August 21, 2020
The South Burnett PCYC was a sea of blue on Friday for the annual Queensland Police Service Dalby Burnett Patrol medals and awards ceremony.
Police from across the region converged on Murgon for the celebration.
They were joined by proud family members, many of whom had travelled far to watch the awards being handed out.
Invited guests – including South Burnett mayor Brett Otto – also filled the hall, suitably social distanced.
The morning was compered by Dalby Burnett Patrol Inspector Graeme Paine, who praised the officers receiving recognition for their dedication to duty and commitment to service.
Assistant Commissioner Mike Condon distributed the medals and certificates.
He made special mention of the work by police across Queensland in difficult times to keep COVID-19 out of the community, especially the officers who had manned the Cherbourg checkpoint.
A highlight of the morning was the presentation of Commissioner’s Certificates (see below) to four civilians who had performed acts of bravery – including the three men who saved a toddler from a tragic fire in Kingaroy two years ago.
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Special Awards
Commissioner’s Certificates recognising brave acts were handed out to Lex Petersen, Zachary Hairon and Patrick Drinan who rescued a toddler from a burning house in 2018 (see separate report) and Vincent Melbin, who rescued a man from the Brisbane River.
On March 15, 2019, at 2:50am, Vincent Melbin and his companion Bridget Fraser observed a man about to jump from the Goodwill Bridge into the Brisbane River. The pair tried to talk the man down but only got him to identify himself before he jumped. The man briefly submerged before he came up, struggling to keep himself afloat.
Despite not knowing the depth of the river or what was submerged, Vincent – at great risk to himself – jumped about 10-15 metres from the bridge into the river. He grabbed the man and supported him long enough to swim over to a jetty that was under construction. He supported the man, who had fallen unconscious, in the water until police arrived and helped both men out of the water.
Acting Superintendent Garrath Channells presented District Officer’s Certificates to three officers:
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Medals / Clasps
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The National Police Service Medal recognises the special status that sworn police officers have because of their role protecting the community. It represents a police officer’s past and future commitment to give ethical and diligent service. A minimum of 15 years’ service is required to qualify.
The National Medal recognises 15 years’ diligent service by members of Australian police forces and members of the ambulance and fire service.
The Queensland Police Service Medal recognises 10 years of diligent and ethical service by members of the QPS and is not granted as a right by virtue of long service. A clasp may be awarded to a medal recipient upon completion of each additional five years of qualifying service.
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Other Presentations
Several presentations were made by Assistant Commissioner Mike Condon which in a normal year would have occurred when recruits graduated from Oxley Police Academy but which had not happened this year due to COVID-19 restrictions.
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At The Awards
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