Adopted into their local school, Adopt-A-Cops help shape healthy relationships with police. Their presence at the school can have such a positive effect on the kids and the people they will develop to be. It’s something that the police, the children, the parents, the school and the community treasure, Queensland Police say.
Since 2010, the Queensland Police Service hold awards each year for the best of the best Adopt-A-Cops. Each of the 15 policing districts submit their nomination and then each region chooses their finalist. And let us tell you, the competition is tight.
The regional finalists for 2017 were:
· Senior Constable Damien West, Saint Therese’s School, Bentley Park (Northern Region)
· Senior Sergeant Peter Brady, Petrie State School (Brisbane Region)
· Senior Constable Luke Turner, Edens Landing Primary School (South Eastern Region)
· Constable Chris McKinley, Biloela State School (Central Region)
· Constable Harley Eastman, Longreach State School (Southern Region)
The five regional winners were judged at a state level to select the top award.
Commissioner Ian Stewart with four of the state finalists
At an awards ceremony held in Police Headquarters, Brisbane on Tuesday, we waited with baited breath to hear the winner of the 2017 Adopt-A-Cop of the Year award.
A huge congratulations to Senior Constable Luke Turner of the Edens Landing Police Beat for taking out top prize.
Adopted by Edens Landing State School in January 2014, the students refer to him and Senior Constable Clayton as ‘our police’ and get very excited whenever they come to visit.
Nominated for his tireless efforts, Senior Constable Turner often attends the school community events in his own time and goes above and beyond the expectations of his role.
Senior Constable Turner has led a number of projects to promote and support community safety and awareness. One of these was ‘Stop, Drop and Go’, a solution to an ongoing school drop off and pick up parking and access problem.
He also organised the Police Beat Halloween Party held on the lawn of the Police Beat as a safe place for children to celebrate and do their trick or treating.
Each of his references were glowing and all were proud to have worked with him.
Logan Police District Officer, Chief Superintendent Ben Marcus said taking out the state award was wonderful recognition of Luke’s fantastic achievements as Adopt-A-Cop at Edens Landing State School.
"We are proud of the fantastic community engagement activities that Luke is heavily involved in, and it is fitting he received this award," Chief Superintendent Marcus said.
Congratulations to everyone involved. Our Adopt-A-Cops continue to do amazing jobs right across the state.
