Police officer who went above and beyond handed top award

When Senior Constable Leanne Gearside from Hawkesbury police had a call out to a local nursing home after 97-year-old military veteran William Melling lost his World War II medals, she not only investigated, she also went out of her way to have replicas made when the originals couldn’t be found.

Hawkesbury MP Robyn Preston (left) presents Senior constable Gearside with her award

The act of kindness meant Mr Melling’s dying wish that the medals be presented on his coffin at his funeral and handed to his young relatives could be honoured, and his family were relieved and grateful to the officer.

That above and beyond call was recognised last night when Senior Constable Gearside was awarded the Hawkesbury City Chamber of Commerce Customer Service Excellence Award at an event organised by Rotary Club of Windsor.

The officer was presented with the award by Hawkesbury MP Robyn Preston who had previously mentioned the good work in a speech in State Parliament, recorded on official Hansard Records, acknowledging the work of Senior Constable Gearside.