Today, at a ceremony in Townsville, four Queensland Police Service (QPS) officers were awarded as everyday heroes for displaying dedication, ownership, and excellence in their duties.
Since its inception in 2014, QBANK’s Everyday Heroes Awards have given the Queensland community an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of members of the QPS, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, Queensland Health, and the public service and justice sectors. The awards celebrate frontline workers who have contributed to a better and safer Queensland by making a positive difference in the community.
QBANK CEO Mike Curry said on behalf of the Queensland community, he wanted to thank the nominees for displaying the great character and commitment frontline services are known for.
“The sheer volume of nominations are a prime example of the dedication and excellence of those who protect, service and heal our communities,” he said.
“It brings me immense pleasure to recognise these nominees and winners for everything they do.
“It is their efforts that will continue to guide what we do at QBANK, and we remain privileged and proud to support those who serve Queensland so bravely.”
Commissioner Katarina Carroll said all finalists should be very proud of their achievements and for their contribution to making Queensland safer.
“All finalists today, not just the winners, should be very proud of their achievements,” Commissioner Carroll said.
“They have displayed commendable bravery and dedication to their roles as a QPS officer, and I sincerely thank them for being an everyday hero.”
Senior Constable Peter McAulay was awarded for showing extreme dedication to the lives around him when he was struck by a stolen car in Ipswich in September 2018.
Senior Constable McAulay was dragged for several metres, suffered broken bones and fractures and was in a coma with critical head injuries.
After countless surgeries and months in rehabilitation, Senior Constable McAulay returned to work, and today was recognised as an everyday hero.
Both Acting Sergeant Paul Bagnall and Constable Kimberly Allen were awarded for showing excellence and innovation within their communities.
Acting Sergeant Bagnall orchestrated the swearing in ceremony for junior police officer Travis Heery, who was diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas. He went above and beyond for the young officer organising members of the Dog Squad, Mounted Unit, Special Emergency Response Team, Scenes of Crime and the EORT robot to make his day extra special.
Constable Allen was awarded for facilitating a Make-a-Wish event for seven-year-old Savannah who was diagnosed with terminal cancer and also dreamed of becoming a police officer.
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Lastly, Senior Sergeant Tracey Hartley was awarded for her initiative in Uniforms 4 Kids.
To date, Senior Sergeant Hartley has distributed more than 1,000 items of clothing to victims of bush fires, local hospitals, domestic violence shelters, NGOs and schools.
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In addition to the above, Senior Constable Adrian Studholme, Sergeant Paul James and Senior Constable Amanda Gould were finalists for providing life-saving treatment to a 10-week-old baby who presented at their station counter. Senior Constable Dane Britton, Senior Constable Matt Powell and Senior Constable Ryan Cole were also finalists for completing 166km in 24 hours and raised $20,000 for the Children’s Hospital Foundation. Inspector Andrew Cowie was also a finalist for his involvement in rescuing four backpackers who were trapped in floodwaters in north Queensland valley for several days.
