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Tasmania Police Officers Recognised In Australia Day Honours 2008

Two officers of Tasmania Police have been recognised in this year’s Australia Day Honours.

Inspector Stephen John Hortle and First Class Constable Edward Scott Dunn are recipients of the Australian Police Medal.

Commissioner Richard McCreadie congratulated both officers, saying they had made a valuable and significant contribution to policing in Tasmania over several decades.

“They are indeed worthy recipients of the Australian Police Medal and I commend them for their impressive work for Tasmania Police,” Mr McCreadie said.

“They are a credit to this fine organisation, and the community is fortunate to have people of such calibre in the ranks of their police service.”

Inspector Stephen John Hortle

Inspector Hortle was sworn in as a Junior Constable in 1967, and has extensive operational and supervisory experience.

He began his career in the Traffic Control Office in Launceston before serving in a variety of locations throughout the State, including Launceston Uniform, Bridport, Westbury, Exeter, St Helens, George Town and Flinders Island.

He has also worked in the Launceston CIB, the Launceston Drug Bureau, and Burnie CIB.

He was highly commended in 1980 for diligence and devotion to duty for his role in investigating the illicit importation of hashish and the subsequent conviction of the offender.

He was highly commended again, in 1994, for the apprehension of a violent armed offender.

Inspector Hortle was awarded the National Medal in 1985 and the Commissioner’s Medal for diligent and ethical service in 2000.

He is presently posted to the District Support Office in Launceston.

“During a police career spanning 40 years, Inspector Hortle has given outstanding and distinguished service,” Mr McCreadie said.  “His devotion to duty, diligence and leadership have been recognised throughout his career and this is evidenced by the senior rank he has attained.”

First Class Constable Edward Scott Dunn

First Class Constable Dunn was appointed to Tasmania Police in 1973.

He served in a variety of roles and began his career in the Burnie Uniform Branch, before serving in Hobart Uniform, Bellerive Uniform, Hobart CIB and relieving at Orford, Triabunna, Rokeby and Bellerive CIB.

He was also a member of the Search and Rescue Land Squad, undertaking the roles of helicopter crewman and winch operator, and the State Arson Squad.

In 1985, First Class Constable Dunn was successful in gaining a position with the Water Police and is presently serving in Marine and Rescue Services, where he is also classified as a Marine Division Diver. He is also the skipper of the police patrol vessel “Vigilant”.

He is also involved in the training of people outside the police service in relation to marine safety, which reflects a commitment to be involved at all levels in the marine safety sphere of operations.

He was awarded the National Medal for diligent long service to the community in 1988, followed by the 1st Clasp in 2000.  He was presented with the Commissioner’s Medal for ethical and diligent service in 1999.

“During a career spanning 34 years, First Class Constable Dunn has given outstanding service to the Tasmanian community,” Mr McCreadie said.

“Complimentary letters from outside organisations and members of the public bear testimony to his exemplary service and the assistance rendered.”

(26 January 2008)