Newcastle City Police District has recognised the service and dedication of its officers and staff at the 2026 District Awards Ceremony held today at Fort Scratchley.
More than 40 sworn and unsworn NSW Police Force employees were recognised this morning (Tuesday 4 November 2026), for their commitment to the community through a range of awards and commendations.
Awards and medals presented included the National Police Service Medal, National Medal and Clasps, National Emergency Medal, NSW Police Medal and Clasps, Commissioner's Commendation for Courage, Commissioner's Unit Citation, Commissioner of Police Emergency Commendation, Warrant of Appointment, Northern Region Commander Commendation, Northern Region Commander Certificate of Merit, Northern Region Commander Certificate of Recognition, District Commander Commendation, District Commander Citation and District Commander Certificate of Merit.
The ceremony was attended by Health, Safety and Wellbeing Command Assistant Commissioner Kylie Endemi APM, who recently concluded her tenure as Newcastle City Police District Commander, along with representatives from a number of emergency service agencies and partner organisations.
Newcastle City Police District Commander, Acting Superintendent Steve Benson said the awards recognised the professionalism and commitment demonstrated by local police.
"Today's recipients represent the very best of the NSW Police Force," Assistant Commissioner Waddell said.
"Whether they're serving on the frontline, supporting investigations, helping victims or working behind the scenes, each recipient has made a valuable contribution to their community and to policing.
"The awards presented today recognise years of dedicated service, outstanding professionalism and a commitment to keeping our communities safe."
Among those recognised were four Newcastle City Police District officers, who were awarded the Region Commander Commendation for their courageous actions during a rescue at Nobbys Breakwall on Good Friday last year.
About 11am on Friday 18 April 2025, emergency services were called to Nobbys Breakwall after a powerful wave washed over the structure, sweeping a woman across the breakwall and washing her husband down jagged harbour-side rocks.
The man sustained serious injuries and became wedged between large boulders as hazardous surf conditions continued to batter the coastline.
Senior Constable James Elias, Constable Hannah Raspoort, Constable Marcus Cavallaro-Laverty and Constable Maddison Hilton were among the first officers to arrive and immediately commenced a coordinated search with Surf Life Saving NSW personnel.
Despite large waves continuing to crash across the rock platform, the officers navigated the rocks, maintained visual contact and placed themselves in harm's way to assist in locating and rescuing the injured man.
After the man was located, the officers played a critical role in his extraction, allowing paramedics and rescue personnel to stabilise him before he was winched to safety from the rocks.
The four officers were recognised for their courage, professionalism and exemplary devotion to duty under extremely hazardous conditions.
Northern Region Commander Assistant Commissioner David Waddell APM said the actions of the officers at Nobbys Breakwall exemplified the courage and selflessness police demonstrate every day.
"These officers placed themselves in a dangerous environment to help save a seriously injured man and their actions are thoroughly deserving of this recognition," Assistant Commissioner Waddell said.
"Faced with unpredictable surf and significant risks to their own safety, they remained focused on preserving life and supporting rescue efforts. Their professionalism, teamwork and commitment under pressure reflect the very best of this organisation."
Constable Maddison Hilton said the rescue was challenging, but she was proud to achieve a positive outcome for those involved.
"We arrived within minutes and immediately began searching the area. The surf was enormous, with waves continuing to crash over the breakwall and rock platform. Once we located the man wedged between the rocks, our focus was on getting to him safely and keeping him in sight while working with Surf Life Saving crews to coordinate a rescue," Constable Hilton said.
"We had to carefully time our movements between waves and, at the same time, there were a large number of bystanders in the area, so we needed to make sure no one else was put at risk. It was a coordinated effort involving police, lifesavers, paramedics and rescue crews, and thankfully we were able to achieve a positive outcome for the man and his family.
"We don't do this job for recognition, but it's special to know our efforts have been appreciated. We're ordinary people doing our job, helping others and doing the best we can when people need us most."
