A police officer born and raised at Dubbo who is one of the longest serving homicide squad commanders in NSW history has received recognition in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Detective Superintendent Michael Willing is one of eight new recipients of the Australian Police Medal, it was announced on Monday.
Superintendent Willing started his policing career at Dubbo and served as the Orana command's crime manager for a period.
He was posted to his current command in 2011 and has been responsible for the oversight of numerous high-profile investigations of suspicious deaths and critical incidents.
Among these were the Quakers Hill Nursing Home Fire, the Lin family murders, the murders of Senior Constable David Rixon VA and Detective Inspector Bryson Anderson VA, the Family Law Court bombings, Lindt Cafe siege and the disappearance of William Tyrell.
As a senior member of the NSW Police he has gained the greatest of respect of admiration by his superiors, peers and those he leads, the citation for his medal said.
Detective Superintendent Willing was awarded the National Medal in 2008 and the NSW Police Medal in 2004 (including 2nd clasp to the NSW Police Medal in 2014).
In 2007, he was awarded the Commissioner's Commendation - Courage for outstanding courage and devotion to duty in the attempted rescue of a young person from the Macquarie River at Dubbo on 16 September 2003.
In 2003, he was awarded the Commissioner's Unit Citation for Operation 'Gymea' in recognition of commitment, dedication, investigative skill, leadership and tenacity during complex and detailed investigations into criminal activity and corruption.
A total of 22 police and emergency service personnel were honoured as part of the Queen's Birthday celebrations.
