Detective Superintendent Michael Willing is the longest-serving boss of the NSW Police Force's homicide quad. In his five years in the top job he's overseen arrests in some of the state's longest-running murder investigations. 
Superintendent Willing is one of eight NSW police to be awarded the Australian Police Medal in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours. NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione has been made an Officer (AO) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for his professionalism in policing and leadership in international investigations and counter-terrorism activities.
Superintendent Willing walked into the Goulburn police academy in 1990 and three years later was working criminal investigations, a field where he has now spent most of his distinguished career.
Since overtaking the homicide squad in 2011 he's overseen high-profile arrests including the capture of double murderer and bush fugitive Malcolm Naden and the alleged Family Court bomber Leonard John Warwick - an investigation that dated back to the 1980s.
His detectives are seen as the leaders in homicide investigation in Australasia, with the highest case completion rate of any homicide squad in Australia. "Everyone here is absolutely dedicated to speaking for those who can no longer speak," Superintendent Willing has told Fairfax Media.
Another recipient of the medal is Detective Inspector Michael Sheehy, who oversees the robbery and serious crime squad.
Detective Superintendent Mark Noakes, commander of POLAIR, has also been awarded the medal. Bankstown Local Area Commander Superintendent David Eardley, Hawkesbury Local Area Commander Superintendent Stephen Egginton and Superintendent Paul Fehon, commander of the Mid North Coast are also recipients.
As is Senior Sergeant Kevin Allard and Senior Sergeant Donna Murphy.