Member for Ipswich West Mr Jim Madden MP and Assistant Commissioner Tony Wright APM have congratulated Queensland Police Officers (QPS), staff and three citizens who received medals and awards at a ceremony at the North Ipswich Reserve Function Centre on Wednesday morning.
Wednesday’s ceremony recognised the meritorious service of members and acknowledged members of the public for their contribution to assisting police.
Mr Madden presented the National Medal to officers which acknowledges the long and diligent service by members that risk their lives or safety to protect or assist the community in enforcement of the law.
Senior Sergeant Paul Andrews was awarded the 2nd clasp of the national medal recognising his 35 years of service.
Assistant Commissioner Wright presented officers with the Queensland Police Service Medal (QPSM) which recognises the diligent and ethical service by members of the QPS, both sworn and unsworn.
Senior Sergeant Mark Courtney and Sergeant Ronald Heene received the 40-year QPSM clasp, while Ms Juliann Doherty received the 30-year clasp.
Sergeant Stephen Andrews received the QPS Meritorious Medal and Citation for his strong commitment to the QPS and contribution to the communities in which he has served.
Sergeant Stephen Andrews receiving his awards
Sergeant Andrews was recognised for his strong commitment to community based partnerships, his contribution to the development of junior staff and his work during the 2011 floods where he rescued two stranded persons in floodwaters.
Assistant Commissioner Wright said all award recipients were of the highest calibre.
“Everyone presented with an award today shows the professionalism that is a hallmark of the service,” Assistant Commissioner Wright said.
“They are a credit to the QPS, to the community they serve and to their family and friends.”
The ceremony recognised the actions of a number of members of the public for their brave actions when assisting police during dangerous situations.
A Commissioner’s Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Mr Lincoln Sherlock who rescued a man from his partially submerged vehicle after he lost control and drove into the Brisbane River at Hamilton in July 2015.
Mr Sherlock observed the man, who was suffering a medical condition crash into the river and subsequently dived into the river to rescue the man and put him in a nearby boat until emergency services arrived.
Taite Fisher, Lincoln Sherlock and Taotafa Soi with their certificates
Superintendent Brian Huxley presented two members of the public with District Officer’s Certificates.
On June 26, Mr Tait Fisher went above and beyond the expectations of an innocent bystander to save the life of a local business owner.
After an armed robbery resulted in a shop owner receiving severe lacerations to their arm, Mr Fisher entered the shop and removed his own shirt to tie a makeshift tourniquet around the victim’s arm.
Mr Fisher continued to provide first aid until the arrival of emergency services and later provided information to police which resulted in the apprehension of the offender.
The ceremony also recognised the actions of Mr Taotafa Soi, who on January 6, provided assistance to Goodna Police during an attempt to apprehend the driver of a stolen vehicle.
The offender had fled on foot and entered a yard where Mr Soi was present. Having observed the approaching police Mr Soi called on the offender to stop prior to taking hold of his arm to prevent further escape.
Mr Soi provided further assistance to the police when the offender tried to resist arrest by restraining the offender during a volatile situation.
“The heroic actions of Mr Sherlock, Mr Fisher and Mr Soi have been rightly recognised by the QPS today,” Assistant Commissioner Wright said.
“Their selfless actions in assisting police officers and members of the public represent the finest qualities of the Queensland community.”
Senior Constable Jessica Henry was awarded a District Officer Certificate for her diligence in investigating and dismantling an organised crime syndicate within the Ipswich District and surrounding areas.
Constable Katrina Truelove received a District Officer’s Certificate for her actions when responding to person who had harmed themselves and was armed with weapons. As a result of Sergeant Truelove’s actions the person surrendered to police.
“Senior Constable Henry and Constable Truelove are commended for their performance and dedication to duty displaced during these incidents,” Assistant Commissioner Wright said.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of gold badges to investigators achieving appointments as detectives, in recognition of their commitment to their specialist roles.
Mr Madden MP said all recipients displayed a proven range of skills that highlight their courage and boundless dedication to public service.
“The recipients have a proven range of skills and attributes that enable Queensland to place faith and confidence in the police service,” Mr Madden said.
“Their skills highlight the courage, aptitude, boundless dedication and commitment, not only to their profession but also to Queensland communities.”
