More than 25 Queensland Police Service officers and staff members have been recognised for remarkable courage, service and professionalism at the QPS Award Ceremony, including Ferny Grove officer Sergeant Darren Thomson who received a 35 Year Clasp.
The ceremony, held in Brisbane, honoured recipients with Queensland Police Service Medals, Clasps and Commissioner’s Certificates for exceptional contributions beyond their normal course of duties. Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski says the recipients embody the Queensland Police Service values of integrity, respect and courage, setting a standard of excellence for the organisation.
The awards recognised diverse achievements including displays of intelligence, resourcefulness and dedication while on duty, assistance during critical incidents, and contributions to Queensland Police Service initiatives. Civilians and external groups who assisted police operations also received recognition at the ceremony.
The 35 Year Clasp honours officers who have maintained continuous service to the Queensland Police Service since the late 1980s, spanning significant changes in policing methods, technology and community expectations over more than three decades.
Ferny Grove’s Darren Thomson Honoured
Among the recipients, Sergeant Darren Thomson was recognised for 35 years of service across multiple Brisbane and regional Queensland stations. Thomson currently works at the Weapons Licensing Group but has served as a general duties officer at Ferny Grove, Fortitude Valley, Kingaroy, Brisbane City and Petrie throughout his career.
While stationed at Ferny Grove, Sergeant Thomson performed higher duties as an Acting Senior Sergeant, managing local operations across the Brisbane West district including The Gap, Indooroopilly, Arana Hills and surrounding suburbs. He led various crime prevention initiatives, neighbourhood watch programs, and community engagement activities.
The Ferny Grove station area covers diverse communities ranging from established residential suburbs to semi-rural areas in the western ranges, requiring officers to manage everything from suburban property crime to rural road safety issues. Thomson’s regional posting to Kingaroy provided experience in rural policing, while his city assignments at Fortitude Valley and Brisbane City exposed him to urban policing challenges.
Thomson’s current role at Weapons Licensing Group involves administration and regulation of firearms and weapons permits across Queensland, including processing licence applications, conducting background checks, and managing compliance activities. The transition from station-based general duties to specialist licensing demonstrates the diverse career pathways available within the Queensland Police Service.
Officers reaching 35 years of service have typically experienced multiple organisational changes, technological advancements and shifts in community expectations of policing. Long-serving officers like Thomson contribute institutional knowledge and experience that benefits younger officers joining the service.
Ferny Grove and The Gap Community Context
Ferny Grove and The Gap form part of Brisbane’s north-western suburbs, characterised by established residential areas, bushland reserves, and proximity to the D’Aguilar Range. Local policing priorities typically include property crime prevention, traffic safety on winding range roads, bushfire preparedness, and maintaining community connections through neighbourhood watch programs.
Officers who have served at Ferny Grove develop familiarity with local geography and community networks that proves valuable in responding effectively to incidents and building trust with residents. The recognition of Thomson’s long service provides an opportunity for Ferny Grove and The Gap residents to acknowledge the contribution of officers who have worked in their community throughout their policing careers.
Published 07-February-2026.
