MID north coast police officers were recognised for their dedication and outstanding service at an award ceremony on June 20.
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The Mid North Coast Police District 2018 Medals and Awards ceremony acknowledged the hard work of officers across the region.
Senior Constable Tim Eggert and Senior Constable Taya Bailey were awarded the highest honours on the day, the Peer Police Officer of the Year and the Community Police Officer of the Year respectively, with both saying they were proud of the recognition.
Snr Cst Taya Bailey works with the domestic violence team and said she loves being able to assist women and children escape the cycle of violence.
“It feels great that I have won the award today,” Snr Cst Bailey said.
“I have been in the police force for the last 16 years and today’s recognition just shows to me that I am doing the right thing and helping my community.
“I am proud that I am able to help women leave domestic violence situations and assist them in getting their lives back on track.”
She said that over her time in the force, policing has changed but the act of helping people has remained the same.
“Victim care is something that I am passionate about and unfortunately domestic violence is a massive issue in our community,” she said.
“Over the years the demands and expectations on police officers have increased but the work we do is similar and helping in the community is what I love most about my job.”
Snr Cst Tim Eggert leads the Mid North Coast Support Unit and is based at Kempsey said receiving his award was an unexpected delight at the ceremony.
“I love working on the mid north coast, I grew up in Wauchope before working in Sydney and in rural NSW, but after returning two years ago it feels like I have come home,” Snr Cst Eggert said.
“I was very surprised when my name was called but I am privileged to work with such experienced and dedicated colleagues.
“I love the variety of my work and the fact that the support group can be proactive about crime and assist general duties officers all over the mid north coast.”
Both officers were described as having an extremely high work ethic and dedication to their communities.
Assistant Commissioner Northern Regions, Max Mitchell, said all the award recipients had earned their honours.
“I always find it interesting to come to ceremonies like this to listen to the history of the winners, to see where they came from and the experiences they have had,” Mr Mitchell said.
“Policing is so diverse and the recipients should all be honoured as they have been today, police officers face touch challenges but do a fantastic job.
“In recent times on the mid north coast there have been difficult times but I want to thank all the officers for their work and dedication to serving their community.”
Mr Mitchell also said he was proud of all the officers in the Mid North Coast Police District.
“The mid north coast is a difficult area to police as it is so diverse, but the work undertaken by all officers right across the region has such a significant impact of the whole community.”
Superintendent Paul Fehon said the awards were all well deserved.
“The awards recognise the achievements of the police staff right across the Mid North Coast,” Supt Fehon said.
“The awards show officers’ commitment to making the community a safer place.”
Police Awards 2018:
National Police Service Medal
Snr Cst Tracy Watts
Snr Cst Julie Hudson
Snr Cst Timothy Preston
Snr Cst Alexandra Preston
Former Snr Cst Geoff Parker
National Medal
Snr Cst Tracey Watts
Snr Cst Phillip Coulton
Snr Cst Julie Hudson
Snr Cst Alexandra Preston
Snr Cst Timothy Preston
1st Clasp to National Medal
Snr Cst Wendy Hudson
NSW Police Medal
Snr Cst Grant Ellis
Snr Cst Justin Wood
Snr Cst Daniel Layton
Snr Cst Brian Priest
D/Snr Cst Darren McArdle
3rd Clasp to NSW Police Medal
Snr Cst Wendy Hudson
2nd Clasp to NSW Police Medal
Sgt Jason Maxwell
Det Snr Cst David Stuart
1st Clasp NSW Police Medal
Snr Cst Alexandra Preston
Snr Cst Timothy Preston
Snr Cst Tracy Watts
Long Service Award
Beverly Donovan
NSW Police Medallion
Beverly Donovan
Sharon Spooner
Northern Region Commander Commendation
Det Snr Cst David Stuart
Det Snr Cst Justin Welsh
Northern Region Commander Certificate of Merit
Sgt Jason Maxwell
Professional Standards Command Commander’s Commendation
Guy Flaherty
Commendation
Paul Dilley
Community Police Officer of the Year
Taya Bailey
Peer Police Officer of the Year
Tim Eggert