The Australian Police Medal (APM) will be awarded to seven dedicated Queensland Police Service (QPS) members and recognised at the King’s Birthday 2023 honours list.
Introduced in 1986, the APM is awarded for distinguished service by a member of an Australian police agency.
Minister for Police Mark Ryan and Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll congratulated seven officers from the QPS who will receive the Australian Police Medal.
Announced twice a year, on Australia Day and the upcoming King’s Birthday, the APM is awarded for distinguished service by a member of an Australian police agency, after being nominated by Commissioners of each policing jurisdiction.
It is a simple decoration—a round silver medal held by a ribbon of white with a dark blue stripe, but it marks its wearers as some of the most dedicated and accomplished police officers in the country.
Police Minister Mark Ryan said these awards represent the commitment of our officers to protect and serve the community, and he was honoured to acknowledge their outstanding achievements and contributions.
“These officers personify what it means to be a member of the Queensland Police Service,” Minister Ryan said.
“I look forward to acknowledging these officers and putting on display their unwavering commitment to serving and protecting our community.”
Commissioner Katarina Carroll said she is incredibly proud they are presenting seven officers, who are leading by example and demonstrating the values and standards that we uphold as a police organisation.
“The APM is a symbol of exceptional service, integrity, and selflessness,” Commissioner Carroll said.
“We pay tribute to the remarkable men and women who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to protect and serve our community.
“The dedication and professionalism of our officers serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for all members of the QPS.”
All recipients will be presented with their medal at an upcoming ceremony.
Inspector Darren Somerville is one of the worthy recipients from the Queensland Police.
Inspector Somerville commenced with QPS on 31 January 1984 and was sworn in as a police officer on 5 July 1985.
He has served as a general duties officer and investigator in rural and remote areas, including Nambour, Cloncurry, Redcliffe, Cooktown, Gladstone, Emerald and Rockhampton.
He was appointed as a detective in 1993 and served as the Officer in Charge of Cooktown CIB and the Gladstone Juvenile Aid Bureau. He has also served as the Officer in Charge of Emerald and Rockhampton Police Stations.
Commencing as Inspector in 2006, he has been integral in disaster management as a District Disaster Coordinator and his leadership and collaboration in the community has been highlighted during the QPS response to bushfires, cyclones, and COVID-19.
He has and continues to serve the community of Queensland as an operational frontline police officer with the expectation to respond, on and off duty, to calls for assistance from members of the public and to emergency incidents.
Inspector Somerville is a dedicated police officer and has a reputation as being professional, supportive, reliable, trustworthy, and maintaining calm and productive workplaces during times of high stress.