NSW: 299 officers and five dogs graduate from Goulburn

AAP General News (Australia)
08-29-2008
NSW: 299 officers and five dogs graduate from Goulburn

By Katelyn John

SYDNEY, Aug 29 AAP - Carts the police dog, stabbed to death while on duty, has been
honoured in a dedication ceremony as more then 300 new recruits - including five canines
- graduated to join the NSW Police Force.

Carts died from stab wounds after cornering a fleeing suspect on NSW's south coast last December.

Named after the late David Carty - a police officer fatally shot on duty - Carts received
a posthumous special bravery award from the German Shepherd Dog Council of Australia earlier
this year.

Today, he was remembered in a dedication ceremony at the Dog and Horse Memorial at
the Goulburn Police College attended by NSW Police Minister David Campbell and Police
Commissioner Andrew Scipione.

A commemorative plaque was added to the memorial - which remembers fallen police dogs
and horses - and framed photos of Carts were presented to the officers who investigated
and arrested his killer.

After the ceremony, Mr Scipione welcomed 304 new recruits from the southern NSW college
into the NSW Police Force.

The new probationary constables come from across Australia and beyond - including Egypt,
Vietnam, Fiji, England, Germany and Chile.

The 76 women and 223 men - 16 aged over 41 - were welcomed into the force by Mr Scipione,
who promised them "more than just a career" as they took the oath of office.

"Looking ahead, I see a police force that will benefit from the enthusiasm, skills
and diversity our new recruits bring," he said.

"Each of these new officers has chosen a career in policing that brings with it both
challenges and opportunities, but most of all daily rewards.

"In return for their diligent service, these new officers will have experiences and
challenges that make policing more than just a career."

The new recruits bring the NSW Police Force to almost 15,500 serving members.

Also graduating today were three police dogs and two drug detection dogs - Scottie,
Owen, Taylor, Aster and Cora - joining the force after three months of intensive training.

Four police officers received a Commissioner's Commendation for Courage for their commendable
service in performing their duty.

Inspector Mark Christie, Senior Constable Brett Wright and Probationary Constable Semisi
Falekakala were honoured for their courageous actions at a violent domestic incident in
which a man doused in kerosene set himself alight.

Senior Constable Andrew Mayfield received the commendation for risking his own life
to save a woman who tried to throw herself from a building.

"The police officers recognised here today acted with courage, selflessness and professionalism
in order to protect the community," Mr Scipione said.

"I am honoured to present this award to the officers who put their own personal safety
at risk to help and save others."

After 41 years of service to the NSW Police Force, Superintendent John Sweeney marched
off the parade in Goulburn as the lone retiring officer.

In 2004, Supt Sweeney was awarded the Australian Police Medal for distinguished service
in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.

AAP kaj/evt/goc/mn

KEYWORD: POLICE

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