Bravery Awards recognise police officers whose actions exemplify courage, professionalism and selfless service. The awards acknowledge those who acted decisively in life-threatening and high-risk situations, often putting themselves at significant risk to protect others and help safeguard the Western Australian community.
WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch said the awards represent the very best of the WA Police Force.
"Every one of these awards represents a moment when an officer was confronted with extraordinary circumstances and chose to put the safety of others first," Commissioner Blanch said.
"Whether responding to a violent offender, entering dangerous surf or risking their own safety to save a life, these officers demonstrated exceptional courage, professionalism and commitment to the people of Western Australia.
"Behind every award is a story of service, sacrifice and dedication. It is important that we recognise the extraordinary actions of these officers and the lasting contribution they have made to the safety of our community."
Police Minister Reece Whitby said the awards are an opportunity to recognise the incredible work police officers do every day:
"When you hear about officers diving into dangerous surf, confronting an armed offender or running towards a burning vehicle to help someone, it brings home just how much our police officers give back to the community while sacrificing their own safety.
"These officers made decisions in extraordinary circumstances that put someone else's safety ahead of their own, which is the kind of service we should never take for granted, and I hope these awards remind the community of the bravery, courage and commitment our Police bring to the job every single day."
The incidents highlighted in this release represent a small sample of those recognised at the 2026Bravery Awards. While more than 70 awards will be presented for incidents dating back to 2013,additional incidents have not been detailed out of respect for the officers involved and the significant emotional impact many of these events continue to have on the officers and their families.
Incidents recognised
On 27 September 2021 police responded to reports of a disturbance involving members of an outlaw motorcycle gang in Northbridge. During the incident, an armed man fled from officers, prompting aprolonged foot chase through Northbridge and nearby residential streets.
Officers continued efforts tocontain and apprehend the man as he repeatedly refused police directions and posed an ongoingthreat to the community. The incident escalated onto the Graham Farmer Freeway, where the manhijacked a vehicle and took a driver hostage.
The offender was eventually taken into custody followingthe decisive actions of responding officers and one off-duty member, who displayed exceptionalcourage throughout the prolonged and highly dangerous incident.
On 15 March 2025 officers rescued a woman from rough surf after she entered the ocean while experiencing a mental health episode. Located offshore in darkness and challenging conditions, she continued moving further out to sea despite repeated attempts to encourage her back to shore.
Threeprobationary constables entered the water and, working together in large waves and low visibility,safely brought her back to shore and into the care of St John WA paramedics.
On 5 May 2024 officers responded to reports of a vehicle fire on North West Coastal Highway near Mount Anketell and located a driver who had been ejected during a rollover crash and was lying inburning bushland with serious injuries.
Despite the risk posed by the fire and surrounding conditions,officers moved the man to safety and commenced CPR until the arrival of St John WA and Departmentof Fire and Emergency Services personnel. The driver regained a pulse at the scene and was transportedto Karratha Health Campus.
He later succumbed to his injuries.
