Three police officers have been recognised for risking their lives on duty during shocking events in South Australia’s Mid North and South East regions last year.
Brevet Sergeant Jordan Allely, Senior Constable Rebekah Cass, and Sergeant Michael Hutchinson were presented with Police Bravery Medals at the academy last Wednesday.
Brevet Sergeant Allely was commended for his actions when he and a fellow officer were stabbed during an altercation in Crystal Brook in May 2023.
Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig was the officer-in-charge of Lucindale Police Station. (Supplied)
Senior Constable Cass and Sergeant Hutchinson attended an incident at Senior, near Bordertown, on November 16 last year when another officer, Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig was fatally shot.
Police said after Senior Constable Cass heard gunfire she immediately ran into the house with little regard to her own safety to aid her fellow officers.
She then alerted police communications and called for back-up.
Sergeant Hutchinson was shot during that altercation, but police said he maintained composure during an incredibly distressing event.
SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said the three officers were a credit to SA Police, and thanked them for their service.
Jaydn Stimson allegedly murdered Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig and attempted to murder Sergeant Michael Hutchinson. (Facebook)
“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.”
The man charged over the fatal shooting of Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig, Jaydn Harley Stimson, has pleaded not guilty to murder and attempted murder.
He is also charged with the attempted murder of Sergeant Michael Hutchinson, who suffered non-life threatening injuries when responding to the incident alongside Constable Rebekah Cass.
Mr Stimson will return to court in December.
Brevet Sergeant Allely was awarded for his actions on May 3, 2023.
In the interview, Mr Ferris described what he had experienced working as a guard at Woomera. (ABC Four Corners)
Police said that during negotiations with Crystal Brook man Sean Ferris, Brevet Sergeant Ian Todd came under attack and sustained life-threatening injuries.
Brevet Sergeant Allely intervened, receiving serious injuries, but maintained composure and acted decisively throughout the incident.
Sean Ferris was fatally shot during the incident.
Commissioner Stevens said all three officers showed courage and responsibility during the incidents.
“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’,” he said.
“Last week’s ceremony saw an opportunity to recognise our people and acknowledge the three officers’ unwavering commitment to policing.”
