Long-tenured Port Stephens police officer Alison Stewart has been named the state's top cop for her years of community policing and commitment to youth guidance and charity work.
Senior Constable Stewart was named the NSW Police Officer of the Year at the weekend - a joint award presented by the Rotary Clubs of NSW and Police at a gala dinner at the Hyatt Regency in Sydney.
Snr Constable Stewart was recognised for her extensive charity work with Backpack Venture - an organisation focused on providing food and goods to children across the Hunter and Western NSW - her long 36-year career as a regional police officer, and her work with youth in her local community.
"Being a police officer is one of the most significant and important jobs anyone can do for their community," Police Commissioner Karen Webb said. "Senior Constable Stewart's exceptional dedication as a police officer, even beyond her operational duties, has not only exceeded the high standards of the NSW Police but has also earned her the respect and admiration of her command, colleagues, and the entire organisation,"
Snr Constable Stewart has been a police officer for 36 years and, in recent years, notably distributed backpacks of essential goods and aid to children devastated by the 2022 Lismore floods.
"Every year, I am amazed by the quality of service and the genuine passion officers have for their communities and their work across the state. These awards are just one way to honour a few of these outstanding officers, and I want to congratulate every winner and nominee," Commissioner Webb said.
The awards were presented on Friday, November 1, by Commissioner Webb and were attended by Police Minister Yasmin Catley, Rotary president Glenn Stafford, and returned inspector Irene Juergens, the first female sergeant to receive the Australian Police Medal for distinguished service.
