Officers attached to the Orana Mid Western Police District were recognised for their significant contribution to communities across NSW at the district awards ceremony this week.
Western Region Acting Commander Peter McKenna presented approximately 40 awards to officers at the Orana Mid Western Police District Awards Ceremony on Monday (4 November 2019).
Awards included the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Police Service Medal, ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Medal and clasps, NSW Police Medal and clasps, NSW Police Medallion and lapel pins, Police Long Service Awards and region awards.
Among those to receive recognition for their service were:
³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Police Service Medal (15 years diligent and ethical service) – L/Snr Cst Matthew Cowden, Snr Cst Adam Ridley, Snr Cst Sheridan Byrne, Snr Cst Carlton Kopke, Snr Cst Michael Weigold, and Snr Cst Mark Whale.
The ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Medal and clasps (15 years diligent and ethical service) – L/Snr Cst Matthew Cowden, Det Snr Cst Adam Ridley, Snr Cst Sheridan Byrne, Snr Cst Carlton Kopke, Snr Cst Michael Wiegold, and Snr Cst Mark Whale.
Snr Cst Barry Harris of Mudgee – who joined the NSW Police Force in May 1981 – was presented the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Medal and clasps for 35 years diligent service.
NSW Police Medal – Snr Cst Sheridan Byrne (10 years), Snr Cst Luke Jamieson (10 years), Sgt Matthew Adam (15 years), L/Snr Cst Matthew Cowden (15 years), Snr Cst Sheridan Byrne (15 years), Snr Cst Michael Wiegold (15 years), Snr Cst Mark Whale (15 years), and Sgt Justin Falkiner (20 years).
NSW Police Medallion for unsworn staff of the NSW Police Force – Helen Johns and Glynis Russell of Mudgee who have contributed 62 years of service in total.
Warrant of Appointment – Sgt Robert Bayley, Sgt Amy Irwin, and Sgt Anthony Peach.
Region Commander’s Awards – Sgt Michael Smith, Cst Alexandra Dwyer, Probationary Cst Geordie Yule, and Probationary Cst Kieran Steele.
Orana Mid Western Police District Commander’s Awards – L/Snr Cst Gregory King, Snr Cst Luke Jamieson, Cst Rachael Coman, Cst Andrew Hamilton, Cst Joel Merchant, and Det Snr Cst Darian Hardy.
Western Region Acting Commander Peter McKenna praised the efforts of the above officers who have served with diligence.
“I am so proud to be standing here in this role to be able to recognise the men and women who have received recognition today,” Mr McKenna said.
“I also want to thank the families of these officers who provide that support at the end of the day.
“Congratulations to everyone who received awards, whether it is for ethical and diligent time served, for those who received Commendations and Certificates of Merit I hope you display them proudly.
“It’s important that you get up here, you shake hands with one of the Boss’ in front of the flags, your colleagues and family, have your photo taken, because while it might not mean much now I can assure you that you will reflect back on it one day and your family certainly will, and that sense of pride will appear.”