TWO Orange police officers were commended for their diligence in the investigation of the murder of Leanne Mintern at a police awards ceremony in Orange yesterday.
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Detective senior constables Kevin Beatty and Grant Gannon were among several NSW police officers and staff who received medals and awards at the Canobolas Local Area Command’s annual presentation day.
For police officers Beatty and Gannon their Western Region Commander’s Commendation awards represented many hours of police work which started on April 2, 2008, when Ms Mintern’s family reported her missing and concluded on August 14 the same year when Stephen Bennett was arrested for her murder.
Detective Senior Constable Beatty said the case was “unique”.
“When we started the investigation we had no body,” he said.
However, after months of investigation Ms Mintern’s body was eventually located and an offender arrested.
“It was good that at the end the family were finally able to know what had happened,” Detective Senior Constable Gannon said.
Sergeant Ian Mitchell and Senior Constable Ben Hill also received Western Region Commander’s Commendation awards for their conduct when dealing with an aggravated man at a park in Molong in 2009, while Constable Janine Troth was commended over her actions at a civil dispute in Redfern in 2004.
Leading Senior Constable Matt Peet and Constable Melissa Phillips were awarded a Canobolas Local Area Command commendation for their actions in providing first aid to an accident victim in 2009.
Police officers and staff were also acknowledged for their years of service including Detective Inspector Denise Godden who has spent 25 years in the police force.
Canobolas Local Area Commander Superintendent David Driver said he was “very proud” of all recipients.
“I know that your efforts are appreciated by the community,” he said.
