Great Southern police officer Sgt Jeff Daniels a regional finalist in 2025 Recognition of Excellence Awards

A much-loved Great Southern police officer of 19 years has been put forward as a finalist for an honourable excellence award in the WA Police Force.

Sgt Jeff Daniels, who recently transferred from Katanning police station to the Fremantle Water Police, is one of three officers nominated for the regional category in the 2025 Recognition of Excellence Awards.

He said “it put a smile on my face” when told he was selected from more than 200 people.

“It’s nice to be recognised — I’m very grateful that I got nominated” he said.

“I work really hard to achieve good results in the family violence space and it’s nice that they appreciated I was a bit difference from my predecessors.

“I’m very thankful I’ve had a good boss, (officer-in-charge Sen. Sgt) Dave Rudd.

“He’s a good mentor, he inspires and encourages me to crack on because there are times where I was just pulling my hair out.”

Growing up in Albany, Sgt Daniels said he had always focused on regional policing, serving 12 years as Constable in Albany before taking a promotion to sergeant in Katanning in 2022.

“Without being too cliche, I think the people drawn to policing want to have a positive impact on the world and the fact everyday as a copper is different,” he said.

“I’m not leaving Katanning because I’m unhappy, I’m leaving because I was successful in getting a position in my dream job which is the water police.

“I’m very much a child of the water.”

Sgt Daniels said going forward he will continue showing up for those who need it.

“I try to build rapport with them, you can’t be everyone’s friend because something I’m slapping handcuffs on them but you can do it in a way they maintain their dignity,” he said.

“People will remember how you made them feel and I always try and make people feel good.”

Chosen from a pool of 213 nominations by the public and police force, there are 15 offices and 17 teams in the running for the awards, which acknowledge the incredible work, high value, and trust that officers commit to their roles.

The five titles up for grabs include the State award, metropolitan award, emergency services and development award and the technology award.

The winners will be announced on July 17.