How Murgon childhood influenced our top adopt-a-cop

A former Murgon State High School student has been recognised as Queensland’s top adopt-a-cop.

Former Murgon resident Warren Flegg has been named Queensland's top adopt-a-cop.

SENIOR Sergeant Warren Flegg has been recognised as Queensland’s top adopt-a-cop for his work in the remote community of Kowanyama.

However, his aspirations to become a police officer started 2290km away when he was five years old and growing up in Murgon.

Snr-Sgt Flegg earned the award for his work in addressing school attendance rates, working to improve student safety and wellbeing, and his participation in school excursions, assemblies and school presentations.

Former Murgon resident Warren Flegg has been named Queensland's top adopt-a-cop.

The officer-in-charge of Kowanyama police station was awarded the honour at police headquarters in Brisbane, with his proud parents Glenda and John — who continue to reside in the South Burnett — watching on.

John said his son’s relationship with Aboriginal communities started in Murgon, where he grew close with Cherbourg residents, and has a strong belief in using mediation to address issues rather than going to court.

Snr-Sgt Flegg, who was also named the 2019 Far North District Adopt-A-Cop of the Year, said it was a great honour, not only personally but for the kids he works with.

“I can’t wait to tell the kids about the award. I see this as more of an award for them, I am just their voice,” he said.

“This award is the result of four years of taking the time to listen to our local youth and develop programs around what they want, not what we think they want.

“I’m happy to say that our programs have focused on camping, fishing and hunting, which are typical Cape-style activities.”

Former Murgon resident Warren Flegg has been named Queensland's top adopt-a-cop.

Snr-Sgt Flegg is a well-respected member of the community among children and parents alike.

“I only play a small part in the learning process for our future leaders but there is nothing more satisfying than to hear your name being yelled out from down the street, across the oval or being stopped in the street for a friendly conversation,” he said.

Chief Superintendent Brian Huxley praised Snr-Sgt Flegg for the important role he continued to play.

“The care and compassion that he displays for his community and, in particular, his local school is a reflection of how he values the importance of his leadership role,” he said.

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