Awards recognise service
Dedicated QPS, QFES awarded
THE dedicated men and women of the city’s police and fire services have been recognised for their commitment and diligence working the front lines.
Among the many officers awarded honours at the Combined Queensland Police Service and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Medals and Award ceremony yesterday was Constable Scott Nolan.
Together with Plain Clothes Senior Constable Sharny O’Brien, Const Nolan was awarded the Commissioner’s Certificate of Notable Action for saving the life of a young man during a tense stand-off in Cabarlah in February last year.
The man had armed himself with a 12-gauge shotgun and had threatened self-harm when Const. Nolan and SnrConst. O’Brien talked him down over 25 minutes.
“(They were) incredibly brave actions in incredibly difficult circumstances which, in my view at least, actually saved that young man’s life,” police Inspector Stephen Angus said.
Detective Sergeant Andrew Lowe, Senior Constable Greg Porter, Snr Const. Stuart Standheavan and Detective Sgt Christopher Wheatley were awarded the National Police Service Medal, and a further nine officers were presented with QPS medal clasps.
Oakey’s Sergeant John Cook was recognised for his 35 years’ service.
QFES Commissioner Katarina Carroll presented medals to the long-serving members of the fire service including Diligent and Ethical Service clasps.
Two QFES staff, one officer and six volunteers were presented with the QFES Medal Clasp, and Rural Fire Service firefighter Gary Patzwald was presented with a plaque for his 40 years of dedicated service.
Minister for Police and Corrective Services Mark Ryan said the recipients demonstrated a range of skills and attributes that highlight the dedication and commitment, not only of their profession, but also to their communities.
“This is the very reason why Queenslanders place their faith and confidence in their emergency services - this faith and confidence is not misguided,” he said.
“They are a credit to their organisations, to the community they serve, and to their family and friends.”