Further eight detectives recognised for excellence in policing, NSW

A further eight detectives have been recognised for their service and commitment to the NSW Police Force at the 15th annual State Crime Command Excellence Awards.

Organised by the Rotary Club of Holroyd and the NSW Police Force, the presentation was held over two days, with eight awards presented at the NSW Police Force Headquarters at Parramatta from 10am on Monday (2 November 2020).

In accordance with the current Public Health Orders, a further eight awards were presented yesterday (Tuesday 3 November 2020).

State Crime Commander, Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith, once again 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 congratulated each award recipient for their devotion to their work and the wider community.

“Each of these detectives has displayed incredible passion for policing and protecting the people of New South Wales,” Assistant Commissioner Smith said.

“Their diligence, skill and strong commitment to their work have earned them the respect of their peers who nominated them for these awards, and they should be extremely proud of that.

“They are a credit to their commands and the NSW Police Force, and we acknowledged them for their resolve and tenacity in investigating some of the state’s most complex crimes.

“The State Crime Command has a reputation for conducting deliberate, systematic and highly-skilled investigations, and it’s through the ongoing dedication and leadership of our detectives that we continue to deliver such outstanding results,” Assistant Commissioner Smith said.

Recipients include;

Awardee – Detective Senior Constable Troy Funnell – Organised Crime Squad

Detective Senior Constable Troy Funnell has been attached to the Organised Crime Squad for the past four years and during this time has continually displayed outstanding skills in criminal investigation.

While Det Snr Cst Funnell has led many noteworthy investigations, one great example was his success with Strike Force Nindi – a joint NSW Crime Commission investigation – which commenced in May 2017 following suspicious transactions at a casino by interstate residents.

The investigation was complex and resulted in eight arrests across NSW and Victoria – with 32 state and commonwealth charges laid – the seizure of more than $1 million cash and over $1 million in assets, as well as a commercial quantity of methamphetamine.

Highly Commended – Detective Senior Constable Stephen Hudson – Organised Crime Squad

Detective Senior Constable Stephen Hudson is a highly motivated and hardworking detective attached to the Organised Crime Squad.

Det Snr Cst Hudson leads complex and protracted investigations and has been recognised for his role in coordinating a multi-agency investigation into the importation and supply of methylamphetamine and money laundering under Strike Force Diffey.

Awardee – Detective Senior Constable Therese Honess – Cybercrime Squad

Detective Senior Constable Therese Honess is part of the Cybercrime Squad’s general investigations team, and voluntarily took up the challenge to improve exhibit management and complete a full audit of outstanding exhibits. She is recognised for her dedication to improving the functionality of the squad.

Highly Commended – Detective Senior Constable Luke Cheney – Cybercrime Squad

Detective Senior Constable Luke Cheney has been with the Cybercrime Squad since 2016 and is currently a specialist investigator.

He is a dedicated, professional team player and is well regarded as a knowledgeable and competent cybercrime investigator. Det Snr Cst Cheney is always willing to help others and provide expert investigative advice to local police across the state.

Awardee – Detective Sergeant Michael Flanagan – Robbery and Serious Crime Squad

Detective Sergeant Michael Flanagan is recognised for his role in the successful resolution of Strike Force Stolle – established in response to the attempted murder and kidnapping of four people in Western NSW in October 2018.

The risk level of this incident was high, due to the extreme violence used by the offenders, the fact they were armed and that they were travelling in a large area. Det Sgt Flanagan quickly established a command post and tasked over 25 staff members to various roles, while coordinating specialist units in their tactical response.

He is well respected by his team members, peers and management, and is an outstanding role model for all detectives at the Robbery and Serious Crime Squad.

Highly Commended – Detective Sergeant James Mooney – Robbery and Serious Crime Squad

Detective Sergeant James Mooney has led numerous major investigations achieving successful outcomes during his tenure at the Robbery and Serious Crime Squad.

Strike Force Flavel was an investigation launched into a series of armed robberies in Sydney’s south west last year, which was led by Det Sgt Mooney and resulted in the arrest of multiple offenders.

Det Sgt Mooney is recognised for his tenacity as an investigator who provides consistent, high level leadership and who conducts himself in an extremely professional manner.

Awardee – Detective Senior Constable Robert Tomasic – Financial Crimes Squad

Detective Senior Constable Robert Tomasic is recognised for his role as lead investigator in Strike Force Kurraka – established in January 2018 to investigate a criminal syndicate involved in the large-scale identify theft and fraud against financial institutions.

Det Snr Cst Tomasic and his team conducted an extensive and thorough investigation, that resulted in the execution of nine search warrants and arrest of seven people for a range of fraud and money laundering offences.

Highly Commended – Detective Senior Constable Natalie Burston – Financial Crimes Squad

Detective Senior Constable Natalie Burston is recognised for her role in Strike Force Kurla – established to investigate the circumstances surrounding suspicious bushfire activity in and around the Lake Macquarie Police District in late 2018 and early 2019.

Det Snr Cst Burston established that a teenage boy had called in a number of fires within that period, and after a thorough assessment of a spate of fires, he was charged with bushfire offences. She is commended for her work on a challenging case which required diligent and tenacious investigative and leadership skills.

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