Wrestling a man who was throwing knives and calming a person who was holding a sword were just two situations local police officers have been recognised for.
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Several Batemans Bay and Moruya police officers were recognised at last week’s Far South Coast regional awards for their efforts in the force.
The awards are held annually for officers in the local area command, which stretches from Bawley Point to the Victorian border. It also recognises members of the public who have helped police.
At this year’s ceremony, held in Narooma, Batemans Bay officers took home about half of the awards.
Senior Constable Scott McLean was given three – a Rescue Award, Commander’s Commendation and 20 years of service.
Sen Const McLean was one of three officers who attended a domestic dispute in 2008 where a man was threatening to kill a woman.
While they were speaking to the victim, the man turned up with two large knives and threw them at the officers. He was then sprayed, restrained and arrested.
“It was a volatile situation that was contained quickly,” Sen Const McLean said.
Crime prevention officer Dave Bates has been with Batemans Bay and Moruya police for four years, and received the commendation for his courage during a violent arrest.
Const Bates, along with Senior Constable Cynthia Trevallion, were called to Narooma Plaza in Sept-ember last year.
Two drunk and aggressive men confronted Const Bates, and assaulted him during a violent struggle.
“I was working at Moruya at the time and was called out to assist,” he said.
The pair arrested the violent men and took them to Batemans Bay station.
Const Bates said he didn’t think anything of it at the time.
“It’s the job police do on a daily basis,” he said.
Const Craig Thompson said the same thing about the police award he received for his professionalism during a threat of self-harm in Sunshine Bay last year.
A man, affected by drugs and alcohol, was threatening to kill himself with a sword.
Const Thompson spoke compassionately with him and he later surrendered to police.
Intelligence officer Tom McAlpin, who was recognised for 20 years of service, said the awards usually depended on what had happened that year in the local area command.
Snr Const McAlpin was one of six Batemans Bay officers who were recognised for 20 years of service in the police force.
He has worked in Albury, with the Water Police in Eden, as a lock-up keeper in Bombala and has held his current position for more than three years.
He couldn’t believe that 20 years had flown by.
“I still remember my first day on the job as if it was yesterday,” he said.
Award winners
Oher Batemans Bay officers who received awards:
