Hero cop who stopped Westfield Bondi Junction stabber speaks after being honoured at NRL event

The police officer who shot dead the Bondi Westfield stabber has reflected on the tragedy after being honoured by the NRL.

The NRL just hosted its first ever Emergency Services Round, in which police officers and firefighters took centre stage to honour the crucial work of first responders.

The biggest highlight of the round, at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium on Sunday afternoon, was the entrance of Bondi Junction hero Amy Scott, who delivered the match ball for a game between the Sydney Roosters and Canberra Raiders.

In a skit that had fans laughing in the stands, police rescue units, highway patrol members, and even water police were called upon to “locate” the missing ball.

The grand finale came when a police helicopter descended onto the pitch. Inspector Scott then emerged with the ball in hand.

By her side was Jack Lucas, the son of a fallen police officer, adding a poignant touch to the spectacle. NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb was also there.

The helicopter bearing Inspector Scott arrives at Allianz Stadium. Picture; Thomas Lisson

Amy Scott with the match ball. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Amy Scott and Karen Webb. Picture: Thomas Lisson

In April, Inspector Scott intervened during a horrific stabbing spree at Westfield Bondi Junction, fatally shooting attacker Joel Cauchi, whose rampage claimed six lives.

Inspector Scott’s actions that day undoubtedly saved more.

Reflecting on the connection between the Roosters and her police command, Inspector Scott said she was honoured to be a part of the event.

“They [the Roosters] are [from the] eastern suburbs, and that’s our command, so it’s obviously very close to the heart,” Inspector Scott said.

“The incident was obviously extremely traumatic for so many people, so when people are so kind and acknowledge us in the way they have, it’s really helped the healing process, I would say.”

Amy Scott (left) arrives at Allianz Stadium to deliver the football for the NRL match. Picture Thomas Lisson.

She also reflected on the harrowing day, on which an otherwise normal shift suddenly turned into a nightmare.

“I was just doing my job that day, absolutely,” she said.

“It was a job I hoped the community would expect from us. I know any of my colleagues would have done exactly the same. I’m grateful that we were able to get there and do what we did as quickly as we did.

“Look, I’m a very big believer in taking the support that is ­offered to you. I had done that significantly prior to anything that happened at Bondi.”

Amy Scott. Picture: Thomas Lisson

Paramedics push stretchers into the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping mall to retrieve the injured after a the incident on April 13.

Amy Scott speaking to Roosters captain James Tedesco. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

“The people you go home to, your family and friends, are key,” Inspector Scott continued.

“For me, it’s my wife Emma because they deal with trauma you deal with in a different light and she has been incredible. We got married in February and we have two young boys. I am excellent, I’m doing really well.

“I’m enjoying being back at work. I actually just had some annual leave, which was nice. I love my job, I love where I work and I love my team. I’m grateful to be there with them doing day-to-day stuff again. It is [a thankless task] at times, absolutely.

“It’s a wonderful day to recognise so many different emergence services and I’m incredibly grateful to the Roosters and NRL for making this happen because there are so many unsung heroes out there, not just with the NSW Police Force, but with all other emergence services, so it’s so nice to have a wonderful, positive, light shed on us all.

“It was unreal, a fantastic experience. It’s a privilege.”

Originally published as Hero cop who stopped Westfield Bondi Junction stabber speaks after being honoured at NRL event