Rotary honours police

This is the first year the award has been extended to acknowledge members of the NSW Police Force.

Deniliquin Rotarian Ian McAtamney said Snr Const Joice was chosen for the award as Deniliquin’s Police Officer of the Year because of his ‘‘exceptional contributions’’ to Deniliquin.

Snr Const Joice joined the force in 1988 and his first posting was to general duties at the Deniliquin Police Station.

It was while working here he met his wife Sam, which has led him to spend his entire career at Deniliquin.

During this time Snr Const Joice has worked in the Murray District Anti Theft Squad and Criminal Investigations Unit, which included a specific assignment for Strike Force Rodi, investigating the triple murders of Steven and Barbara Brooks and Barbara’s 13 year-old son Stacie Willoughby.

In 2003, Snr Const Joice joined the Crime Management Unit, where he doubled in intelligence and brief management, and currently works within the Crime Prevention Unit and serves as licensing officer and crime prevention officer.

Snr Const Joice said it is rare for a police officer to spend their entire career at one station.

‘‘With Senior Constable Ross Currie and Sergeant Jen Choice now retired, I believe I am the longest serving police officer at the Deniliquin station, and all my service has been here in Deniliquin,’’ he said.

‘‘My longevity is because it is a good community — it’s big enough that you have what you need, and small enough that it’s not like the cities; I really think this place in which we live is a best kept secret.

‘‘Part of the reason I am still here is because I married a local woman, but also I think ‘why would you want to leave?’.

‘‘We have a community that respects the police and each other.’’

Snr Const Joice thanked Deniliquin Rotary for noticing and recognising the commitment to his work.

‘‘Rotary, like many organisations here, look to make this a better place to live, and that’s exactly what our role as police officers is too.

‘‘Groups like this are testament to why we have such a good community.’’

Snr Const Joice received his award at Monday’s Rotary meeting.

It was presented by Edward River Council Mayor Norm Brennan.

Murray River Police District Commander Det Supt Paul Smith and Deniliquin officer in charge Det Insp Jy Brown were also special guests at the presentation.

Snr Const Joice now goes on to contest the Rotary District 9790 Police Officer of the Year Award.