Victoria Police is today honouring nine of its finest officers for their distinguished service and contributions to the community.
The officers have received the prestigious Australian Police Medal as part of the 2022 Queen's Birthday Honours.
The recipients are trailblazers in their fields, including in the areas of counter terrorism, homicide, search and rescue operations, state emergencies and community engagement.
Victoria Police's senior psychologist Dr Alexandra West has also been honoured with the Public Service Medal.
More details of the awards can be found on the Governor General's office website: https://www.gg.gov.au/australian-honours-and-awardsExternal Link
The Victoria Police officers receiving medals are:
Australian Police Medal
Commander Tim Tully, COVID Response Command
Commander Tim Tully has been a member of Victoria Police for more than 32 years. He has provided exceptional service through his diverse and extensive operational career. He has performed duties across general policing at Flemington and Altona North police stations and specialist policing areas while in the Special Operations Group, Critical Incident Response Team and Water Police Squad. He has recently held senior management positions at the Transit and Public Safety Command, North-West Metro Region and the Covid Response Command. Commander Tully has displayed exceptional leadership in managing complex state-wide policing operations in support of the Chief Health Officer directions.
Commander Karen Nyholm, Eastern Region
Throughout a near 30-year career, Commander Karen Nyholm has demonstrated outstanding service and commitment to Victoria Police and the Victorian community. During this time, she has worked across a range of areas including the prosecutions, investigations and legal units. She recently performed the role of Deputy State Police Commander in Covid Response Command, overseeing the closure of Victorian state borders. Throughout her career, Commander Nyholm has been an advocate for equity in advancing women in policing.
Superintendent Peter Ward, Western Region
Over the past 32 years, Superintendent Peter Ward has held various operational and specialist roles including at the Fitzroy, Reservoir and Richmond Police stations. He was also the Melbourne West Local Area Commander and performed a variety of roles within the Special Operations Group. Superintendent Ward's exceptional contributions to community safety when responding to emergency situations include being part of the first interstate deployment of a police tactical group when responding to the Port Arthur massacre. Superintendent Ward's significant contributions also include reviewing the design, development and rollout of the new ballistic vest for all Victoria Police officers. He has helped upskill members to identify triggers and reduce mental health stigma, promoted positive conversations on mental health and wellbeing within the workplace and he been a champion on leading culture change within the specialist units.
Superintendent Mark Porter, Operation Communications Division Superintendent Mark Porter has worked at Victoria Police for 44 years. In this time, he has worked as a frontline officer at various locations across Victoria and as a detective at several ranks in criminal investigation and specialist units. Superintendent Porter excelled in the State Police Operations Centre Safety team where he managed the 2019-2020 Gippsland bushfires before transitioning into Victoria Police's Covid-19 response.
Superintendent Timothy Day, Priority and Safer Communities Division
Superintendent Tim Day has served with Victoria Police for almost 31 years and undertaken a wide range of roles ranging from general policing, specialist investigation and internal investigations. He served almost fifteen years at the Homicide Squad in various roles and ranks including the officer in charge. He has been officially commended on numerous occasions for his investigative and investigation management prowess in both contemporary and cold case homicide investigations. He is a subject matter expert, extremely well regarded within in the organisation, by local, national and international partner agencies and within the broader community and was awarded a Churchill Fellowship in 2018 to "Examine the Operating Models of International Homicide Squads to Build on National Capability."
Detective Inspector Gregory Bowd, Financial Fraud Squad
Detective Inspector Gregory Bowd has worked at Victoria Police for 47 years, working in various crime squads and taskforce teams. During those years, Detective Inspector Bowd has managed investigations into counter terrorism, organised crime, homicide, armed robbery, fraud, drugs, shootings of police, prison crimes and prison escapees. Detective Inspector Bowd has also been recognised for his role in security provided for the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.
Inspector Andrew Markakis, Heidelberg Police Complex
Inspector Andrew Markakis has been an exemplary police officer with Victoria Police for more than 21 years. He has performed in frontline roles at various police stations across Victoria's North West and Southern metro regions. He is a qualified detective and has performed duties at the Fraud and Extortion Squad. Inspector Markakis is a strong advocate for inclusion in the organisation. He is president of the Victorian Hellenic Police Association and has bolstered positive relationships between police and Victoria's diverse community groups.
Sergeant Glenn Holland, Fitzroy Police Station
Sergeant Glenn Holland has been a Victoria Police officer for 20 years. He has worked predominately on the frontline and is a strong advocate for police officers experiencing post traumatic stress disorder. In 2015, Sergeant Holland spearheaded a program to support members and retired veterans with their mental health.
Leading Senior Constable Graham Shoobert, Water Police Gippsland
Leading Senior Constable Graham Shoobert has diligently served with Victoria Police for almost 44 years and been a member of the Water Police Squad for more than 32 years. Leading Senior Constable Shoobert is regarded as one of the most skilled and experienced water police mariners in Australia. He has been involved in countless large-scale marine search and rescue operations, resulting in the saving of lives, often during difficult or unusual circumstances. Leading Senior Constable Shoobert has been commended for his response during the 2019 Gippsland Fires, including on one occasion where he and a colleague rescued 10 people located within the Mallacoota CFA building when it caught fire.
Public Service Medal
Dr Alexandra West, Wellbeing Services
Dr Alexandra West has worked at Victoria Police for 13 years, including more than a decade as the force's senior psychologist. Dr West led major reforms to increase the profile of mental health services within Victoria Police including a landmark review which was the first of its kind in policing nationwide. Numerous Victoria Police members, particularly those on the frontline, have benefitted as a result of her work.
Quotes attributable to Chief Commissioner Shane Patton
"It's fantastic to see the extraordinary work of these individuals recognised with a Queen's Birthday honour.
"Each has provided an outstanding contribution in our mission to serve and protect the community. For some, this dedication has stretched close to 50 years.
"We are grateful and proud to call them a part of Victoria Police."
