28 Aug 2025

Going above and beyond in the line of duty

These members of the Western Australian Police Force displayed courageous actions while facing a variety of incidents in the line of duty. While they are trained for such incidents, their responses went beyond what would normally be expected in their role and demonstrated a high level of skill and care, earning them recognition for their efforts at the Royal Life Saving Bravery Awards last October.

Senior Constable Alex Mears and Senior Constable Leigh Woods

While on a meal break at the Swan River foreshore in South Perth, Senior Constable Alex Mears and Senior Constable Leigh Wood were alerted by a member of the public to a person in distress in the river. Observing a young woman struggling in the water, the officers quickly responded.

Senior Constable Mears swam approximately 100 metres to reach the fully clothed 26-year-old female, who was unable to swim and clinging to a marker pole. Despite her desperate attempts to hang onto Senior Constable Mears, he managed to calm her and swim her back to safety. On shore, Senior Constable Woods coordinated the rescue efforts and ensured that paramedics arrived to provide medical treatment. The woman was treated for jellyfish stings and further assessed on her way to the hospital.

The decisive actions and bravery of the officers, who risked their own safety and provided essential support, were instrumental in preventing a potential tragedy. Senior Constable Mears was awarded the Gold Medallion Bravery Award and Senior Constable Woods received a Bravery Commendation.

First Class Constable Amla Szalay, First Class Constable Chris Abbott, First Class Constable Mandip Singh, Constable Matthew Clements and Constable Merril Mathias.

In April 2023, police officers from Gosnells Police were dispatched to an address in Brookdale. Upon arrival, First Class Constable Abbott, First Class Constable Szalay, Constable Singh and Constable Mathias proceeded to the front of the property, while Constable Clements went to the rear.

Constable Clements discovered a female who was non-responsive in the backyard. He immediately called for assistance and quickly alerted the other officers. Upon finding no initial signs of life, Constable Abbott promptly began performing CPR. The team demonstrated remarkable composure and coordination, and due to the swift and decisive actions of the officers, the victim began to show signs of life. They continued to monitor her condition until paramedics arrived on scene. Their bravery and professionalism under stressful conditions are commendable.

First Class Constable Chris Abbott received a Gold Medallion Bravery Award and his fellow officers each a Gold Star Bravery Award.

Constable Louise Welch, Constable Jared Glynn, Constable Bayley Mitchell, Constable Josh Oppelaar, Sergeant Michael Fisher and Constable Aaron Brown.

On a challenging day, a team of police officers – Constable Louise Welch, Constable Jared Glynn, Constable Bayley Mitchell, Constable Josh Oppelaar, Sergeant Michael Fisher and Constable Aaron Brown – responded to a critical incident at a residential address. Upon arrival, they found an individual in severe distress in the backyard, unresponsive and not breathing. The officers acted with urgency and professionalism to perform lifesaving measures.

The team worked tirelessly to administer CPR and other critical first aid, ensuring that every possible effort was made to preserve life while awaiting paramedics. Their swift and coordinated actions meant the man had regained signs of life before being taken to hospital, however unfortunately he did later pass away. The commitment shown by the officers exemplify the highest standards of service and compassion in the face of crisis. All officers were awarded a Gold Medallion Bravery Award.

First Class Constable Jake Lee, Senior Constable Peter Subritzky, Senior Constable David Vincent, Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan McGuggon and Senior Constable James Stewart.

Late one evening, a vehicle was found abandoned near the Kwinana Freeway in Parklands. The search for this vehicle had been ongoing for several hours, involving a coordinated effort from the Southern Regional Operations Group, Rockingham Police Station, and Mandurah Detectives.

Upon locating the vehicle, officers began searching the surrounding areas for the driver, finding him unconscious in a pedestrian underpass near the freeway. Recognising that he was in cardiac arrest, they immediately commenced CPR. First Class Constable Lee, Constable Subritzky, Senior Constable Vincent, Detective Senior Sergeant McGuggon and Senior Constable Stewart took turns performing CPR, showing exceptional endurance and dedication under challenging conditions. Their continuous efforts were crucial in maintaining the victim’s condition until paramedics arrived.

Following the arrival of the ambulance, the officers followed instructions and continued CPR for approximately 30 minutes. Although the man did not regain signs of life, the commitment and professionalism of all involved were evident throughout the ordeal. For their efforts all individuals received a Gold Medallion Bravery Award.

Senior Constable Steven Kempster, Constable Deanne D'Ettorre, First Class Constable Chantelle Webster, Constable Laila Krada, Constable Andrew Lundie and Constable Kellie Hamstead.

In October 2022 Senior Constable Steven Kempster, Constable Deanne D'Ettorre, First Class Constable Chantelle Webster, Constable Laila Krada, Constable Andrew Lundie and Constable Kellie Hamstead responded to an urgent medical emergency involving a 57-year-old woman who had fallen unconscious after experiencing seizures. Upon arrival, the officers quickly initiated CPR, performing the life-saving procedure for a sustained period of 15 minutes until paramedics arrived.

The prompt and professional actions of the attending officers, who rotated through the CPR process, played a crucial role in stabilizing the patient. Thanks to their efforts, the patient was transported to the hospital with a pulse and breathing. The teamwork and professionalism demonstrated under immense pressure not only provided the patient with the best possible chance for recovery but also offered significant reassurance to the family present, reflecting the officers’ commitment to saving lives and supporting the community. Each received a Gold Medallion Bravery Award for their actions.