I congratulate five outstanding Blue Mountains Police Officers who are this year’s recipients of Rotary Blue Mountains Police Officer of the Year awards. 
 
Constable Alana Lester, Acting Sergeant Jimmy Atkinson, Constable William Schwarz, Senior Constables Dan Skinner and Pat Dorahy have gone beyond the call of duty in various acts of courage to rescue members of the public as well as keep the community safe. 
 
Constable Lester’s calm under pressure saved a young person’s life, Acting Sergeant Atkinson’s decisive action while off-duty on an unpatrolled beach prevented two swimmers from drowning. As a Highway Patrol Officer, Constable Schwarz’s commitment to speed enforcement has made Blue Mountains roads safer. Senior Constable Dan Skinner and Pat Dorahy’s extraordinary canyon rescue performed in dark, challenging conditions over 10 hours resulted in a successful air lift, saving the life of the injured canyoner. 

   
I also acknowledge Christine Upton who was awarded Administration officer of the year. With 42 years of dedicated service, 23 of those as Police Area Manager of Blue Mountains Police Area Command, Christine has shown extraordinary dedication and passion to her role.   
  

I honour all award winners and thank them on behalf of my community.