TWO detectives who nailed a crime syndicate responsible for over 200 burglary and break-in related crimes received the Police Officer of the Year Award from the Rotary Club of Capalaba on Monday.
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Plain Clothes Senior Constable Daniel Wruck from Wynnum Child Protection and Investigation Unit and Plain Clothes Constable Melanie Fuglevik, of Wynnum Criminal Investigation Branch, were part of Operation North Sawtooth which culminated in the arrest of 11 offenders on 163 criminal charges.
The gang stole expensive motor vehicles and smashed their way into stores using sledge hammers to steal expensive electrical items and liquor.
The crimes were committed across south-east Queensland in November and December last year.
The two detectives, together with other police officers, apprentices, employees and business owners were recognised at the Vocational Service Awards presentation function in Cleveland on Monday evening.
Community Police Award
The Community Police Award was given to Senior Constable Nicholas Evans of Cleveland Police Station’s intelligence office.
He was integral to the success of a Operation North Hercinia which aimed to address graffiti offences, mainly in the Redlands.
The operation resulted in the arrest of five people for 337 property and drug offences.
Restitution of $20,000 was ordered to be paid to Redland and Brisbane city councils after the successful prosecution of the offenders.
Outstanding Police Action Award
Redland Bay Police Station’s Sergeant Nick Parkyn was given the Outstanding Police Action Award for his response to a recent siege situation in Chandler, where he was one of the first police officers on the scene, and his ability to remain calm under pressure.
Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said recognition from the community meant a lot to the police officers nominated and awarded.
“This is something I wholly support,” he said.
“We say ‘thank you’ to our officers, but when the community says ‘thank you’ to the police, it’s on a totally different level.”
Employee and business awards
Zac Wallis, an apprentice motor mechanic at Oldmac Mazda Cleveland, received the Phil Boron Award for Apprentice/Trainee for being reliable, punctual and willing to work.
Woolworths Victoria Point sales assistant Anna Blucher was recognised with the Stan Green Award for Sales and Customer Service for providing the best experience for customers.
The Rotary Pride in Workplace Award for best business practices went to Capalaba-based business Fresh Sensations, which has expanded to three locations.
Highly commended certificates
A highly commended certificate was also awarded to Detective Senior Constable Barry Ross of Wynnum Child Protection and Investigation Unit.
Detective Senior Constable Ross spearheaded an investigation which culminated in a man being charged with 14 indecent treatment offences against a child under 16 and one count each of rape and maintaining relationship with a child.
The man was sentenced this year to nine and half years in prison.
Highly commended certificates in the apprentice/trainee category were given to apprentice motor mechanic Lilli Mouatt and apprentice carpenter Rayden Dibbs.
In the sales and customer service category highly commended certificates went to deli manager Melissa Thornton and winemaker Adam Chapman.
