Queen's Birthday Honours: Oxley Superintendent Kylie Endemi awarded Australian Police Medal

She's seen the some of the worst in people, but also some of the best in her line of work, and has never regretted joining the force.

"I love policing, I love looking after our cops, I'm passionate about it. After 27 years, hand on heart I can say it is absolutely the best job in the world," the veteran officer said.

"Country policing has been a particular love of mine."

Recognised with the Australian Police Medal (APM) in the Queen's Birthday Honours, it's never been about the awards or pats on the back. In fact, Superintendent Endemi is still in shock.

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"I am extremely passionate about being able to be a hard-working, professional police officer and at the same time raise a family and be a good mum," she said.

"They're the two things I'm most passionate about, and if I can leave any legacy, or impact in this amazing job, is that I can show other female officers, and aspiring women, but most of all my daughter, that you can do both - you can have a successful career and have a family.

"It does take a lot of work, and it is challenging but it is incredibly rewarding at the same time."

Last year, she was promoted to the commander's role of Oxley Police District. The first female Superintendent to lead the local force - covering an area from Willow Tree in the south, out to Pilliga in the west, near Uralla in the north, and east past Nowendoc and Niangala. A command that encompasses Tamworth, Narrabri, Gunnedah, Walcha and everywhere in between.

"A career of 27 years of policing can only be achieved by two things: one is the absolute support of your family, and I've been incredibly lucky to have a husband and two children who have made personal sacrifices themselves to support me, and that's something I will never forget," Superintendent Endemi said.

"And two, the camaraderie and the family-type loyalty you get from being part of the blue family. I have worked with amazing people over my time and now I'm incredibly honoured to lead these officers.

"I stand in awe of what they do, and I'm honoured to lead them and support them so they can do what they do best and that is policing and supporting the community.

"And that's what keeps me going."

Kylie Maree Endemi joined the force in 1994, posted to general duties stations in Sydney.

Four years later she transferred to Coffs Harbour, and in 2005 was promoted to sergeant.

In 2010, she joined the ranks as an inspector and moved her family to Tamworth - something she hasn't looked back on.

The majority of her career has been spent in the regions, and she admits shes a "simple country girl at heart".

"I love working in small communities, I love being a part of my community - the two are intrinsically intertwined because we're members of the community," Superintendent Endemi said.

"Community policing in the country will always be where my heart lies."

While she doesn't know who nominated her, Superintendent Endemi was recognised for developing "significant and positive community relations" and bringing together connections with MPs, council, community and sporting groups, as well as developing greater awareness of the Aboriginal Strategic Direction in her role.

Her work in strengthening responses to domestic violence; rural, property and violence offences across the command is part of the honour, and her passion for, and assistance with vulnerable youth has helped to divert kids from the criminal justice system.

"I'm very humbled, and most of all I feel extremely honoured to be considered, but then to be awarded the Australian Police Medal, I'm just in shock really," she said.

"It's a recognition I have never ever considered myself worthy of but one that I have watched some amazing police officers and some of my mentors, or those I have looked up to in my career, receive and it is an incredible honour."

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