Two police officers who bravely rescued a man engulfed in flames, the tech-team who delivered a world-first rollout of lower earth orbit satellite communications, and the detectives who led a complex investigation of national interest are among those who have been recognised at the Western Australia Police Force 2025 Recognition of Excellence (Roe) Awards.
Selected from more than 213 nominations, seven teams and five individuals were named winners at the prestigious awards night in acknowledgement of their dedication to the WA Police Force and the local communities they serve.
WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch congratulated all the finalists, and in particular, praised the winners and thanked them for their outstanding accomplishments.
“I am proud of the work my officers do every day keeping our community safe,” Commissioner Blanch said.
“All too often, they do not receive the recognition they deserve for doing extraordinary things, 24/7, sacrificing and putting themselves in harm’s way to protect those who need help.
“This year’s award recipients represent the very best of the WA Police Force - whether it’s responding in times of crisis, supporting families during their darkest hours, or pursuing offenders who threaten community safety.
“They don’t do it for recognition. They step up because someone needs to step up, and they perform their duty, often under intense pressure and always with professionalism.
“Our agency and the broader WA community is stronger and safer because of their efforts. We are incredibly proud to have them stand as shining examples of our values.”
Among the winners are Senior Constable Gemma Pick for her outstanding work with the Sex Crime Division and the team behind the world-first “Anywhere Communications Project.”
Both were handpicked by the Commissioner of Police to receive the prestigious Brilliance in Policing Award.
Senior Constable Pick was nominated for her investigative work which utilised new forensic techniques and prioritised the wellbeing of victims and their families. Her dedication led to the successful conviction of an offender who committed drug and sexual offences against nine young women.
The “Anywhere Communications Project” involved teams from across the Technology portfolio who significantly improved officer safety, communication and access to critical systems in remote areas. They successfully installed satellite systems in more than 130 vehicles, upgraded 107 police stations and distributed 26 portable Starlink kits.
The Minister’s Community Confidence Award recognised Cannington Police Station for demonstrating exceptional compassion and community spirit by coming together to support a local family facing hardship, and Fitzroy Crossing Police Station whose officers went above and beyond after a local home was vandalised and burgled.
Nominated for their investigation into a violent home invasion in Girrawheen, where offenders assaulted an elderly couple while impersonating police officers, the Joondalup Detectives Rapid High Harm Offender Response Team were named winners of the Metropolitan Award.
Also recognised among the team winners were Constable Ebony Seale and Senior Constable Travis McDiarmid from Roebourne Police Station. The pair bravely attempted to rescue a man engulfed in flames while responding to a vehicle crash, embodying the WA Police Force’s core values of duty, integrity, teamwork and care.
2025 winners
Brilliance in Policing Award
Show moreSelected from the Recognition of Excellence winners by the Commissioner of Police Col Blanch APM:
Individual winner - Senior Constable Gemma Pick
Detective Senior Constable Gemma Pick led the investigation of Operation BILBAO, which uncovered drugging and sexual offences against nine young women by one offender.
Her careful management, use of new forensic techniques, and strong support for the victims contributed to the accused being found unanimously guilty and receiving a 15-year prison sentence.
The investigation also led to the introduction of new drink spiking test kits for the public and strengthened the WA Police Force’s stance on sex crimes.
Team winner - Anywhere Communications Project
The Anywhere Communications Project is a large-scale, multi-division initiative delivering high-speed satellite connectivity to frontline police operating across Regional Western Australia.
Involving teams from across the Technology portfolio, the project has successfully installed satellite systems in over 130 vehicles, upgraded 107 police stations, and distributed 26 portable Starlink kits, significantly improving officer safety, communication, and access to critical systems in remote areas.
Through outstanding collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence, this project is transforming operational capability in the most isolated parts of the state.
Metropolitan Award
Show moreTeam winner - Joondalup Detectives Rapid High Harm Offender Response
The Joondalup Detectives RHHOR Team led a fast-moving and complex investigation after a violent home invasion in Girrawheen, where offenders impersonating police officers assaulted an elderly couple and stole a large quantity of gold and jewellery.
Through outstanding investigative work, the team identified and charged six offenders within weeks, executed eight search warrants, and recovered much of the stolen property.
Their professionalism, tenacity, and commitment to supporting the victims earned them a Certificate of Outstanding Performance and demonstrated the highest standards of policing under intense public and media scrutiny.
Regional WA Award
Show moreIndividual winner - Constable Zachary Wyatt
Constable Zachary Wyatt is a dedicated police officer who served the Moora community, recognised for his proactive efforts to combat illicit substances and return stolen property to rightful owners.
He was nominated for his initiative in organising multiple raids that led to significant drug seizures, charges, and pending court cases. His work has made Moora safer, reducing drug-related incidents and improving community trust and safety.
Team winner - Constable Ebony Seale and Senior Constable Travis McDiarmid (Roebourne Police Station)
In May 2024, Constable Ebony Searle and her partner Acting Sergeant Travis McDiarmid responded to a vehicle crash in Roebourne where they bravely rescued a man who was on fire, pulling him from the flames and performing CPR until paramedics arrived.
Despite the man later passing away, their quick actions gave him a chance to be transferred to hospital, earning praise from both the WA Police Force and St John Ambulance staff.
Together, they showed exceptional courage and embodied the WA Police Force’s values of duty, integrity, teamwork and care.
State Award
Show moreIndividual winner - Senior Constable Gemma Pick
Detective Senior Constable Gemma Pick led the investigation of Operation BILBAO, which uncovered drugging and sexual offences against nine young women by one offender.
Her careful management, use of new forensic techniques, and strong support for the victims contributed to the accused being found unanimously guilty and receiving a 15-year prison sentence.
The investigation also led to the introduction of new drink spiking test kits for the public and strengthened the WA Police Force’s stance on sex crimes.
Team winner - Cold Case Investigations Squad
The Cold Case Investigation Squad, including Detective Investigators, the Investigative Genetic Genealogy cell, and the Operational and Tactical Intelligence cell, played a pivotal role in solving a 1991 aggravated sexual assault case involving a 13-year-old victim.
Through advanced genetic genealogy and meticulous intelligence work, the team identified and arrested a suspect after nearly 33 years, restoring the victim’s faith in the justice system.
Their efforts not only led to the prosecution of a previously unidentified offender but also safeguarded the community from further harm and demonstrated an exceptional commitment to victim support and justice.
Lance Martin Technology Award
Show moreAwarded in honour of Commander Lance Martin:
Individual winner - Senior Sergeant Cameron Johnson
Senior Sergeant Cameron Johnson was nominated for his outstanding work developing a new Sudden Death application aimed at reducing the time officers spend attending jobs, saving tens of thousands of frontline hours annually.
Senior Sergeant Johnson used his expertise in Coronial matters and Power Apps skills to create a mobile app that cuts the processing time from an average of five hours to just two.
The app was successfully trialled starting in May 2024, received positive feedback, and has now been rolled out across the entire agency.
Team winner - Anywhere Communications Project
The Anywhere Communications Project is a large-scale, multi-division initiative delivering high-speed satellite connectivity to frontline police operating across Regional Western Australia.
Involving teams from across the Technology portfolio, the project has successfully installed satellite systems in over 130 vehicles, upgraded 107 police stations, and distributed 26 portable Starlink kits, significantly improving officer safety, communication, and access to critical systems in remote areas.
Through outstanding collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence, this project is transforming operational capability in the most isolated parts of the state.
Agency Services And Development Award
Show moreIndividual winner - Sergeant Randall Worthington
Sergeant Randall Worthington is a dedicated Drill Sergeant at the Joondalup Police Academy, known for shaping recruits into skilled, ethical officers through strong leadership and mentorship.
He was nominated for his outstanding contribution to recruit training and for establishing and leading the police ceremonial team, which has become a key part of the department’s public presence.
His work has left a lasting impact on both new officers and the broader community, earning him wide respect within the force.
Team winner - Firearms Buyback Team
The Firearm Buyback Team successfully delivered Western Australia’s first state-wide firearm buyback program, collecting and safely disposing of over 38,000 firearms and providing $15 million in compensation.
Their work involved the development of innovative IT systems, safety training modules, and operational procedures that enabled real-time processing, secure handling, and timely payments, even in remote areas using satellite technology.
The team's efforts not only ensured the program's success but also set a new standard for firearm safety and project delivery within the WA Police Force.
Minister's Award For Community Confidence
Show moreSelected from the Recognition of Excellence Finalists by the Honourable Reece Whitby MLA Minister for Police; Road Safety; Tourism; Great Southern:
Metropolitan team winner - Cannington Police Station
The team at Cannington Police Station demonstrated exceptional compassion and community spirit when they came together to support a local family facing hardship.
After learning about a young boy, Brayden, who was grieving the loss of his older sister to Batten Disease and coping with his younger sister’s terminal diagnosis, the team rallied behind an idea initiated by Sergeant Hayley Worland.
Together with Sergeant Evan Jackson and his charity, the team arranged funding and spent a full day, volunteering their own time, to build, paint, and assemble a cubby house to give Brayden a quiet space of his own.
Their collective effort provided comfort to a family in need and reinforced the important role police play in caring for their community.
Regional team winner - Fitzroy Crossing Police Station
Fitzroy Crossing Police Station went above and beyond after a local home was vandalised and burgled, not only securing the property and cleaning up the worst of the damage but also showing compassion and support to the victims.
Their actions helped the affected family feel safe enough to return to the town, restored their faith in the community, and led to the apprehension of some offenders.
Beyond this incident, they actively support local youth engagement and work with the Education Department to improve staff safety and community relations in Fitzroy Crossing.
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