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Hervey Bay, Maryborough police officers recognised at medal ceremony

From an officer who helped control the scene at a police shooting to others who have served for decades, the service of 12 brave police men and women has been recognised at a Maryborough ceremony. Read the full list and their achievements.

Senior Constable Cara Wessels at the police medal ceremony.

The courage, quick-thinking and long service of Fraser Coast police officers was recognised at a ceremony on Thursday.

The event was held at Maryborough City Hall, with Maryborough MP Bruce Saunders, Hervey Bay MP Adrian Tantari, Superintendent Michael Sawrey and Assistant Commissioner Brian Conners attending.

Two officers who attended the ceremony received special certificates for their actions under difficult circumstances.

Senior Constable Paul Davies with Assistant Commissioner Brian Connors.
Senior Constable Paul Davies with Assistant Commissioner Brian Connors.

Senior Constable Trent King was one of those officers.

He received the Assistant Commissioner’s Certificate for his actions on November 24, 2014, when police were called out to an incident on the Gold Coast.

Senior Constable Trent King at the medal ceremony.
Senior Constable Trent King at the medal ceremony.

The call came from a mother whose adult son was acting violently towards herself and others.

The man attacked the first two officers on the scene with a meat cleaver and they discharged their weapons, “subduing” him.

Snr Const King arrived at the scene with his partner just as the shots were being fired.

Assistant Commissioner Brian Connors with retired Senior Constable Chris Hutchins.
Assistant Commissioner Brian Connors with retired Senior Constable Chris Hutchins.

He immediately assisted with first response procedure, securing weapons, helping with first aid, establishing cordons and keeping bystanders at bay in an emotionally charged situation.

Senior Constable Cara Wessels also received an Assistant Commissioner’s Certificate for her quick-thinking actions when she was called to an incident in which a man had self-harmed.

Senior Constable Cara Wessels with her award.
Senior Constable Cara Wessels with her award.

The first aid she provided and the assistance she gave the man, alongside her partner, until paramedics arrived, likely saved his life, Acting Inspector Brooke Flood told those gathered.

Constable Lisa Fulcher could not attend the event, but she was also received the Assistant Commissioner’s Certificate.

She had to use a taser to restrain a man who was armed with a knife during an incident in October 2021.

Senior Constable Cara Wessels.
Senior Constable Cara Wessels.

Const Fulcher’s actions, along with those of her partner Senior Constable Kurt Brindell, were also acknowledged.

Also recognised during the ceremony were Senior Constable Matthew Walker and Senior Constable Mark Rodger, who both received the National Police Service Medal for 15 years of service.

The Queensland Police Service Medal for 10 years of service was given to Senior Constable Paul Davies, former police officer Christopher Hutchins and Senior Constable Paul Roberts.

Assistant Commissioner Brian Connors with Senior Constable Mark Rodger.
Assistant Commissioner Brian Connors with Senior Constable Mark Rodger.

The 15-year clasp for the Queensland Police Service Medal was awarded to Acting Senior Sergeant Dean Heyworth, while Sergeant David Leonforte received the 20-year clasp.

Senior Constable Adrian Edge received the 30-year clasp.

Senior Constable Matthew Walker with Assistant Commissioner Brian Connors at the police medals ceremony.
Senior Constable Matthew Walker with Assistant Commissioner Brian Connors at the police medals ceremony.

Administration officer Helen Klibbe was recognised for her service with a 40-year clasp.

She said she had seen many changes during her time as an administration officer, including in technology and personnel.

Senior Constable Paul Roberts with Assistant Commissioner Brian Connors.
Senior Constable Paul Roberts with Assistant Commissioner Brian Connors.
Assistant Commissioner Brian Connors with Acting Senior Sergeant Dean Heyworth.
Assistant Commissioner Brian Connors with Acting Senior Sergeant Dean Heyworth.
Assistant Commissioner Brian Connors with Senior Constable Adrian Edge.
Assistant Commissioner Brian Connors with Senior Constable Adrian Edge.
Assistant Commissioner Brian Connors with administration officer Helen Klibbe.
Assistant Commissioner Brian Connors with administration officer Helen Klibbe.
Assistant Commissioner Brian Connors with Sergeant David Leonforte.
Assistant Commissioner Brian Connors with Sergeant David Leonforte.
The group of officers at the medal ceremony.
The group of officers at the medal ceremony.

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/fraser-coast/hervey-bay-maryborough-police-officers-recognised-at-medal-ceremony/news-story/9a64ff3998d3a81d3abc08984a41fdca