OXLEY Local Area Command serving and former officers were recognised yesterday in an awards ceremony at Tamworth Town Hall.
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Superintendent Clint Pheeney was awarded twice during the 2012 Oxley LAC awards ceremony, receiving the the National Service Medal and Clasps to the National Medal.
Former Tamworth superintendent Tony Jefferson and former Tamworth highway patrol supervisor Graeme Morris were also recognised for their unique contribution and diligent service as recipients of the National Service Medal.
Tamworth Detective Senior Constable Michael Maloney was called forward three times, receiving the Western Region Unit Citation, the State Crime Commendation and the Oxley LAC Unit Citation for his work with three drug-related strikeforces over the past seven years in the Oxley LAC.
Master of ceremonies Sergeant Michael Moy said Constable Maloney was rewarded for his great initiative and dedication to service during Strikeforce Harrower in 2011, Mulloway in 2005 and Millicent in 2010, the three operations resulting in more than 50 arrests and millions of dollars worth of illegal drugs seized.
Tamworth Inspector Kylie Endemi and former officer David Henry were awarded the National Medal for 15 years of service, while Senior Constable Neil Constable received the NSW Police Medal for 10 years service.
The late Senior Constable David Rixon, who was killed in action this year, and former officer Tony Jefferson were also honoured – both being awarded the Certificate of Service.
Constable Rixon’s widow Fiona accepted the award, while her daughter Jemma Galea, now a probationary constable, received the NSW Police Force Oath of Office along with her fellow probationary constables Brodie Sowter, Benjamin Langford and Sean Anderson.
Superintendent Pheeney said the annual awards were a way to show appreciation to current and former police officers serving in the Oxley LAC.
He also gave thanks to the Tamworth and district community, saying: “Without them, police wouldn’t be able to do their jobs.”
The awards were presented by member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson, Western Region Commander Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie and Superintendent Pheeney.
Gunnedah mayor Owen Hasler and Tamworth councillor Warren Woodley also attended the morning ceremony.
Commissioner McKechnie commended all the award and certificate recipients, acknowledging the commitment and partnerships among serving and former officers.
He said it had been a tough year for the Oxley LAC with the death of Senior Constable Rixon, but the police and Tamworth community had come together to support the Rixon family.