Cops take out top prize

South Hedland Police Station has taken out the gong in the team category at the State’s police excellence awards following a year of critical local emergencies.

The event, held last week at Crown Perth, celebrated the best of policing in WA with accolades across two major categories.

South Hedland Police won top squad of 2020 and will take home $5000 after receiving multiple nominations from locals throughout the Pilbara District.

Officers were praised for their passionate, caring and brave service in a number of critical incidents throughout the year such as rescuing a young boy from a house fire and the South Hedland Square stabbing frenzy that left multiple people injured.

Senior Constable Pete Steeger said the station was “thrilled” and “humbled” by the award following what had been a tumultuous year for Port Hedland.

“It’s been a whirlwind year for the whole community and we are really proud of some of our successes, in particular the significant reduction in family violence and our work around alcohol related harm,” he said.

“When policing in a town as complex and diverse as Hedland, the community is a vital team member so we really want to thank them for their support and assistance.

“The way the community rallied after each hurdle was really inspirational to us all and drives us to continue the good work next year.”

Port Hedland officer-in-charge Sen. Sgt Jeremy Marklew spoke recently to the North West Telegraph about the crime slashed throughout the community as a result of his approach to policing.

During October, South Hedland’s family violence statistics dropped 39 per cent compared with the same month last year.

Burglary offences have fallen by 55.6 per cent this year, compared with the five-year average.

Commissioner Chris Dawson said that 164 nominations were received this year across all categories and every submission told a compelling story of exceptional service.

He said they demonstrated the many ways police go “above and beyond” to engage with their respective communities.

Perth-based Senior Constable Sam Lim of the Diversity and Engagement Unit and Community Engagement Division won top individual on the night.