The love and dedication for the job he has been doing for the last three decades shines through with Superintendent Rod Smith.
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The principal of the NSW Police Academy was awarded the Australian Police Medal in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.
"I am humbled by the award and it's one of the highlights of my career. I love the job I have been doing for the last 30 years and am proud to be able to make a bit of difference to the lives of people of NSW and hopefully will continue to do so," Superintendent Smith said.
He is one of the eight NSW Police Force officers and two civilian staff members recognised for their dedication and service as part of the Honours.
"I am pleased to be held in the same esteem as many others that have been given the award this time and before me," he added.
Superintendent Smith joined the NSW Force in 1989 and has been a criminal investigator for most of his career. Now he's heading up the Police Academy.
"It's a change for me from being a detective and moving to an environment in which I am able to have a positive influence over our cadets. I take that as a great honour," Superintendent Smith said.
Among other things, the focus of the program for the cadets is to uphold the high morals and values of the NSW Police, he added.
He told The Post that for the first time, a new class would now be held every eight weeks.
Superintendent Smith is the recipient of two Commissioner's Commendations for courage arising from incidents involving the arrest of armed offenders, and in 2005, received an Australian Bravery Decoration.
In 2007, he was recognised at the Australian Crime and Prevention Awards for his role in the Domestic Violence Intervention Court Model project.
He has also been awarded a Commissioner's Unit Citation for outstanding and meritorious service during the investigation of a child abduction in Wagga Wagga in 2010.
He was confirmed as a constable at Randwick Police Station and worked in general duties until 1994, when he transferred to Griffith Police Station.
In 1996, he commenced criminal investigation duties at Wagga Wagga Police Station and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. In 2002, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant as the crime coordinator, Wagga Wagga Local Area Command.
He was promoted to the rank of Inspector as the Crime Manager, Wagga Wagga Local Area Command, in 2007 and to Superintendent as the Commander, Monaro Local Area Command in 2013.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller APM congratulated the recipients and thanked them for their "loyal and outstanding commitment" to the community and the Force.
"Each of these police officers are deserving of the Australian Police Medal and should feel honoured to be recognised in such a significant way. Their expertise across the organisation is invaluable, with a combined service of almost 250 years," he said.
Along with the entire NSW Police Force, their families and the community, I am extremely proud of each award recipient and grateful for their ongoing contribution to policing."
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