SIX former police officers were presented with National Police Service Medals on Tuesday.
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New Shoalhaven Local Area Commander, Superintendent Steve Hegarty hosted a special morning tea to mark the occasion at the Nowra police station.
Supt Hegarty presented Paul Hawkins, Bob Groenestein, Frank Cummings, Mick Rigg, Neville Whalan and Bob Williamson with medals recognising their service.
Supt Hegarty thanked each man for their service and congratulated them on achieving the honour.
The National Police Service Medal was established in November 2010.
The medal recognises the special status sworn police officers have because of their role protecting the community.
It represents a police officer’s past and future commitment to give ethical and diligent services.
In 2014 Queen Elizabeth agreed for the national medal to recognise service on or after February 1975 when the Australian honours system was established.
While a minimum of 15 years service is required to qualify for the national police medal, it does not represent a distinct period of service.
To be eligible an officer must have served on or after February 1975.
The medals are awarded by the Governor General on the recommendation of the police commissioner.