Two Sunshine Coast police officers have received Bravery Medals at a special ceremony.
The Queensland Police Bravery Medal was be awarded to Senior Constable Matthew Clark and Senior Constable Harrison Meier for performing an act of bravery in hazardous circumstances.
The officers attended a fire in a home in Buderim in August 2023.
Without hesitation, Senior Constables Clark and Meier ran into the home and towards the fire where they worked together to rescue a woman from the fire.
Using bed sheets, they first successfully extinguished the flames that were impacting the woman, and then moved to extinguish the fire in the bathroom.
Both officers then performed first aid on the woman until paramedics arrived.
Sunshine Coast District Officer Superintendent Craig Hawkins said, thanks to their intervention, the woman only suffered superficial burns.
“More serious injuries were undoubtedly prevented by their swift and courageous act, putting their own safety at risk to assist a member of the public,” Superintendent Hawkins said.
The two Bravery Medal recipients were among 52 fellow police officers and two civilians who were recognised for their service to the Sunshine Coast community.
The Russell Sheehan Memorial Award was presented to Detective Senior Constable Jarrod Horne.
The award is given to a Plain Clothes Officer within the Sunshine Coast District to honour investigators who possess the attributes of the late Detective Senior Constable Russell Sheehan who died in 2015.
Senior Constable Horne, from the Sunshine Coast Criminal Investigation Branch, received the award for his work ethic, professionalism, dependability, consistency and value in a team.
Superintendent Hawkins said he’s proud of his colleagues.
“Police officers show up to work every day not knowing what to expect. The only thing that remains consistent day to day is their bravery, selflessness, and dedication to service of their community,” Superintendent Hawkins said.
“It’s important that we thank and honour the work they do in protecting community safety.”
