Detective Superintendent Critchlow was one of 10 officers awarded an Australian Police Medal in the Australia Day Honours List announced on Wednesday.

He is the son of Judy and the late Bruce Critchlow and studied at the Goulburn Police Academy at age 20 before rising rapidly through the ranks. As State Crime Commander, Criminal Group he has headed up high-profile investigations into organised crime.

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The award brought tears to his mother's eyes.

"I'm thrilled for and proud of him. He's been an achiever all his life. Whatever he did, he did well," Mrs Critchlow said.

DS Critchlow told The Post he was proud of the honour.

"It shows what a humble country boy can achieve. I've always tried to stand up for communities. Without partnerships with the community, you will fail. I hope I've brought a bit of that country attitude to the city nd to problem solving."

The former Saint Patrick's College student inherited his father's sporting prowess. He was a member of the College's First XV rugby team and excelled in track and field and swimming.

Following his education and a short career in banking, he joined NSW Police in 1990 at age 20, much to his family's surprise.

He said living next door to a police residence had engendered respect for the Force but his secondary education also instilled a principle of public service.

The then Constable Critchlow was posted to Waverley Police Station performing general duties, and later Highway Patrol duties in the Eastern Suburbs and Beaches areas of Sydney.

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In 1995, he moved into investigative roles in and about Maroubra, Mascot and Botany Bay police stations and was designated as a detective in 1998.

The following year he moved into criminal investigative roles with the National Crime Authority and later to South East Asian Groups within the State Crime Command. He was promoted to detective sergeant in 2003 and to detective inspector in 2006.

He later worked in the State Planning Coordination Unit before returning to the State Crime Command and was promoted to superintendent in 2012. He assumed the North Shore Local Area Command and later, the Hills Police Area Command from 2013 to 2019.

Superintendent Critchlow's skills saw him seconded to the Australian Institute of Police Management as a visiting fellow and in December of that year returned to the State Crime Command as the Commander, Criminal Groups.

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DS Critchlow listed his work in domestic violence prevention, particularly elder abuse, and the pursuit of Australia's 'worst criminals' as career highlights. On the latter, he believed police were currently "in front," thanks to well coordinated strategies.

In 2016, he was recognised with a Rotary Award for Leadership for his initiatives with 'The Sanctuary' Women's Refuge and awarded the Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship for his commitment in opposing domestic violence.

"Throughout his career, Detective Superintendent Critchlow has performed his duties with integrity, diligence and a strong sense of respect for the victims of crime and their families," his citation read.

"He has forged a reputation as a professional criminal investigator and has worked to engage and build community relationships in achieving common goals of community protection and safety.

"Detective Superintendent Critchlow is an accomplished Police Commander with dedicated and exemplary police service to the people of NSW for over 30 years."

The APM was established in 1986. It is announced twice a year, on Australia Day and the Queen's Birthday in June.

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Acting Commissioner Webb said the awards reflected the dedication of each employee to the NSWPF and the state.

"It is a great honour to recognise the exceptional careers of these employees and pay tribute to their commitment, professionalism and dedication," Acting Commissioner Webb said.

"I am proud that these individuals represent the organisation and thank them for their ongoing contribution to policing."

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