Mid North Coast police officers have been recognised for their dedication to the region at the 2019 Mid North Coast Police District Awards.
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Taking out the top awards were James Byrne receiving the Community Police Officer of the Year award, Luke Love receiving the Peer Police Officer of the Year award and Christopher Hardwick receiving the Police Officer of the Year Leadership Award.
All three men were praised for their efforts to go above and beyond what is expected to ensure community safety and the safety of their fellow officers.
A leadership award was added to the ceremony for this first time in 2019 after realising the importance of acknowledging officers who take on leadership roles.
Mr Hardwick was acknowledged as the inaugural winner after 25 years of service to the community.
Mr Hardwick has performed general and specialised duties in metropolitan Sydney and in rural areas around the state. He has been on the Mid North Coast since 2007, first in Kempsey and then in Port Macquarie since 2011.
"Leadership to me is setting a good example for everyone around me and ensuring all staff and officers feel supported," Mr Hardwick said.
"I am honoured to be recognised for the work I do everyday and I work with a great group of people."
Mr Byrne has spent the majority of his policing career on the Mid North Coast based in Kempsey strengthening the connections between police and the local community.
Working particularly in the South West Rocks area he has done this through involvement in various sporting groups and interactions with the community both on and off duty.
"I am very honoured to be awarded the community award and I pride myself on treating the people I speak to the way I would want to be spoken to," Mr Byrne said.
Mr Love received his award after being nominated by his peers. Mr Love was praised for his work and since beginning on the Mid North Coast more than two years ago there has been a notable reduction in crime due to his efforts.
The award noted his aptitude for identifying offenders, crime trends and suspect vehicles which has resulted in consistently high rates of arresting offenders and taking action against them.
"In my role I enjoy taking a proactive approach to crime in the community to ensure the safety of our community," Mr Love said.
Mid North Coast Police District Commander Superintendent Paul Fehon said all the award recipients should be commended on their hard work and dedication to the community.
"This proud ceremony recognises the special achievements and significant accomplishments of many staff across the Mid North Coast Police District," Superintendent Fehon said.
"Today we are presenting medals and awards which honour officers and staff for their dedication and ethical service during their policing careers.
"These medals and awards are important recognition for many years of policing and something that recipients should be justifiably proud of."
Superintendent Fehon also said the awards were a chance to acknowledge the connections police make with other organisations.
"Today is also about recognising the tremendous support of the community through partnerships with other agencies predominately to educate the adults of tomorrow on the dangers of drugs.
"The most significant aspect of today is that all of our recipients have demonstrated a commitment to protecting the community of New South Wales and in making their community safer."
2019 Mid North Coast Police District Awards
National Police Service Medal
Sgt Robert Holstein
Snr Cst Daryl Connor
Snr Cst Taya Bailey
Snr Cst Timothy Eggert
Former officer Ronald Kennedy
National Medal
Snr Cst Daryl Connor
Snr Cst Taya Bailey
Snr Cst Timothy Eggert
1st Clasp to National Medal
Snr Cst Michael Atkins
NSW Police Medal
Snr Cst John Harpley
Snr Cst Kendall Burrows
Snr Cst Andrew Harris
Det Snr Cst Anthony Ridgeway
4th Clasp Police Medal
Snr Cst Ruth Handley
Snr Cst Steven Kendal
Snr Cst Gary Bates
3rd Clasp Police Medal
Sgt Belinda Dalzell
Snr Cst Michael Atkins
1st Clasp Police Medal
Snr Cst Daryl Connor
Snr Cst Taya Bailey
Snr Cst Timothy Eggert
Certificate of Service
Former Sgt Peter Dawson
State Crime Command Commander's Commendation
Det Snr Cst Timothy Browne
Mid North Coast Police District Commander's Commendation
Sgt Elisha Campbell
Snr Cst Steven Jeffery
Mr David Frederick
Volunteer in Policing Certificate of Recognition
Carol Chandler
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