Local officers honoured

Three South Australia Police (SAPOL) officers, including two from the Limestone Coast, who risked their lives on duty during two separate distressing incidents have been recognised for extraordinary acts of bravery.

Earlier this month, Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens APM LEM presented Limestone Coast based officers Senior Constable Rebekah Cass and Sergeant Michael Hutchinson with Police Bravery Medals at SAPOL’s Police Academy. Brevet Sergeant Jordan Allely was also honoured at the ceremony.

Senior Constable Rebekah Cass was awarded for her actions on 16 November 2023, during an incident at Senior when Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig was fatally shot. On hearing gunfire, she immediately ran into the house with little regard to her own safety to aid her fellow officers.

Despite the harrowing circumstances and extreme personal pressures, Senior Constable Cass advised Police Communications of what had transpired and arranged further resources before attending to all injured.

Similarly, Sergeant Michael Hutchinson was awarded for his actions during the same incident, maintaining his composure in an incredibly distressing situation and being shot in the process.

By running toward Brevet Sergeant Doig, Sergeant Hutchinson put himself in the line of fire and like the other recipients, demonstrated extraordinary bravery.

“Their courage and quick-thinking in the face of enormous danger, highlights the quality and tenacity of our people that underpins SAPOL’s strong reputation within the South Australian community,” Commissioner Stevens said.

“I commend each of them – they are a credit to themselves and to SAPOL.

“Our officers are trained and equipped to protect the public and maintain their safety, but there are still inherent dangers in policing. Nothing says more about our outstanding police officers than the everyday acts of heroism demonstrated by our three officers awarded.”

Minister for Police Dan Cregan said the commendations exemplify the bravery and courage of SAPOL officers.

“Each recipient has put the safety of others ahead of their own, acting immediately to assist their colleagues,” Minister Cregan said.

Police Bravery Medals are presented to SAPOL employees who perform exceptional and outstanding acts of bravery or act courageously and responsibly in the face of potential or actual danger to their life, or in the face of the possibility of serious injury while performing their duty.

“SAPOL’s strength is maintained through a strong sense of culture and community pride and our strong foundations are built on the ethos that ‘our people are our strength’,” Commissioner Stevens said.

“The people that make up SAPOL are by far the organisation’s most valuable assets.

“Last week’s ceremony saw an opportunity to recognise our people and acknowledge the three officers’ unwavering commitment to policing.”

Brevet Sergeant Allely was awarded for his actions on May 3 last year during a stabbing at Crystal Brook, when he saved Brevet Sergeant Ian Todd’s life.

During negotiations with a Crystal Brook man, Brevet Sergeant Todd came under attack and sustained life-threatening injuries. Brevet Sergeant Allely intervened and received serious injuries in the process but maintained composure and acted decisively throughout the incident.