Sergeant Quinn made the ultimate sacrifice when, on March 30, 1986, he was shot in the line of duty trying to arrest Patrick Francis Horan at Perthville.

Sergeant Quinn’s parents, Brian and Barbara, attended the ceremony, with Mrs Quinn presenting the recipient, Acting Sergeant John Gallop, with the prestigious award.

Local Area Commander, Superintendent Michael Robinson said he approached the Quinn family with the idea of a perpetual award, after marking the 25th anniversary of Sergeant Quinn’s death last year.

“With the consent of Brian and Barbara, the Chifley Local Area Command has introduced a new award – the Paul Quinn Memorial Officer of the Year Award,” he said.

“It is a prestigious award which from now on will be a permanent part of the history of this command.”

Supt Robinson said what will make this award so special is the fact it will be awarded to an officer who has been nominated by his or her colleagues.

He said the award will focus on the officer who continually achieves; the person who epitomises the traits of excellence in policing.

“It’s not about a single effort – the best job, the most difficult or dangerous job,” Supt Robinson said

“This award targets officers who consistently perform to a high level; the officer who gets the job done, who goes the extra yard for the good of the community whether it’s for victims, witnesses, hunting down offenders or proactively engaging in the workplace.”

Presenting the award, Mrs Quinn described the day as both “proud and sad”.

“It never goes away,” she said.

Recipient, Acting Sergeant John Gallop said he was humbled by the award.

“It’s a massive honour to be judged by your peers,” he said.

“But I can’t help feel there are people more deserving,” he said.