He was one of eight police officers to be awarded an Australian Police Medal.

Detective Superintendent McKenna has served with the police for 29 years. His citation says he has performed his duties with "outstanding dedication, service, diligence and integrity".

While he's now at Orana Mid-Western Police District, Detective Superintendent McKenna started with the police force as a constable at Castle Hill Police Station in 1990.

From there, he progressed up the ranks.

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In 1997, Detective Superintendent McKenna started a career in criminal investigations in northern NSW, where in 2002, he was promoted to Detective Sergeant at Forster Police Station. In 2006, Superintendent McKenna was promoted to Inspector in the Manning/Great Lakes area.

In 2017 he was promoted to his current rank and position in Dubbo.

Detective Superintendent McKenna's achievements include the hunt for Malcolm Naden under Strike Force Durkin, the targeting of outlaws motorcycle gangs under Operation Garwi, and instigation of Operation Twigg, which led to the arrest of hundreds of offenders on the Child Protection Register.

NSW Police Force Commissioner Michael Fuller said he was extremely proud of each award recipient and was grateful for their ongoing contribution to policing.

"They are a credit to the NSW Police Force and should feel honoured to be recognised in such a significant way," he said.

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