More than 100 officers from the North Brisbane District (NBD) were recognised for their bravery and dedication to service at the NBD Awards Ceremony last week.
Among the recipients were 32 officers who received National Level Awards, including a one National Emergency Medal, and 45 State Level Awards in recognition of years of dedicated service. Notably, four members were awarded their 40-year clasp for the Queensland Police Service Medal.
Detective Senior Constable Cameron Buckingham received the Assistant Commissioner's Certificate for his role in the closure of a drug trafficking investigation, Operation Tango Balboa, in February 2023. The work of Detective Buckingham and the core investigative team resulted in 38 offenders being charged in relation to 270 offences.
Bravery medals were awarded to two Senior Constables for their response to a highly volatile wounding incident in Brisbane City during February 2020.
District Officer awards recognised officers for their work in relation to drug trafficking investigations including Operation Victor Carpenter, the application of life-saving tactical first aid, de-escalation of high-risk incidents, and domestic violence prevention and education.
The NBD Cross Cultural Police Liaison Officer (PLO) Unit was recognised for their outstanding efforts in the co-ordination and leading of Operation X-Ray Dance throughout 2025. Over six months the operation engaged the district's most vulnerable community members – those experiencing homelessness or social displacement – and provided connection assistance to support services while actively enhancing community safety and wellbeing.
Among the officers receiving District Officer Awards were Senior Constable Andrew Sharples and Senior Constable Aaron Hamrey, first responders to a house fire in Virginia on 4 December, 2024.
Upon arrival, the officers identified that a 37-year-old woman was trapped inside the burning house.
Flames at the front of the home meant officers were unable to safely extract the woman through the home's doorway.
Officers quickly used a baton and shovel to break a window and clear the glass, allowing the woman to extracted to safety.
The award recognises their demonstration of great courage and exceptional teamwork under challenging and dynamic circumstances.
Investigations into the incident remain ongoing.
NBD also welcomed thirteen new recruits to their district at the ceremony following their graduation from the Brisbane Academy on Thursday evening.
Following the ceremony, the new officers attended their stations to begin their new career chapter in service.
Brisbane Region Acting Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman commended the commitment and outstanding contributions of police across the district.
"The officers who have been recognised today each have their own incredible story of selfless service."
"Everyone honoured plays a critical role in keeping the district and broader Queensland community safe."
NBD Chief Superintendent David Cuskelly says every day he is amazed by the reports he sees of the work of NBD officers.
"There will never be enough opportunities for me, as their District Officer, to say thank you for fantastic work North Brisbane police do to keep this community safe."
"The professionalism and dedication demonstrated by these members are a true inspiration to the service and are a great example to our new first year constables."
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