For a few minutes there was silence at Griffith's police station as officers were recognised for their courage, dedication and service last week.
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From detectives to highway patrolmen, awards were presented for putting their health and lives at risk.
Murrumbidgee Police District Commander Superintendent Craig Ireland said as officers were receiving awards others were out protecting their community.
"The work never stops and it's important that we recognise their achievements," Superintendent Ireland said.
"Day in and day out I get to see the good work they do," Superintendent Ireland said.
Among the officers recognised were Leeton's Senior Constables Jodie Ward and Peter Watson, who were presented with District Commander's Commendations.
In February last year they were called to Wattle Hill in Leeton to reports of gunshots being fired.
When they arrived they saw a person standing next to a ute and saw him take a shotgun from the tray place in the cabin.
The officers approached the person and de-escalated the situation, arresting the person and securing the weapon which was loaded with live rounds.
Senior Constable Ward said the information they officers had about what they were heading towards was limited and while backup was on the way, it was still around 60 kilometres away.
Senior Constable Ward said 'shots fired' could sometimes be a backfiring car, or fireworks being let off.
As they were en-route they stopped to put on bulletproof vests.
"We didn't know whether we were his target or someone else, we had no idea who it was," she said.
The officers pushed any doubts out of their mind as their training dictated what they did next.
"We've trained for it, we've prepared for it. It's our job," Senior Constable Ward said.
"I would expect anyone else in our job to do the same.
"Every job has the same risk factor, we can mitigate that risk with the skills, knowledge and the equipment that this job gives you.
"I'd do it again tomorrow."
MURRUMBIDGEE POLICE DISTRICT AWARDS
NATIONAL POLICE SERVICE MEDAL: National award for sworn police who have a role protecting the community and trust placed in them to act ethically and diligently.
- Detective Sergeant Julia Bradley
- Sergeant Christopher Fuchs
- Senior Constable Fiona Buckland
- Senior Constable Daniel Duckworth
- Detective Senior Constable Ann Kendrew
- Senior Constable Michael Brown
- Former Sergeant John Curran
NATIONAL MEDAL: Recognises long (15 years minimum) and diligent service by organisations that help the community in times of crisis.
25 Year Clasp
- Detective Sergeant Timothy Clark
National Medal
- Detective Julia Bradley
- Sergeant Christopher Fuchs
- Senior Constable Fiona Buckland
- Senior Constable Daniel Duckworth
- Detective Senior Constable Ann Kendrew
- Senior Constable Michael Brown
NEW SOUTH WALES POLICE MEDAL: Recognises sworn officers who have completed 10 years of diligent and ethical service.
20 Year Clasp
- Sergeant Jason Hinson
- Senior Constable Colin Lonsdale
15 Year Clasp
- Detective Senior Constable Ann Kendrew
NSW Police Medal
- Senior Constable David Whiter
- Senior Constable Nakita Green
- Detective Senior Constable Belinda Smith
- Senior Constable Brad Greenwood
NEW SOUTH WALES POLICE MEDALLION
- Former general administrative support officer Lesley Smith
WARRANT OF APPOINTMENT
- Sergeant Andrew Papallo
- Sergeant Christopher Fuchs
- Sergeant Stephen Whalan
- Sergeant Paul Rosano
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
- Former general administrative support officer Lesley Smith
POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER COMMENDATION
- Sergeant Jason Clarke
- Detective Sergeant Julia Bradley
- Senior Constable Shanahan Toering
- Senior Constable Jodie Ward
- Senior Constable Peter Watson
AFFIRMATION AND OATH OF OFFICE
- Probationary Constable Darian Convery
- Probationary Constable Thomas Holmes
- Probationary Constable Alexander Millen
- Probationary Constable Daniel Wallace
- Probationary Constable Elizabeth Moore
- Probationary Constable Kaiya Beeche
- Probationary Constable Zachary Boudreau
- Probationary Constable Nicholas Flessenkemper
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Declan Rurenga
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
