By EMMA SUN
IT’S not easy catching crooks.
But it’s a job that has to be done, and two outstanding Monbulk policemen have been rewarded with a National Police Service Medal for their hard work.
Leading Senior Constable Glenn Barkway and Leading Senior Constable Ken Tromp have both been at the Monbulk Police Station for 25 years, having been in the police force for 38 years and 34 years respectively.
Both were humble about their award, which Ldg Sen Const Barkway joked was a sign of age.
The medal is given as recognition for the unique contribution and significant commitment of police officers who give ethical and diligent service for 15 years as a sworn member of the police force.
“I’m proud to receive it, I’m proud that I’ve stayed within the police system for so long and I’m lucky I’ve stayed at Monbulk for so long,” Ldg Sen Const Barkway said.
“It’s good having good people to work with, I love coming to work.”
Ldg Sen Const Tromp said it helped to have good people in the community to work with as well.
“It’s an honour receiving the medal,” he said.
“I like working in a small community, it suits my family situation because I don’t have to travel too far and being in the police force, you can work and still have a reasonable family life.”
Monbulk Police Station’s officer in charge Sergeant Mark Knight praised the two for their hard work, and said they deserved their awards.
“They possess a very high work ethic, both community minded and both hold very important portfolios within the station and the organisation, Ken with his youth portfolio and all the work he does behind the scenes in his own time, Glenn with his knowledge of the local area, he’s invaluable,” he said.
“A lot of the work they do goes unrecognised because it’s not high risk but it’s community minded work they do for us.
“The community should be proud that they’ve had two fine, ethical policemen at Monbulk for such a long time.”
