Queensland Police Service (QPS) has recognised the exceptional dedication of 80 officers and five civilians to community safety at the Gold Coast District Medals and Awards Presentation on 10 November.
Senior Constable Tyler Swaney, 32, was among several officers awarded the Assistant Commissioner’s Certificate for their steadfast dedication to duty, following a crane rescue on the Gold Coast.
Despite strong winds and a fear of heights, Senior Constable Swaney climbed up to a 40-storey crane to help a young man who had fallen asleep on the concrete ballast of the tower crane.
Alongside his partner, Sergeant Nathan Hunt, Senior Constable Swaney developed a rapport with the distraught man and helped him to descend safely, demonstrating extraordinary communication, courage and commitment to community safety.
“Thankfully we were able to give him the support he needed to resolve the situation safely,” Senior Constable Swaney said.
“It is a reminder of how rewarding our job can be. We can make a difference to someone’s life.”
More than 80 police officers also received awards for acts of courage and dedication, as well as clasps for milestone service, at the Southport ceremony.
Gold Coast Chief Superintendent Kylie Rigg said yesterday’s ceremony was an opportunity to recognise the commitment, professionalism and outstanding service of the many officers striving to make a meaningful difference to the community.
“I congratulate all recipients and thank them for their valued service to the Gold Coast District and the Queensland community we serve,” Chief Superintendent Rigg said.
“These awards not only acknowledge significant career milestones, reflecting years of exemplary service, sacrifice and dedication to keeping our community safe, but also honour the integrity, resilience and dedication our officers demonstrate each day in challenging and even life-threatening circumstances.”
Senior Constable Skyler Mullins was honoured with a Commissioner’s Certificate of Notable Action following a heroic, lifesaving rescue in a hazardous situation.
Senior Constable Mullins showed commendable bravery when he dove into a Redcliffe tidal creek, known to contain bull sharks, to save the life of a driver trapped in a fast-sinking car. Assisted by his partner Senior Constable Blaze Essery, Senior Constable Mullins successfully extracted the man from the vehicle and helped to save his life through CPR.
“It was at the back of my mind that there were bull sharks, but my main priority was protecting my community and saving a life,” Senior Constable Mullins said.
“That’s why I joined the police – to help people in these emergency situations, and it was all worthwhile knowing the man fully recovered in hospital.”
Meanwhile, five civilians were presented with Assistant Commissioner’s Certificates in recognition of their crucial intervention in performing CPR on a driver who suffered a sudden cardiac arrest and crashed on the Gold Coast Highway.
The group obtained an Automated External Defibrillator until emergency services arrived, enabling emergency services to take over and ultimately save the man’s life.
“I also acknowledge the outstanding dedication our community has shown to supporting each other’s safety, with our civilian recipients recognised for their brave and timely intervention in a life-threatening situation,” Chief Superintendent Rigg said.
A career with the Queensland Police Service offers diverse roles, unique challenges, and the chance to make a real difference every day. From emergency response and crime prevention to community engagement and public safety, no two days are ever the same.
From our bustling cities to remote towns and pristine coastline, policing in Queensland offers a career and lifestyle as diverse as the communities you’ll serve.
Looking for a career that stands for more? Stand with us in a challenging and rewarding career. Visit policerecruit.qld.gov.au to apply now.
