NSW ROTARY POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR · PDF filehe said. “I’d like to ... cameras...
Transcript of NSW ROTARY POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR · PDF filehe said. “I’d like to ... cameras...
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
14 Police Monthly [SLE] November 2016
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
NSW ROTARY POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2016
Field Operations Police Officer of the Year
November 2016 Police Monthly [SLE] 15
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
16 Police Monthly [SLE] November 2016
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
NSW ROTARY POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2016
Rotary Community Award
FINALIST
November 2016 Police Monthly [SLE] 17
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
18 Police Monthly [SLE] November 2016
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.
NSW ROTARY POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2016
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
November 2016 Police Monthly [SLE] 19
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
20 Police Monthly [SLE] November 2016
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
NSW ROTARY POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2016
The IJ (Irene Juergens APM) Fellowship Award – sworn
November 2016 Police Monthly [SLE] 21
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
22 Police Monthly [SLE] November 2016
NSW ROTARY POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2016
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
November 2016 Police Monthly [SLE] 23
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