Ballina Detective Chief Inspector William ‘Bill’ McKenna honoured with Australian Police Medal

From tornados to tackling theft, Ballina’s top cop has been recognised for an outstanding career stretching almost four decades. Here’s what he had to say.

Detective Chief Inspector Bill McKenna talks to media about stolen property. Picture: Marc Stapelberg

A senior Ballina Police officer who joined the force almost four decades ago is among ten officers statewide recognised for their contribution and service to NSW Police.

Officer-in-charge at Ballina Police station Detective Chief Inspector William ‘Bill’ McKenna has been awarded the prestigious Australian Police Medal.

Insp McKenna said he was “really humbled to receive such an award”.

“But I accept it in recognition of all the police that work on the front line daily and are out there interacting with the community, trying to make the communities a lot safer,” he said.

Insp McKenna after the Lennox Head tornado in 2010.

Insp McKenna joined the NSW Police Force at Deniliquin in 1986 and then worked in roles including lock up keeper and antitheft duties in Albury.

His work to combat thefts continued as he moved from Penrith to Mount Druitt and the Greater Hume.

Insp McKenna was promoted to inspector in 2003 and took up the job in Ballina.

When asked about influential people who made him the cop he is today, Insp McKenna praised all of his colleagues.

“I believe it (the medal) is a great recognition for all my colleagues and people that come to work every day and deal with the issues that are put before them,” he said.

Insp McKenna was diagnosed with cancer early in his career. Nevertheless, he continued to work in a restricted capacity, often on days following chemotherapy treatment, taking sick leave as a last resort.

After his recovery, Insp McKenna resumed full operational duties at Mount Druitt, leaving an indelible impression on all who witnessed his resilience and motivation.

Detective Chief Inspector Bill McKenna talks to media about stolen property. Picture: Marc Stapelberg

“I’ve been policing now for 37 years. In my career I’ve worked with a number of wonderful and dedicated police officers,” he said.

“I think you take the best out of those people that you work with in terms of their experience, their compassion and their empathy.

“You build on that and that’s what you’re trying to use on a daily basis.”

During his time at the Greater Hume Anti-Theft Squad, Insp McKenna performed the dual role of region undercover co-ordinator and managed all operations.

He was instrumental in introducing legislation in relation to fortified drug houses once prevalent in the Cabramatta and Fairfield areas.

Some of the varied roles Insp McKenna has taken on include local emergency operations controller and professional standards and operations duty officer.

Insp McKenna spoke of police work covering the gamut of human experience.
Some days are darker than others.

“We can’t bring people back all the time,” he said.

“But we can leave a very good impression on the people that we interact with.

“I think often the public only sees a very, very small percentage of what the police actually do on a daily basis.

“Even today, we’ve been out since six o’clock this morning doing our job. 99 per cent of the things that we do the public will never know – and that’s probably a good thing.

“We see the best in people and we also see the worst.”

Inspector Bill McKenna talks with Ian Gaillard and Adam Guise from CSG Northern Riversm during protests at Bentley. Picture: Doug Eaton

Insp McKenna led the police and emergency response to the Lennox Head tornado in 2010, as well as numerous fire and flood responses across Richmond Police District.

He continues to work frontline operational duties, providing leadership and support to staff and has been described as modest, a gentleman, and a boss who leads from the front.

Insp McKenna said he believed a major reason people choose a career in the NSW Police Force was to help the public feel safe in their communities.

“The NSW police do care,” he said.

Detective Chief Inspector William ‘Bill’ McKenna.

Deputy Premier and Police Minister Paul Toole and NSW Police Force Commissioner Karen Webb APM congratulated the officers recognised.

Mr Toole said the awards reflected the tireless work and dedication of police across our state and much of the “incredible” work undertaken by police “goes unnoticed in the eyes of the public”.

“The 10 people who have received awards have gone above and beyond for their respective communities, victims of crime and their families across our state,” he said.

Commissioner Webb APM said she was proud of the officers recognised in the honours.

“These officers have shown incredible dedication to service and are the very definition of what it means to be an exceptional member of our force,” she said.,

“From pioneering new policing strategies to championing minority groups in their local communities, I thank these officers for their contribution and commitment.”