Two Sunshine Coast police officers have been honoured for their bravery in saving a woman from a burning home in 2023.
Senior Constable Matthew Clark and Senior Constable Harrison Meier were awarded the Queensland Police Bravery Medal at the Sunshine Coast District Honours and Awards Ceremony for performing an act of bravery in hazardous circumstances.
The two bravery medal recipients stood alongside 52 fellow police officers and two civilians who were also recognised for their service to the Sunshine Coast community.
The awards presented include the National Medal, National Police Service Medal, District Officer Certificate, Russell Sheehan Memorial Award, Bravery Medal and 15 to 40-year clasps of the Queensland Police Service Medal.
Without hesitation, senior constables Clark and Meier ran into the Buderim home and towards the fire, where they worked together to remove a woman from danger.
Using bed sheets, they first extinguished the flames that were endangering 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 that 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.
A District Officer’s Certificate was also presented to Senior Constable Thomas Ayling, Senior Constable Danny Baker, Senior Constable Mitch Burton, Detective Senior Constable Michael Duff, Sergeant Phillip Stephens, plain clothes Senior Constable Michael Maguire and Detective Senior Constable Daniel McMah for their work in addressing unsafe and illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters on the Sunshine Coast.
Lead by the Noosa Child Protection Investigation Unit, police launched Operation Surron Carrion and Operation Zappo Stoppie in 2024, focused on education, disruption and enforcement concerning the use of e-bikes and e-scooters.
The operations involved innovative thinking and collaboration with local schools, community groups and stakeholders to raise awareness of the rules and regulations and encourage safe riding.
“These officers have demonstrated excellence in innovative policing methodologies and dedication to reducing road trauma and embedding road safety standards to support the safety of the Noosa community and broader Sunshine Coast District,” Superintendent Hawkins said.
The Russell Sheehan Memorial Award was awarded to a plain clothes officer within the Sunshine Coast District to honour investigators who possess the attributes of the late detective senior constable who died in 2015.
Detective Senior Constable Jarrod Horne from the Sunshine Coast Criminal Investigation Branch will receive the award for his work ethic, professionalism, dependability, consistency and value in a team.
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Superintendent Hawkins said he was 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,” he said.
“It’s important that we thank and honour the work they do in protecting community safety.”
