More than 30 Queensland Police Service members and community members have been recognised for their outstanding service, courage and dedication at the Darling Downs District Honours and Awards Ceremony today.
The ceremony celebrated recipients of national and Queensland Police Service honours, including the Queensland Police Bravery Medal, Blue Heart Medal, Exemplary Conduct Medals, National Emergency Medals, National Police Service Medals, Queensland Police Service Medals and Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner Certificates.
Among those recognised was Senior Constable Brandon Smart, who received the Queensland Police Bravery Medal for his courageous actions during widespread flooding caused by Tropical Cyclone Alfred in March 2025. Senior Constable Smart entered fast-flowing floodwaters to rescue an elderly woman trapped inside a sinking vehicle, placing his own safety at risk to save her life.
Earlier release: Floodwater rescue, Glenore Grove – Queensland Police News
Senior Constable John Melandri was awarded the Queensland Police Blue Heart Medal in recognition of injuries sustained while protecting fellow officers and members of the public during an operational incident in Wujal Wujal in 2019.
Acting Inspector Greg Wheeler was recognised with the Queensland Police Exemplary Conduct Medal with a Leadership Clasp for his exceptional leadership and support of staff following the Wieambilla tragedy, while Senior Sergeant Johanne Windsor received the Queensland Police Exemplary Conduct Medal with a Disaster Management Clasp for her outstanding leadership during the Queensland Police Service’s COVID-19 response, overseeing border operations and supporting one of the largest public health responses in the state’s history.
National Emergency Medals were awarded to Chief Inspector Danny Shaw, Senior Sergeant Anthony Neumann and Detective Sergeant Bradley Stark for their service during the 2019 bushfires. Senior Constable Christopher Hay was recognised for his service during the 2009 Victorian bushfires, while Plain Clothes Constable Anthony Vanderham received medals for his response to the 2022 Queensland floods.
Community members Jamie-Lee Le Grange, William Bailey and Ashley Riesenweber were acknowledged for their selfless actions in assisting police and members of the public during life-threatening emergencies, demonstrating the vital partnership between police and the community.
Darling Downs District Officer Superintendent Kelly Hanlen said the ceremony recognised the exceptional commitment of police officers and community members who consistently go above and beyond in service to others.
“Today’s recipients represent the very best of our organisation and our community. Whether through extraordinary acts of bravery, decades of dedicated service or unwavering commitment to supporting others, each recipient has made a lasting contribution to the safety and wellbeing of Queenslanders.”
Superintendent Hanlen said the awards reflected the professionalism, compassion and resilience demonstrated by officers across the Darling Downs District every day.
“Behind every medal and certificate is a story of courage, sacrifice and service. These honours recognise not only remarkable individual achievements, but also the values that define the Queensland Police Service-integrity, professionalism and a steadfast commitment to protecting our communities.”
The Queensland Police Service congratulates all recipients and thanks them for their outstanding service and dedication to the Queensland community.
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