By Ashleigh Fielding | posted on January 31, 2020
MT BARKER Police’s Officer-in-Charge was recognised for his commitment to crime reduction and his relationships with Indigenous communities on the Australia Day Honours List.
Sgt David Johnson was awarded an Australian Police Medal on Sunday, one of four others in the state and one of 33 across the country.
He was recognised for his work as a Forensic Investigator, Sergeant and Senior Sergeant in Perth, as well as for his role as OIC in Kellerberrin and Mt Barker.
Sgt Johnson said he was a bit surprised but honoured to receive the award.
“This work is vitally important to me,” he said.
“Especially as an OIC, you need to be immersed in the community and engaging with people.”
One of Sgt Johnson’s current projects in Mt Barker is revitalising the Aboriginal Community Centre.
He has had regular meetings with members of the community to seek their input and to learn what programs they would like the centre to offer.
Sgt Johnson is also bringing back the Mountains and Murals Festival, which debuted last year and was labelled a huge success by residents and visitors.
