State and national awards were presented for diligent service to three officers and Deniliquin-based general admin officer Mardi Joss.
Constable Rory McNamara, who is new to Deniliquin, was also part of the ceremony, taking his affirmation of office.
Mrs Joss and Deniliquin police officer in charge Jy Brown were specifically honoured for their roles in Operation Border Closure, which launched at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“On July 7, 2020, the Murray River Police District was advised the New South Wales and Victorian border would be closed immediately due to the pandemic,” Chief Insp Brown said.
“The initial stand up orders included implementing, operating and maintaining 17 border check points in our police district.
“There were 11 officers across the Murray River district to receive a commander’s unit citation for their role in this operation.
“I was involved as the operations portfolio holder for the Murray River Police District, and Mardi and three other administration staff were also recognised for the roles they played.”
Mr Brown and Senior Constable Robyn Brown were also presented with the National Medal first clasp and NSW Police Medal third clasp at the ceremony.
The National Medal is given for 15 years of service, with a first clasp presented on 25 years of service.
The NSW Police Medal is presented for 10 years of “diligent and ethical service”, with clasps presented for every five years served thereafter.
Detective Casey Braz received his NSW Police Medal for 10 years of service.
The ceremony was hosted at the Mulwala Golf Resort Thursday last week, with special guests including Murray River Police District Commander Superintendent Paul Smith, Federation Council Mayor Patrick Bourke, the police district’s senior management team and officers and their families.