Capricornia District police officers honoured at Rockhampton awards ceremony

“We’re in the job because we love it and we want to protect people, so our first instinct was just to try to get the child out no matter what.”

Constable Tara Dziewicki and Senior Constable Nyree Gilluley, who were both commended for their work at a house fire in Norman Gardens last year.

When Senior Constable Nyree Gilluley, her partner, and a supervisor were first on scene at a house fire and discovered a baby was trapped inside, they did everything they could to try to rescue the child.

From using wet towels to smashing windows, they tried again and again to gain entry to the burning Norman Gardens home.

The brave Rockhampton police officers were among 44 in the Capricornia District honoured on Wednesday for long service, good conduct, bravery, and more at a special ceremony.

Senior Constable Gilluley, who joined the police in 2012, received a district officer certificate for her efforts at the house fire in May 2020.

She described the situation: “My partner and I ran into the house, but were pushed back by the smoke, and so we tried to get in as much as we could to get the child - we used fire extinguishers and wet towels, stuff like that - but we just couldn’t get to the back of the house to get the child.

“So we tried to get through the windows, smash windows and stuff to get the child, but unfortunately couldn't due to the smoke.

“The firies arrived a short time later and we were able to let them know where the child was, and they were able to get back there using their breathing apparatus and were able to grab the child very quickly.”

She said she was just doing her job.

“Obviously it was terrifying, but you don’t think of that sort of stuff,” Senior Constable Gilluley said.

“We’re in the job because we love it and we want to protect people, so our first instinct was just to try to get the child out no matter what.

“I joined the job for Queensland, to help members of society, and also just for the fun of the job.

“I love this job. it’s very exciting - different things every day. I’ve got the best job in the world.”

Senior Constable Cameron O’Sullivan was given a plaque commemorating the late PD Rue, a six-year-old police dog that was euthanised in February because of liver failure.

“She was one of my first police dogs,” Senior Constable O’Sullivan said.

“I had a real strong bond with Rue. She was a really cheeky dog.

“She was full of beans; there was no slow going with her. She just loved to work and was always eager to look out for getting in the back of the work truck and going to work every day.

“Obviously it was a pretty tough time - still is - but I was lucky enough to be paired with two first police dogs, so I’ve got her other best mate PD Violet still, so I get to work with her still.

“It was a nice way today for her to be honoured and remembered by the area.”

The plaque commemorating PD Rue.

Superintendent Glen Pointing said policing was “often a thankless job” requiring the strong support of family and friends.

“There’s lots of long hours and dangerous work undertaken,” he said.

“It’s really pleasing today actually to see so many family members here in support of police officers as well.

“Depending on the day, you don’t know what job you’re going to at any given time. A simple eight-hour day could turn into a 24-hour day depending on what happens.

“It’s in those instances where family members have got to be very understanding, because we see some horrible things, and then we go home and we’ve got to address those issues ourselves, and if you’ve got an understanding family that makes the process so much easier.”

Full list of awards winners:

National Police Service Medals

Inspector Michael Fawcett (Second Clasp)

Senior Sergeant Peta Barwick (First Clasp)

Senior Sergeant Jerome Winslade

Sergeant Jeffrey Brandt (First Clasp)

Sergeant John Dallow (Second Clasp)

Sergeant Bryan Kennedy (Second Clasp)

Sergeant Terrence Selwood (First Clasp)

Senior Constable Colin Spencer

Senior Constable Eric Williams

National Medals or Clasps

Senior Constable Colin Spencer

Senior Constable Eric Williams

Senior Sergeant Jerome Winslade

QPS Medals or Clasps

Inspector Mark Burgess (30-Year Clasp)

Inspector Darrin Shadlow (30-Year Clasp)

Senior Sergeant Katrina Williams (20-Year Clasp)

Senior Sergeant Jerome Winslade (15-Year Clasp)

Sergeant Deniel Beasy (20-Year Clasp)

Sergeant Jeffrey Brandt (25-Year Clasp)

Sergeant Timothy Davies (25-Year Clasp)

Sergeant Amanda Noake (20-Year Clasp)

Sergeant Terrence Selwood (25-Year Clasp)

Senior Constable Kymberly Adams

Senior Constable Jason Bright

Senior Constable Benjamin Christensen

Senior Constable Raymond Mooney (25-Year Clasp)

Senior Constable James Purbrick

Detective Senior Constable Chris Green

Detective Senior Constable Brendan Keable

Senior Constable Dale Saville (15-Year Clasp)

Detective Senior Constable Jason Taylor

Senior Constable Eric Williams (15-Year Clasp)

Senior Constable Joshua Wyatt

Kylie Asse (15-Year Clasp)

Cassie Brown (20-Year Clasp)

Tricia Delforce (40-Year Clasp)

Jennifer Edwards (25-Year Clasp)

Shannon Lee

Cassie Wigginton (15-Year Clasp)

QPS Bravery Medals

Sergeant Stephen Death

Detective Senior Constable Joel Campbell

District Officer Certificate

Sergeant Kain Brown

Senior Constable Nyree Gilluley

Detective Senior Constable Shane Pearce

Constable Tara Dziewicki

Detective Appointment Certificate

Detective Senior Constable Joel Campbell

Detective Senior Constable Duncan Mahony

Detective Senior Constable Anne-Marie Ngamoki

Detective Senior Constable Alison Pantovic

Detective Senior Constable Hannah Sfilgoj

Detective Senior Constable Jason Taylor

QPS 150 Year Citation

Senior Police Liaison Officer Rodney Ivey

Assistant Watchhouse Officer Leesa Williams

Most Outstanding Female Investigator Certificate

Detective Senior Constable Benique Howes

Scenes of Crime Course Certificate and Forensic Diploma

Senior Constable Lisa Adderley

Senior Constable Michelle Burke

Senior Constable Merv Hollier

K9 Service Medal

Senior Constable Cam O’Sullivan