General News
11 September, 2025
Recognition for service
QUEENSLAND Police Service (QPS) officers and staff were recently recognised for acts of bravery, dedication and diligent service at the Cassowary Coast Patrol Group Honours and Awards ceremony at the Innisfail PCYC.
Inspector Nathan Blain welcomed everyone before an address by Brett Schafferius, QPS assistant commissioner for the Far Northern Region.
Mr Schafferius said he was immensely proud of the commitment and dedication of the award recipients.
“It is incredibly special to recognise the hard work, bravery and professionalism of these police, police officers and staff members,” Assistant Commissioner Schafferius said.
Sergeant Ali Duggan, Constable Jake Jenkins, Special Constable Adam Tickner, and Senior Constables Aaron Stanley and Shelly Wright received District Officer Certificates for their outstanding commitment during the flooding that impacted the Cardwell community earlier this year.
District Officer Certificates were awarded to Constable Chizuko Wilson for her role in community safety, which resulted in the establishment of Operation ‘Victor Diabelli,’ and acting Sergeant Glenn Engels for his contributions during the 2019 bushfires Queensland-New South Wales border.
The QPS Medal, which recognises 10 years of diligent and ethical service was presented to Sergeant Justin Benvenuti, Detective Senior Constable Samuel Crea, Senior Constables Cameron Fell, Lachlan Ogilvie and Kevin Perkins, and Police Liaison Officer Michael Sands.
QPS Medal Clasp recipients:
15 years: Senior Constables Luke Allen-Ankins, Kirstel Kampe, Scott Kampe and Sergeant Ali Duggan
20 years: Senior Constable Paula Ganly, Sergeant Douglas Godden and administration officer Shane Wiles
25 years: Sergeant Robert Smith and administration officer Maria Lago
30 years: Senior Constable Andrew Rose
40 years: Senior Constable Barry Anderson
The National Medal, awarded for 15 years of qualifying service in roles that involve risk to life or safety was presented to Sergeant Karl Ah Shay, Senior Constables Luke Allen-Ankins, Kirstel Kampe, and Detective Senior Constable Anita Pearson. Sergeant Rodney Stanley received the second clasp for 25 years of service.
Recipients of the National Police Service Medal, which honours ethical and diligent service since October 30, 2008, included Sergeant Karl Ah Shay, Detective Sergeant Stuart Jones, and Senior Constables Luke Allen-Ankins, Kirstel Kampe, and Detective Senior Constable Anita Pearson.
Acting Sergeant Glenn Engels was recognised with the National Emergency Medal for his efforts during the 2019 bushfires.
During COVID-19, Inspector Nathan Blain AM received the QPS Emergency Response Medal for his efforts while working at the Whitsunday station.
Senior Police Liaison Officer Michael Sands received the Queensland Police Exemplary Conduct Medal with a Community Clasp, which recognised over a decade of service in crime prevention, youth engagement, and strengthening ties with First Nations communities in Innisfail.
The Queensland Police Bravery Medal, the second highest QPS accolade was awarded to Detective Senior Constable Michael Pearson.
In Cairns, on April 22, 2024, Pearson disarmed a woman who allegedly threatened officers with a hunting knife after crashing her vehicle into a traffic light pole with her children inside. Pearson entered the vehicle, secured the weapon, and safely removed the children.
Read More: Innisfail