Brave actions of QPS officers recognised nationally

Two Queensland police officers have been honoured with Australian Bravery Decorations for their outstanding service to the community.

Senior Constable Darryl Campbell from the Sunshine Coast Road Policing Command was presented with a Bravery Medal and Senior Constable Drew Lewis from the Public Safety Response Team was presented with a Commendation for Brave Conduct.

Police Minister Jack Dempsey said both officers had put their own safety aside to protect and serve the people of Queensland.

“Senior Constables Campbell and Lewis are wonderful role models and their selfless actions highlight the commitment our police officers make every day to keep our community safe,” Mr Dempsey said.

“On behalf of all Queenslanders, I congratulate and thank these two officers for their bravery.”

In April 2011, Senior Constable Darryl Campbell was first on the scene to a single vehicle traffic crash on Maroochydore Road, Maroochydore. The car had rolled and remained on its roof and a seriously injured man was trapped inside, with fuel leaking throughout the cabin of the car.   Snr Const. Campbell entered the vehicle and despite being soaked with fuel, he continued to support the driver who had regained consciousness, until ambulance officers arrived. He helped remove the driver from the vehicle.

Senior Constable Drew Lewis assisted in the apprehension of an offender armed with a sawn-off rifle in Upper Mount Gravatt in June 2012. The man had broken into a residence and taken four people hostage within the house. Snr Const. Lewis forced entry into the house and sighted the offender, however to keep the hostages safe, his team withdrew. A short while later, the man came out of the house, threatening the hostages before two managed to run back into the house. While being threatened by the armed man, Snr Const. Lewis broke cover to turn people away from the scene. The man was arrested by police a short while later.

Commissioner Ian Stewart said bravery decorations give recognition to the stand-out actions of these police officers as they performed their duty.

“These officers risked their personal safety in high-pressure situations. While they were two very different situations, they both displayed immense courage as they attempted to save lives and maintain community safety,” Commissioner Stewart said.

The officers' awards have been approved by Her Excellency the Honourable Quentin Bryce, Governor-General of Australia on the 39^th Anniversary of the Australian Honours System.

There are four levels of bravery awards, the Cross of Valour, the Star of Courage, the Bravery Medal, the Commendation for Brave Conduct and the Group Bravery Citation.

[ENDS] 24^th March 2014

Media contacts: Minister’s Office: Callum Stewart 0403 925 703   Police Media: (07) 3015 2444