South Australia Police (SAPOL) has announced that Senior Constable First Class, Michael Klose has been named 2021 Police Officer of the Year.
SAPOL said that the annual award, presented by the Rotary Club of Unley, acknowledged police officers who – in the eyes of the community – demonstrated exemplary courtesy, courage, kindness, understanding, compassion and devotion to duty.
It said the award was presented to Senior Constable Klose (pictured) by President of the Rotary Club of Unley, Nathan White and District Governor of District 9510, Jeff Neale last Thursday (14 October).
SAPOL said a number of individuals and organisations nominated Senior Constable Klose for the award, including Law Enforcement Torch Run SA and the South Australian Police Motorcycle Club.
It said Senior Constable Klose joined SAPOL in 1986 and, for the past 21 years, in addition to his operational duties, made an outstanding contribution to the development and deployment of police bicycle patrols.
It said his efforts had been integral to enabling SAPOL to respond to a range of policing tasks where the use of bicycle patrols was a significant advantage.
“He has continually updated his knowledge and skills in this area and has ensured the contemporary integration of bicycle patrols into general policing activities,” the police force said.
It said Senior Constable Klose was awarded the prestigious Australian Police Medal in the 2019 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
Responding to the honour, Senior Constable Klose said he felt fortunate to be doing what he loved and seeing the rewards of it in local communities.
“Police officers often see the worst of what occurs in the community, but it is important to remember and focus on the good in the community,” Senior Constable Klose said.
