Community & Business
20 October, 2026
Officers earn service medals
MAREEBA Police Station Senior Constable Ellen Bos and Sergeant Josh Downing have received prestigious medals for their decade-long commitment with Queensland Police Service.
By KYLIE REGHENZANI
Both officers received the Diligent and Ethical Service Medal for 10 years in policing and Const Bos was also awarded the Remote Service Area Medal for her time in Mount Isa and Doomadgee.
The Queensland Police Service Medal was introduced in 1999 to recognise the diligent and ethical service by members of the QPS, and the award is not granted as a right by virtue of long service alone.
Sen-Const Bos grew up in Rockhampton and has a dual degree in psychology and criminology. She spent about six years in the Mount Isa district and a year at Doomadgee before relocating to Mareeba for the past three years.
“I wanted to go somewhere different and Doomadgee was interesting because I had never been to that part of the country,” she said.
“The remoteness and isolation is hard because you can’t just go and see your family when you want.
“We’d have weekly dinner cook-ups with other officers at the station and they become your family.”
Sgt Josh Downing worked a year in Townsville before being posted to Mareeba where he has remained for the past 10 years.
“I don’t feel like I’ve gone above and beyond as I’m just doing my job,” he said.
“But it is nice to be recognised.”
When asked about his colleague’s service in Mount Isa, Sgt Downing said it was courageous.
“Policing is difficult enough in a major city with all the resources under the sun,” he said.
“But when you’re in a rural and remote area it’s even more challenging.”
Mareeba station Officer-In-Charge Senior Sergeant Derek Garner said the duo deserved their medals.
“It is good that they’re recognised for their service in these locations,” he said.
“Being a police officer presents challenging situations in their communities and the expectations placed on them.
“Sometimes they are faced with domestic violence and violent offending with limited police resources and backup.
“We thank them for their service.”
