Moments of selfless bravery, heroic acts and commitment to the community often go unnoticed, but now region's most dedicated officers are being honoured.
Placing the safety of the community above their own and performing CPR are just some of the reasons officers from New England Police District received recognition at an awards ceremony this week.
Western Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie, presented more than 30 awards at the ceremony on Tuesday, including eight Certificates of Merit for officers who have shown dedication to duty.
"Due to our remoteness, our police officers are often the first emergency services to arrive at motor vehicle crashes or industrial accidents, cardiac arrests, stabbings or drownings,” he said.
“Therefore, the timely resuscitation and first aid rendered by our police give people the best opportunity for survival.
“As a way of recognising these efforts, I award all officers who undertake resuscitation and professional first aid the Western Region Certificate of Merit, and I refer these officers to the Royal Life Saving Society for further recognition.”
Senior Constable Aaron Unicomb was honoured for his life-saving efforts that helped resuscitate a 47-year-old man, who was unconscious and not breathing at Coonabarabran in 2016.
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Constable Samuel Murray was awarded for his efforts in apprehending a domestic violence offender, who broke free of custody in Moree, in 2018. Constable Murray pursued the man on foot through streets and backyards.
During the pursuit, he was bitten by a dog which later required stitches but continued his pursuit before he apprehended and arrested the man.
Senior Constable Daniel Swadling and Probationary Constable Mekalah Dillon were first on the scene of a crash where a motorcyclist collided with a power pole at Inverell on in 2018.
They performed CPR before the arrival of NSW Ambulance paramedics. They have been awarded for their actions.
Leading Senior Constable Bradley Neppl and Probationary Constable Nicholas Currie were acknowledged for their assistance in performing CPR on a 74-year-old woman at a home at Moree in 2017.
The actions of these two officers helped save this woman’s life.
Senior Constable Rowland and Constable Benjamin Stanley were acknowledged for their actions to assist a woman suffering a cardiac arrest in Boggabilla on in 2017.
The officers provided CPR until NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived and took over. The officers also assisted with roads blocks on the way to Goondiwindi Hospital.