Media notes - Meritorious

AUSTRALIAN POLICE MEDAL (APM)
Western Australia
Superintendent Craig Robert DONALDSON
Superintendent (Acting Commander) Donaldson joined Western Australia Police in 1984 and
has served in significant country locations as well as a detective in metropolitan locations. In
2005 he worked on the delivery of services to remote Indigenous communities where he
continued the implementation of the recommendations of the Gordon Report. He was then
transferred to work within the Police Specialist Units where he had responsibility for the Dog
Squad, Mounted Police, Air Support and Water Police that provide important and critical
support to the frontline officers. In 2007 he was appointed as a Team Leader for an Overseas
Recruitment Program in South Africa and the United Kingdom. Upon returning he was
appointed to the EBA Negotiating Team where his communication and negotiating skills were
instrumental in the delivery of a new agreement that was implemented without any industrial
disharmony. He was then promoted to Superintendent in 2010 and was placed in charge of
the Western Australia Police Academy. During 2011 he was heavily involved in the planning
phase for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and successfully managed the
State Reception Centre as Venue Commander during the event. Subsequently, he became
more involved in the Counter Terrorism and Emergency Management field and participated in
several overseas high level courses. In late 2012 he was appointed as the Acting
Commander, Counter Terrorism and Emergency Response.
Inspector Paul Gervase LA SPINA
Inspector La Spina is a very experienced officer who has an ability to work within any area of
policing and has a reputation for being well organised. He is meticulous with his planning
skills and provides invaluable support to his senior officers in achieving outcomes. He joined
Western Australia Police in 1979 and served in a number of locations, both metropolitan and
country. He was then appointed as a Detective and undertook duties in a variety of squads
including Organised Crime and the State Security Unit which involved investigations involving
racially motivated crime and high level dignitaries. In 2000 he was promoted to Inspector at
the Internal Affairs Unit where he was involved in investigating corruption within the agency.
From 2003 to 2008 he worked as an Assistant Divisional Office at the South Metropolitan
District, Prosecuting Division, and then the Kimberley District where he provided leadership
and governance. He returned to the Organised Crime area for a short period before taking up
a position within the State Intelligence Covert Operations area where he provided significant
guidance in dealing with serious crime issues, not only within Western Australia but also in
other State jurisdictions as required. In 2012 he was appointed as the Officer-in-Charge of the
Police Air Wing where he is responsible for ensuring that aerial capabilities are met in support
of frontline policing. In addition, Inspector La Spina is the current Chairman of the Western
Australia Section of the International Police Association.
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