The dedicated work of eight detectives and support staff has been recognised at the 15th annual NSW Police Force State Crime Command Excellence Awards.
Organised by the Rotary Club of Holroyd and the NSW Police Force, the presentation was held at the NSW Police Force Headquarters at Parramatta from 10am today (Monday 2 November 2020).
In accordance with the current Public Health Orders, a further eight awards will be presented at Parramatta tomorrow (Tuesday 3 November 2020).
State Crime Commander, Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith, extended his sincere appreciation to President Rotary Cumberland, Mrs Vera Liondas, the Governor of NSW, Her Excellency, The Honourable Margaret Beazley AO GC, and the Macquarie Group for their ongoing support of the awards in their absence this year due to COVID-19 protocols.
Assistant Commissioner Smith commended all award recipients on the exemplary work performed in service to their commands, the organisation and the community.
“To receive one of these awards is a great honour and I congratulate each of the detectives and members of our support staff who have been recognised,” Assistant Commissioner Smith said.
“Each recipient has demonstrated a pursuit in excellence in their chosen career as an investigator and NSW Police Force employee – while serving the people of New South Wales.
“It is their ongoing contribution to investigative policing that enables the State Crime Command to continue its strong commitment to tackling and disrupting serious and organised crime in our community,” Assistant Commissioner Smith said.
Those recognised represent squads and specialist units across the State Crime Command and have been integral to the investigation of serious and organised crime across the state.
Recipients include;
Awardee – Inspector Glenn Morfoot – Homicide Squad
Detective Glenn Morfoot was an integral member of the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad for 15 years, before his promotion to Inspector at Cumberland Police Area Command last year.
During his tenure, Det Morfoot responded to 310 homicides, working many hours away from family and friends to seek justice for victims and their families.
Det Morfoot’s depth of experience in managing homicide investigations was invaluable and he was often called upon for advice by police investigating deaths across the state.
Highly Commended – Detective Sergeant Ricky Hennessy – Homicide Squad
Detective Sergeant Ricky Hennessey was recognised for his ability to motivate and encourage a team required to operate within a traumatic environment.
Of note, Det Sgt Hennessey was involved in Strike Force Nerium, established in 2018 to investigate the brutal murder of a 20-month-old baby on the state’s Mid North Coast. Following several months of dedication and tireless investigations, two people were arrested and charged.
Awardee – Detective Senior Constable Kerrie Landers – Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad
Detective Senior Constable Kerrie Landers has been performing duties as an investigator at the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad since May 2012.
Over the past eight years, she has been responsible for the arrest of 98 offenders who were charged with child sexual abuse or serious physical abuse.
Det Snr Cst Landers has always maintained a significant caseload while working at the squad, and today she is recognised for her professionalism and compassion while performing her duties.
Highly Commended – Detective Senior Constable Tim Axtens – Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad
Detective Senior Constable Tim Axtens has been a member of the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad’s Child Exploitation Internet Unit (CEIU) for nearly six years.
During that time, Det Snr Cst Axtens has led and assisted in countless investigations involving the online sexual exploitation of children, which has led to the arrest of dozens of sexual predators.
Awardee – Detective Senior Constable Justin Harnott – Drug and Firearms Squad
In 2017, Detective Senior Constable Justin Harnott instigated Strike Force Kilkee to investigate a criminal syndicate involved in the large-scale cultivation of cannabis.
This investigation was extraordinarily complex with the hydroponic houses being obtained under false identities while the offenders utilised false identification information in an attempt to move around Sydney undetected.
Det Snr Cst Harnott displayed great tenacity and dedication during the investigation, which resulted 17 search warrants being executed across eight police area commands and the dismantling of 15 hydroponic grow houses.
Highly Commended – Patricia Ward – Drug and Firearms Squad
Patricia Ward is recognised for her dedication and professionalism as the manager of the Drug and Firearms Squad’s Drug and Alcohol Coordination Unit.
Patricia was instrumental in developing the squad’s methylamphetamine strategy and coordinates focus groups and workshops across the state. She also meticulously prepared documentation to be presented to the ‘Special Commission of Inquiry into the Drug Ice’.
Her ground-breaking work to expand the Adult Drug Diversion Scheme and implement an early warning system to alert drug users to dangerous substances circulating in the community, has the potential to change the drug environment for both police and the community moving into the future.
Awardee – Detective Senior Constable Steven Bernhorster – Criminal Groups Squad
Detective Senior Constable Steven Bernhorster is recognised for his role as a senior investigator on Strike Force Lovelle, established to investigate the manufacture of prohibited drugs across NSW.
Inquiries to date have resulted in the arrest and charge of several offenders, the dismantling of clandestine laboratories at Menangle, Rossmore and Mt Hunter, as well as the seizure of prohibited drugs and drug manufacturing equipment.
Det Snr Cst Bernhorster has demonstrated a level of devotion to duty, persistence and professionalism that warrants recognition.
Highly Commended – Detective Senior Constable Nicole Follington – Criminal Groups Squad
Detective Senior Constable Nicole Follington is a senior investigator with over 17 years’ service and commenced duties at the Criminal Groups Squad’s Strike Force Raptor in December 2017.
She is highly regarded for her commitment, dedication, and unwavering professionalism. She has consistently demonstrated excellence in policing and is an outstanding role model.
In addition, Det Snr Cst Follington provides expert advice and guidance to her colleagues and is regularly called upon to undertake the role of lead investigator for major and protracted cases.
