney puts the unit’s

success down to Sgt Sharpe’s

infectious energy and passion

for helping people meet and

exceed their potential.

“His dedication and tenacity

in targeting local offenders

is evident on a daily basis,”

Supt Pheeney said. “There’s

no doubt his individual

performance and leadership

has had a noticeable and

positive impact on all key the

crime rates in the Oxley LAC.”

His impact extends

throughout the command.

Sgt Sharpe regularly involves

general duties officers and

staff from other sections

in operations that target

offenders and readily imparts

his extensive knowledge

about local offenders and

strategies to target them.

FINALISTFINALIST


Field Operations Police Officer of the Year


Specialist Operations / Corporate Services Police Officer of the Year

Snr Sgt Darren BrandPolice Prosecutions

Since transferring to

prosecutions recently from

a uniformed sergeant position,

Snr Sgt Darren Brand has

ushered in energy and

innovation in the response

to domestic violence.

His introduction of DV

clinics in Wagga Wagga has

allowed victims to undergo an

informal orienteering program

before attending court. This

ground-breaking initiative has

been applauded by victims,

members of the court and

women’s support groups. The

integration of prosecutors’

efforts into Suspect Target

Management Programs is also

helping to bring repeat DV

offenders to heel and improve

conviction rates.

His presentations to

multicultural and migrant

communities, Aboriginal

people and marginalised

groups have broken down

barriers and encouraged

victims and witnesses of crime

to attend court.

Wagga Wagga Commander,

Supt Bob Noble said, “Snr

Sgt Brand is an enthusiastic

and talented trainer, always

willing to spend extra time

with officers. He’s universally

acclaimed by police, the legal

fraternity, victims and the

general public.”

FINALIST

Det Ch Insp Caroline O’HareCounter Terrorism & Special Tactics

More than half of Det Ch Insp

Caroline O’Hare’s 35 years

of service has been spent

in counter terrorism and

she has played a major

role in developing our

understanding of the subject

as Commander of the Strategy

Unit since 2007.

In this role she has

coordinated the Professional

Lecture Series which sees

national and international

experts share their knowledge

and experiences with NSW

police. In 2016, Det Ch Insp

O’Hare identified an emerging

form of radicalisation which

is being considered in

ongoing investigations.

Her research into the

1982 Hakoah Club bombing

identified a link to a suspect.

In 2014 she travelled to the

United States to interview the

suspect, who admitted an

international terrorist group

was responsible. She also

interviewed witnesses in Israel

as the investigation continues.

A strategic leader in counter

terrorism, Ch Insp O’Hare

developed our training for

responding to and prevention

of terrorism, and she

organised for Victoria Police’s

radicalisation indicators

training to be adapted and

used in NSW.

FINALIST

Det Sgt Michael O’Keefe’s extensive

investigation into the deaths of Kristen

Schroder and Paul Rossington, who

fell from the cruise ship Carnival Spirit

and attracted media attention globally,

gained great commendation from the

NSW Coroner.

During the inquest, Sgt O’Keefe

presented detailed evidence

that revealed Mr Rossington had

jumped overboard in an attempt to

rescue his girlfriend. Sgt O’Keefe’s

professionalism and compassion

saw him stay in regular contact

throughout the investigation with

the victims’ relatives.

A criminal investigator for most

of his 34 years’ service, Sgt O’Keefe

joined the Marine Area Command in

2013 as Investigations Manager. There,

he has led major homicide, serious

arson and organised crime related

investigations, arresting and charging

offenders in unprecedented numbers

with serious indictable matters.

Commander at the Marine Area

Command, Supt Mark Hutchings said,

“I have rarely worked with an officer

the calibre of Sgt O’Keefe. Under his

leadership he has transformed the

Marine Investigative Group into a

formidable investigations team with an

excellent reputation with federal and

state criminal investigation bodies.”WINNER

Marine Area CommandDet Sgt Michael O’Keefe

Specialist Operations / Corporate Services Police Officer of the Year


Rotary Community Award

A police officer since 1999, when

Insp Robert Vergano is not attending

to his role as HR Duty Officer at

Shoalhaven LAC, he can be found

fulfilling various duties around

his community.

Shoalhaven Commander, Supt

Stephen Hegarty said, “He is well

respected, approachable and

professional and shows a genuine

concern for the welfare of his

staff. He’s also an outstanding

community member.”

An on-call firefighter, Insp Vergano’s

committed to his local community,

regularly visiting local school

and community groups to educate

people about fire safety. During

summer, he volunteers as a lifeguard,

patrolling his local beach and

encouraging children to be confident

in the water while teaching them

valuable water safety lessons.

He uses his passion for fitness

and active lifestyle as an opportunity

to fundraise in the community.

Whether it be cycling 835km for

the Children’s Medical Institute or

350km from Sydney to Canberra for

NSW Police Legacy, Insp Vergano is

up for the challenge. Next he will

race up Sydney Tower’s 98 floors

for the 2016 Fire Fighters Climb for

Motor Neurone Disease.

Shoalhaven LAC

WINNER

Snr Cst Matthew Jacobs Monaro LAC

There are few aspects of

the Snowy Mountains

community of Adaminaby

that Snr Cst Matthew Jacobs

isn’t involved in.

Whether it’s bushfire

management with the

Rural Fire Service, water

safety operations on Lake

Eucumbene, attending

vehicle accidents and

breakdowns, chopping wood

for community fundraising,

shearing sheep for local

farmers or helping out the

local school bus driver, no job

is too big or too small for

Snr Cst Jacobs.

Apart from the excellence

he displays in his day to

day policing duties, he is an

experienced member and

instructor of the NSW Police

Force Alpine Team, which

conducts numerous search

and rescue operations.

Monaro LAC Commander,

Supt Rod Smith said, “Snr Cst

Jacobs’ record of locating

lost and injured people

remains unblemished. His

ability and professionalism

has saved the lives of

countless people.

“Whether on or off duty,

he never stops in helping to

make everyone’s life better

and safer. Service above self

is what he lives by.”

Insp Robert Vergano

Snr Cst Darren MartinYouth Command

Youth case manager, Snr

Cst Darren Martin has been

the driving force behind

improvements to the Lake

Macquarie PCYC, helping it

make a positive impact on the

lives of young people. Through

seeking grants, he successfully

pushed for the club’s new

roof, the installation of hot

water and much needed

visual improvements. He has

also won grants for weight

equipment, garden restoration

and painting.

The CARE Program run

by Snr Cst Martin has

helped students with social

issues, including those with

parents affected by drugs,

by introducing them to club

activities, physical fitness,

nutrition and education.

School attendance and

healthy lifestyles were

boosted as a result.

What’s more, Snr Cst

Martin’s dedication for

youth isn’t limited to Lake

Macquarie as he regularly

supports neighbouring PCYCs,

sharing the club’s kayaks and

organising activities. He has

also been instrumental in

organising activities for Darling

River LAC youth who visited

the command as part of

the successful Tunbilliko

Exchange Program.

FINALIST


Rotary Community Award

FINALIST


Customer Service Excellence Award

Cst Rebecca KrilichTweed/Byron LAC

A dreadful incident in

February this year prompted

a victim of an indecent

assault to nominate

Cst Rebecca Krilich.

The woman commended

Cst Krilich for being an

empathetic listener in the

lead-up and during the trial,

which resulted in the offender

being convicted.

Cst Krilich contacted the

victim on several occasions to

check on her welfare and to

offer support and guidance.

She also followed up with the

victim after the trial.

“It made a huge difference

to me and left me feeling that

women can report unwanted

sexual advances and assaults,

and they can and will be

supported emotionally by

the police,” the victim wrote.

“I could not have done this

without her.

“In her compassion and

support, Cst Krilich has

helped me regain courage

and retain dignity, and has

created among my family

and friends a lot of faith in

the police.

Thank you, Cst Krilich.

It was you who gave me

the courage to stand up

and say: ‘no, assault is

unacceptable’,” the

victim wrote.

Cst Andrew SchepisNorth Shore LAC

A hardworking member of the

Chatswood Proactive Crime

Team, Cst Andrew Schepis

is known for going beyond

what is expected in victim

follow-up, frequently

maintaining contact after the

conclusion of his matters.

His customer service skills

were best illustrated in March

this year when a victim’s

house was broken into. Their

five-year-old dog Charlie was

stolen, causing immense

distress to the victim. When

Cst Schepis arrested the

offender, he convinced him

to help find the dog. After

several days and numerous

enquiries, Charlie was found

and returned to his owner.

In recent fraud matters,

Cst Schepis approached

financial institutions on

behalf of elderly victims to

facilitate the reimbursement

of lost funds, a task the

victims would have found

extremely difficult.

His supervisor, Det Sgt Ross

Wagland said, “These actions

are indicative of his excellent

customer service standards,

and his ability to go above

and beyond in his personal

dealings with customers,

solving problems that are

of a high importance to

our customers.”

FINALIST FINALIST

During his 32 years in policing,

Det Snr Cst Martin Gampe has gained

a reputation as a dedicated frontline

officer who personifies outstanding

customer service.

Recently, he gave extended

personal support to a family who had

experienced the tragic loss of their

two-year-old daughter in July 2015.

Snr Cst Gampe showed genuine

compassion, visiting the family’s

home on Christmas Eve and delivering

a glass collage in remembrance of

their daughter.

The family was so impressed by

his support that they took the time to

write a personal nomination in

the local Rotary Police Officer of the

Year Awards.

Mid North Coast Commander,

Supt Paul Fehon said, “This long

serving officer is a role model for other

officers. He has a very strong work

ethic and has consistently achieved

excellence through a proactive

attitude to policing, a high work rate

and a genuine compassion in ensuring

a safe and secure community.”

Det Snr Cst Gampe’s many

achievements include two

Commander’s Commendations,

one of which was awarded after

he disarmed a male offender who

was armed with a knife in 2003.WINNER

Mid North Coast LACDet Snr Cst Martin Gampe

Customer Service Excellence Award


Volunteers in Policing Award

It’s only been two years since

Barry Gwyther started volunteering

at Queanbeyan Police Station but

he’s already made a significant

impact on its officers and the

wider community.

Barry is an all-rounder who

is available at short notice and

undertakes tasks as they arise.

His work with victim support and

community engagement is highly

appreciated by Monaro LAC’s

crime prevention officers,

while he regularly helps with

everything from maintaining police

memorabilia and putting together

display boards, to checking the

command bus and barbecuing at

special events.

Monaro Commander, Supt Rod Smith

described Barry as a hard-working,

respectful gentleman who is always

pleasant and easy to work with.

“Over the past 20 years, I have

worked with many Volunteers in

Policing in various roles and locations

and Barry is the most professional and

dedicated I’ve encountered.

“Nothing is too much trouble for

Barry. Whatever the task, he goes

about it without a fuss and always

completes it to a high standard. He

is a living example of the motto of

service above self.”

Monaro LACBarry Gwyther

Margaret KerrTweed/Byron LAC

Over the thousands of

hours Margaret Kerr has

volunteered since 2001,

she has proved a positive

influence at Byron Bay Police

Station and a strong advocate

for police.

Her great work in updating

the key holder database has

been invaluable, and she’s

provided advice and comfort

to victims while helping police

during busy days at court.

Margaret is also there for

officers during annual music

festivals such as Splendour

in the Grass and Bluesfest,

which attract tens of

thousands of people. On most

nights of these events she

can be found at the command

post until after midnight.

Tweed/Byron LAC

Commander, Supt Wayne

Starling said, “Margaret’s

great work ethic, patience,

modesty and kindness have

an invaluable influence in

our workplace. A caring and

comforting ‘shoulder’ for

our officers, she has a great,

positive and calming effect

on us all.”

Community orientated,

Margaret facilitates

fundraising for sick police,

the Westpac Life Saver

Rescue Helicopter Service

and the Cancer Council.


Volunteers in Policing Award

WINNER

FINALIST

Ronald & Sandra HockingLachlan LAC

The friendly smiles and

demeanour of Ron and Sandra

Hocking have become part

of the fabric of Forbes Police

Station since the husband and

wife team began volunteering

there in 2010 and 2008

respectively.

The couple work busily

behind the scenes to complete

case filing and ensure records

are maintained and archived.

Lachlan Commander,

Supt Chris Taylor said, “Ron

and Sandra are industrious

workers who shy away from

recognition and go about

their duties with vigour and

good humour. At times of

great workload or community

concern, the couple step up to

the plate and shine.”

During the Parkes and

Forbes flood events, they

worked tirelessly at both

towns’ police stations, helping

to answer enquiries and

calmly and ably informing the

public. They also worked at the

evacuation centre in Forbes,

registering displaced people.

Keen participants in

community engagement

events, Ron and Sandra

regularly support National

Police Remembrance Day and

retired police officer functions

and are always ready with a

homemade treat for birthdays.

FINALIST


Employee of the Year

Brooke Eggleton Police Media Unit

Media liaison officer Brooke

Eggleton’s dedication,

adaptability and expertise in

managing media projects has

been key to the success of

recent campaigns such as Dob

in a Dealer ice crime reporting

and the Aboriginal Strategic

Direction Roadshow.

Director of Public Affairs

Strath Gordon said, “Brooke

has been tireless in working

on multiple projects

simultaneously, all requiring

attention to detail, creative

thinking and outstanding

people skills. She deals with

news media, social media

platforms and our internal

stakeholders, who rely on

Brooke to communicate their

messages effectively.”

Her work with the Corporate

Sponsor for Domestic &

Family Violence helped ensure

the police message was well

understood following the ABC

documentary ‘Hitting Home’,

which attracted more than

1.3 million viewers last year.

She has been instrumental

in establishing innovative

strategies to enhance our

communication. A Facebook

Live Q&A session for Missing

Persons Week reached

251,531 people, while a

session for Wear it Purple day

reached 145,224 people.

Ezekiel ShawOrana LAC

Since being appointed as

an Aboriginal community

liaison officer, Ezekiel Shaw

has worked tirelessly and

effectively to turn around a

disconnect and tension that

had existed between police

and the Aboriginal community

in Wellington, one of the most

disadvantaged communities

in NSW.

The Gungie Origin

Program saw him help

develop a partnership with

governments, NGOs and

private sector organisations

to share resources, funding

and ideas on how to make

Wellington – which is plagued

by the prevalence of the

drug ice – a better community

to live in.

His work on the Dob in a

Dealer campaign saw Crime

Stoppers reports rise from

a couple a week to up to

nine a day and more than

20 drug dealers in the

community being arrested

and charged.

Orana Commander, A/Supt

Scott Tanner said, “Zeke is

a tireless, committed and

passionate employee for

the NSW Police Force. He’s

achieved so much more than

what’s required of him and is

a true inspiration to the police

and community.”

FINALIST FINALIST

Lachlan LAC sits on Wiradjuri lands that

include several Aboriginal communities,

each with their own perspectives.

This presents unique challenges for

Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer

Kevin Read. However, he has ingratiated

himself into each community and

regularly travels up to 4000km a month

as he crosses the command to attend

community events and meetings.

In helping to locate and bring

numerous offenders to justice, he

regularly speaks with families and

offenders and negotiates peaceful

resolutions as alternatives to arrests

and protracted searches. These have

resulted in positive outcomes, not only

for police and the community but also

for the offender themselves.

Lachlan Commander, Supt Chris

Taylor said, “What Kevin has been able

to achieve, by becoming the perfect

conduit of communication between the

police and Aboriginal communities, has

gained him universal respect among his

peers and work colleagues.”

Mr Read has been an avid supporter

of the Indigenous police recruitment

program iPROWD and has supported a

number of students from Condobolin,

often helping to transport them

to Dubbo. WINNER

Lachlan LACKevin Read

Employee of the Year


The IJ (Irene Juergens APM) Fellowship Award – sworn

Crime Prevention Officer, Snr Cst

Daniel Greef has been instrumental

in breaking community silence on

domestic violence, particularly in

rural NSW.

Outside his core duties, he is

an active member of the Lachlan

Shire Domestic Violence Committee

and was pivotal in the development

of the Little Towns Big Voices

project, which includes a 26-minute

documentary that provides a raw

account of DV in rural communities,

and outlines the support available

to victims and how police respond

to DV incidents.

Snr Cst Greef played a major

role on-screen, but also did a lot

behind the scenes, ensuring

accuracy and continuity, obtaining

NSW Police Force support and

approvals, seeking involvement from

community members and other

organisations, and helping launch

the film in May.

The documentary is having on

ongoing positive impact on the

community. Since its completion,

Snr Cst Greef has used it as an

opportunity to speak with community

members of all ages about DV,

and has helped obtain funds to

develop study guides for use in

Australian schools.

Lachlan LAC

WINNER

Snr Cst Gregory CurryYouth Command

The sole youth case manager

at the Far South Coast PCYC,

Snr Cst Gregory Curry has

made a name for the club

by engaging with the

community, local media,

young people, Aboriginal

Elders, the wider community

and police officers to

promote participation

in a range of activities

and programs.

Youth Commander, Supt

David Scrimgeour said,

“Snr Cst Curry is an amazingly

passionate officer who is

dedicated to the cause of the

PCYC and the young people

that he case manages. He is

at the club every weekday

and puts in many hours of his

own time for the love of the

cause and the kids.”

Snr Cst Curry runs

mobile activities, as well as

fundraising activities, up and

down the entire south coast,

and every year he takes a

football team away to the

Nations of Origin event, while

he also participates in and

encourages young offenders

at Reboot Camp.

Among the successful

programs he runs is the

South Coast Warrriors, for

which he takes Aboriginal

youth on a cultural camp

and hike.

Snr Cst Daniel Greef

Snr Cst David HayesSutherland LAC

Over many years in his

role, Sutherland LAC Crime

Prevention Officer, Snr Cst

David Hayes has shown his

dedication to servicing not

only his command, but the

entire Sutherland Shire.

Sutherland LAC Commander,

Supt Julian Griffiths said,

“He’s known throughout the

Sutherland Shire as Constable

Dave and is regularly seen on

weekends – at school fetes,

community functions and

council coordinated events –

spreading the message that

the community and police

need to work together. He

does a tremendous job in

breaking down perceptions of

police being unapproachable.”

Snr Cst Hayes coordinates

Sutherland LAC’s Facebook

page which has almost 20,000

followers. Thanks to his

efforts, it’s recognised as

one of the more informative

and community-based

Eyewatch pages.

He has formed close ties

with schools, council and

senior citizen groups, and

with help from other sections

of the NSW Police Force and

external organisations, Snr Cst

Hayes planned and ran two

youth expos in the past year

that together attracted more

than 3700 attendees.

FINALISTFINALIST


The IJ (Irene Juergens APM) Fellowship Award – sworn


The IJ (Irene Juergens APM) Fellowship Award – unsworn

Alison ReidAlbury LAC

Alison Reid has been a leader

of change in Albury since her

appointment as Aboriginal

Community Liaison Officer four

years ago. From the outset,

she has brought community

leaders together, forming the

OOO Committee (Our youth,

Our community, Our problem)

with community Elders, police,

Juvenile Justice and other

organisations.

Her efforts have included an

expansion of the command’s

NAIDOC Week activities and

the unveiling of a traditional

message stick, presented by

the Aboriginal community with

messages of respect.

Albury Commander,

Supt Evan Quarmby said,

“Its symbolism cannot be

underestimated and has since

underpinned all Aboriginal

engagement programs in

this command, including a

respectful language program.

Alison has made an enormous

contribution to relationships

between police and the

Indigenous community.”

This year, Mrs Reid prompted

Albury City Council to alter

the protocols of citizenship

ceremonies, which now

include the participation of an

Aboriginal Elder and features

that recognise Australia’s

history before colonisation.

Shailyn WilliamsGriffith LAC

A proud member of her

Wiradjuri community, Shailyn

Williams is heavily involved

in sport as both a coach and

player. She has been the

driving force behind Fitness

Beyond Barriers, a program

that provides structure in

the lives of young people

and has led to an increase in

school attendance and health

benefits.

Griffith LAC Commander,

Supt Michael Rowan said,

“Despite her youth, Shailyn

is a natural leader and strong

female role model within

the community. Her efforts

have brought about so many

positive outcomes between

the community and police.”

She regularly supports

and advocates for domestic

violence victims at court

and has been instrumental

in engaging with the wider

community about the role of

police. In a recent homicide

investigation, her role was

of significant value to the

family, the community and

witnesses due to her ability

to garner support.

She formed the Women’s

Group in Griffith, Leeton and

Narrandera, regularly attends

the local Mums and Bubs

group and gets involved in

schools across the command.

FINALIST FINALIST

Kevin Read’s strong relationships

across the vast Lachlan LAC have

been forged through a passion for

community that sees him drive up to

4000km a week to attend community

events and meetings.

An Aboriginal community liaison

officer since 2009, he has been

accepted by diverse communities,

from the Murrin Bridge Mission area

of Lake Cargelligo in the west to

Peak Hill in the north and Forbes in

the south.

Mr Read is a strong supporter of

iPROWD, which provides pathways to

policing careers for Aboriginal youth,

and has helped develop Back Track,

a program that helps reconnect at

risk young people with education,

employment and their community.

He’s also a regular presence at police

operations in neighbouring LACs for

events such as the Tamworth Country

Music Festival, the Bathurst 1000 and

the NARLA Knockout Aboriginal rugby

league tournament.

Lachlan Commander, Supt Chris

Taylor said, “Kevin’s passion for

community policing is always at

the forefront of what he does. His

communication and interventions have

regularly resulted in good outcomes

for police, the community and, more

often than not, offenders too.”WINNER

Lachlan LACKevin Read

The IJ (Irene Juergens APM) Fellowship Award – unsworn



Field Operations Police Officer of the YearHeath Aiken New England LACBrooke Anderson Brisbane Water LACGreg Baird Sutherland LACJason Baker Lake Macquarie LACJacqueline Barlow Drug & Alcohol CoordinationJohn Bollard Quakers Hill LACPeter Bolt Eastern Suburbs LACRobert Bongiorno St George LACPeter Borg Drug & Alcohol CoordinationScott Brame Brisbane Water LACTracy Brickwood Blue Mountains LACDavid Brodie Child Abuse Squad Justine Broers Miranda LACTroy Bulpett St Marys LACBrendon Burrows Green Valley LACEamonn Byrne Redfern LACRebecca Campbell Harbourside LACArun Chopra Robbery & Serious Crime SquadAdrian Citraro Campsie LACTim Clark Griffith LACBruce Coates Brisbane Water LACBradley Croker The Hume LACRyan Crossingham Camden LACMegan Daley Intelligence DirectorateFiona Duncan Campbelltown LACAndrew Evans Newtown LACJohn Feuerstein North Shore LACChristopher Fisher Flemington LACTrent Giles Hawkesbury LACKareena Good Organised Crime DirectorateJessica Hammond Firearms & Organised Crime SquadShayne Harrison Property Crime SquadKym Hilly Penrith LACNatalie Howard-Tarn Eastern Beaches LACKym Hutton Wollongong LACLuke Jamieson Gangs SquadAnthony Johnston Campsie LACHarry Johnstone-Burt Rose Bay LACLisa Jones Castlereagh LACDarrin Laing Cabramatta LACGilbert Laverdure Drug SquadMark Lawrence The Hills LACDavid Lawrie Mid North Coast LACGregory Louden Camden LACTimothy Maggs Shoalhaven LACDaniel Maher Liverpool LACStephen Maloney Newcastle City LACFrancesca Mann Darling River LACMichael Martin Orana LACRachael Martin Youth CommandShelene Mawhinney Hunter Valley LACAlan McBride Brisbane Water LACPhilip McCloskey Monaro LACGeoffrey McDougall Castlereagh LACCraig McGeachie Burwood LACRichard McNally Miranda LACPaul Meekin Camden LACThomas Melia Ashfield LACAndrew Mitchell North Shore LACRobert Moore Far South Coast LAC

Rachel Morrison Child Abuse Squad Kathryn Moss Camden LACFrank Muller Ryde LACBen Munro Northern Beaches LACBen Nash Lachlan LACMichael O’Rafferty Sydney City LACAmy Paddison Sex Crime SquadLucas Payne Kings Cross LACVincent Pleski Lake Illawarra LACChris Redman Leichhardt LACJacob Reeves Operational ProgramsGabriel Reyes Middle Eastern Organised Crime SquadShane Richards Organised Crime SquadNicole Roach Botany Bay LACCraig Sands Wollongong LACBrett Sciberras Mt Druitt LACGeoffrey Sharpe Oxley LACPeter Smith Homicide SquadGlenn Sparham Mt Druitt LACMatthew Steel Cootamundra LACDavid Stuart Mid North Coast LACRoger Taig Chifley LACDeborah Tanzer Barrier LACJamie Tebbenhoff Blacktown LACCandice Thompson Holroyd LACBrett Wall Surry Hills LACAdam Walton Lake Macquarie LACTracey Williams Fraud & Cybercrime Squad

Specialist Operations/Corporate Services Police Officer of the YearDarren Brand Police ProsecutionsGregory Donaldson NWM Highway PatrolKate French Police ProsecutionsShawn Harkins Forensic Services GroupAdam Langford-Smith Police Transport CommandKerrie Lewis Professional StandardsJohn McCulloch State Electronic Evidence BranchCaroline O’Hare Counter Terrorism & Special TacticsMichael O’Keefe Marine Area CommandGary Rogers Police Transport CommandRobert Rowe Performance Improvement & PlanningMatthew Stanton Aviation Support BranchWayne Thurlow Police ProsecutionsAdam Webb State Technical Investigation Branch

Rotary Community AwardShannon Arnold Wollongong LACAnthony Bell Sydney City LACJason Bentley Police Transport CommandWayde Foster Deniliquin LACPaul Fownes CMR Highway PatrolMartin Gampe Mid North Coast LACMatthew Glasgow Lake Illawarra LACGlenn Gorick Sutherland LACDeborah Hall Brisbane Water LACMatthew Jacobs Monaro LACDean Lindley Harbourside LACDarren Martin Youth CommandSergio Martins Griffith LACMitchell Parker Port Stephens LACCraig Parkinson Surry Hills LAC

Nominees


Noel Rayner Cabramatta LACLoma Simmons North Shore LACAmanda Vidler Richmond LACCeri Walker Miranda LACRobert Vergano Shoalhaven LAC

Customer Service Excellence Award (command nominations)Martin Gampe Mid North Coast LACPlanning Team Performance Improvement & Planning Compliance Team Performance Improvement & PlanningMark Yeo Lake Macquarie LACLynne Wicks PoliceLink CommandEllen Mudge Cabramatta LACJeff Milton Newcastle City LACMichael Linder Darling River LACShannon Hollibone Mudgee LACWayde Foster Deniliquin LACPatrick Elliss Police Transport CommandIan Burns Orana LACNatalie Burston Parramatta LACMichael Handley Monaro LACSarah Moore Mt Druitt LACJulie Bertoldo Ryde LACSarah Doel Sutherland LACKatherine Quarmby Cootamundra LACMegan Burke Sutherland LACHeath Lees Cootamundra LACAndrew Schepis North Shore LACLisa Harvey North Shore LACJosephine Allen Homicide Squad Chris Nicholson Intelligence Directorate Philip Saye Wagga Wagga LACNicole Louis Campsie LACLanai Kellner North Shore LACLisa Bombardiere Hawkesbury LACLyndel Hatton Holroyd LACSenior management team Port Stephens LACNathan Corbett Operational ProgramsDebbie Hall Cootamundra LACKelly Donaghy Miranda LACChristopher Breed Sydney City LACJohn McCarthy Barwon LACGretel Robertson Traffic & Highway PatrolLeeann Smith Botany Bay LACMargaret Dacey Wagga Wagga LACDean Lindley Harbourside LACMaria Flood Redfern LACKimberly Loughnan Brisbane Water LACKerrie Anne Wilson Macquarie Fields LACCraig Parkinson Surry Hills LACJason Baker Lake Macquarie LACMalcolm Kentwell Tweed / Byron LACCorinne Dawes Rose Bay LACWayne Whitley Special Services GroupLachlan Gunn Manning / Great Lakes LACDavid Kerrsmith Tuggerah Lakes LACLori Hanley Lake Illawarra LACJason Tudman Brisbane Water LACMardi-Rae Breckenridge Brisbane Water LACKaren Webb Special Services GroupCarol Mainey Coffs / Clarence LACTimothy Marshall Fairfield LAC

Volunteers in Policing AwardRobin Austin Harbourside LACDennis Clarke Botany Bay LACNorma Hain Blacktown LACRon & Sandra Hocking Lachlan LACJohn Howe Flemington LACWilliam James (deceased) Lake Illawarra LACMargaret Kerr Tweed / Byron LACHeather Knott Tweed / Byron LACAlfred Marks Deniliquin LACPeter McIlveen Sutherland LACHal Moir Brisbane Water LACSue Wong Ryde LAC

Employee of the YearMichelle Attard Workforce SafetyCarolyn Davey Counter Terrorism & Special Tactics Dawn Dawson Harbourside LACAntonette de Sandre PoliceLinkCarly de Vellis Firearms RegistryBrooke Eggleton Public AffairsMende Georgievski Communications GroupDonna Glover Operational ProgramsMichael Jackson Darling River LACMardi Joss Deniliquin LACRachael Jude Brisbane Water LACName withheld Security Management UnitEleni Ledford Botany Bay LACShannon Magee Camden LACAngela Manners Sutherland LACMelissa McKenzie Newcastle City LACSally McLennan Lake Illawarra LACCatherine Morris Operational ProgramsSuzanne O’Hara Lake Macquarie LACTraci Palladino Operational ProgramsJudith Perl Traffic Research & Intelligence UnitKevin Read Lachlan LACKerry Seaton Orana LACEzekiel Shaw Orana LACPrudence Trethowan Coffs / Clarence LACQuynh Truong Cabramatta LAC

The IJ (Irene Juergens APM) Fellowship AwardJoshua Barnes Surry Hills LACScott Brame Brisbane Water LACGregory Curry Youth CommandDonna Glover Operational ProgramsDaniel Greef Lachlan LACAmanda Hancock Kings Cross LACDavid Hayes Sutherland LACLisa Jones Castlereagh LACDanny Kidd Youth CommandRebecca Leo Botany Bay LACMurray Lundberg Lake Macquarie LACDavid Maher Mudgee LACKimberley Morgan Canobolas LACKevin Read Lachlan LACAlison Reid Albury LACDebra Rowe Newcastle City LACShailyn Williams Griffith LACClare Yammine Green Valley LAC

NSW ROTARY POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR …Police officer of the year November 2016 Police Monthly...

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Transcript of NSW ROTARY POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR …Police officer of the year November 2016 Police Monthly...