THE distinguished career of one of the city’s top cops has been highlighted after Inspector Ross Wilkinson was named as one of eight police across the state to receive an Australian Police Medal as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
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Inspector Wilkinson, already a recipient of the prestigious Commissioner’s Valour Award for bravery, is a duty officer within Chifley Local Area Command.
A second generation police officer, Inspector Wilkinson, who also has a brother in the service, was recognised for his long-running service to the people of NSW.
News of Inspector Wilkinson’s Australian Police Medal was released yesterday, and the officer was humbled by the recognition.
He said he was appreciative of the award but also embarrassed to be singled out.
“Only because there are so many fine policemen and women out there who are just as deserving,” he said.
“I’m humbled to think I’ve been nominated and, that said, truly appreciative of the opportunity.”
Inspector Wilkinson began his career 23 years ago in Newtown.
Since then he has served with the Tactical Response Group, South Region and the Tactical Operations Unit, State Protection Group.
He was recognised in 1993 by the Commissioner for outstanding negotiation and operational skills shown during the “Cangai Siege”.
Inspector Wilkinson was awarded the prestigious Commissioner’s Valour Award in 1996 for bravery displayed during the arrest of an armed offender during a hostage incident at Burwood.
While he has found himself “in a few” siege situations through his role in Tactical Operations, he doesn’t count that as his most challenging work.
“Every facet of policing has its own challenges,” he said.
“I was a supervisor at Brewarrina for two years, and there we battled resources, remoteness and conflict in the community.”
Inspector Wilkinson said he believes his medal recognises his efforts to make communities healthier places to be.
He described policing as a rewarding job, which brings with it significant highs and lows.
“My dad is a police officer and so is my brother Scott. Between us we have 82 years of experience in NSW Police,” he said, adding he’d seen plenty of challenges and moments of personal rewards.
He said he loves working in Bathurst and hopes to stay here a while, adding “bush policing” gives officers the best opportunity to work with the community.
“Here you get to start and finish a job, work and interact with the community. That’s something you don’t get in metropolitan areas.”
