POLICE officers from Penrith, St Marys and the Blue Mountains were recognised for their service and bravery last Tuesday.
The awards ceremony took place at Glenbrook’s RAAF base.
Acting Blue Mountains police commander Kenneth Shack-Evans welcomed guests and paid respects to the traditional owners, the Darag and Gundungurra peoples.
The superintendent then mentioned this year was the 200th anniversary of Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson crossing the mountains, the first Europeans to do so.
‘‘It was in this vicinity that those intrepid explorers spent their first night,’’ Mr Shack-Evans said.
Turning to the difficult jobs being done today, the commander said the ceremony was about bestowing recognition on police officers who had made a valuable contribution.
Police Minister Michael Gallacher then presented the National Police Service Medal ‘‘for 15 years of diligent and ethical service’’.
Mr Gallacher also awarded the National Medal and Clasps and the NSW Police Medal to three Blue Mountains officers, the NSW Police Medallion to St Marys police civilian employee Glenda Mannix and the Queensland Flood and Cyclone Citations to five serving officers.
‘‘These awards are not given just for turning up to work; they recognise what you’ve done in helping others,’’ Mr Gallacher said.
Police Deputy Commissioner Nick Kaldas said the ceremony reminded him of why he had joined the force.
‘‘Being a police officer is about righting wrongs and standing up for victims who can’t stand up for themselves,’’ Mr Kaldas said.
MEDALS AND AWARDS:
National Police Service Medal and Clasps
Penrith: Inspector Harry Goedings; former Sergeant Paul Ricketts and Senior Constable Malcolm Carter.
St Marys: Former Sergeant Arthur Paris.
Blue Mountains: Inspector Michael Lyons and former Sergeant Bruce Ritchie.
National Medal and Clasp
Blue Mountains: Detective Senior Constable Diane Erhardt.
1st Clasp to National Medal
Blue Mountains: Inspector Peter Scheinflug.
NSW Police Medal
2nd Clasp for 35 years’ service
Blue Mountains: Inspector Michael Lyons
NSW Police Medallion (non-sworn) and Roundell
10 year Medal of Service
St Marys: Glenda Mannix (civilian employee)
Queensland Flood and Cyclone Citation
St Marys: Senior Constable Karen Scott, Constable Douglas Scott and Constable Benjamin Willshaw.
Blue Mountains: Senior Constable Benjamin Seabury and Senior Constable Troy Cawthorne.
Commissioner’s Unit Citation
Penrith: Senior Constable Joshua Lloyd.
Region Commander’s Certificate of Merit
St Marys: Detective Inspector Dietmar Almer and Constable Mark Pignone.
Certificate of Service:
Blue Mountains: Former Inspector Carl Clark.