Twelve Redland police officers are in the running for the publicly-nominated award, which recognises outstanding feats of courage, compassion, understanding or devotion to duty in 2007 and 2008.

Capalaba, Cleveland, Dunwich and Redland Bay stations all have officers in the finals, as do the Redland Bay Child Protection and Investigation Unit (CPIU) and the Wynnum District Inquiries office.

Constable Ana Pekaj from Capalaba is the only female finalist.

Constable Pekaj and Senior Constable Ian Davy, of Redland Bay CPIU, are nominated for the second year in a row.

The Police Officer of the Year Award is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Capalaba, Redland City Council, Queensland Police Service, Bayside Bulletin, Capalaba Park Shopping Centre, Redlands Sporting Club and Redland Spring Festival.

Police Officer of the

Year finalists

Senior Constable Ian Davy, Redland Bay CPIU/School-based police officer at Cleveland State High School: Nominated for his outstanding follow-up in relation to a juvenile behavioural issue that has assisted in positive change in the life of the juvenile and his family.

Senior Constable Clint Dowd, Redland Bay Police Station: Nominated for his excellence, professionalism and commitment in providing a high level policing response to the Macleay Island community. He recently performed and displayed great devotion to duty in providing the community with excellent policing services at the new Macleay Island station.

Senior Sergeant Stephen Graham, Officer-in-Charge Redland Bay Police Station: Nominated for his dedication to duty, compassion and understanding and commitment to assisting the senior population of the Redland Bay Division.

Detective Senior Constable Chris Lambert, Redland Bay CPIU: Nominated for his devotion to working as a police officer within the community and the commitment he puts in to the youth club for the area.

Constable Stuart Lucas, Cleveland Police Station: Const Lucas stopped a woman from committing suicide at Raby Bay Harbour while risking himself at the edge of a pontoon.

Constable Ana Pekaj, Capalaba Police Station: Const Pekaj attended a house where an allegedly intoxicated man armed with two knives was threatening to harm himself and his family. She ensured the occupants of the house, including the children, were removed to safety and the man was contained inside the premises so that he could not harm himself or others. The incident ended peacefully when the man surrendered to police negotiators.

Constable Nathan Schaeffer, Capalaba Police Station: Nominated for his dedication to duty and commitment to following up in his duties. Const Schaeffer pursued a vehicle allegedly driven in a reckless manner but called off the chase when he became concerned for the safety of the other driver, members of the community and himself. He conducted an investigation to identify the driver and charged him with evading police.

Sergeant Andy Schneider, Wynnum District Inquiries: Nominated for his dedication to duty, and his compassion and understanding in the handling of people involved in domestic violence situations.

Constable Craig Searston, Capalaba Police Station: Const Searston was called to a job where a 14-year-old girl armed herself with a knife and locked herself in her room, threatening to hurt herself. He spoke to the girl, gained entry to the room and ensured the knife was removed from her. He also provided follow-up information to the family to help resolve the issues that caused this incident.

Senior Constable Graham Staib, Redland Bay Police Station: Nominated for his excellence, professionalism and commitment in providing a high level policing response on the Southern Bay Islands. He recently worked duty at the new Russell Island station prior to the arrival of island’s first officially appointed police officer.

Sergeant Michael Thomson, Capalaba Police Station: Sgt Thomson acted on drug information immediately and apprehended a man who was allegedly selling ecstasy tablets at a Redland hotel. The man was charged with several drug offences.

Sergeant Peter Twort, Officer-in-Charge Dunwich Police Station: Nominated for his work coordinating and implementing the Triple A program which involves holding camps and excursions to recognise primary school students who have displayed the three As of attendance, attitude and academia. The Triple A program has helped to significantly reduce youth issues on North Stradbroke Island.