The morning of Thursday, January 31 was a momentous occasion for the Gray family from Port Macquarie at the Manning Great Lakes Police District Medals and Awards Ceremony at Club Taree.
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Young Cameron Gray accepted two posthumous awards on behalf of his father, retired Sergeant Aaron Gray – The National Police Service Medal and the NSW Police Medal Second Clasp (20 years), both awards being for ethical and diligent service.
Cameron was not the only member of the family to take to the stage.
His sister, Keely was awarded the 2018 Commissioner’s Scholarship by NSW Police Legacy.
Keely was one of three legatees to take a share of the 2018 scholarship, but unfortunately was not able to attend when it was awarded on Police Remembrance Day last year, so was presented her award at this ceremony.
It’s great to see family and friends here today. Good policing is very demanding and it’s all but impossible to do without that strong support of family behind you. The devotion, sacrifice and support that so many family members and loved ones offer members of the police force in order for them to continue to serve our community is invaluable.
- District Commander Superintendent Shane Cribb
Joining the Gray family for the award ceremony were other proud families and colleagues of the awardees, and special guests NSW Police Deputy Commissioner – Regional Field Operations Gary Worboys APM, Assistant Commissioner – Commander Northern Region Max Mitchell APM, District Commander Superintendent Shane Cribb, Member for Lyne David Gillespie and Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead, Detective Superintendent Gary Merrywhether APM of NSW Police Legacy and mayor David West.
Superintendent Shane Cribb gave an inspiring opening speech, thanking the awardees for their service, dedication and courage.
“Today’s ceremony provides an important opportunity to offer thanks and recognition that you all deserve,” he said.
“Whether it’s for a particular achievement or contribution, or for reaching a professional milestone, my thanks go to you all.”
Reading through the program of today’s awards is a source of pride and reassurance to read of the continued examples of diligence, commitment, integrity, and resilience that underpins your day to day activities.
- District Commander Superintendent Shane Cribb
Chief Inspector Christine George was the master of ceremonies, announcing awards for the National Police Service Medal, the National Medal, National Medal – Second Clasp (35 years), NSW Police Medals, NSW Polce Medals First to Fifth Clasps, NSW Police Certificate of Service, Northern Region Commander’s Certificate of Merit and a Manning Great Lakes Police District Unit Citation.
It was also a special day for Pastor Graham Stewart, who was there for his Honorary Police Chaplain Investiture into the Manning Great Lakes Police District.
A surprise for the event were two awards that were not on the program.
“Being the Deputy Commissioner you’re allowed to pretty much do whatever you want unless your wife your says different, or the Commissioner, and that happens often as well, don’t worry,” Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys APM said.
“So I decided that I would strike my own award, a Challenge Coin that I provide at various times.
Police officers rarely know what each working day will bring. They see the best of human nature and also the darkest. They investigate, they counsel, and they console.
- District Commander Superintendent Shane Cribb
“It is just simply about a thank you, it’s about saying to someone, or a group of people, that they have, day out and night out, performed a job that is a difficult job and they continue to do it over a length of time.
“We’ve seen today various awards and medals presented, at times people’s bravery is recognised, or the goodness of their heart, but this award from me is voted on by me alone.”
The Deputy Commissioner then presented his award to Senior Constable Gemma Davy and Leading Senior Constable Carl Blick.
See all award winners in the photo gallery above.