Police Commissioner Bob  Atkinson said Sgt Lance stood out as an exemplary officer, who did not see his work as merely a job.

''I've always been impressed with Mark, in terms of his quiet, modest nature, but also his absolute commitment to the work that he does and he's right - it is an important area and there's a long way to go with domestic violence,'' he said.

Northern Region Assistant Commissioner Clem O'Regan said Sgt Lance's honour was representative of his own achievements and the field he works in.

''It emphasises the work Mark does in protecting women and families through the White Ribbon Foundation and the work he does in domestic violence prevention,'' he said.