Policeman Joe McDonald, who risked his life to save racing legend John Glatz in Cudlee Creek fire, in line for National Emergency Medal
A hero Adelaide Hills police officer who risked his life to help rescue racing legend John Glatz from his burning property at Woodside is in line to receive national recognition for his efforts.
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A Hills police officer instrumental in saving the life of Oakbank racing legend John Glatz during December’s Cudlee Creek fires is in line for the National Emergency Medal.
Sergeant Joe McDonald, of Mount Barker Police Station, was among the first on the scene when Mr Glatz was caught in the bushfire at his Woodside property on December 20.
Together with Balhannah local Adam Stone, Sgt McDonald ignored his own safety, driving a standard police vehicle through the bushfire-ravaged area to provide aid to Mr Glatz, before transporting him to Mount Barker Hospital.
It was his second major rescue mission of the day.
Earlier, Sgt McDonald had attended to Lenswood local Shayne Boyle, who sustained burns to 33 per cent of his body while trying to defend his neighbour’s property.
“When I got there, John had already been pulled off the tractor and was in front of the carport where I told Stone to hose him down,” Sgt McDonald said.
“The original plan was to meet the ambos out there, but they were too slow because there were trees down left, right and centre.
“So I ended up driving him out, asking for the doctors to meet us at the hospital.
“Thankfully, I got him there fairly quickly, although it wasn’t without incidents.”
Just 500m from the hospital, an unconscious Mr Glatz suddenly moved, knocking the car out of gear.
“I think it had a few people jump because the car just went ‘vroom’,” Sgt McDonald said.
“So it certainly was quite a day and one I’ll never forget.”
Earlier this year, Governor-General David Hurley declared the summer’s bushfires a nationally significant emergency, allowing the awarding of the National Emergency Medal.
The medal, which was established in 2011, has been awarded to about 15,000 responders and volunteers, including those who served in the 2009 Victorian bushfires, the Queensland floods in late 2010 and the North Queensland floods last year.
Mr Glatz said the medal was a fitting acknowledgment for the man who helped save his life.
“I think it’s absolutely important that we recognise these people, including Adam Stone, who I hope will also be considered,” Mr Glatz said.
“If it wasn’t for him and Joe, I wouldn’t be here today.”
Assistant minister to the Prime Minister, Ben Morton, said it was fitting those on the front line of fighting the Cudlee Creek and Kangaroo Island bushfires were formally recognised.
“Throughout the bushfire season, we witnessed heroism, grace and generosity from Australians everywhere,” Mr Morton said.
“While the depth of our appreciation for paid and volunteer firefighters, emergency service and Australian Defence Force personnel can never be fully expressed through words and medals, I believe they symbolise all Australians’ deep gratitude for their service and sacrifice.”