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Officers dedication honoured with Aboriginal Service Medals

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Cameron NewboldAlbany Advertiser
Aboriginal Service Medal recipients Damien Yarran and Dallas Coyne with Sgt Sam Baker, centre.
Camera IconAboriginal Service Medal recipients Damien Yarran and Dallas Coyne with Sgt Sam Baker, centre. Credit: Albany police

Dallas Coyne and Damien Yarran have been honoured by WA Police for their longevity of service in liaison roles.

Mr Coyne was recognised for nearly 30 years of service as a senior Aboriginal police liaison officer at a presentation ceremony at the Great Southern district office last week.

Mr Yarran, the chief executive of Baldjamaar Foundation, was recognised for a decade of service as a senior Aboriginal police liaison officer.

Great Southern Police Supt Ian Clarke presented the men with their WA Police Force Aboriginal Service Medals. Narrogin Sgt Sam Baker played his didgeridoo at the ceremony.

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Sgt Baker was brought to Albany last week to serve as a family liaison officer during the search for a missing 18-year-old Indigenous man near Cheynes Beach, east of Albany.

Sergean Sam Baker plays his didgeridoo as part of the ceremony.
Camera IconSergean Sam Baker plays his didgeridoo as part of the ceremony. Credit: Albany police

Supt Clarke also presented several other service medals at last week’s ceremony. Former Sen. Const. Brett Dillon, Denmark Sen. Const. Paul Moore, and Kristy Kempton from Mt Barker police were also recognised with WA Police Service Medals.

Sen. Const. Tina Stewart and Sen. Const. Michael Clark each received the National Police Medal and a 15-year clasp to their WA Police Service Medals.

Sgt Dave Loverock, a Great Southern prosecutor, received a 25-year clasp to his WA Police Service Medal and National Police Medal, while Sgt Cameron Clifford received a 30-year clasp to his WA Police Service Medal.

Supt Clarke said all recipients deserved the recognition, making special mention of Mr Coyne and Mr Yarran.

Aboriginal Service Medal recipients Damien Yarran and Dallas Coyne with Great Southern Police Superintendent Ian Clarke, centre.
Camera IconAboriginal Service Medal recipients Damien Yarran and Dallas Coyne with Great Southern Police Superintendent Ian Clarke, centre. Credit: Albany police

“I like to talk about how valuable their service is to our community,” Supt Clarke said.

“It is tough for Aboriginal people to come to the police force, and it takes a considerable amount of courage and determination.”

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