Detective Senior Constable Daniel Wicks of the Burleigh Heads Criminal Investigation Branch was awarded the Len Hooper Award last night at a ceremony in Brisbane, Queensland Police say.
Created in 2003, the award is presented annually to an outstanding Detective Training Program graduate.
The Hooper award recognised the high degree of knowledge, leadership skills, integrity, tenacity, dedication and professionalism Detective Senior Constable Wicks displayed while undertaking the training program.
Detective Senior Sergeant Christopher Rahmann, Senior Facilitator, Detective Training Section said Detective Senior Constable Wicks was an outstanding officer who was selected from a quality field of nominees each of whom demonstrated the highest standards of a detective.
"Detective Senior Constable Wicks is a deserving winner of this prestigious award, displaying the same qualities held by the late Detective Sergeant Hooper for whom the award is named after."
Detective Senior Constable Wicks said it was a privilege and honour to be acknowledged and receive such a prestigious award.
"The effort, dedication and professionalism shown by all members from the Detective Training Program are acknowledged. From initially starting Detective Training through to its completion I found all staff from the program exceptional," Detective Senior Constable Wicks said.
"It is through the combined efforts of these fine members that we are given the knowledge, skills and attributes required to perform our duties to such a high standard.
"Detective Sergeant Hooper was truly a great man and a tremendous detective and it is an honour to be selected as possessing similar qualities to that of Detective Sergeant Hooper.
"It is our duty as detectives to honour his memory and continue to serve the community with integrity and selflessness."
The year’s award is especially significant as it marks the 20 year anniversary of Detective Sergeant Hooper’s passing. Detective Sergeant Hooper was tragically killed in August 1997 while executing a search warrant in Herston. His dedication and commitment to the service were recognised with the creation of the Len Hooper Award.
Cathy Tomkins (who was married to Len Hooper), Acting Assistant Commissioner Katherine Innes and Detective Senior Constable Daniel Wicks.
