The region's police have been recognised for bravery, diligence and service at the annual Central West Police District Awards in Parkes.
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Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley and NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb were in Parkes for the occasion, to congratulate award recipients.
"It's such an honour to be here today to celebrate the incredible achievements of so many people who are in the room," Minister Catley said.
"Today is the day to recognise and thank you all for your outstanding contribution to the NSW Police Force.
"It is both a great honour and a real reminder of the important work you do day in and day out within the community.
"I know that today's recipients bring a wealth of experience, professionalism and firstly dedication to what you do. Everybody receiving an award today is a credit to their heart, their community and a credit to the NSW Police Force."
Ms Catley presented the following awards:
National Medal Clasps
- Chief Inspector Scott Rayner joined the NSW Police Force in September 1986. He has worked at Orange, Cowra, Mudgee, Parkes and Dubbo Western Region before returning to the Central West police district and is now the district inspector located in Parkes. Chief Inspector Rayner received his second clasp national medal for 35 years of diligent service.
NSW Police Medal
- Detective Senior Constable Daniel Barling, 10 years diligent and ethical service. Det Sen Con Barling joined the NSW Police Force in September 2009. He has worked Northern Beaches, City Central and Eastern Beaches before transferring to Parkes investigation unit.
- Senior Constable Alex Woolstencroft, 10 years diligent and ethical service. Sen Con Woolstencroft joined the NSW Police Force in May 2013 and commenced his duties in Parkes.
NSW Police Medal Clasps
- Chief Inspector Scott Rayner - 5th Clasp 35 years diligent and ethical service.
- Sergeant Ged Ryan - 4th clasp 30 years diligent and ethical service. Sgt Ryan joined the NSW Police Force in 1990 and has worked in Parkes, Condobolin, Hilston, Bourke and is now located at Parkes.
- Senior Constable Judith Crawford - 2nd clasp 15 years diligent and ethical service. Senior Constable Crawford joined the NSW Police Force in 2002 and had worked at Narrandera, Lightning Ridge, she is now serving in Trundle.
- Sergeant Joel Hunter - 1st clasp 15 years diligent and ethical service. Sgt Hunter joined the NSW Police Force in 2008 and is now the sergeant at Condobolin Police Station.
The following awards were presented by Commissioner Karen Webb:
Commissioners Awards
- Commissioners Commendation - Courage: Sergeant Joel Hunter for outstanding courage and dedication to duty for rescuing two boys from the flooded Lachlan river at Condobolin on the 20 November 2021. Despite the risk Sergeant Hunter did not hesitate entering dangerous flood waters to rescue the stranded children and bring them to safety. Sergeant Hunter displayed professionalism and bravery during this incident.
- Commissioners Certificate of Merit: Superintendent Brendan Gorman for exceptional performance of duty during a pursuit and arrest of an armed offender 2016. Chief Inspector Gorman demonstrated leadership and resourceful incident management by managing police resources. The actions of Chief Inspector Gorman are worthy of recognition and are commended.
- Warrant of Appointment: Sergeant Joel Hunter was promoted to the ranks of Sergeant on June 6, 2021 and is currently stationed at Condobolin.
The following awards were presented by Assistant Commissioner Rob Smith:
Region Command Awards
- Certificate of Merit: Constable Sam Carpenter recognition of professional attempt to resuscitate a male at Wirrinya in 2021 following a truck accident on the Newell Highway. Constable Carpenter is commended on his professionalism and contribution.
- Northern Region - Unit Citation: senior Constable Judith Crawford, Detective Senior Constable Daniel Barling and Constable Mitchell Hayter. For commitment and dedication on duty after devastating floods in 2022.
The following awards were presented by Superintendent Brendan Gorman:
Central West Police District Awards
- Certificate of Merit: Sergeant Robert Ellis, Constable P Razey, Constable Mitchell Hayter, Probationary Constable Nicholas Cairnduff in recognition of their professional and brave actions involving a malicious wounding at Forbes on September 10, 2023. The officers responded to a malicious wounding of three victims, provided live saving to two seriously injured victims. The officers are commended for their professional and brave actions.
- Certificate of Merit: Detective Senior Constable Daniel Barling - in recognition of his professionalism and dedication to duty in relation to the investigation of the malicious wounding in Forbes on September 10, 2023. As a result of the investigation he conducted, an offender was arrested. Detective Senior Constable Barling is commended for his dedication to his investigation conducted on a serious matter.
Superintendent Brendan Gorman addressed the audience thanking officers for their commitment to our community.
"Each award recipient here today has contributed to the fabric of our society making it stronger and more resilient, your actions inspire us all for that we thank you," he said.
