They have had to deal with a number of traumatic events in the community in quick succession,

including a suicide, the injury of a child and a high profile stabbing.

Last Thursday the community members and police gathered at the Moree and District Services Club to recognise the efforts of officers and emergency services personnel.

It also provided an opportunity for the public to reflect on the difficult, emotional and often dangerous job the Barwon LAC police perform each day.

Superintendent Jenny Hayes presented the local awards.

Senior Constable Kenneth Anderson was awarded a certificate of commendation for his support and dedication to the NSW Police 150th celebrations earlier this year.

He helped put together a presentation detailing the history of policing in Barwon LAC.

“The police and justice museum in Sydney helped out a lot but it took up a lot of our own time,” he said.

“I’m very proud of Barwon LAC; I love it here.”

Snr Const Anderson was also given a regional commander’s award for outstanding service to Wee Waa, in 2010 he organised a number of charity rvents including the Triple Zero Ball, which raised money for the Westpac rescue helicopter.

Senior Constable Chris Smith received the Queensland Flood and Cyclone Citation, in recognition of his help to QLD police during the floods and cyclone in 2011. 

He also received the Regional Commander’s Unit Citation for his assistance in searching for missing person John Lang in 2006.

Aboriginal Liason Officer David Roberts received a Western Region Certificate of Appreciation for his efforts in recruiting indigenous youth in the area into the police force.

Boggabri SES volunteers Roger Hollingworth, Chris Lalor and Lawrence Stanton were also presented with Western Region Certificates of Appreciation after they rescued two police officers trapped in a fast flowing creek during the floods this year.

Mr Hollingworth said the unit heard the officers were trapped and arrived at the scene first.

The officers were about 70m out into the flooded creek, and had taken refuge on top of their car.

“The water was rising rapidly, and if we had have been much longer their car probably would have been swept away,”

Mr Hollingworth said. Detective Senior Constable Jason Dickinson received a Local Area Commander’s Certificate of Commendation for taking action above and beyond his duties to reduce stress on the family of a person who committed suicide in Pallamallawa in 2010.

He was also awarded the Local Area Commander’s Unit Citation for his involvement in Strike Force Hutchin, formed to target drug production and supply in Moree last year. It resulted in the seizure of drugs, $120,000 cash, stolen property and several firearms.

“(The award) is a good acknowledgement of the time the team spent away from our families,” he said.

Senior Constable David Marr was awarded the Local Area Commander’s Certificate of Appreciation for his response to an armed robbery in Sydney in 2009.

Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers Ross Jenkins and David Roberts received the same award for their assistance to police at the Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout earlier this year.

Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie presented the service awards at the ceremony. Sergeant Garry Garbutt was awarded the National Service Medal for 46 years in the police force.

Sgt Garbutt has just retired after serving the last 16 years at Barwon LAC.

Inspector Steve Laska commended Sgt Garbutt on his diligence and hard work. 

Assistant Commissioner McKechnie echoed these sentiments, saying Sgt Garbutt was a close friend of his for many years.

“Mate I wish you all the best in your retirement, and I hope you catch a million fish,” he said.

Leading Senior Constable Mark Power received a National Medal for 15 years service, and Senior Constable Brendan Cross received the NSW Police Medal for 10 years service.

Administration officer Mary Cory was awarded the NSW Medallion lapel pin for 10 years diligent service.

Inspector Kylie Chinnery was presented her certificate of commission, and Detective

Sergeant Falkiner and Sergeant Phillip Maria were given their warrants of appointment.

Constable Adelle Gordon and Constable Craig Shaw were both given their Oath of

Affirmation of Office.

In congratulating the officers who received awards, Supt Hayes also acknowledged the

enormous toll police work could take on each officer.

“The work police do is often taken for granted by the police themselves and also by the community,” she said.

“We often don’t realise the stress, tragedy and misery that these people see and it is important

that days like this are held to recognise and appreciate the effort our police, emergency services and community members go to.”

Mayor Katrina Humphries also attended the ceremony, and she too spoke of the importance of acknowledging the police force’s efforts.

“I’d like to see more people attend functions like this to get an understanding of the brilliance

and bravery that our police officers have,” she said.