Experienced officer takes the helm

There is a new officer at the helm of the Port Hedland Police Station, Sergeant Jayd Morawski, who brings with him almost 14 years of experience as a police officer across metropolitan and regional WA.

Sgt Morawski is no stranger to the area, transferring from South Hedland Police Station last week to take the reins of the Port Hedland patch, which includes the world’s largest iron ore export port and an international airport.

Sgt Morawski said he was pleased to be offered the officer-in-charge position and hoped to share his diverse policing experience with his young team of officers.

“I have a fairly diverse background, both as a detective investigator and as a general duties country police officer in Geraldton, Kalgoorlie and South Hedland,” he said.

“I’d like to think I can share some of that experience with the younger officers at this station and assist the community with that experience.

“I’ve been a police officer for 14 years and to this day, I’m still excited to come to work.

“I love my job and being able to help the community.”

Sgt Morawski said he hoped to continue to build on the rapport his team had formed with the community in Port Hedland.

“Port Hedland station has been around for a long time and I want to build on the work that’s been done over many years prior to me getting here,” he said.

“The team we’ve got here is a very committed young team of police officers who want the best for their community.

“I want to build on community relationships and I want to make sure Port Hedland is a safe place to live.”

Sgt Morawski said he was passionate about making road safety a priority in the town.

“We had a number of fatalities within our community already this year in the wider district, and I want to make sure we reduce the incidence of road trauma in Port and South Hedland,” he said.

“One of my key commitments is that I want to make sure as a station we are focusing on the roads and making sure people are getting to their destinations safely.

“I’ll make no apologies from the outset — if you are going to drive in a less than safe manner in Port Hedland, you are going to get some attention from the police.”

Sgt Morawski said when he wasn’t busy with police work, he could be found enjoying the natural environment the Hedland lifestyle had to offer.

“I love my fishing and my camping, but what I love about Hedland the most is the fact the people are so friendly,” he said.

“I think that’s what really makes this place.

“It’s those human connections.

“People make more of an effort to get to know their neighbours and workmates.

“I encourage everyone to get involved in the community, it’s a fantastic one.”