QPS staff recognised at Gold Coast Medals and Awards Presentation

From delivering babies on the side of the M1 to putting their own lives in danger, dedicated Gold Coast police officers have been recognised for the commitment to the job. Read their stories.

Gold Coast Superintendent Brett Jackson (right) presenting awards at the presentation in Southport.

More than 150 Gold Coast police, volunteers and civilian staff going above and beyond - including delivering a baby and diverting speeding traffic near an unconscious man - have been recognised.

Friends and family of recepients filled the Mantra at Sharks Event Centre at Southport on Thursday for the Queensland Police Service Gold Coast District Medals and Awards Presentation, highlighting hard work and dedication to keeping the community safe.

Nearly 70 officers received National Police Service Medals, which Superintendent Brett Jackson said was in recognition of those who had dedicated years to the job.

“It’s actually one of the most rewarding days – we get to see our police officers in front of their family, presented with awards that speak volumes to the work they do for the community,” Supt Jackson said.

“We have officers that have done upwards of 35 years service to the community. They’ve joined us as young members of the community and then have grown up policing. They’ve established families and some of these officers now have their children as police officers as well.

“So this is fitting to be recognised for such long service to the community and outstanding policing careers.”

The Queensland Police Service Gold Coast District Medals and Awards Presentation held at Southport on Thursday morning.

Among the awards, Senior Constable Melissa King received the Assistant Commissioner’s Certificate for her effort in helping deliver a baby on the side of the M1 at Palm Beach in October 2024. She was stationed on the motorway at about 8.40pm when a car pulled over and a man got out and approached her to ask for urgent assistance. The man’s pregnant partner then exited the vehicle and was already in labour.

Senior Constable King took the woman to her police vehicle, where she received instructions over the phone from a Queensland Ambulance Service call centre operator and safely delivered the baby in the back of her patrol car.

During the birth she noticed the umbilical cord was wrapped around the baby’s neck and its skin appeared purple. She was able to carefully remove the cord before the baby let out audible cries.

“You do never know what you’re going to get in policing,” Supt Jackson said.

“I think that’s one of the exciting things about the career and I guess we have officers that are just here to serve no matter what that may be, from arresting criminals to delivering babies.

“They just try to do the best they can, remain calm, and we have a collective team that help us get the job done. They should be very proud of their efforts.”

Senior Constable Helen Redhead (left) and Senior Constable Benjamin Miles both received awards for their exemplary service.

Senior Constable Helen Redhead was awarded the Assistant Commissioner’s Certificate of Appreciation for facilitating Domestic Violence and Vulnerable Persons training to police officers throughout the police district. She is also responsible for establishing a domestic family violence and welfare space within the Mudgeeraba Police Station, giving officers a private area to help victims and their families.

Senior Constable Benjamin Miles received the Commissioner’s Certificate of Notable Action after he put himself in harm’s way on the M1 at Reedy Creek to save an unconscious man.

He responded to reports of the male on the motorway just after midnight on February 11 last year. He arrived on scene to find the man had been struck by a car and was lying in the middle of the motorway. For six and a half minutes Senior Constable Miles stood next to the man, armed with just a flashlight to alert fast oncoming traffic of the hazard until backup arrived.

Originally published as QPS staff recognised at Gold Coast Medals and Awards Presentation