Nine police officers, an off-duty ambulance officer and a member of the public who saved lives in perilous situations have been recognised in the latest Australian Bravery Decorations.
Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk said the 11 Queenslanders had put the lives of others before their own, while overcoming great obstacles and hazardous conditions.
“Twice a year, the Australian Bravery Decorations celebrate the incredible bravery and selflessness of individuals, groups and, perhaps most frequently, those who serve on the front line to protect and support our community,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“Of the 10 Australians honoured with Bravery Medals in this round, half are from Queensland and four currently serve with the Queensland Police Service (QPS).”
She said a further five Queensland Police officers and one member of the public had been honoured with a Commendation for Brave Conduct.
“I thank all members of the Queensland Police Service for their dedication, resilience and care each and every day, and I congratulate all of our latest Queensland recipients of Australian Bravery Decorations,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
Minister for Police, Mark Ryan said the actions of these officers were an inspiration for frontline officers across the QPS, as they embodied the values that all emergency services demonstrated every day.
Mr Ryan said recipients of Bravery Medals included: Senior Constable William Atwood and Senior Constable Kimberley Murphy, for their attempted rescue of a man from a unit fire in Bowen in December 2015; Sergeant Clint Drew and Senior Constable Dylan Maestri for their actions in the rescue of three people from a burning vehicle on Palm Island in December 2017; and Senior Constable Kylie Gunter, Detective Senior Constable Liam McWhinney, Sergeant Tasman Place and Senior Constable Scott Wilson were commended for brave conduct for their actions during an incident with an armed man in Mackay in May 2018.
He said Queensland recipients of Australian Bravery Decorations would receive their awards at a ceremony at Government House in Brisbane.
