On Thursday, June 2 the Rotary Club of Benalla honoured three local, hard-working police officers.
Sergeant Mel Walker, Acting Sergeant Ross Plattfuss and Senior Constable Lisa Atkinson were recognised for their outstanding service to the Benalla community as well as their overall work ethic and alignment with the Victoria Police values.
Those are:
- Integrity;
- Leadership;
- Flexibility;
- Respect;
- Support; and
- Professionalism.
A Rotary spokesperson said Senior Constable Atkinson, from the Proactive Policing Unit, received the award and graciously acknowledged Sergeant Walker and Acting Sergeant Plattfuss for being instrumental in mentoring her throughout her career.
“The Community Police Person of the Year Award was initiated by Benalla Rotary nine years ago through former President Doug Smith,” the spokesperson said.
It was initiated as Rotary felt, at that time, there was little recognition for rural police.
“Senior Sergeant Mark Byers, the officer in charge of Benalla Police Station, was approached to assist in setting up the award to recognise the great work done by our (local) police,” the spokesperson said.
“Benalla Rotary was keen to recognise the outstanding work that Benalla police provide to our community to keep it safe and protected, and to celebrate this in a public forum.
“Presenting of the annual award was felt to be a good news story that often goes unnoticed as there (can be) unjustified negativity around policing and police.
“Our police live and work for the Benalla community and clearly deserve recognition for the work they do ... in often very confronting and dangerous situations.”
The three nominees were considered by their superiors to meet our selection criteria of demonstrated outstanding police service to the Benalla community, and overall work ethic and alignment with the six police force values.
“Senior Sergeant Mark Byers and Senior Sergeant Karlyne Carr were given strong applause on the night of the award for their generous assistance in enabling the award to be presented,” the spokesperson said.
The Rotary Club of Benalla is always seeking new members. For more information email benallasecretary@live.com.au.