General News
6 March, 2026
Courage honoured
MORE than 20 dedicated Queensland Police Service (QPS) officers and one civilian were recognised for their courage, service and professionalism at the Far Northern Region Honours and Awards Ceremony in Cairns today.
The ceremony honoured QPS members marking service milestones, or who had gone above or beyond their normal course of duties.
Standing out among the officers, Shaun Whitmore was awarded the Assistant Commissioner’s Certificate in recognition of his assistance to the QPS.
On 6 April 2022 he demonstrated exceptional courage when a 70-year-old man failed to resurface at Lake Tinaroo.
Mr Whitmore used his own diving equipment to conduct an underwater search and located the man.
In 2018, Senior Sergeant Rebecca Bradley, Constable Kaan Burns and Detective Senior Constable Maryce Jackson responded to reports of an armed man. When the officers intercepted the vehicle, the offender fled on foot carrying a concealed item.
Senior Sergeant Bradley immediately engaged, physically restraining the man despite his attempts to escape. Officers later located a sawn-off shotgun in his possession.
The officers were each awarded the Commissioner’s Certificate of Notable Action.
In addition, to the armed man response, in 2023, Senior Constable Burns was noted for a call to Crystal Cascades following reports a man had gone missing in fast-flowing water.
Constable Burns navigated dangerous conditions to reach the man and commenced CPR.
In 2020, Detective Senior Constable Jackson apprehended an offender while off duty in Aurukun, restraining him until assistance arrived.
Several officers were awarded the Queensland Police Exemplary Conduct Medal, National Medal, and clasps marking 15, 20, 25 and 35 years of service.
Far Northern Region Assistant Commissioner Brett Schafferius said the Honours and Awards Ceremony was one of his favourite QPS events.
“It’s important that we take time to recognise the incredible work of our officers and staff, and acknowledge their bravery and dedication,” Assistant Commissioner Schafferius said.
“Every day these police demonstrate outstanding skill, resilience and commitment to duty. They show up to work not knowing what to expect yet continue to protect the community from harm.
“It’s an honour to work alongside such incredible people and the Far North should be assured that we have some of the most dedicated police in Queensland serving them.”
