Fairfield police officers honoured for decades of diligent service
TWO Fairfield police officers have been honoured for a combined 70 years of service to the NSW Police Force. A strike force targeting hydroponic houses has also been celebrated for its recent successes.
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TWO Fairfield police officers have been honoured for a combined 70 years of service to the NSW Police Force.
Superintendent Peter Lennon and Chief Inspector Stephen Thomas were both honoured for 35 years of service at the Fairfield LAC Award Ceremony on Friday.
Fairfield LAC crime manager Ed Walsh said Supt Lennon and Chief Insp Stephen Thomas both received the second clasp to the National Police Service Medal and the clasp to the New South Wales Police Medal.
“These awards are given for diligent service,” Det Insp Walsh said.
Former Detective Sergeant David Hatchwell, who has since retired, was also awarded the second clasp to the National Police Service Medal for 35 years of diligent service.
Inspector Raven Maharaj, Sergeant Rudolf Trinajstic and Detective Sergeant Andrew Panigyrakis from the Region Enforcement Squad were also honoured for 30 years of service.
Strike force commander Detective Chief Inspector Gus Viera and other officers attached to Wetherill Park Region Enforcement Squad’s Strike Force Zambesi were also commended for their work over the past six years.
The strike force was established in 2011 to target and eradicate hydroponic houses growing cannabis in the southwest metropolitan region.
“Strike Force Zambesi has seized more than 61,000 cannabis plants and 962kg of dried cannabis equating to a potential street value of $188,812,000,” Det Insp Walsh said.
“Police have also seized $925,455 in cash and 216 people have been charged with a range of 542 serious offences.”
The ceremony was the final Fairfield LAC event before the planned amalgamation with Cabramatta LAC.