Queensland Police Service (QPS) members were honoured at the QBANK Everyday Hero Awards event in Brisbane yesterday, October 27, for going above and beyond the call of duty.
The annual awards are designed to recognise the dedicated frontline workers and volunteers across Queensland who have made an outstanding contribution to the community.
22 people were nominated for a range of different awards and QPS was proud to have three officers win awards in the Working Together and Achievement categories.
Sergeant Wylie Steel and Senior Constable Callam Moriarty took out the award Working Together along with QAS for their rescue of a Baralaba man who became trapped in a grain silo. The trio climbed in to perform a lifesaving extraction on February 23.
Rural policing advocate Senior Constable Moriarty said it was incredibly humbling and something totally unexpected, upon receiving his award.
"I am very grateful for what we are able to do in a small town, especially being able to spend time making connections with the community.
"The local mine shut down, people came down the road in tractors and others shut their businesses that day to come and help us."
"Just to able to walk down the street and still talk to John and see how he's doing, that's what it's all about," Senior Constable Moriarty said.
Third-generation sheep shearer turned police officer, Constable Laurie Bateman, was awarded for the category of Achievement for his work in Palm Island with Indigenous youth.
Constable Bateman's program creates opportunities for the community's youth and has increased cultural awareness for the wider Indigenous community.
Acting Senior Constable Bateman said he was happy Blue Light Shearing was getting the accolades it deserves.
"It has changed the lives of so many young people out in the Southwest.
"Hundreds of young people who have been through the program, leave as better people I believe.
"There is nothing better than helping people, particularly young people," Acting Senior Constable Bateman.
As well as the amateur shearing program, Constable Bateman runs a learn-to-drive program and to help participants gain confidence and learn new skills.
Other QPS finalists included Sergeant Zoe Tidswell and Sergeant Craig Andrew, both from the Gold Coast District, and Sergeant Ken Robinson of the Dayboro Division.
Congratulations to all the finalists and winners at the 2023 QBANK Everyday Hero Awards.
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