SPECTACULAR or not, the actions of men and women in blue help define a community.
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For the first time police and support staff across the Wagga Local Area Command (LAC) will be recognised for their devotion, courage and compassion.
The 2014 Police Officer of the Year Awards were launched by the city's Sunrise Rotary Club yesterday - a partnership described as "one of the most exciting" in a number of years for the LAC.
Club member Peter Gissing said the awards will be presented in a number of categories.
"It's also about raising the profile of the police generally in the community and particularly the good work done by the police every day, often unheralded," Mr Gissing said.
"We tend to think of the more spectacular and frightening things that happen but, everyday, the police are out there doing terrific things and we want to acknowledge that."
Mayor Rod Kendall said the police were "the most important public service group" within the community.
"The work they do for the city is largely unrecognised," Councillor Kendall said
"We often hear about their responses to crime, but it's the prevention of (crime), keeping of good order and keeping of the community that is the majority of their work.
"Two of the most recognisable brands in the world are police and Rotary, so for them them to come together for these awards I think is a great synergy.
Wagga police Acting Superintendent Mark Murphy described the partnership as "absolutely magnificent".
"It is a great thing to receive a pat on the back for the work we have done," Superintendent Murphy said.
"It is magnificent and great for morale in the station that these guys and girls are being recognised for their efforts."
Nomination forms are available from award sponsors or at www.waggapoliceawards.org.au/nominate
Copies will also be published in The Daily Advertiser next weekend and in future editions of The Leader.
Nominations close on August 15, with winners to be announced at a gala awards dinner at the RSL Club on August 30.
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