At a presentation ceremony in Oamaru to mark the public service contributions of nine Waitaki-based police officers, Detective Warren Duncan received a District Commander's Commendation for his work in charge of the year-long drugs investigation Operation Nest, which led to 35 offenders being arrested in relation to a total of 228 drug-related offences between 2009 and 2010.
Operation Nest, an organised crime operation focusing on the misuse of prescription medication and property, resulted in arrests in Waitaki, the Greater Auckland area, and Whakatane.
Relieving District Commander Superintendent Richard Chambers said the operation and Det Duncan's ''never let go'' attitude had made a ''significant impact'' on the drugs scene in the district.
Not only were offenders ''held to account'' but Det Duncan went ''well beyond that'' by also educating people in the community about drug misuse.
The work of Senior Constable Sandra Agnew in investigating child abuse and adult sex assault cases was also recognised with an Area Commander's Commendation.
Her award was not only a ''thank you'' from the police and local community, but more importantly from ''the little people'' who who were too young to have a voice of their own, Supt Chambers said.
A total of nine awards were presented to Waitaki police officers, including 14-year long service and good conduct medals to Senior Constables Gary Mahuika and Stuart Dowling, three 21-year long service medals to Senior Constables Darrin Low, Ross Lory and Carrie Hamilton, as well as a 28-year long service medal to Det Warren Duncan.
A New Zealand Police certificate of appreciation was also awarded to North Otago LandSAR adviser John Van Leeuwen, who stepped down from his role with LandSAR after 25 years.
Supt Chambers said the awards were not only a recognition for the police officers, but also their families.
''I don't believe it would be possible to do this job without the support of our loved ones.
''Policing is tough, very tough.
''The job that we do is not easy and the decisions we have to make are not easy.''
