More than 30 police officers and Queensland Police Service (QPS) staff members have been recognised for their service and dedication to the Far North, at a ceremony in Cairns today.
The ceremony recognised the exceptional contributions of QPS members marking service milestones, or who have gone above or beyond their normal course of duties.
The awards included National Police Service Medals, Exemplary Conduct Medals, various Service Medals and Clasps, and a Queensland Police Meritorious Service Medal.
Detective Senior Sergeant Gary Hall was awarded the Queensland Police Exemplary Conduct Medal with Investigations Clasp, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to criminal investigations across Far North Queensland.
Since 2018, Detective Senior Sergeant Hall has led the complex investigation into the murder of Toyah Cordingley, coordinating a multi-year international effort with Australian Federal Police and Indian authorities that ultimately led to the identification, arrest, extradition and prosecution of the offender.
Senior Constable Heidi Marek also received the Queensland Police Exemplary Conduct Medal with Community Clasp, for her dedication to community safety and engagement as a District Crime Prevention Coordinator (DCPC), particularly during Tropical Cyclone Jasper in 2023.
Senior Sergeant Rob Campbell received his 40 Year Clasp and Queensland Police Meritorious Service Medal, for his exceptional leadership, governance, and professionalism during major incidents and in remote communities.
Five officers who have marked more than 35 and 40 years of service were awarded the Queensland Police Meritorious Service Medal, for providing a continued substantial contribution in multiple areas with the QPS over an extended period.
Far North District Acting Chief Superintendent Mick Searle said it is important to highlight the dedication and service of hard-working officers and staff.
"Our most important asset is our people, and so much of the incredible work they do goes unnoticed by the community," Acting Chief Superintendent Searle said.
"The recipients embody QPS values of integrity, respect and courage, setting a standard of excellence for us all.
"Every single one of these members continue to show up to work and demonstrate commitment, sacrifice and bravery, and we cannot thank them enough for their service to the Far North community."
Full list of award recipients:
National Police Service Medal and National Medal:
- Senior Constable Craig Reith
- Senior Constable Joanne Wilesmith
National Medal:
- Senior Sergeant Dan Gallagher
- Detective Senior Sergeant Gary Hall
- Senior Constable Andrew Rose
- Senior Sergeant Jane Tanswell
National Emergency Medal:
- Acting Senior Sergeant Adrian Burns
Queensland Police Service Medal:
- Senior Constable Leigh Coulter
- Ms Fina Cryer
- Senior Constable Emma Yates
- Senior Constable Kay Xiong
15 Year Clasp:
- Ms Tracey Firmin
- Senior Constable Andrew Greenwood
- Senior Constable Craig Reith
- Senior Constable Joanne Wilesmith
- Senior Sergeant Amanda Winterburn
20 Year Clasp:
- Ms Honey Ali-Allen
- Senior Constable John Levi
- Senior Constable Tenelle Luscombe
- Sergeant Sean O'Shea
25 Year Clasp:
- Senior Constable Wayne Boniface
- Ms Christina Hales
- Sergeant Lyall McKelvie
- Senior Sergeant Jane Tanswell
30 Year Clasp:
- Senior Sergeant Duane Amos
- Senior Sergeant Cindy Searle
- Sergeant Tony Williams
35 Year Clasp:
- Senior Sergeant Duane Amos
- Senior Sergeant Geoff Blain
- Senior Sergeant James Coate
- Senior Sergeant Dan Gallagher
- Senior Constable Glen Jones
- Senior Sergeant Marty Ots
- Senior Constable Andrew Rose
- Acting Chief Superintendent Mick Searle
- Ms Jenny Puxty
40 Year Clasp:
- Senior Sergeant Rob Campbell
- Inspector Dave Rutherford
Queensland Police Exemplary Conduct Medal:
- Detective Senior Sergeant Gary Hall
- Senior Constable Heidi Marek
- Ms Dawn Moss
- Detective Acting Inspector Tony Law
- Senior Sergeant Marty Ots
Queensland Police Meritorious Service Medal:
- Senior Sergeant Rob Campbell
- Acting Chief Superintendent Mick Searle
- Mr Chris Uprichard
- Inspector Brad Winks
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From our bustling cities to remote towns and pristine coastline, policing in Queensland offers a career and lifestyle as diverse as the communities you'll serve.
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