FOUR Victoria Police officers involved in a violent incident in Torquay in 2022 have received a Chief Commissioner’s Commendation for their brave actions.<\/p>\n
Leading Senior-Constable Gerard Allman, Leading Senior-Constable Joseph Anderson, Senior Constable Stephen Pearson and Leading Senior-Constable Tracey Van Looy received the commendation at a special ceremony at the Victoria Police Academy on Thursday last week.<\/p>\n
The award recognised exceptional courage, personal determination and extraordinary bravery in what was a violent, life threatening and perilous attack.<\/p>\n
At the time of the incident, officers were responding to a mental health callout when the offender brandished a 30cm knife, attacking LSC Allman.<\/p>\n
The officer was left with multiple stab wounds to his hands, arm and thigh.<\/p>\n
SC Pearson came to his aid, striking the offender to the head and back while trying to restrain the hand holding the knife.<\/p>\n
Fellow officers LSC Anderson and LSC Van Looy rushed to assist from the front of the house.<\/p>\n
The wounded officer was able to discharge his taser, before OC spray was used again to gain control of the situation, and the offender was arrested.<\/p>\n
Superintendent Michael Reid said the four officersdisplayed extraordinary courage.<\/p>\n
“Confronted with an offender intent of causing serious harm to police, they maintained their composure, protecting both themselves and each other.<\/p>\n
“We are so incredibly proud of their actions on that terrible day, which continues to have a significant impact on everyone involved.”<\/p>\n
LSC Allman later retired from the force, and his colleagues are on extended leave.<\/p>\n
“It is a reminder of the service, the sacrifice and the extraordinary risks our police confront in their dedication to keep the community safe,” Supt Reid said.<\/p>\n
“Our members do not do it for recognition, which makes them all the more deserving of honours like this.”<\/p>\n
Following the incident, the 48-year-old offender was later charged with attempting to intentionally cause serious injury, assaulting an emergency worker, resisting an emergency worker and common law assault.<\/p>\n
He was found not guilty by reason of mental impairment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
FOUR Victoria Police officers involved in a violent incident in Torquay in 2022 have received a Chief Commissioner’s Commendation for their brave actions. Leading Senior-Constable Gerard Allman, Leading Senior-Constable Joseph Anderson, Senior Constable Stephen Pearson and Leading Senior-Constable Tracey Van Looy received the commendation at a special ceremony at the Victoria Police Academy on Thursday […]<\/p>\n