Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Kehoe from the Tweed/Byron Police District, and eight other NSW Police officers have been honoured with an Australian Police Medal (APM) in recognition of their exceptional service and commitment to the community.

Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Kehoe joined the NSW Police Force on 18 September 1987 and worked at Dee Why, Manly and Frenchs Forest police stations. In 1995, he commenced criminal investigation duties at Manly Police Station and was designated as a detective in 1997.

He transferred to the Corrective Services Investigation Unit, State Crime Command, before being promoted to sergeant at Lismore in 2005. He continued to perform a number of duties across northern NSW, including a term as the general manager of Industry Regulations at the NSW Firearms Registry over the years. In 2018, he transferred to the Tweed/Byron Police District as a duty officer, then in 2019, he was promoted to a detective chief inspector at the Tweed/Byron Police District. He is currently the officer in charge of the Byron Bay Police Station, performing the role of an operations district inspector.

He has consistently navigated complex challenges throughout his career. His ability to maintain public trust and uphold the integrity of the NSW Police Force has been achieved through proactive engagement with locals, community groups, and business owners within the tourism industry. These strong relationships have been instrumental in fostering community confidence and collaboration.

Detective Chief Inspector Kehoe provided instrumental support to the family of a missing Belgian backpacker. He has planned, commanded and led policing operations at Bluesfest, Splendour in the Grass and Falls Festival in the Byron Shire from 2018 to 2024. He responded to community needs in the Byron Shire during the 2019 bushfires and 2022 floods and led public order management at the NSW and QLD border, Byron Bay, and Mullumbimby during COVID-19 restrictions.

Detective Chief Inspector Kehoe has dedicated 38 years of distinguished service to the community, marked by outstanding performance, quality, and significant contribution to the development of the NSW Police Force.

Acting Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Paul Scully and NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon have congratulated the officers on the achievement and thanked them for their contribution to the NSW Police Force.

Nominations for the awards can be made by an officer’s peers, commander or a member of the community, and are announced twice a year, in January (Australia Day) and June (King’s Birthday).

Acting Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Paul Scully praised the officers for their commitment and professionalism.

“These officers have shown remarkable dedication in keeping our communities safe. Their efforts reflect the high standards of NSW Police,” Acting Minister Scully said.

“Time and again, they demonstrate courage and care in serving the people of NSW. I thank them for their commitment and congratulate them.”

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon commended the outstanding officers who received an Australian Police Medal.

“An Australian Police Medal reflects the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and leadership within our organisation,” Commissioner Lanyon said.

“Officers awarded an APM have demonstrated remarkable dedication over many years in various operational, proactive and corporate sides of policing, and I thank them for their ongoing contribution to NSW Police Force.

“An APM is a testament to the officer’s character, their service to the people of New South Wales, and their commitment to public safety.”