Officers and service members across the Mackay Whitsunday District received medals, certificates and awards at a ceremony held in Mackay today.
73 members of the Queensland Police Service were recognised for their performance and dedicated service across a range of awards.
More than 100 medals and certificates were presented, including the National Police Service Medal, National Medal and Clasps, National Emergency Medal, Queensland Police Exemplary Conduct Medal, Queensland Police Valour Medal, Queensland Police Emergency Response Medal, Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner Certificates, and District Officer Certificate.
A Queensland Police Valour Medal was awarded to Senior Sergeant Mitch Benson, for performing an act of exceptional bravery in hazardous circumstances in 2019.
On 6 September 2019, then-Senior Constable Mitch Benson, along with other officers, volunteered to evacuate residents from raging fires spreading rapidly throughout the Scenic Rim.
Working in thick smoke with embers falling around them, they experienced significant difficulty breathing and communicating, with visibility severely reduced. As they progressed through the streets, flames at the rear of properties reached approximately one metre in height and intensified with each gust of wind.
In the early hours of 7 September 2019, police officers were again tasked with driving through the estates, broadcasting warnings via the vehicle public address system of the rapidly approaching fire in predicted winds of up to 90 kilometres per hour. As houses began to ignite, the officers continued clearing the estates by running from door to door.
The officers’ brave actions in evacuating residents in life threatening conditions ensured that all residents were safely accounted for.
Mackay Whitsunday District Officer Superintended Dean Cavanagh commended every recipient awarded at the ceremony.
“Everyone awarded today should be proud of their hard work, sacrifice and dedication they deliver each and every day,” said Superintendent Cavanagh.
“Their integrity and professionalism has a profound and lasting impact on the communities they serve.”
“I am pleased to recognise and honour both officers and civilians for their significant contributions to the Queensland Police Service.”
