Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Tess Walsh visited Bendigo on Monday to personally thank central Victorian police members for their hard work and dedication.
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"Today’s a great opportunity to say thank you on behalf of the chief commissioner," she said.
"Thank you for your work, thank you for your commitment, thank you for looking after your communities in the way you do."
Assistant Commissioner Walsh was speaking at the Western Region Division 5 medal and award ceremony, held at the Capital Theatre.
She presented members with a number of long service medals as well as commendations for courage and dedication to service.
"We work very hard doing what we do on a day-to-day basis and we very rarely stop and acknowledge the work we do and the way we go about it," she said.
Heathcote Sergeant John Olver was presented with a Certificate of Service recognising more than 35 years on the job, along with additional clasps for his Victoria Police Service Medal and National Medal.
He said the recognition was humbling.
"It makes you proud to think back on your achievements," he said.
"I've just absolutely enjoyed the work I've done over the last 37-and-a-half years.
"If there's something that needs to be done police have got a way of getting stuck in and making it happen and achieving the outcomes that are desirous for the community.
"You can do so many different jobs within the one organisation."
A Regional Commendation went to Leading Senior Constable Chad McKenzie for his role in the rescue of an elderly couple from a burning building in Castlemaine.
First Constable Sheldon Robertson and Senior Constable Timothy Elliott received Divisional Commendations for work they performed in relation to a complex and protracted stalking investigation; Sergeant Mark Crossley received a Divisional Commendation for dedication, professionalism and tenacity in conducting a complex and extensive fraud investigation; and Leading Senior Constable Dan O'Bree received a Divisional Commendation for dedication, initiative and professionalism in the execution of 25 search warrants resulting in the solving of approximately 40 crimes.
Leading Senior Constable Michael Balazs and Sergeant Robin Short were awarded National Emergency Medals for their work in the wake of the Black Saturday bushfires in 2009.
