Police Commissioner Grant Stevens APM LEM has congratulated three South Australians recognised by the Royal Humane Society of Australasia for acts of exceptional bravery.
At a ceremony held at Government House on Tuesday 11 August, recipients were honoured for their courage, selflessness and commitment to helping others in life-threatening situations.
Among those recognised was Mount Barker-based Sergeant First Class Joseph McDonald, who was recognised for two separate acts of bravery.
In December 2019, during the Cudlee Creek Bushfire, Sergeant McDonald, alongside Balhannah resident Adam Stone, disregarded his own safety and drove a police vehicle through the bushfire-ravaged area to reach a critically injured man. The pair provided first aid before transporting him to hospital.
Sergeant McDonald was also recognised for a swift water rescue at Mount Barker in August 2019. During that incident, he entered fast-flowing floodwaters with a rope tied around his body to rescue a woman who had been stranded for about 40 minutes after being swept from a causeway. His actions are credited with saving her life.
Also recognised was Tailem Bend teenager Sean Williams, whose courageous actions saved a woman's life during a house fire in February 2024.
The then 16-year-old was travelling with his grandmother when they noticed thick smoke coming from a house engulfed in flames. Despite intense heat and heavy smoke, Sean saw an unconscious woman lying just inside the front door and entered the burning home without hesitation.
He dragged the woman to safety before assisting emergency efforts at the scene.
Sean's bravery was previously recognised when he was awarded the 2024 City of Adelaide Lions Club and South Australia Police Citizen of the Year award.
Commissioner Stevens said the recipients embodied the very best of the South Australian community.
"The actions of Sergeant McDonald, Adam Stone and Sean Williams are examples of extraordinary courage and selflessness," Commissioner Stevens said.
"Each placed the safety of others before their own in life-threatening circumstances.
"They should be immensely proud of this well-deserved recognition."
The Royal Humane Society of Australasia bravery awards acknowledge individuals who risk their own lives in acts of heroism to save or attempt to save others.
