She was a well-known, loved and respected woman in her community. She was excitedly preparing for her wedding day at the time she was abducted and murdered. A life of happiness and promise was cut short for the young teacher, a future robbed from her partner and future husband, and a town left bereft.

Ten years on from this horrible crime, the investigator who led the case has received a well-deserved recognition for three decades of service to the community he calls home.

Detective Inspector Tim Clark received his award at Piccolo Family Farm on July 23, receiving his service medal from Assistant Commissioner Andrew Spliet.

For many in attendance, the moment carried particular weight; this was the man who had worked tirelessly to bring justice for Stephanie Scott and her family.

"It only seems like yesterday this investigation took place," Inspector Clark reflected after the ceremony.

"I certainly cannot believe it has been 10 years; it is still in the forefront of my thoughts, and I guess it will always remain there."

The tragedy that shook Leeton and communities far beyond occurred in 2015.

Stephanie Scott, a beloved school teacher, was preparing for what should have been the happiest day of her life when her world—and that of everyone who knew her—was shattered.

Her death left a lingering shock that still reverberates through the region today.

For Inspector Clark, it remains the most high-profile case of his career, but more than that, it represents something deeply personal about the work he's dedicated his life to.

"These types of matters have a very emotional hold on everyone involved, and that is no different for me," he said.

"The matter is clearly a very tragic incident that affected the family and so many other people, including the community of Leeton."

But rather than being overwhelmed by the weight of such investigations, Inspector Clark finds meaning in the pursuit of justice.

"It was an honour to be able to lead the investigation to bring the offender to justice for Stephanie's family, her friends, and the community of Leeton, of which I am a part."

His connection to the Murrumbidgee region runs deep.

Arriving in 1997, he immediately felt this was where he wanted to build his life.

"The Murrumbidgee is a great part of the world," he said with characteristic understatement.

The memories of that first day at the Police Academy in Goulburn remain vivid.

"It's crazy, but I can still remember my first day walking into the doors," he recalled.

"At that time, I planned on making a career out of the police; however, I never thought I would be in the position I am in now."

What strikes you about Inspector Clark is his genuine humility.

When he speaks of the Stephanie Scott case, there's no sense of professional triumph—just a quiet recognition of duty fulfilled for a community in grief. He understands that behind every case file is a human story, a family forever changed.

"There are many others I have investigated, though not to the scale of a murder investigation, that still remain close to me where I feel I have really made a difference to a victim's life," he said.

"That is really important to me, and again, it is an honour to be able to make that difference."

Assistant Commissioner Andrew Spliet, presenting the awards, captured something essential about officers like Inspector Clark: "They don't do it for awards; they do it so our community feels safe."

As the ceremony concluded and officers returned to their daily duties, there was a sense that something important had been acknowledged.

Not just thirty years of service, but the quiet courage it takes to stand between a community and its darkest moments.

Ten years after Stephanie Scott's life was so cruelly cut short, her memory lives on—in the school where she taught, in the community that loved her, and in the dedication of officers like Inspector Clark who ensure that justice, however long it takes, eventually finds its way home.

For Inspector Clark, the work continues.

"I have many memories over the past 30 years in relation to the jobs I've done, the colleagues I have worked with and all the different people I have met along the way," he said. "I look forward to continuing to do this."

In a world that often feels uncertain, there's something deeply reassuring about knowing there are people like Tim Clark standing watch—quietly, humbly, and with an unwavering commitment to the communities they serve.