IF you live in Muswellbrook or the surrounding areas, then there's a good chance you've seen, heard of or met Senior Constable Sheree Gray.
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This is simply because she is involved in so many community programs that it's hard to miss her, and her work ethic and passion in her role is instantly memorable.
It has now been confirmed that commitment is impressive not only at a local level but at a state one too, as showcased by her win at the Rotary NSW Police Officer of the Year Awards last Friday night at the Hyatt Regency in Sydney, where she won the Rotary Community Award.
Prior to receiving the prize, she told The Chronicle she was 'shocked' and 'honoured' to even be nominated, so it's easy to imagine the elation she displayed after winning.
"I was shaking, I was a bit speechless because the other police that were nominated had done such fantastic work," the Hunter Valley Police District officer said.
"When they called out my name I thought 'whoa, that's me'."
Ever humble, Snr Cst Gray stated one of her main takeaways from the night was seeing just how much good work the police force does around the state through a wide range of programs.
However, she would certainly be one to know what kind of reach they have, being involved in programs such as My Law Week, Licence to Drive, Kids in our Community, Next of Kin, Graffiti Removal Day and helping establish the Muswellbrook Red Door Community Kitchen.
The first of those has taken quite the journey, beginning as a series of of lectures regarding drug, alcohol and internet offences, before becoming full blown theatrical performance that is part of the curriculum at St Catherine's College which sees students role play as police, solicitors and magistrates.
Working with youth has always been a focus of the experienced officer, and she admitted to having somewhat of a "bucket list" of issues to address while in her current role.
Despite all of this extra work, she said it was far from being a burden and she enjoys being so heavily involved around the region.
"It's definitely one of the highlights of my career but I do it because I love it," stated the 55-year-old.
"You don't expect a lot of rewards or thanks but when you do get it at that level it is very special."
She has come a long way to finally get this type of recognition though.
Starting with the force in Sydney 35 years ago, Snr Cst was originally a general duty officer before moving to highway patrol for almost a decade.
After that she shifted into the youth sector and, in 2001, transferred to Muswellbrook, where she would again go on to become more heavily involved in the community aspect of the job.
But Snr Cst Gray is far from done yet, and revealed she is already eyeing off new ways to help the public.