Gold Coast police officers, staff, volunteers, and community members have been recognised for their bravery, professionalism, leadership and dedicated service at a Queensland Police Service awards ceremony.
The ceremony acknowledged 93 individual recipients across national and QPS honours, including bravery medals, service medals, certificates, and volunteer awards.
Gold Coast District Officer Chief Superintendent Kylie Rigg said the awards reflected the outstanding commitment of police, staff and community members who serve and support the Gold Coast community.
"These awards recognise the courage, dedication and professionalism shown by our officers, staff and volunteers every day," Chief Superintendent Rigg said.
"Many of the recipients have been recognised for their actions in extremely challenging and dangerous circumstances, where they put the safety of others before their own.
"Others have been acknowledged for decades of diligent and ethical service, leadership, and their ongoing contribution to community safety.
"It is also important to recognise the families and loved ones who support our members throughout their careers. These awards are a proud moment for recipients and for the people who stand behind them."
Among the awards is the Queensland Police Bravery Medal where recipients are acknowledged for their actions during a high-risk incident.
A number of officers were also recognised with Assistant Commissioner's and District Officer's Certificates for acts of courage, professionalism and dedication, including responses to high-risk welfare incidents, serious assaults, fires, marine search and rescue operations, and the emergency delivery of a baby on the M1 at Palm Beach.
Senior Constable Melissa King was recognised with an Assistant Commissioner's Certificate following her actions on 17 October 2024, when she assisted in the emergency delivery of a baby on the M1 at Palm Beach.
While performing duties, she was approached by a man seeking urgent help for his partner who had gone into labour on the roadside. With the birth imminent, Senior Constable King acted swiftly, coordinating emergency services while receiving guidance from Queensland Ambulance Service.
She safely delivered the baby in the rear of a police vehicle, identifying and managing a life-threatening complication where the umbilical cord was wrapped around the baby's neck.
Senior Constable King said the experience was one she would never forget.
"I was just focused on doing everything I could to help in that moment," Senior Constable King said.
"It was a very intense situation but seeing that baby safely delivered and hearing those first cries was incredibly special.
"I'm grateful I was in the right place at the right time and able to assist."
Sergeant Clint Thomasson was recognised with an Assistant Commissioner's Certificate for his actions following a violent assault at a Helensvale shopping centre on 25 August 2023.
Sergeant Thomasson was off-duty and travelling to training when he responded to the incident, where a security guard had sustained life-threatening injuries.
He immediately assessed the situation and applied critical first aid, including tourniquets, helping to stabilise the victim before paramedics arrived. He then continued efforts to locate those responsible, assisting in the swift apprehension of the offenders.
Sergeant Thomasson said the response highlighted the importance of training and teamwork.
"Our priority is always preserving life, and in that moment, it was about acting quickly and using the skills we're trained in," Sergeant Thomasson said.
"There were a number of people involved in helping that day, including members of the public, and it really shows what can be achieved when everyone works together."
Chief Superintendent Rigg said the actions of both officers demonstrated the diverse and critical role police play in the community.
"Whether it is responding to critical incidents, supporting vulnerable people, leading complex operations, or providing decades of service, every recipient has made a meaningful contribution," she said.
"I congratulate all award recipients and thank them for their service to the Queensland Police Service and the Gold Coast community."
Sergeant Clint Thomasson
The Gold Coast's award recipients are some of the many remarkable Queenslanders working at the QPS and on Queensland (QLD) Day, 6 June, the annual QLD Day Awards will be given to celebrate the incredible people who make our state great.
Whether you know of community volunteers, local legends, or young achievers, please nominate them for the 2026 QLD Day Awards before nominations close on 18 May. Nominate now for the QLD Day Awards – QLD Day 2026
