Insp Craig Pearson, Sgt Damien Bouman get Australia Day awards
Two officers have been recognised for their work to improve policing in Manningham. Except one was unable to receive the award because he was helping fight fires in Victoria’s northeast.
East
Don't miss out on the headlines from East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
Two Doncaster police officers have been celebrated and thanked for their work to make Manningham a better place to live.
The area’s top cop — Manningham Inspector Craig Pearson — and Sergeant Damien Bouman were honoured with Menzies Community Australia Day awards by Menzies federal Liberal MP Kevin Andrews on Sunday.
Insp Pearson received the award having worked in the area for 12 months.
He was nominated by Manningham Councillor Dot Haynes for “his leadership and community service through his engagement, sharing of ideas, encouragement and helping achieve a level of comfort in difficult situations”.
It was Insp Pearson who nominated Sgt Bouman, who has just been promoted from acting sergeant, for leading the pilot of a new policing model in Manningham.
Insp Pearson said his colleague’s initiative developed valuable relationships between a range of Manningham traders and the police.
He said Sgt Bouman’s work had begun the transfer of key information and had led to a more effective police response in local shopping strips.
Sgt Bouman was unable to be at the awards ceremony in Doncaster on Australia Day because he was in northeastern Victoria helping in fire-affected areas.
MORE: TRIPLE-0 OPERATORS FEEL HEAT OF BUSHFIRE CRISIS
HOW POLICE HANDLED FATAL MULGRAVE FAMILY VIOLENCE SHOOTING
THE AMAZING VOLUNTEER WHO HAS SEEN IT ALL
The officers were among 46 Manningham ‘local champions’ awarded in this year’s Menzies Australia Day Awards.
Given out every Australia Day, Mr Andrews said they were to recognise outstanding service to the community.
“This is our chance to give back to those who selflessly devote their time and efforts
to the people and organisations in Menzies,” he said.
Two organisations, Manningham Promoting Character and Eltham Men’s Shed, were also awarded with Special Recognition and Community Organisation of the Year respectively.