Two officers who successfully disarmed and arrested a knife-wielding man, one who arrested a man armed with a gun, and a civilian who came to the aid of officers struggling with an intoxicated offender have been recognised for their actions by Blue Mountains Police Area Command (PAC).
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Serving and former police officers as well as members of the public were presented with medals and awards at a ceremony held in conjunction with Hawkesbury PAC at Springwood Bowling Club on Thursday, November 21.
Senior Constable Graeme Gray and Constable Shantelle Weir received the Region Commander's Commendation for their actions on June 19, 2018, when NSW Ambulance officers requested assistance with a man armed with a knife.
Senior Constable Gray spoke to the man, allowing ambulance officers to remove the knife. The offender was arrested after a struggle with the two officers.
"The actions of Senior Constable Gray and [then] Probationary Constable Weir successfully contributed to the positive resolution of the incident," Chief Inspector Peter Sheinflug of Blue Mountains PAC told the gathering.
Senior Constable Gray also received the Blue Mountains Police Area Commander Certificate of Merit alongside Constable Emily Sims for an incident in Katoomba in June this year, when an intoxicated man became argumentative and uncooperative with officers.
"The offender then assaulted police by grabbing hold of Constable Sims' arm, twisting it and putting his full body weight on top of her, causing extreme pain," Chief Inspector Sheinflug said. "Senior Constable Gray and Constable Sims, despite her injuries, wrestled with the offender and arrested [him].
"Whilst police were apprehending this offender, civilian bystander Mr Saleh Henkel came to the aid of the officers and provided assistance and support."
Mr Henkel received the Blue Mountains Police Area Commander Certificate of Appreciation for his assistance in the incident.
Sergeant Shane Kerr was recognised with a commendation for arresting an armed man who had fled the scene of a robbery as well as a second man in April of last year.
Senior Constable Joel Murphy was commended for his dedication to duty as one of the command's "top performers", and Detective Senior Constable Glenn Ellis received the State Crime Commander's Citation.
Sergeant Dallas Atkinson, Sergeant Shane Kerr, Senior Constable Shane Sanger, Detective Senior Constable Nicole Dunn and former Senior Constable Peter Chenhall were presented with the National Police Service Medal and the National Medal. Former Inspector Jason Thomas also received the National Police Service Medal.
Sergeant Melissa Clarke received the 1st Clasp to the National Medal, while Senior Constables Karen Brodie and James Richardson received the NSW Police Medal.
Former Sergeant Peter Beszant received the 6th Clasp to the NSW Police Medal for 40 years' service, while Chief Inspector Sheinflug received the 5th Clasp. Former Leading Senior Constable Bradgate Davies received the 4th Clasp, Sergeants Cynthia Walden and Simon Egner the 3rd Clasp, and Detective inspector Sean McWhirter, Detective Senior Constable Nicole Dunn, Leading Senior Constable Erick Denis, and Senior Constables Robert Porley and Lisa Hoggard received the 1st Clasp.
Ms Christine Upton and Ms Deanne Malvern received NSW Police Medallion Lapel Pins for 35 and 30 years' service respectively.
The awards were presented by North West Metropolitan Regional Commander Assistant Commissioner Mark Jones, APM, and Blue Mountains PAC Commander Superintendent David Jones.
