The Queensland Police Service (QPS) honoured 111 officers for their dedicated service at an awards ceremony in the North Brisbane District today.
This prestigious event recognised the commitment and outstanding contributions of police in the District.
Superintendent Steve Holahan received a Certificate of Service and Meritorious Service Medal acknowledging his 41 years of continuous service in both operational and specialist roles.
Starting his distinguished policing career on May 9, 1983, Superintendent Holahan has been a committed police officer and leader throughout his extensive 41-year career, and has been able to inject his style of leadership that includes focussing the workforce towards best practice for community safety.
Two Exemplary Conduct Medals were awarded. These medals recognise members of the QPS who have demonstrated exemplary conduct in a specific role of duty which enhances the professional image of the QPS, far exceeding business as usual. Sergeant Scott Adams received this prestigious recognition for 30 years of service with the Disaster Victim Identification Squad.
Sergeant Mark Farnill also received the Exemplary Conduct Medal for 40 years of service with the Disaster Victim Identification Squad.
Among the 17 officers receiving District Officer Certificates were Senior Constable David Martin and Constable David Gray who were recognised for their initiative, resourcefulness and dedication to duty in relation to a 2023 missing persons incident.
Around 2am on July 26, 2023, the officers responded to reports of a vehicle crashed into bushland. There were concerns for the welfare of the vehicle owner who had been reported missing the previous day.
Having grave concerns for the safety and welfare of the person, Senior Constable Martin and Constable Gray immediately commenced a foot search, in darkness, through dense bushland and challenging terrain.
The officers conducted a methodical search of the area, eventually locating the person, who was in and out of consciousness having ingested a large quantity of prescription medication and alcohol.
Senior Constable Martin and Constable Gray subsequently planned an extraction pathway, allowing emergency services to access the area and efficiently transport the person to hospital for treatment.
Assistant Commissioner Ben Marcus acknowledged the award recipients at the ceremony.
"These awards highlight some fantastic achievements across the North Brisbane District with various displays of our core values of integrity, professionalism and community."
"I am proud to stand with my fellow service women and men this morning on this occasion to recognise their outstanding contributions."
"I want to personally welcome the First Year Constables and wish them a long, fulfilling and above all, safe, career with the QPS. You have embarked on a challenging and rewarding career and I look forward to seeing your achievements across your tenure."
A career within the Queensland Police Service is like no other. From protecting, responding, and investigating, to supporting, rescuing and learning – the sheer variety of roles make it both a challenging and rewarding career.
As a police officer, you can have one career that has endless possibilities. Now really is the best time to join.
Visit PoliceRecruit.qld.gov.au to kickstart your policing career and make a positive impact in your community.
