Minister for Police Mark Ryan and Commissioner Ian Stewart today welcomed the announcement of six Queensland Police Service (QPS) officers as recipients of the Australian Police Medal (APM); a national honour in recognition of their distinguished service.
Minister Ryan said the officers exemplified the QPS's commitment to courage, fairness, pride, and service with honour.
"The recipients have shown dedication and professionalism in all duties they undertake as an officer of the QPS and I would like to congratulate them for receiving this high honour today," the Minister said.
The QPS APM recipients share a vast and diverse career history between them, having served throughout Queensland in leadership, community and partnership-focused roles.
The recipients, Superintendent Darryl Johnson (District Officer, Sunshine Coast District), Inspector Monique Ralph (Support Services Inspector, Far North District), Detective Inspector Jon Rouse (Operations Manager, Child Abuse and Sexual Crime), Sergeant Gina Scott (Mount Isa Watchhouse, Mount Isa District), Senior Sergeant Annette Stevens (Senior Operational Support Officer, Drug and Serious Crime) and Chief Superintendent Matthew Vanderbyl (Operations Commander, Business Improvement) will be presented with their medals at an upcoming ceremony.
Commissioner Stewart acknowledged the dedication of each of the APM recipients.
"The Australian Police Medal is a fitting acknowledgment of each recipient’s outstanding contribution and commitment to serving the Queensland community," Commissioner Stewart said.
"Their leadership abilities and professionalism are qualities that reflect the high standards expected of an officer of the Queensland Police Service.
"I would like to congratulate and give my own personal thanks to each of the officers and also recognise them on behalf of the Service."
Superintendent Darryl Johnson has shown outstanding dedication and commitment to criminal investigation, leadership and operational policing practice, culminating in his appointment as District Officer in command of the Sunshine Coast District.
Superintendent Johnson has served in locations throughout Queensland, including Brisbane, Mount Isa, Burketown, Dalby, Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast. He also served with distinction as the Commander of the Security and Counter Terrorism section with state-wide responsibility.
Superintendent Johnson is renowned for his calm and friendly communication style and dedication to his staff. His enthusiasm for policing has endured throughout his long career and continues after 36 years of service to the Queensland community. He is actively involved in community activities, including surf lifesaving on the Sunshine Coast.
Superintendent Johnson is a valued member of the senior management team in the Central Region and has used his skills, knowledge and leadership in relieving appointments as Assistant Commissioner.
Inspector Monique Ralph exemplifies the personal and professional characteristics sought in today’s leaders in modern law enforcement. Her considerable experience in the field of operational policing is complemented by her proven track record in corporate areas within the QPS.
Inspector Ralph also holds two Masters degrees in Leadership and Public Administration. In her position as the Cairns Metro Patrol Group Inspector in the Far North District, Inspector Ralph is the District Champion for the Our People Matter strategy. In this role, Inspector Ralph works tirelessly to make the QPS and, in particular, the Far North District, a safer, healthier, fairer and more enjoyable place for all her colleagues. She is also the District Champion for Inclusion and Diversity.
She has earned the praise of peers and superiors alike by enthusiastically embracing a wide variety of initiatives aimed at enhancing the policing experience for her colleagues and the public of Queensland.
Detective Inspector Jon Rouse has demonstrated outstanding dedication and commitment during his career with the QPS. He is recognised for his leadership and excellence in online child sexual offences investigations and improving capability, innovation and training, particularly in the area of Child Safety. He displays commitment and leadership in developing and fostering innovation in policing practices. Child safety improvement projects initiated and led by Detective Inspector Rouse have been recognised with QPS Awards for Excellence.
Detective Inspector Rouse has served with distinction in a range of policing appointments throughout his career and is a highly dedicated officer with strong leadership skills.
Detective Inspector Rouse’s knowledge, skill and abilities were internationally recognised when he received the ‘Champion for Children Award’ in New York from the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children for his dedication to fighting and investigating crimes against children.
In the role of Operations Manager, Child Safety and Sexual Crime Group, State Crime Command, he has forged strong trust relationships with external bodies to ensure the best outcomes for the Queensland community.
Detective Inspector Rouse is acknowledged as a dynamic leader who strives to build investigative best practice and capacity within his area of control. He has performed with distinction and outstanding commitment to duty.
Sergeant Gina Scott is a member of the QPS with 25 years’ service and has been Manager of the Mount Isa Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) for the past nine years, leading and supervising 21 staff. During this time, Sergeant Scott worked extensive hours each week to provide a service through the PCYC to the Mount Isa Community.
She is a motivated and dedicated police officer who gives selflessly to her community. Some of her achievements include obtaining funding to complete a significant upgrade to the PCYC, developing and delivering programs which directly improve the lives of Indigenous children and women and empowering youth through Youth Management Teams.
Her efforts attracted worldwide media interest in 2017 when she was interviewed by a national broadcaster for cleaning toilets on her rest days, in an effort to raise funds for the PCYC. She has continually fostered relationships between police and the community by her ability to connect with people of all backgrounds and ages.
Senior Sergeant Annette Stevens is recognised for her dedication to Senior Operational Support Officer duties and for her effectiveness in working partnerships by providing exceptional advice to senior management on administration and management of personnel. Her experience and knowledge of the complexities relating to the management of sensitive operational material is at the highest level.
Senior Sergeant Stevens has demonstrated outstanding dedication and commitment during her career with the QPS. She has served with distinction in a range of police appointments during her career. Her professionalism, expertise, and leadership in the role of Senior Operational Support Officer have earned the respect of her peers and the support of her community.
Senior Sergeant Stevens has been an integral driver of change by adopting innovative work practices for women accessing part time arrangements and developing solutions for members, in particular women, seeking to balance work and family commitments.
This tenacity and commitment has enabled many women to continue with their careers and have the confidence to seek promotion. She is an inspirational leader to women within the service, her reserved but strong nature providing guidance and support to both sworn and unsworn members.
Chief Superintendent Matthew Vanderbyl has demonstrated outstanding dedication and commitment during his career with the QPS. He is recognised for his leadership and excellence in organisational improvement, change management and operational planning. He has displayed commitment, skill and excellence in developing and fostering innovation in policing practice.
Chief Superintendent Vanderbyl has served with distinction in a range of police appointments during his career. His professionalism, expertise and leadership in a number of strategic roles within the QPS have earned the respect of his peers and the support of his subordinates.
Chief Superintendent Vanderbyl is acknowledged as a leader who can implement change and is seen as a role model for many officers within the QPS. His leadership abilities and professionalism, most recently demonstrated as a senior member of the Commonwealth Games Group, are qualities that reflect the high standards which are expected of an officer of the QPS.
