Bravery awards to South West police

A courageous pair of South West cops are among those being recognised by Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove in the Australian Bravery Awards today.

First-Class Const. Kurt McKain and Const. Jeremy Forster rescued a drowning woman from Koombana Bay on the evening of January 3, 2016.

Hearing the woman’s screams for help, both officers jumped into the water in an attempt to find her.

Const. McKain obtained a boogie board and as both officers reached the woman about 250m from shore, they quickly realised she was unconscious and submerged.

Const. McKain dove underwater and pulled the woman to the surface before both officers put her on the board and headed to shore.

Const. Forster started CPR before paramedics arrived.

The woman was taken to hospital and later released.

For their brave and heroic actions, both officers will receive a Commendation for Brave Conduct.

Const. Forster was last week awarded a Commissioner’s Special Commendation during a WA police medal ceremony when he said it was “nice” to get recognition but police were just doing their jobs.

South West Supt Mick Sutherland said yesterday he was proud of the officers and all police.

“On many occasions, police officers place themselves at risk of personal injury while carrying out their functions on and off duty,” he said.

“Not only am I very proud of these individual officers for their meritorious conduct, but all police who are regularly acting under stressful conditions.”