IT WAS a proud moment when Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) officers were honoured with medals for a job well done.
EMPD police commissioner Isaac Mapiyeye awarded more than 20 officers for loyal service, bravery, outstanding service, and commendable service.
The event was held at the EMPD Kempton Park precinct on Thursday, 22 June.
Mapiyeye, who also received a medal for his 40 years of service, also awarded medals to his colleagues who have been in the service for 40, 30 and 25 years respectively.
Constable Craig Liesering and Constable Quinton Sternberg received medals for bravery, outstanding and commendation medals for the Wadeville shooting incident on 25 September 2013. This was after an intense shoot-out took place between EMPD and heavily armed robbery suspects, resulting in a number of suspects being killed and arrested.
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Constables Liesering and Sternberg also received Gold Cross medals for their bravery.
Warrant Officer Adriaan Fourie and his EMPD dog Ghunner found large amounts of explosives, active explosive devices (bombs), firearms and ammunition on crime scenes or used in the commission of crimes, to name a few.
Both Fourie and his dog were also honoured after they had received numerous letters of thanks and commendations.
Superintendent Binel Motsepe was instrumental in providing assistance to the Royal Eswatini Police Service when called upon to help with the investigation, recovery and return of a kidnapped and sex-trafficked minor who had been removed from Eswatini to South Africa.
She received a Silver Decoration for Outstanding Service medal, after getting an official letter of commendation from the Royal Eswatini Police Service for her actions.
Constable Maree Mashishi and Constable Katlego Mphahlele received medals for their dedication as media relations officers to promote the successes of EMPD, provide exposure to the various activities of EMPD and ensure a positive image of the department, especially in the social media sphere.
Eight officers received medals for being instrumental in controlling the scene during the Boksburg tanker explosion of 24 December 2022. They were honoured for providing support where necessary and assisted the SAPS with the on-scene collection of evidence.
Other recipients of the awards were psychological services section and the Tembisa transformation forum for excellent service to the spiritual care unit of the EMPD.
