Hawthorn Football Club and BankVic are passionate about recognising the ordinary people doing extraordinary things in their communities. BankVic is the bank for Police, Health and Emergency Services, and will present a champion from the Emergency Services sector to be celebrated at each Hawthorn home game, with their story to be shared via hawthornfc.com.au.

In this spotlight this week is….

Senior Sergeant Niall Waring.

Senior Sergeant Waring has spent the past 19 years at the Victoria Police.

Over this time, he has worked in a variety of uniform and specialist areas across Victoria.

After gaining great experience in the field, Niall became a Detective on the Purana Task Force, where he investigated high-level organised crime.

Notably, he was also a member of the elite Joint Counter Terrorism Team investigating threat to life matters of state and national significance.

Interviewed on Friday night before the Emergency Services match, Senior Sergeant Waring said his motivation to serve was simple.

"For most of us in the emergency services, the passion and commitment to actually serve the community of Victoria is what makes us do what we do," Waring said.

"It is a really pleasing job."

Last year, Niall received a Valour Award, which is Victoria Police’s highest award given to officers for an act that displays exceptional bravery in extremely perilous circumstances.

In Victoria Police’s 166-year history, only 345 Valour Awards have been issued by the Chief Commissioner. 

Senior Sergeant Niall Waring takes pride in the fact that every shift he puts in is a contribution to a safer and more just society.