THE commitment of 12 Inverell-based officers to the state's police force was recognised with the awarding of the NSW Police Medal at a special ceremony at the Armidale Town Hall on Monday.

The awards, recognising 15 years of service to the NSW Police Force, were made to inspector David Harrington; detective sergeant Steven Clarke; sergeant Michael Bailey; sergeant Anthony Ehsman; detective senior constable Greg Cook, and senior constables Vanessa Kelson, Peter Kelly, Joanne Taber, Brett Hall, Barry Hinton, Owen Chapman and Ronald Halliday.

Delungra-based senior constable Scott Chester was also recognised.

Senior constable Graeme Elms was given a Western Region citation "for his heroic actions in rescuing fellow officers from the Mehi River at Moree on January 2, 2001”.

In a statement, Minister for Police John Watkins congratulated the recipients.

"It's a pleasure to see more New England police getting the recognition they deserve for such long and committed service to the force,” Mr Watkins said.

"There's no other job like policing, where our offices go to work every day willing to put their lives on the line to protect us.

"Award ceremonies like this give us a chance to publicly honour those officers and show our appreciation for their important service,” Mr Watkins said.

Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay presented the awards on behalf of the minister.

Newly re-elected Federal Independent Member for the seat of New England, Tony Windsor, was also in attendance.

The NSW Police Medal was introduced by the State government to thank police for long and diligent service.

n Meanwhile, members of the public have been invited to a send off for Sergeant Michael (Mick) Bailey, who is leaving the police force after 18 years of service.

Throughout his career Sgt Bailey has been stationed at Blacktown in Sydney, Glen Innes and Inverell.

Sergeant Bailey is moving with his family to Queensland, to pursue other interests.

The farewell will be held at Inverell East Bowling Club on Saturday November 13 from 6.30pm.

Cost will be $25, including a light supper, entertainment and farewell gift.

Tickets and further information can be obtained from the Inverell Police Station on 6722 0599.

© 2004 Inverell Times

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