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BENDIGO inspector Gerry Rudkins has been awarded Victoria’s first National Police Service Medal.
Chief commissioner Ken Lay and deputy commissioner Kieran Walshe presented the award at Epworth Hospital, where Inspector Rudkins is gravely ill with cancer.
The award was introduced this year to recognise the ethical and diligent service of members with at least 15 years’ service.
Inspector Rudkins has been a member of Victoria Police for more than 30 years, working across several Victorian branches including Coburg, Broadmeadows, Sunshine, Bacchus Marsh, Ballarat, Castlemaine and Bendigo.
He also worked in the homicide and second-hand dealers squad.
“This is a very special medal – no one has received it yet, Gerry is the first to be awarded,” Mr Lay said.
“You’ve been a wonderful servant to Victoria Police, the community and your family and friends.
“I’m very proud to be presenting this to you.”
Inspector Rudkins was diagnosed with cancer of the spine, a secondary cancer to what was later discovered to have started on the tonsils, early last year.
He wrote of his diagnosis in his Ask the Inspector column in the Bendigo Advertiser, saying he planned to retire from the police force in 10 years.
“Last year I was on top of the world – an inspector with Victoria Police, I was the police service area manager at Bendigo, a city that I love,” he wrote.
“I loved my job and think I was good at it.”
Close friend Acting Superintendent Greg Hough said few would argue with that.
“Gerry has been a fantastic leader and mentor to all of his staff who have worked with him,” he said.
“He is a very well respected member locally and within the organisation.”
Gerry’s sister, Geraldine Bateman, yesterday said Gerry had enjoyed a long and distinguished career with Victoria Police “in a job he freely admits to thoroughly enjoying”.
“He is so suited to the job with his great rapport with people and he has the respect of so many from different walks of life,” she said.
“He has received numerous awards and commendations along the way and to receive this medal I think highlights the esteem he is held in by both his colleagues and his superiors.”
