More than 25 dedicated Queensland Police Service (QPS) officers and staff members have been recognised for their remarkable courage, service and professionalism at the QPS Award Ceremony held in Brisbane today.
The ceremony recognised the exceptional contributions of QPS members who have gone above or beyond their normal course of duties.
Among the recipients was Senior Constable Joseph Cook who was awarded the Queensland Police Bravery Medal for his bravery, tactical awareness and composure during an armed siege in Freestone in 2016.
Reflecting on the recognition, Senior Constable Cook took the opportunity to recognise everyone who responded to the volatile situation.
"While this award is in my name, it should stand in all our names, and I am proud to receive this medal on behalf of everyone who was there, reflecting the shared acts of bravery, resilience, and ongoing impact felt well beyond the moment itself,'' Senior Constable Cook said.
The Queensland Police Meritorious Service Medal was awarded to Mrs Linda Jacobsen in recognition of four decades of public service. As Director of Capital Assets and Facilities Management since 2018, she has played a pivotal role in ensuring QPS infrastructure remains safe and operationally effective.
Six police officers were awarded a Queensland Police Exemplary Conduct Medal which honoured their exceptional performance in a specific role or duty.
Three QPS officers were also recognised with the National Medal and Clasp, for service of 15 years or more performing roles which protect life and property, at risk to themselves.
Several QPS members received Queensland Police Service Medal and Clasps including Sergeant Darren Thomson, currently at Weapons Licensing Group but has also served as a general duties officer at Fortitude Valley, Kingaroy, Ferny Grove, Brisbane City and Petrie. He was recognised with a 35 Year Clasp.
QPS members, civilians and external groups were among those recognised with Commissioner's Certificates for displaying intelligence, resourcefulness and dedication while on duty, or for assisting QPS during critical incidents, or contributing to QPS initiatives.
Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said the recipients were all extremely deserving of the recognition.
"Today marks an important opportunity to honour the outstanding dedication and service of our police officers and staff members," Commissioner Gollschewski said.
"The recipients embody the Queensland Police Service values of integrity, respect and courage, setting a standard of excellence for us all.
"These awards acknowledge individuals whose commitment and contribution extend beyond expectation, strengthening our organisation and enhancing community trust."
The QPS Award recipients are:
NATIONAL MEDAL AND CLASP
2nd Clasp
Inspector Shane Bourke
Inspector Carolyn Stanke
Senior Sergeant Ritchie Callaghan
QUEENSLAND POLICE BRAVERY MEDAL
Senior Constable Joseph Cook
QUEENSLAND POLICE MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL
Mrs Linda Jacobsen
QUEENSLAND POLICE EXEMPLARY CONDUCT MEDAL
Awarded with a Corporate Clasp
Inspector Carolyn Stanke
Awarded with a Leadership Clasp
Inspector Lynne Asher APM
Inspector Karen Ballantyne
Sergeant Blair Sanders
Chief Inspector Danny Shaw
Awarded with an Investigations Clasp
Detective Sergeant Eugene Waugh
QUEENSLAND POLICE REMOTE SERVICE MEDAL
Detective Senior Constable Christopher Brooks
QUEENSLAND POLICE SERVICE MEDAL AND CLASPS
35 Year Clasp
Sergeant Darren Thomson
30 Year Clasp
Senior Sergeant Robert Eley
Ms Colleen James
25 Year Clasp
Senior Sergeant Kelsie Henderson
Ms Karen Brierley
Ms Lauren Van Doorn
20 Year Clasp
Ms Deborah Andrews
Ms Amanda White
15 Year Clasp
Mr Rakesh Gatla
COMMISSIONER'S CERTIFICATE
Ms Jennifer Trafford
GROUP COMMISSIONER'S CERTIFICATE
QPS Privacy Unit:
Mr Daniel Adams
Ms Chantal Holt
Ms Abbey Richardson
