Police in the Wagga Region have been honoured during a gala community event at the weekend.

The Wagga Police Awards, conducted by the Rotary Club of Wagga Wagga Sunrise in conjunction with the Wagga Wagga Local Area Command, culminated on Saturday (29 August 2015), with a Gala Dinner at Wagga’s RSL Club.

Thirty three nominations were acknowledged on the night, and awards were presented in six categories, plus an overall award for the Wagga Police Officer of the year.

The winner of the Field Operations award which recognises the outstanding contribution of officers attached to local area commands, which include general duties, criminal investigators and other officers who operate in the local area command environment was Sergeant Ryan Sheaf.

Winner in the Specialist Operations and Corporate Services category which recognises the outstanding contribution of officers attached to Specialist Operations and Corporate Services commands, which includes technical officers, criminal investigators and other specialist officers who operate in the non-local area command environment was Inspector Peter Robertson.

The Rotary Community Award which recognises the efforts of NSW Police Force employees, both sworn and unsworn, whose work has been specially identified as providing benefits to the community directly through a program or other initiatives was awarded to Constable Kristian Swarbrick.

Police volunteers assist the Force in their own time and help to ensure that the community of New South Wales is best served by their police. The Police Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Ray Pelletier.

The Police employee of the Year award which recognises the outstanding contribution of NSW Police Force civilian employees and reflects the crucial supporting role they play in the daily business of policing was awarded to Claire Chapman.

Probationary Constable Dylan Mugridge was awarded the encouragement award for newer serving officers.

The overall winner awarded the trophy as Wagga Police Officer of the Year was Sergeant Ryan Sheaf.

The Awards are conducted by Rotary to recognise and acknowledge outstanding acts of courtesy, compassion, courage and devotion to duty by any member of the New South Wales Police Force in the Wagga Wagga Local Area Command, which also encompasses the surrounding towns of Coolamon, Ganmain, Junee, Temora, Lockhart, The Rock, Tarcutta, Ariah Park and Ardlethan.

Wagga Wagga Local Area Commander, Superintendent Bob Noble, and President of Sunrise Rotary, Dawn Smith, thanked the community and sponsors of the event for their overwhelming support of the awards.

A cheque for almost $5000, part of the proceeds, was presented to NSW Police Legacy, and the balance of funds raised will assist Sunrise Rotary charities.

Wagga Wagga Local Area Commander, Superintendent Bob Noble, praised the finalists and winners for their inspirational passion for serving the community.

“I am incredibly proud of all Rotary Police Officer of the Year nominees; they truly embody the Rotary motto ‘service above self’, which is evident in their commitment to their job,” Supt Noble said.

“It is wonderful for members of the community to share this night with us, and say thank you for the largely unheralded work that is carried out by local police and support staff.”

More information about the awards is available at: www.waggapoliceawards.org.au