FNQ sergeant receives Queen’s highest honour

A Senior Sergeant at Cairns Police Beat receives top honour for his service to the community in Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

AN instrumental member of the Cairns City Beat has been recognised for his achievements and contributions to the community in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Senior Sergeant Gary Hunter was one of the six award recipients statewide to receive the prestigious Australian Police Medal (APM).

Introduced in 1986, the APM is awarded for distinguished service by a member of an Australian police agency.

Although grateful to be acknowledged for his work, the modest Sergeant Hunter says it’s all part of the job as a police officer.

“I am humbled to receive the award, and there are many other police officers in the organisations who work diligently and should also be recognised for their achievements”.

Senior Sergeant Gary Hunter is one of six award recipients state-wide to receive the prestigious Australian Police Medal (APM) as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours. Picture: Brendan Radke

This is not the first time Sergeant Hunter’s efforts have been recognised.

In 2017 he was also awarded a Queensland Police Meritorious Service Medal for his many achievements and commitment to the QPS.

Senior Sergeant Gary Hunter commenced with the Queensland Police Service (QPS) in 1988 and has been an operational frontline police officer his entire career.

In 2011, he was promoted to his current position as the Officer in Charge of the Cairns City Beat.

QPS expressed appreciation towards Senior Sergeant Hunter, stating that he has been instrumental in changing the face of policing in the Cairns CBD.

“He demonstrates a modern, positive and refreshing application of leadership in his management of the Beat and his staff,” QPS said.

“He listens to the needs of his community and is adaptive and agile to address complex changes that occur.”

Commissioner Katarina Carroll who congratulated the six APM recipients from the QPS, said every little thing the award recipients had experienced throughout their lives made them perfect police officers.

Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll during a press conference at the Queensland Police Academy, Oxley. Picture: Liam Kidston.

“The APM is the highest award bestowed on a police officer. The six QPS officers being awarded the APM have demonstrated outstanding dedication and commitment in their service to the Queensland community.

“I would like to congratulate them on this significant achievement and give them my personal thanks for their contribution.”

Originally published as FNQ sergeant receives Queen’s highest honour