Category: Emergency
Recipient: Kevin Benson
Nominated By: Volunteers in Policing Program – Australian Federal Police
Kevin was born in Singleton NSW in 1937. He joined the army in 1956 and he served fulltime for three years and has since worked in other areas such as: Citizen Military Forces (Army Reserve), Post Master General Department, War Services Homes (Clerk), and was involved in forming the Army Reserves in Darwin after Cyclone Tracey.
In 1995 he retired and in 1998 was diagnosed with kidney failure and received a transplant in January 2000.
In addition to volunteering for the Australian Federal Police (AFP) Volunteer in Policing Program, Kevin has volunteered his time at the following: National Capital Authority (tour guide), Floriade (guide), World Vision (obtaining sponsors), ACT Organ Donation (fund raising), Coins for Kidney Cure (fund raising) and RSL (fund raising for Poppy Day, Anzac Day and Legacy Day appeals).
The roles performed by Kevin as a Police Volunteer vary greatly and fall within the description of multi-faceted. Kevin utilises his excellent people skills to integrate many different work areas and subtly promote the potential of the Police Volunteer. Some of his roles include: Front Office Support, Fingerprint Team, Catering Support, Bus Driving, Property Office, Media Unit, Role playing, Ceremonial Support, Conference Support, Crime Prevention and Community Events.
His strong commitment and dedication is shown by having volunteered over 2650 hours to the Volunteers in Policing Program.
He has a quiet and diplomatic manner which has helped him to integrate into the workplace and get to know many officers, from Senior Executive down through the various ranks.