Rotary Police Officer of the Year
A veteran Police diver has been named the Rotary NSW Police Officer of the Year at the second annual award ceremony held in Sydney tonight.
Sergeant Malcolm Jeffs, who has been a member of the NSW Police Force for 32 years and is the longest serving police diver, said that although police diving can be a difficult job, he finds it very enjoyable.
“I actually love it - it's the team that I work with that makes the job enjoyable, and it's doing a difficult job well that's most rewarding,” Sgt Jeffs said.
“It's about giving closure to the family of a missing person, or finding a valuable piece of evidence.”
“It is an honour to receive this award and to be acknowledged by people who I work with every day.”
Marine Area Commander Detective Superintendent Mark Hutchings said Sergeant Jeffs demonstrated excellence of the highest order in leading his specialist team.
“Mal joined the divers in 1982 and has been in this section for 30 years, not only is he an expert practitioner, but he is an inspirational leader of a group of extremely professional and dedicated staff,” Det Supt Hutchings said.
“I’ve met thousands of police over my 30 years of policing and I cannot think of a better person to receive this award.”
NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said all the winners demonstrated qualities of exceptional diligence and commitment.
“Every nominee is deserving of these accolades and the awards are a fitting tribute to the men and women who serve the community across the state in many different capacities,” Commissioner Scipione said.
“They indicate how much the community respects the hard work and diligence of police officers and volunteers.
“I thank Rotary Clubs across NSW for their continued recognition of police at the local level.”
The winners announced tonight are:
Category: Field Operations Local Area Command Police Officer of the Year:
Detective Senior Constable Adam Walsh, Lake Macquarie Local Area Command
Category: Specialist Operations / Corporate services Non Local Area Command Police Officer of the Year:
Sergeant Malcolm Jeffs, Police Diving Unit, Marine Area Command
Category: Rotary Community Award:
Senior Constable Michael Steele, Central Hunter Local Area Command
Category: The Rotary Clubs of NSW Volunteer in Policing Volunteer of the Year:
William (Bill) James, Lake Illawarra Local Area Command
Category: NSW Rotary Police Employee of the Year:
Terina Bruhn, Forensic Services Group (North West)
The judging panel consisted of Rotary Club Presidents and a retired officer in an advisory capacity.
Rotary Club of Sydney Past President, Mr John Given, said the committee had received more than 150 worthy nominations.
“Rotarians understand the notion of contributing to the community and we marvel at the work done by police every day in the service of the community,” Mr Given said.
“We are pleased to recognise the wonderful achievements of these outstanding officers.”