Faye Horstmann is being hailed as a strong, quick-thinking, exceptional citizen after assisting police in the critical closing phase of a pursuit operation in regional South Australia.
Faye's involvement in the pursuit and arrest of two people for making off without payment, unlawful possession and illegal use, has led to her being crowned as the 2025 Lions Citizen of the Year.
When Faye, a long-term Mannum resident, went to work on Tuesday 29 July 2025, she did not know that her job operating the Cowirra Upstream Ferry in Mannum would put her in the centre of police action.
During her evening shift, Faye received a phone call from local police asking her to look out for two suspicious vehicles travelling together, trying to evade police capture.
This is not an uncommon request, and local police have a very good working relationship with ferry operators in the region.
Only 10 minutes later Faye saw the suspect vehicles boarding her ferry. On the phone to the police, Faye confirmed the presence of the cars and provided valuable information about the occupants in each vehicle.
"I didn't think much of it at first," Faye said.
Faye managed to slyly delay the launch from the east bank, walking away from the ferry for a 'quick break'. Faye's quick thinking allowed time for a police officer to board the ferry and park behind the subject vehicles without detection.
With an officer in place behind the offenders, and more police set to arrive at the other end of the ferry trip, Faye started to realise the seriousness of the situation.
"I knew it was getting serious when all of a sudden I could hear the helicopter flying past," she said.
The journey across the Murray River was tense with the frustrated passengers making their displeasure known. Faye needed to stay calm as police were still on their way to the landing point on the western bank.
The ferry arrived, but police were still on their way to the western bank. Faye stayed calm and kept the gates closed, denying their escape.
"The people in the suspect vehicles were getting angry. They were aggressively asking why we weren't moving," she said.
"I just tried to stay out of sight and not confront them face to face.
"I just keep thinking 'the police are coming soon, I'll be fine', and I've done security before, and I know how to handle myself."
Before long, additional patrols arrived, boarded the ferry and safely arrested the two suspects without incident.
Faye continued her outstanding assistance by reassuring the other passengers aboard the ferry whilst police dealt with the arrest, and then promptly returned the ferry to its normal operations with minimum impact on customers.
Faye didn't shy away from taking responsibility when the unusual situation arose. She met the challenge head on and became an extremely valuable addition to the team looking to bring a resolution to the unlawful circumstance.
"All I was thinking was that I've got to get all my people across safely," Faye added.
Sergeant Anthony Hoy, who nominated Faye for the Lions Citizen of the Year award, acknowledged her significant impact on the community through the incident.
"By working collaboratively with SAPOL Faye helped us achieve our vision of ensuring Safer Communities," he said.
"Faye helped police hold these recidivist offenders accountable for their actions, reducing the risk of further harm to the community.
"Without her unwavering support during this incident, Murray Mallee patrols would not have been able to do their duty, and for that we are sincerely grateful."
Faye Horstmann is the worthy recipient of the 2025 South Australian Citizen's Award presented by The Lions Club of the City of Adelaide and SAPOL.
Today, she was presented with the award by Andrew Stacey, President of the Lions Club of the City of Adelaide at a ceremony held at Police Headquarters.
Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens, the City of Adelaide Lions Club and South Australia Police (SAPOL) 2025 Citizen of the Year Faye Horstmann, and City of Adelaide Lions Club President Andrew Stacey pictured at the award ceremony on Thursday 20 November.
Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens, the City of Adelaide Lions Club and South Australia Police (SAPOL) 2025 Citizen of the Year Faye Horstmann, and the nominating officer Sergeant Anthony Hoy.
City of Adelaide Lions Club President Andrew Stacey (right) passes on the award to Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens (left) to present to this year's recipient.
