Queensland Corrective Services officers who bravely responded to control protests in Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre during COVID-19 lockdowns today received the high honour of a Commissioner’s Unit Citation award.
Minister for Corrective Services Mark Ryan and Commissioner Paul Stewart APM formally presented 145 officers with their awards – the first time the prestigious unit citations have been conferred.
“These officers demonstrated significant courage and commitment and, accordingly, are worthy recipients of this acknowledgment.”
“Tactical response officers from other correctional centres worked shoulder-to-shoulder with their Arthur Gorrie colleagues to stop the outbreaks.
“Thanks to the efforts of these officers there was no serious injury during the protests which is a testament to the professional conduct of responding officers.
“These officers demonstrated great courage, dedication and commitment to community safety and we thank them for their extraordinary service.”
Commissioner Stewart praised the 145 officers who received Unit Citations for their critical work in a highly dynamic and volatile environment.
“The work of QCS officers during the incident ensured the safety of officers, prisoners and the community and I personally commend each and every one of them for their efforts,” Commissioner Stewart said.
“Correctional work and the daily challenges we face and overcome are not always acknowledged or well-understood by the broader community.
“The importance of formally recognising and awarding those among our workforce who significantly exceed their performance of duty, who demonstrate bravery, sustained commitment, duty, excellence and meritorious service cannot be overstated.”
The Commissioner’s Unit Citation award is part of the QCS Honours Program introduced in 2019 and is presented to a group of officers for outstanding conduct, professionalism or exceptional proficiency in operations, or operations support.
