Officers have been recognised for their service and bravery at a South Brisbane District awards ceremony.
Notably, three Blue Heart Medals were awarded to officers involved in separate critical incidents. The medal recognises officers who have been severely injured whilst carrying out their duties as a police officer.
A Senior Constable shot during a disturbance in Annerley on 10 January 2025 received a Blue Heart Medal and Queensland Police Valour Medal for his exceptional bravery and service. A Constable who also attended the initial incident was also recognised with a Queensland Police Valour Medal for his exceptional bravery in a highly dangerous and unprecedented situation.
A Senior Constable stabbed during a suspicious vehicle traffic intercept in Carole Park on 11 February 2024 received a Blue Heart Medal. He was also recognised with the Commissioner's Certificate of Notable Action for demonstrating remarkable courage, skill and professionalism in the face of a highly volition situation, continuing to aid with the man's arrest. Following the incident the officer contributed to the development of best practice guidelines for high-risk vehicle extractions.
A Senior Constable stabbed during an intercept of a man for shop stealing offences in Inala on 12 May 2019 was awarded with a Blue Heart medal for his professionalism, resilience, and exceptional presence of mind in circumstances of extreme danger. Even after sustaining a life-threatening injury, the officer took deliberate steps to protect his own safety, whilst further ensuring the community at large were kept safe.
Five officers who responded to an active armed offender incident in Rochedale on 30 December 2024 were recognised for their service. A Senior Constable and Constable, who arrived on scene first and began evacuating business staff to safety, whilst placing themselves between the staff and the armed man received the Commissioner's Certificate of Notable Action for their remarkable courage, skill and professionalism in the face of a highly volatile situation. A Senior Constable and two Constables, who aided in life-saving tactical first aid, were awarded with Assistant Commissioner's Certificates for their initiative, resourcefulness, professionalism, and dedication to duty for actions displayed at a tactically dangerous and life-threatening situation.
Three officers were awarded for their actions as part of the Wieambilla critical incident response and investigation. A Sergeant and Senior Constable received an Assistant Commissioner's Certificate, and a Detective Senior Constable received a District Officers Certificate.
An Inala Child Protection and Investigation Unit Detective Senior Constable received a District Officer's Certificate in recognition of his dedication, professionalism and investigative capability demonstrated during Operation Boyde in 2025, a highly complex investigation into the alleged torture of an infant. The officer's leadership whilst acting as a Sergeant during the investigation directly led to the arrest of the alleged offender and protection of a highly vulnerable child.
11 members of the Bayside Property Crime team received a District Officer's Certificate in recognition of their role in ending a south-east Queensland series of breaks and unlawful use offences between March to May this year which impacted more than 40 victim businesses. Evidence obtained by the team's investigation is alleged to have connected a man to the extensive series, resulting in him being charged with 52 offences.
Local officers were also recognised for their work during drug trafficking investigations where they removed supplies of dangerous drugs from local streets, and life-saving responses to mental health jobs and domestic violence incidents.
Among award recipients were officers who received National Police Service Medals (QPSM) and clasps in recognition of years of dedicated service. Notably, four members were awarded their 40-year clasp, three members received their 35-year-clasp, and two officers received their 30-year-clasp.
South Brisbane District Acting Chief Superintendent Thomas Armitt says policing is a challenging yet rewarding profession, and these awards recognise the outstanding service of local officers.
"Every day our local officers are putting on their uniform and attend situations that most people would instinctually walk away from," Acting Chief Superintendent Armitt said.
"Our officers don't know what the next job will bring, whether it will be a routine interaction, a life changing emergency or a situation where they will be putting themselves in danger to keep our community safe. Whilst the jobs our officers walk towards are always changing, what never wavers is their commitment to keeping our community safe.
"Many awards received relate to critical incidents where our officers displayed courageous actions while their life or the lives of their colleagues were at risk. Their selfless actions have undoubtedly made our community safer, and I thank them for their service.
"To each award recipient, thank you for your courage, professionalism and your unwavering commitment to service. The work you do matters, and the difference you make in our community, both for the incidents recognised today, and the countless others which came before and afterwards, matter."
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