Senior Sergeant Russell Patten from the Endeavour Hills police station received a National Medal and Victoria Police Service Medal for 25 years service during last week’s Victoria Police Service Awards.
By Kelly Yates
Two Casey officers were among more than 30 Region Five members, who last week received national medals for their service.
Senior Sergeant Russell Patten from the Endeavour Hills Police Station received a National Medal and Victoria Police Service Medal for 25 years service while Leading Senior Constable Mark Townsend from the Narre Warren Police Station received a National Medal and Victoria Police Service Medal for 35 years service.
The national award is part of the Australian Honours scheme and is awarded to long-serving emergency service members.
The Victoria Police Service Medal was presented to members who have reached 10 years service and thereafter a clasp is awarded for each additional five-year service milestones.
Sen Sgt Patten said it was nice to be acknowledged for the long service with Victoria Police.
“I wanted to be a police officer at the age of 16, helping the community and those in need,” he said.
Sen Sgt Patten joined the police force when he was 21 years and has worked at the police academy in Glen Waverley, Moe Police Station and the ethical standards department, and is now in charge of the Endeavour Hills Police Station.
“I enjoy coming to work and facing the many challenges every day,” he said.
Region Five Division Two Acting Superintendent Neville Taylor said the honours recognised the recipients’ enormous commitments to keeping the region safe.
“The medals are awarded to members who have demonstrated diligent and ethical service as a member of Victoria Police and to the community of Victoria,” he said.
