In brief

Double the courage

A Warragul detective has become the second person in Victoria Police history to be awarded the Medal for Courage twice. 

Detective Senior Constable Callum Scott was presented the second accolade late last year for his role in rescuing a drowning man from the Yarra River at Southbank in August 2020.

Det Sen Const Scott, who is now based at Baw Baw Crime Investigation Unit, said he was “humbled to be recognised”.

“I feel like I was in the right place at the right time, and I am sure any other member would have done what I did in the same circumstances,” Det Sen Const Scott said.

The Medal for Courage recognises officers who have fulfilled their duties in dangerous and volatile operational circumstances.

Det Sen Const Scott’s latest award, presented at the Victoria Police Academy by Deputy Commissioner Neil Paterson, takes the form of a clasp to affix to his first medal.

He received his first medal for rescuing a man who suffered severe burns to the hands and face when a gas cylinder he was working on ignited at Wheelers Hill in August 2012.

Marine team makes waves

A new specialist team has hit the water, giving Victoria Police a greater capability to respond to some of the most high-risk search and rescue incidents.

The Small Boat Team, embedded in the Water Police Squad, was first deployed in December 2023 and comprises 10 specially trained members.

The team can quickly respond to search and rescue incidents on the water, as well as reach people on human-powered vessels like kayaks and paddleboards who get stranded or need urgent assistance.

“The team uses a mix of jet skis and inflatable rescue boats both inland and across the coast,” Water Police Squad Acting Inspector Victor Velthuis said.

“The smaller vessels are more manoeuvrable, making it easier to access hard-to-reach areas like sea caves, cliffs and rocky shorelines when responding to search and rescue incidents.”

Each Small Boat Team officer is skilled in rescue swimming and snorkelling in rough seas, readying them to act swiftly in complex marine emergencies.

New deputy commissioner chosen

Recently-appointed Deputy Commissioner Robert Hill said he is looking forward to the challenge of leading vital reforms that will continue to shape Victoria Police.

DC Hill was appointed to the role of Deputy Commissioner, Capability in October 2023 following the departure of Rick Nugent, who left mid-year to take up the role of Commissioner at Emergency Management Victoria.

Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said DC Hill was a highlysuccessful police leader with extensive operational, specialist and corporate experience.

“Combined with his dedication, strong stakeholder engagement and strategic mindset, I am confident DC Hill will continue to deliver outcomes that benefit Victoria Police and the Victorian community as a whole,” CCP Patton said.

DC Hill said he looked forward to working to address the immediate and future challenges faced by the organisation.

“We have a very talented workforce, and my focus will be centred on ensuring our people maintain the requisite skills, are fully equipped, and strongly supported to deliver exceptional policing services,” DC Hill said.

DC Hill is the first deputy commissioner to be appointed since DC Neil Paterson and DC Ross Guenther were promoted in 2020.

In addition, Libby Murphy has returned to Victoria Police as an Assistant Commissioner after a two-year stint as Chief Operations Officer at Ambulance Victoria.