At a ceremony held at Singleton's Civic Centre a combined 98 police officers and civilians were recognised for their response to the 2023 Greta bus crash.
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Seventy-three police officers, 23 civilian staff and two members of the public received awards recognising their courage, professionalism and compassion in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Awards presented included the NSW Police Force Commissioner's Commendation for Courage, Commendation for Service, Certificate of Merit and the Commissioner's Unit Citation.
About 11.30pm on Sunday, June 11, 2023, emergency services were called to a major crash on Wine Country Drive near the Hunter Expressway off-ramp at Greta. A charter coach returning from a wedding celebration overturned at a roundabout, resulting in a catastrophic single-vehicle collision.
Ten people lost their lives and 25 others sustained serious injuries. Passengers were transported by road and air to hospitals in Maitland, Newcastle and Sydney, as emergency responders from multiple agencies worked throughout the night in confronting and challenging conditions.
The scale of the crash and the number of casualties made it one of the worst road transport incidents in recent Australian history, with a profound and lasting impact on victims' families, survivors, first responders and the wider Hunter Valley and NSW communities.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said today's ceremony honoured those who answered the call when it mattered most.
"Today we pause to remember the lives lost in the Greta bus crash and to recognise the extraordinary efforts of those who responded with courage, compassion and professionalism," Commissioner Lanyon said.
"Their actions exemplify the very best of public service and humanity."
Commissioner Lanyon paid tribute to four people who were first on scene. Two of those individuals attended the service and received the Commissioner's Commendation for Courage.
"They did not hesitate. They rendered aid, comforted the injured and provided critical support until emergency services arrived," he said.
"Their actions undoubtedly saved lives that night and are a powerful reminder of the selflessness people are capable of."
Northern Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner David Waddell APM, said the response to the crash reflected the strength of coordinated emergency and community effort.
"The response was marked by professionalism, selflessness and teamwork across multiple agencies and the community," Assistant Commissioner Waddell said.
"Today's awards acknowledge both individual acts of bravery and the collective effort that ensured victims received care, families were supported, and a community was held together during its darkest hours.
"Your bravery, compassion and commitment have made an indelible difference in the lives of others."
