By Casey Neill
“Keep doing what you’re doing,” says police chief…
Noble Park man Aaron Yates earned an official police thank-you for helping with an arrest.
The 30-year-old received a Letter of Appreciation at the Victoria Police Southern Metro Region Division Three award ceremony at Dandenong Civic Centre on Tuesday 4 October.
It recognised his “outstanding assistance and contribution in apprehending a violent and aggressive offender at Dandenong on 8 September 2016”.
“Your quick action prevented further injury not occurring to both police officers and resulted in a successful resolution to what could have potentially been a more dangerous situation,” the citation said.
Mr Yates said he was driving home on a Thursday night and on Stud Road saw that a police unit had pulled over a driver.
“As I got close to the rear of the vehicle I saw the two officers struggled with a man on the ground,” he said.
His instincts as a security guard kicked in. He performed a U-turn and asked if they needed a hand.
“They said yes,” he said.
“The rest is history.”
Mr Yates said he helped to retrain the man.
“He was being very violent towards the police officers,” he said.
“I just assisted the officers to physically restrain him until they got more units down there.
“Once they had more resources come they both said thank-you to me.”
He never second-guessed making the offer to help.
“I’m always out to help people,” he said.
“I’ve been doing security for the past 13 years. I’m also a volunteer firefighter over at Noble Park.”
He also works for a towing company in Dandenong South and regularly attends car crash scenes alongside police.
Mr Yates said he was very honoured to receive the Letter of Appreciation.
“At the end of the day, I’ll go and help anyone at any time of day,” he said.
“To be honoured … I just can’t put words to it.”
In addition to the letter, Division Three Commander Inspector Paul Hollowood presented Divisional Commendations to four individuals and a group.
Senior Constable Jay Allen received her commendation for “expressing sincere compassion and genuine concern for a victim of prolonged family violence” in Narre Warren on 13 June.
“You showed professionalism and an excellent work ethic by providing safety to the victim and her young child, whilst charging the perpetrator with over 50 serious offences,” the citation read.
He also awarded police from across Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia National Medals, National Police Service Medals, Victoria Police Service Medals and several service clasps.
Sergeant Chris Marlow received a 40-year clasp and Sergeant Kenneth Martin a 35-year clasp.
Assistant Commissioner Robert Hill said the day was an important one for Victoria Police.
“These award ceremonies recognise the diligent and ethical service of our members,” he said.
He said he was pleased to see so many partners and children in the room.
“I am heartened to see friends and family present here today; your loved ones who support you so well in performing your role,” he said.
Mr Hill said police in the south-east were experiencing challenges consistent with other growth corridors across the state.
“That being said, we cannot lose sight of the great work our police do in keeping the community safe,” he said.
“We’re meeting those challenges and demands head-on.”
He said the recently released crime statistics did provide some insight.
“We must also be cognisant of the fact that crime data also reflects the good work of our people,” he said.
“It includes detected crime relating to family violence interventions and drug-related crime.”
Mr Hill urged the police present to be proud of the fact they were members of Victoria Police and based in the Southern Metro Region.
“We are seen as leaders in delivering effective police service. Taskforce Tense and Operation Regarder are just two examples,” he said.
“Please continue doing what you’re doing.”
“That’s what will deliver a safer Victoria.”
See pages 2 and 3 for more award winners.
