There isn’t a better job for Sgt Mal Scott than being Cooroy police officer-in-charge and there isn’t anyone who could do a better job.This month this became official when Police Commissioner Ian Stewart presented Sgt Scott with the Rotary Sunshine Coast Police Officer of the Year award.
Sgt Scott was shortlisted along with five other officers across the coast before a panel decided he was most deserving of the inaugural award, having met the required attributes which included kindness and compassion, devotion to duty, enthusiasm, community involvement and a sense of achievement.”This award was very fitting for Mal – he is well known in his community and is held in the highest regard by all who know him, both personally and professionally,” Commissioner Stewart said.
Growing up in Dalby and Toowoomba was where Sgt Scott developed his love of the country and being a police officer was what he always wanted to do.
“I just wanted to help people, to make a difference,” he said.
After training in Brisbane Sgt Scott was posted to Dalby then to Longreach where he said he learnt about community policing.
From there he moved to Caloundra for 10 years before gaining his post as officer in charge of Cooroy 20 years ago.
“I feel very lucky to be here,” he said.
He said while about 90 per cent of his days are spent dealing with negative issues in the community, acts of generosity and kindness, such as the delivery this week of childrens clothing made for victims of domestic violence, “empty the bucket and you start again.”
“It’s things like this that inspire you to keep going,” he said.
Living in a small town means he knows everyone and has on occasion arrested friends.
“At the end of the day I have to perform my duty, and they respect you for that,” he said.
Sgt Scott lives in Cooroy with his partner and their two children grew up in the town.
