Police officers and canine units recognised for outstanding service in Far North Queensland

A number police officers and three dedicated police dogs were publicly recognised for their exceptional service in Far North Queensland on Wednesday.

Awards and medals at a Queensland Police Service ceremony in Cairns on November 6, 2024.

A number of police officers and three dedicated police dogs were publicly recognised for their exceptional service in Far North Queensland on Wednesday.

The ceremony, which took place at Civic reception room, Cairns Council, celebrated the hard work and commitment of officers across the region.

Awards included medals for bravery, exemplary conduct, and national service.

Three officers received the Bravery Medal, which is awarded to officers who perform an act of bravery in hazardous circumstances.

On August 23, 2016, Senior Constables Whitney De Bree and Reece Weber attended an alleged stabbing at a Home Hill venue and apprehended an offender, preventing further harm.

Far Northern Region Assistant Commissioner Brett Schafferius with Senior Constable Wesley Von Etizen

The officers administered first-aid to two victims and restrained the offender, before further police assistance arrived.

Special Constable Adam Tickner was awarded the Bar to the Queensland Police Bravery Medal, following a bushfire in Peregian Springs on September 9, 2019.

Special Constable Tickner commenced urgent evacuations and transported multiple people to safety.

And on September 25, 2018, Senior Constable Wesley Von Eitzen was conducting enquiries in Earlville when he observed a unit fire.

He and a fellow constable entered the unit searching for occupants and retrieved a garden hose to suppress the fire before emergency services arrived.

Far Northern Region Assistant Commissioner Brett Schafferius with Senior Constable Brian McLeod and Police Dog Duke

Also among the honorees were three police dogs, who were each be presented with special awards for their contributions to keeping the community safe.

Police Dog Bally, who served for over five years, received a Canine Service Medal, while two new recruits, Police Dog Duke and Police Dog Elvis, were inducted with Graduation Medals.

Sergeant Dave Raymond, Officer in Charge of the Police Dog Squad, said the vital role these canines play in law enforcement was “indispensable”.

“They track offenders, assist in apprehensions, and, in some cases, provide an extra level of force, whether through presence or action,” he said.

Sergeant Raymond also spoke to the significance of today’s event, noting while much of the police work goes unseen, it’s important to publicly acknowledge those who make a real difference.

Far Northern Region Assistant Commissioner Brett Schafferius with Senior Constable Adrian Marek and Police Dog Elvis

“It’s a great opportunity for the community to see the level of commitment and service that our officers and staff display every day,” he said.

The ceremony also honored about 40 police officers and staff members who were recognised for their exemplary service during challenging times, including the Covid-19 pandemic.

Several officers were awarded Exemplary Conduct Medals and Commissioner’s Certificates for their outstanding work at vehicle checkpoints and airports, ensuring the safety of the community during the height of the pandemic.

Far Northern Region Assistant Commissioner Brett Schafferius said the awards were not handed out lightly.

“The officers receiving these accolades have gone above and beyond what is expected of them,” he said.

“Their dedication to their roles, whether on the frontlines of (the) Covid-19 response or during high-risk operations, is nothing short of extraordinary.”

The recognition also extended to officers who have made a direct impact through their efforts in tracking down offenders.

Police Dog Elvis, one of the newer additions to the team, was credited with helping apprehend offenders involved in recent car thefts.

Originally published as Police officers and canine units recognised for outstanding service in Far North Queensland