Hopetoun resident Denis Pridgeon received a big surprise this morning when Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Michael Grainger and Superintendent Sharon McCrory presented him with two medals in honour of his 29+ years of service to policing.
Welcoming his wife, children and grandchildren to our Hopetoun campus for what he thought was a regular visit, Denis was surprised and honoured when he was unexpectedly relocated to the centre of the lounge area to receive the medals.
Having worked at police stations across Melbourne and Hopetoun, Denis served from January 1961 to May 1990.
Assistant Commissioner Grainger thanked Denis for his service to policing, presenting him with both the National Police Service Medal which recognises the service of every Australian police officer to their communities, and the Victoria Police Service Medal which recognises good conduct and service of 25 years-plus.
“We thank you Denis, sincerely, for your service,” Assist. Comm. Grainger said.
Receiving a round of applause from the gathered crowd of family, friends, residents and staff, Denis was incredibly moved by the presentation, commenting that he felt “very honoured” by the recognition, and thanked all who attended.
Denis then cut a special cake made by Hopetoun Environmental Services Assistant Leonie Naylor, before celebrating his accolades with morning tea.
Wimmera Mallee residents may recall that Denis also received a Veteran’s Badge in 2024, thanks to the work of Police Veterans Victoria Social Worker Rebecca Lynch, who is the daughter of RNH Environmental Services Assistant Lola Lynch.
Congratulations, Denis.