Two police officers with connections to Deniliquin have been recognised in this year’s Australia Day Honours List.

Among those receiving the Australian Police Medal on Monday was Chief Inspector Scott Russell, who was previously stationed at Deniliquin and remains with the Murray River Police District in Albury.

Also recognised with the APM was Detective Superintendent Darren Beeche, who spent some of his early career with Deniliquin and is now commander at Chifley Police District.

They were among nine NSW Police Force officers to be recognised with the medal, which is awarded for “distinguished service by a member of an Australian police force”.

Chief Insp Russell, who still occasionally works within the Deniliquin district, has been recognised for having “served with distinction” in the NSW Police Force for 37 years.

His initial posting after joining the police force in 1988 was Albury, and he also spent time at Deniliquin, Mathoura, Holbrook and Griffith before being promoted to a Sergeant at Bathurst Police Station in 2002.

He also worked in Portland, Walgett, Collarenebri and Orange before returning to the Murray River Police District in 2015 as Inspector. He was further promoted to Chief Insp in 2022.

“His commitment to regional NSW communities, particularly those in the western and southern regions, has had a profound impact on public safety, community trust and charitable fundraising,” his citation read.

“Chief Inspector Russell’s family have been impacted by cancer, which led him and his wife into fundraising, as both a NSW Police Force representative and a private citizen.

“He commenced raising money to assist in prevention and treatment of cancer.

“Chief Inspector Russell has been recognised for the tireless charity work within the community, and in particular for the Cancer Council of Australia and his association with the Box Rally.

“He is known for his dedication and leadership and has rebuilt and strengthened relationships to reduce crime and restore community pride in a remote sector of Collarenebri.

“Through unwavering dedication to both his policing duties and community service, Chief Inspector Russell has demonstrated the highest standards of service and integrity.”

Det Supt Beeche worked in the local areas in the 1990s and 2000s, coming to Deniliquin after gaining the rank of Detective Sergeant.

He also joined the NSW Police Force in 1988, and worked at Newtown, Wilcannia, and Quakers Hill before Deniliquin, before moving on to Fraud Squad, The Hills, and Bankstown Police Stations, and also as commander of Strike Force Raptor.

“During his 10 years as the coordinator of the State Crime Strike Force Raptor, Detective Superintendent Beeche has been instrumental in changing the way outlaw motorcycle gangs have operated, significantly enhancing the reputation and public trust in the NSW Police Force among both government stakeholders and the wider community,” his citation read.

Detective Supt Beeche was promoted to his current rank in 2024 as commander of Bathurst Police Station and Chifley Police District, where he serves today.

“He is a highly experienced operational police officer who has demonstrated consistent leadership, sound decision-making, and dedication throughout his career,” his citation read.

“Over decades of service, he has successfully disrupted some of the most violent and high-profile criminal activity in NSW while maintaining a caring and empathetic approach toward community members and victims of crime.”

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Monday, 31st May 2027

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