Commissioner Stewart presented Constable Chris Smith with his Tactical Flight Officer wings.
Police Commissioner Ian Stewart congratulated 145 Queensland Police Service officers and staff members who received honours and awards, along with two police air crew officers who were presented with their ‘wing’ badges today on the Gold Coast.
Commissioner Stewart said the awards recognised years of dedicated service to protecting Queensland communities.
“It’s a great honour to recognise the invaluable contributions these police officers and staff have made to their local communities,” Commissioner Stewart said.
“During their service they have demonstrated their dedication to their community and possess a diverse range of talents, skills and knowledge.
“Each day they perform a wide range of essential duties, from traffic operations to administration, with outstanding skill and professionalism and I thank them for their service.
Constable Angela Mills received the Commissioner’s Certificate (Operational).
“I would like to congratulate each and every one of the officers recognised today.”
Senior Constable Ben Dixon and Senior Constable Chris Smith from Helicopter Support Gold Coast have now attained the status of Tactical Flight Officer.
They have completed all training and demonstrated their ability to perform to a high level in both front and rear seat operations.
Commissioner Stewart said the helicopter and their operating officers played a vital part in combating crime in the South East region.
“These officers do an excellent job as our police presence in the sky, continuing to provide an effective aerial observation platform to police on the ground,” Commissioner Stewart said.
The ‘wings’ were designed by Former Commissioner Bob Atkinson. Only four wings have been presented since the inception of a QPS helicopter.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Des Lacey awarded Acting Inspector Ryan Clark with the Assistant Commissioner’s Certificate of Appreciation.
Commissioner Stewart acknowledged the accomplishment of these officers to have learnt the necessary skills to operate as a flight crew on board the helicopter in a short time frame.
“Our police air crew officers support a range of contemporary policing functions such as searches for offenders and missing persons, drug crop identification, and major event and traffic management,” Commissioner Stewart said.