Pilbara police officers awarded for exceptional service

From overseeing an emergency airport evacuation to saving a man’s life, a host of Pilbara police officers have been recognised for exceptional service in the line of duty.

About 15 people received awards at a Pilbara police officers-in-charge conference in Dampier on May 9.

Among them were members of the team that evacuated Karratha Airport on Good Friday after a suspicious item was detected in a passenger’s luggage, who received Superintendent’s commendations for their role in the emergency situation.

Team leader Sen. Sgt Tom Daly said while the item was later found to be harmless, those involved had gone above and beyond to protect the public from a potential threat.

“Although hindsight’s a wonderful thing, and it was nothing in the end... the courage and bravery of those officers willing to put their lives on the line was really extraordinary and exceptional,” he said.

“Without their dedication and commitment, it probably wouldn’t have been as efficient and effective as it was.”

Other Superintendent’s commendation winners included Sen. Const. Kellie Oliver and Const. Rick Sinclair, pictured right, who stopped someone in the act of committing suicide when they were called to his home.

Several officers also received medals for long-term service, including Marble Bar officer-in-charge Sgt Nick Hamer (national and WA Police, 35 years service), former Karratha police Sgt Matthew Power (WA Police, 23 years service), Onslow police officer-in-charge Cindy Morgan (WA Police, 20 years service), and Pilbara Traffic police Sen. Const. Alan Kickett (WA Police, 20 years service)

Attendees also recognised Roebourne PCYC centre manager Samantha Cornthwaite, who is leaving the region in the coming weeks, for her assistance to Roebourne police over the past few years.

Pilbara District Police Superintendent Paul Coombes said the often behind-the-scenes achievements of officers deserved to be acknowledged.

“The awards are a recognition of the great work that our staff do continuously, throughout the Pilbara, as part of WA Police,” he said.

“It’s something that we’re really focusing on because they do so much good work and hard work and traumatic work at times, and it’s expected of them just to continue the next day on and on, and it’s good for them to be recognised for that great work.”

A handful of other Pilbara police officers also received commendation and service awards from WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson when he visited Karratha last month.