His quick-thinking to run and stop the offender until police arrived was rewarded yesterday with a certificate of commendation from NSW Police.

Speaking at the annual Murray River Police District awards in Albury, Chief Inspector Kim Sorensen said police had been chasing the wanted man on July 24 this year.

“The offender immediately fled on foot across the road and into the shopping centre with police giving chase,” he said.

“Rob Lennon was in the car park at the time … without hesitation, he rushed at the offender, taking hold of him, giving police time to catch up to the offender.”

The officers then arrested 28-year-old Rowan Weaver on assault and traffic offences.

“I just had enough speed to get ahead of him,” Mr Lennon told The Border Mail.

“(The commendation) is quite a big honour, especially having my family and kids here.”

Another civilian Linda Goudie was commended for her “courage and compassion” when comforting an elderly woman who had flipped her car in a serious crash on Culcairn Holbrook Road on January 14, providing invaluable assistance until police arrived.

Police officers Senior Constable Bradley Duncan and Senior Constable Leslie Crofts were also awarded a commendation for acting quickly when they saw smoke and flames spreading through a Corowa home on January 28 last year.

“They opened the back door and entered the burning building, working their way through deep smoke until they were satisfied no persons were in the house,” Chief Inspector Sorensen said.

“They are commended for their commitment to duty in difficult circumstances.”

Police service medals were awarded to officers who displayed ethical and diligent service over at least 15 years.

Superintendent Evan Quarmby was one of the officers to receive a NSW Police medal clasp for 30 years of service and thanked the family and friends of all police in attendance.

“Without that sort of support, my colleagues couldn’t do the work that they do,” he said.

“There are days where police don’t get paid nearly enough for what they have to see and what they have to do and what gets thrown at them.”

Southern region commander, Assistant Commission Peter Barrie, said the individual honours were important, but the police service was really about officers all working together.