A police officer who headed up the search effort for missing Perth grandfather Ian Collett has taken out this year's Nine News WA Police Excellence Awards.
Mundijong Police officer-in-charge Darryl Brandis was announced winner of the individual police officer category at an awards breakfast at Crown Perth this morning.
Senior Sergeant Brandis co-ordinated the massive search operation to find Mr Collett, who lived with dementia and disappeared from his home on May 19.
The search ran for weeks and involved hundreds of police, SES volunteers and community members.
Sadly, the body of the 65-year-old grandfather was found after the official search ended.
Mr Collett's family themselves, nominated Senior Sergeant Brandis as part of their appreciation for his efforts.
The Mental Health Police Co-Response team took out the team category at the awards.
The Australian-first initiative involves WA Police Force officers and mental health practitioners working together to co-respond to calls for assistance, where mental health illness is identified as a possible factor.
Now in its fifth year, the Nine News WA Police Excellence Awards recognise the outstanding commitment and dedication of police officers to keep the community of Western Australia safe.
This year a total of 175 nominations were received from community members, sporting groups, schools, local government, family members and colleagues.
The winners of the individual and team awards receive a $5,000 prize and the two finalists each receive a $1,000 prize.
The sponsors of the awards are Channel Nine Perth, Crown Perth, P&N Bank and 882 6PR.
As noted by Police Minister Michelle Roberts:
"These awards celebrate the very best of our WA Police Force.
"Police officers across the State do an extraordinary job in often challenging circumstances.
"Nominations like the ones received for these awards, show the contribution of police officers to keeping Western Australia safe, is very much appreciated by the community.
"I congratulate all of those who were nominated and I particularly commend the winners."
