More than 155 police officers from around the region have been recognised for their service to the Sunshine Coast community.
A medals and awards ceremony was held on the Sunshine Coast on April 24 and included the presentation of one of the force’s top honours – the Bravery Award.
Other awards included the National Medal, National Police Service Medal, District Officer Certificate, Assistant Commissioner Certificate, Valour Medal and Exemplary Medal.
Queensland Police Service Medal clasps honouring 15 to 35 years of service were also presented to recognise ongoing service to the force.
The Bravery Medal was awarded to Senior Constable Tim Jessup from Beerwah Station.
Senior Constable Jessup was recognised for his efforts in responding to a fire in a residential unit complex in Earlville on September 26, 2018, while stationed in Cairns.
While responding to the incident with his partner, Sergeant Wesley Von Eitzen, Senior Constable Jessup noticed smoke coming from a building and forced entry by kicking in the solid timber door.
The officers entered the smoke-filled building and searched the unit on their hands and knees while yelling loudly to look for anyone inside.
Once the officers confirmed no one was inside, they worked to evacuate residents from surrounding units in the complex.
Senior Constable Jessup then used a nearby garden hose to help contain the fire, alongside other arriving officers, until firefighters arrived and subsequently extinguished the fire.
Thanks to the immediate and brave actions of Senior Constable Jessup and his colleagues, the fire was contained to only one unit within the complex, without any injuries.
Senior Constable Jessup said he was humbled to receive the medal.
“I’d like to acknowledge and share this with my Far Northern colleagues who I worked with at the time of this incident,” Senior Constable Jessup said.
“I’ll always appreciate the tremendous cohesiveness and capabilities of the people I’ve had the privilege to work alongside.
“Responding to jobs like the Earlville fire relies on seamless teamwork so I thank everyone who was part of the response.”
A group of officers have also been recognised for their response to a stabbing incident at Coolum Beach in 2013.
Valour Awards were presented to Senior Constable Evan Condon and Senior Constable Jason Jupp, and Assistant Commissioner Certificates were presented to Sergeant Craig Law and Senior Constable Malcolm Teissl.
District Officer Superintendent Craig Hawkins said he was honoured to work alongside the officers recognised.
“I’m extremely proud of the police officers here today for their outstanding and selfless work to protect our community,” Superintendent Hawkins said.
“Being a police officer is a tough job, but they show up each shift, not knowing what they’ll face, but knowing they’ll do all they can to keep their community safe.
“They don’t do this for the accolades but it’s important for us to acknowledge and honour the work they do and sacrifices they make.”
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