HUNTER police are among the recipients Australian Bravery Decorations by the Governor-General.
Sergeant Brad Lee Smith and Senior Constable Trent Alexander Moffat both receive a bravery medal after rescuing an elderly couple from floodwaters at Stroud on Tuesday April 21, 2015 during the superstorm.
In the early-morning on that Tuesday the Stroud showground became inundated with floodwater, with campers forced to take shelter in the grandstand, before being forced to jump into the rising waters.
Stroud police officer Senior Constable Smith and off-duty constable Moffatt used a boat and a second Essential Energy boat with two workers, Willy Grey and Dean Hancock, to help the campers. The four men, along with a local resident, worked tirelessly to retrieve campers from the water and get them to safety.
In a separate incident Sergeant Tony McGarel Hogg, Senior Constable Matthew Scott Gray and Senior Constable Nicholas Leach have also received bravery medals following the rescue of race yacht crews in treacherous seas off the coast of Port Stephens on Wednesday January 6, 2016.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said he was proud to see so many officers recognised for their selfless and courageous actions.
"The reality is that police face many dangerous scenarios every shift they work, and they will do everything they can to protect the lives of the people of NSW," he said.
"In the face of extreme challenges, these officers displayed bravery and are worthy recipients of the awards and commendations today."
