General News
19 July, 2025
Former policeman honoured
It was a morning full of surprises for Hopetoun Aged Care resident Denis Pridgeon, who received two medals in honour of his more than 29 years of policing service from Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Michael Grainger on Thursday, July 10.
The assistant commissioner for the Western region travelled all the way from Geelong to present these medals along with Superintendent Sharon McCrory.
Denis has worked at police stations across Melbourne and Hopetoun, serving from January 1961 to May 1990.
He was also in charge of the Hopetoun police station for several years before his retirement.
Denis met his children and grandchildren at the Rural Northwest Health Hopetoun and thought it was just a regular visit, but was surprised and honoured when he was unexpectedly relocated to the centre of the lounge area to receive the medals.
Assistant Commissioner Grainger thanked Denis for his service to policing, presenting him with the National Police Service Medal, which recognises the service of every Australian police officer to their community, and the Victoria Police Service Medal, which recognises 10 years or more of diligent and ethical service.
“It was my absolute pleasure to meet with Denis and present him with the medals,” Mr Grainger said.
“These medals indicate that our organisation acknowledges its serving officers and police veterans and their work with the Victoria Police.
“He was pleased and emotional when I presented the medals, and told me that he couldn’t believe that someone of my position had travelled all the way to present these medals.
“He and his family were very happy, and it was nice to speak with them.
“We thank you, Denis, sincerely, for your service.
Denis received a round of applause from the gathered crowd of family, friends, residents, and staff, and was incredibly moved by the presentation, commenting that he felt “very honoured” by the recognition.
He thanked all who attended the ceremony.
Denis also cuts a special cake made by Hopetoun Environmental Services assistant Leonie Naylor, before celebrating his accolades with morning tea.
Wimmera Mallee residents can also recall the time last year when Denis received a Veteran’s Badge in 2024.
Lola mentioned to Denis’s family that Rebecca worked for Police Veterans Victoria, and Rebecca later assisted with the application for the medals.
Rural Northwest Health congratulated Denis on this achievement.