Clasps for service

By CASEY NEILL
ELEVEN Greater Dandenong police workers received awards for ethical and diligent service on Monday.
They were presented with Victoria Police Service Medals and The National Medal at a Southern Metropolitan Region Division 3 ceremony at the Casey Council offices in Narre Warren.
The Victorian Police Service Medal is awarded to sworn and unsworn employees who’ve completed 10 years’ diligent and ethical service to Victoria Police.
A clasp to the medal is given for each five years’ additional service.
The National Medal is part of the Australian system of honours and awards and recognises 15 years’ diligent service from defence, police, fire, and ambulance service members.
A clasp to the medal is given for each 10 years’ additional service.
Greater Dandenong Local Area Commander Inspector Charles Allen said it was great to have these staff on his team.
“It’s a tough job, so recognising those levels of service is significant,” he said.
“It’s a huge commitment to the community.”
Insp Allen said most other industries retain staff for only a few years, and policing was a satisfying and rewarding job.
“To retain them for an extended period is fantastic,” he said.
“It’s an indication of Victoria Police being an employer of choice.”
Dandenong Crime Scene Services Sergeant Paul Aarons received the Victoria Police Service Medal 40-year clasp.
Unsworn Victoria Police member Suzette Atton received a Victoria Police Service Medal 25-year clasp for her work with Dandenong Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team (SOCIT).
Dandenong Youth Resource Officer Leading Senior Constable Gavan Bennett received a second clasp for his National Medal, while Detective Sergeant Dean Hayes from Greater Dandenong CIU was awarded a Victoria Police Service Medal 20-year clasp.
Leading Senior Constable Kylee Hunt from the Dandenong Uniform division was presented with a Victoria Police Service Medal 15-year clasp and the National Medal.
Colleagues Sergeant Brendan Michael and Senior Constable Gregory Mulley received a Victoria Police Service Medal 15-year clasp and the 20-year clasp, and a Victoria Police Service Medal respectively.
Dandenong Inspector Andrew Miles received the Victoria Police Service Medal 25-year clasp and the National Medal first clasp.
Dandenong SOCIT’s Detective Senior Constable Darren Prestney and Detective Senior Constable Jennifer Van Doorn both took home Victoria Police Service medals.
Springvale officer Sergeant David Sims was awarded the Victoria Police Service Medal and 20-year clasp.