Riverina Police District awards ceremony recognises sacrifice

"Thank you for your service" was the sentiment at a ceremony on Wednesday morning that paid public tribute to the efforts of the men and women on the beat.

Senior Constable Gregory Christlo and Senior Constable Craig Smallwood received the region commander's commendation for their quick-thinking actions in 2017 to diffuse a situation and arrest a suspect.

Detective Sergeant Phil Malligan described how the pair attended a residence in Mill Road, Batlow, on March 10 in search of a man who was wanted for serious domestic violence offences.

Sergeant Malligan said it became apparent to the officers the man had armed himself with a knife.

After trying to negotiate with him, they sprayed him with oleoresin capsicum spray and attempted to handcuff him.

"A violent struggle ensued," he said.

"Officers eventually utilised a baton to effect the arrest. Both officers are commended for your professionalism."

Senior Constable Evan Bromley received a District Commander's Commendation for his hard work to get illegal drugs off the streets.

He and another officer had observed a car driving erratically in Forrest Hill in March 2017.

They stopped the vehicle and soon after found reason to search it.

This search located an amount of drugs, with an estimated street value of $200,000. Two offenders were charged with serious drug supply offences.

Sergeant Malligan described how Senior Constable Bromley persisted with the investigation, identifying a female in Wollongong who was also involved in the supply of prohibited drugs.

She was later arrested and made full admissions to the offence.

"Senior Constable Bromley demonstrated tenacity and perseverance in following up multiple lines of inquiry," Sergeant Malligan said.

"Owing to the quality of the brief of evidence, the principal male offender pleaded guilty."

Senior Constable Cameron Ellis received a district commander's certificate of merit following his swift actions on September 14, 2017.

Constable Ellis, along with fellow officers, attended a Wagga home after receiving reports of someone attempting self-harm and after removing the person from the situation managed to perform CPR.

"The actions of Senior Constable Ellis saved this man's life," Sergeant Malligan said.

Retired Senior Constable Gary Doohan said he was honoured to have been recognised in the ceremony after deciding to step down earlier in the year.

"It makes me proud," he said.

"I did not do the job to get recognition, but it has made me happy."

In 2009, two suspects involved in a pursuit following an armed hold up at an East Hills Bottle Shop, collided with another motor vehicle on the M5 Motorway at Ingleburn.

At the time, Senior Constable Doohan and a fellow officer were the first on the scene when they noticed an injured child being removed from the vehicle hit by the van involved in the pursuit.

They immediately assessed the child and commenced CPR which they performed up until the arrival of paramedics.

Both offices have then attended to the other occupants of the vehicle and later assisted with obtaining witness details, vehicle locations and traffic diversions.

Despite the best efforts of both officers the young child passed away from her injuries.

"Senior Constable Doohan was commended for both his professionalism and composure exhibited in performing CPR upon the young child at the incident which can only be described as traumatic," Sergeant Malligan said.

Superintendent Bob Noble said the careers, efforts and milestones of the region's policemen and women was something worth celebrating.

"You have my thanks and admiration for the work you do, and the sacrifice you and your families make," he said.

"To those others who might not be receiving acknowledgment here this morning, please do not think your efforts go unrecognised. Someone is always watching you and is quietly appreciative of your efforts."

Superintendent Noble said he is continually reminded of the professionalism, the dedication and the achievements of NSW Police, in particular the Riverina region.

"It is a privilege to have this opportunity to address you all at this celebration," he said.