The Queensland Police Service (QPS) paid tribute to officers and civilians in a ceremony in the South Brisbane District, acknowledging their dedicated service and remarkable valour, including the contributions of the Mt Gravatt officers.
Among those recognised were officers who demonstrated exceptional bravery during a knife attack in Upper Mount Gravatt in 2020.
The incident, which unfolded on August 5, 2020, saw Senior Constable Renae Plant and Constable Clinton Hooper confronted by a 25-year-old male wielding a knife as they attempted to serve documents at a residence in Upper Mount Gravatt. The offender lunged at Constable Hooper, inflicting multiple facial lacerations. Despite the immediate danger, Senior Constable Plant drew her firearm and neutralised the threat, safeguarding her colleague and herself.
For their extraordinary courage under duress, Senior Constable Plant and Constable Clinton Hooper were each awarded the prestigious QPS Valour Medal. Two bystanders, Mr Luke Roberts and Mr Christopher Pye, who rushed to Constable Hooper’s aid and provided crucial first aid in the face of imminent danger, were also commended with the Commissioner’s Certificate of Notable Action.
The ceremony further acknowledged the unwavering support provided to Senior Constable Plant by Acting Senior Sergeant Meagan Holley in the aftermath of the traumatic event. Acting Senior Sergeant Holley’s instrumental role in developing the Post Shooting Policy Advisor & Support Coordinator Programme, an initiative championing a victim-centric approach to officers involved in critical incidents, earned her the Assistant Commissioner’s Certificate.
In addition to the Valour Medals, the QPS Medal and clasps were bestowed upon Acting Senior Sergeant Holley, Senior Constable Plant, and Constable Hooper to recognise their years of diligent service.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Kelly lauded the award recipients, emphasising their embodiment of the QPS core values of integrity, professionalism, and community. Acting Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman echoed this sentiment, highlighting the challenging nature of police work and the awardees’ profound commitment to ensuring their community’s safety.
Published Date 17-July-2024