11th October 2007

POLICE DESERVE PRAISE: HALL

Eastern Region MP Peter Hall has heaped praise on local police, making a point of congratulating in Parliament a number of local force members recognised with service medals.

Mr Hall raised the matter in Parliament after attending the National Medal and Victoria Police Service Medal award ceremony held in Morwell early this month.

“On that occasion 47 officers of the Victoria Police coming from the Bass Coast police service area, the Baw Baw police service area and the Latrobe police service area were acknowledged by Superintendent Geoff Newby and Assistant Commissioner Paul Evans for various periods of service,” Mr Hall said.

“It is appropriate to reflect on the outstanding commitment, dedication and contribution made by police officers in this state, and particularly their efforts to maintain community safety. Policing must be one of the most difficult professions to practise.

“It is a profession where personal courage is an attribute more frequently called upon than in many other professions.

“I want to thank and congratulate all of those people and extend my greatest admiration to the officers who received recognition last Wednesday, and also their colleagues in the Victorian police force.”

Mr Hall made particular reference to Detective Senior Sergeant Keith Gilbert, who is with the criminal investigation unit based in the Latrobe Valley.

“Keith has chalked up 35 years service with Victoria Police and has been an outstanding member of the force over that time,” Mr Hall said.

Media contact:                  Peter Hall      (03) 5174 7066   or 0427 747 066