Three men from our region have been recognised for extraordinary acts of courage by the Royal Humane Society of Australasia at a ceremony at Government House on Tuesday.
Mount Barker-based Sergeant First Class Joseph McDonald and Balhannah resident Adam Stone were recognised for their actions during the Cudlee Creek Bushfire in December 2019, when they drove a police vehicle through the fire-ravaged area to reach a critically injured man.The pair provided first aid before transporting the man to hospital.
Sergeant McDonald was also recognised for a rescue during flooding at Mount Barker in August 2019. 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 were credited with saving her life.
Tailem Bend teenager Sean Williams was also recognised for his bravery 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 the intense heat and heavy smoke, he saw an unconscious woman just inside the front door and entered the burning home. He dragged the woman to safety before helping with emergency efforts at the scene.
Sean had previously been recognised with the 2024 City of Adelaide Lions Club and South Australia Police Citizen of the Year award.
Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said the men represented the 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 recognise people who risk their own lives in acts of heroism to save, or attempt to save, others.
