The Rotary Clubs of NSW Police Officer of the Year Awards were presented by NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione and Rotary Club of Sydney President, Andrew Laurie, at a gala dinner at the Dockside Pavilion in Darling Harbour, Sydney, tonight (Friday 6 November 2015).
Hundreds of police officers, civilian employees, volunteers, their families, Rotarians and corporate supporters came together to recognise excellence in service across eight categories, as well as the overall Police Officer of the Year.
Detective Sergeant James Asimacopoulos was also named Field Operations Police Officer of the Year.
The award recognises Det Sgt Asimacopoulos’ courage, resilience and service to the community. He was one of the first officers on scene at the Martin Place siege on 15 December 2014, where he approached the window of the Lindt Cafe and saw the offender armed with a shotgun. Despite the significant risk to his own safety, Det Sgt Asimacopoulos remained at the window, where he reported vital information and intelligence to other responding police.
Det Sgt Asimacopoulos has also been recognised for his work with underprivileged youth in Kings Cross Local Area Command and for launching Strike Force Fairbairn in October, 2014. The Strike Force targeted the possession and supply of prohibited drugs in Woolloomooloo and resulted in the arrest and charge of 37 people for 72 offences.
Commissioner Scipione congratulated Det Sgt James Asimacopoulos and his fellow nominees for their outstanding contributions to the community, in demonstrating ‘service above self’, as the Rotary motto reads.
“I have a great deal of admiration for both our winners and our finalists, as they continue to lead by example through their passion and commitment to their respective roles,” Commissioner Scipione said.
“Every member of the NSW Police Force performs an incredible and often challenging job each day.
“That’s why tonight is an important opportunity to not only recognise the extraordinary achievements of the nominees, but to also acknowledge their colleagues, who demonstrate dedication in their duties every single day,” Commissioner Scipione said.
Winners in the other categories include:
Field Operations Local Area Command Police Officer of the Year
-Detective Sergeant James Asimacopoulos
Specialist Operations / Corporate Services Non Local Area Command Police Officer of the Year
-Detective Inspector David Gawel
NSW Rotary Community Award
-Senior Constable Michael Roberts
The IJ (Irene Juergens APM) Fellowship Award – Sworn/ The IJ (Irene Juergens APM) Fellowship Award – Unsworn
-Leading Senior Constable Sascha Orrock & Rana Al-Hinti
NSW Rotary Customer Service Excellence Award
-Detective Sergeant Kristi Faber
NSW Rotary Volunteer of the Year Award
-Terry Healy
NSW Rotary Police Employee of the Year
-Christine Strickland