TOP HONOUR: Sergeant Barry Walker is congratulated by Chifley Local Area Commander Superintendent Michael Robinson at a medal ceremony in Bathurst last Thursday.
BLAYNEY police officer Sergeant Barry Walker has been announced as the first officer in the Chifley Local Area Command to receive the newly-created National Police Service medal.
Sergeant Walker was presented the award at the local area command's medal ceremony in Bathurst last Thursday in recognition of 40 years of diligent and ethical service to the community.
The award was only introduced last year and recognises members of the force who have provided at least 15 years' service.
As the longest-serving officer in the Chifley Local Area Command, Sergeant Walker was also presented with the NSW Police Medal at the awards ceremony.
Local Area Commander, Superintendent Michael Robinson described Sergeant Walker as a decent, hardworking man who cared deeply for the community.
"It's very rare to see a police officer with more than 30 years of service in our organisation, so it's remarkable that Barry has been on the frontline, at the coalface for 40 years," he said.
"Barry has always run a tight ship and he's been very effective in his role as officer-in-charge at Blayney.
"That's reflected in the very low crime levels in the area and you can also see his influence in the staff he's responsible for."
Sergeant Walker joined the force in March 1972 and began his career in Sydney.
He transferred to Orange in 1977 and became a Sergeant in 1987.
He became the officer-in-charge at Blayney in 1994, a position he has held for the past 18 years.
Superintended Robinson said Sergeant Walker was due to retire shortly.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard said the National Police Service Medal sends a strong message of support to the 50,000 men and women who serve across this country.