Police honoured for long service

Police officers from around the region were celebrated for their years of dedication to their jobs and communities at an awards ceremony on Friday.

The Bunbury Police Station conference room was packed with 16 officers and their families as WA Police Assistant Commissioner Gary Dreibergs handed out the awards.

Mr Dreibergs said medal presentations were important for officers and the WA Police as an entity.

“We have a lot of years of service being recognised here,” he said.

“I want to make a point of thanking the families.”

Mr Dreibergs said the 16 police officers being recognised for their years of service were inspiring.

“That’s a lot of people working exceptionally hard,” he said.

Awards included WA Police Service Medals and National Police Service Medals.

The National Police Service Medal is awarded to officers who have served as a police officer for a minimum of 15 years and recognises their special status that sworn officers have because of their role of protecting the community.

Bunbury Sgt Lou Williams and Sen. Sgt Mark Smith were among the recipients of the National Police Service Medal.

“I don’t think we put enough effort into long service award ceremonies,” Supt Peter Hatch said.