"It's an honour to recommend these fine officers for such a prestigious national honour - they've earned it through years of service to the force and our NSW communities."

Inspector Box, the duty officer for the Far South Coast LAC, was the only Bega Valley Shire citizen named in the Australia Day honour roll.

Mr Scully said the nine officers would be officially regarded as 'nominees' until their APMs were presented to them at ceremonies at Sydney's Government House later this year.

He said that Inspector Box works at the frontline of Far South Coast policing and is responsible for the Bega area.

He is an integral member of the command management team, sworn-in in 1980.

Inspector Box has served in general duties at Darlinghurst, Albury and Bega, and in licensing at Central and The Rocks.

Inspector Box was a detective with the NSW Crime Commission Drug Enforcement Agency Albury, Major Crime Squad and the Murray Drug Unit.

He achieved his current rank and position in 2000.

Inspector Box was awarded the National Medal in 1996, the NSW Police Medal in 2003 and the Commissioner's Commendation for Courage (1992).

"The APM was established in 1986 to recognise distinguished service by members of Australian Police Forces," he said.

"Recommendations are made to the Governor-General by Commonwealth, State and Territory Ministers.

"An individual officer can only receive the award once and recipients are entitled to use the letters ‘APM' after their names."

The Australian Police Medal is a circular nickel-silver medal bearing the Crown of St Edward.

The front bears the effigy of the Queen on the Commonwealth Star, superimposed over a pattern of fluted rays.

The reverse has a wreath of golden wattle surrounding the inscriptions ‘Australian Police Medal' and ‘For Distinguished Service'.

The ribbon bears the colours of Australian Police Services - navy and white.