USUALLY when people encounter the police it is during a traffic stop but police work is more than random breath tests and speeding fines.
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The community took a moment to recognise that work with the Police Officer of the Year awards judged by Wagga Sunrise Rotary Club.
A fifth of Wagga Local Area Command’s (LAC) staff were nominated with Sergeant Ryan Sheaf named the Police Officer of the Year.
The officers were nominated by members of the communities covered by the LAC covering Temora to Lockhart to Wagga for either one experience or ongoing contact.
“If I was asked to go through a list of 150 officers, it wouldn’t be difficult to mention every single one of them,” Superintendent Noble said.
Superintendent Noble said Sergeant Sheaf demonstrated impeccable attention to his role as a general duties team leader caring for officers and the general public.
“He’s well regarded, leads from the front with a particular focus on victims of crime,” Superintendent Noble said.
He said Sergeant Sheaf could balance being “rough and tough” and demonstrating empathy.
The awards don’t just recognise sworn officers, but support staff and volunteers who assist police.
Volunteer Ray Pelletier was named volunteer of the year for his incredible work both at the station and in the field.
Superintendent Noble described Mr Pelletier as a “gem of a human being”.
“I suspect he puts in as many hours as I do some weeks,” he joked.
Wagga Sunrise Rotary publicity officer Peter Gissing said the awards were about recognising the great work done by officers from bravery of officers to support for victims – work not often recognised
“It’s not an easy job and they’re there to look after us and give us a hand when we need it.”
Award winners
- Field operations: Sergeant Ryan Sheaf
- Specialist operations and corporate services: Inspector Peter Robertson
- Rotary community award: Constable Kristian Swarbrick
- Volunteer of the year: Ray Pelletier
- Employee of the year: Claire Chapman
- Encouragement award: Probationary Constable Dylan Mugridge
- Police Officer of the Year: Sergeant Ryan Sheaf