WA Police has honoured its very best in the Nine News WA Police Excellence Awards at Crown Perth this morning.
Police Commissioner Chris Dawson said the calibre of nominations received from colleagues and the general community was testament to the work of all WA Police Force officers.
“We strive to make this an exceptional police force, so it’s important to recognise and reward those officers and teams who are doing an excellent job each day,” he said.
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The winner of the individual category was Senior Sergeant Darryl Brandis, officer-in-charge at Mundijong Police Station.
‘Brando’, a 30-year veteran of the force, received multiple nominations, many coming from colleagues who described him as an exceptional leader and role model for junior officers.
He has entrenched himself in the Mundijong area, frequently meeting with the local shire as well as business owners and other local residents.
Senior Sergeant Brandis was also recognised for his empathy with victims of crime.
He has led a number of searches for missing persons, particularly those who are suffering from cognitive impairment.
One of the nominations was from the family of Mr Ian Collett, the subject of a major search earlier this year.
Even though the search ended in tragedy for the Collett family, they wanted to recognise Senior Sergeant Brandis for the compassion and support he provided during the search and in the weeks afterwards.
The finalists in the individual category were Senior Constable Ben Ferris of the Merredin Police Station and First Class Constable Nathan Smith of Broome Police Station.
The winner of the team category was the Mental Health Co-Response team, from the Custodial Services and Mental Health Division, for assisting vulnerable people in the community who are suffering from mental health issues.
This team was established in an Australian-first initiative by WA Police in partnership with the WA Mental Health Commission and the WA Department of Health.
Team members are specially trained in responding to individuals who are experiencing a mental health crisis.
The team values diversity and cultural sensitivity, and recognises that mental illness is not confined to any particular group in society.
The finalists in the team category were Kellerberrin Police Station and Mullewa Police Station.
The winner of the individual award receives a $5000 prize and the two finalists each receive a $1000 prize courtesy of sponsor P&N Bank.
The winning team receives a $5000 prize and the two finalists each receive a $1000 prize courtesy of sponsor Nine News Perth.