Toodyay’s top cop honoured for bushfire response
Toodyay’s top cop honoured for bushfire response
05 October 2010
published by www.watoday.com.au
Australia — A police officer commended for his work during the devastating Toodyay bushfires was today honoured with the 2010 Police Officer of the Year award.
Sergeant Paul McComish was the officer-in-charge at Toodyay Police Station during the disaster and was nominated for his efforts throughout the bushfire and recovery period.
Toodyay Bushfire Recovery coordinator Charles Wroth nominated Sergeant McComish and said he had remained a reassuring public figure throughout the recovery period and had gone well beyond his job requirements.
When the bushfires tore through the area, Sergeant McCormish organised road blocks and coordinated with fire services during the bushfire response.
During the initial recovery period, he paid special attention to protecting construction materials on property in the fire zone and worked quickly and decisively to crack down on an increase in vandalism.
Sergeant McComish has since moved on from Toodyay to take up a supervisory role at Wanneroo Police Station.
The award was announced by Acting Police Commissioner Chris Dawson, who was joined by Rotary Club of East Perth president Mike Penny to present Sergeant McComish his certificate and shield.
Sergeant McComish was one of three finalists alongside Sergeant David McCutcheon from Wiluna Police Station and First Class Constable Kay Turner from the PCYC Gosnells office.
Mr Dawson said he was proud of all the police officers who received nominations.
