NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott, who shot Bondi Junction Westfield stabber, commended for bravery
Hero cop Amy Scott has revealed the one thing on her mind when she shot dead a man who fatally stabbed six people at a Bondi shopping centre.
News
Don't miss out on the headlines from News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Hero cop Amy Scott had one thing on her mind when she shot dead a man who fatally stabbed six people at a Bondi shopping centre — “stop the killing, stop the dying”.
As she was commended for her bravery at the Goulburn Police Academy on Friday, Inspector Scott said she hoped her career would not be defined by that horror day in April where she was just one of many “ordinary people called to do an extraordinary thing”.
“It was quite a traumatic day for everybody involved and I think that I would really like to continue to acknowledge I wasn’t the only person there and that’s why I have stayed quiet and probably will continue to stay quiet because there are really important people that responded that day that have been impacted,” Inspector Scott said.
“It’s a healing process and it will be for everybody involved. Very unique.”
Inspector Scott said she was lucky to have the support of her wife, family and friends and the NSW Police Force community but trauma was a complex thing and difficult for everybody.
“Really importantly as well are those victims, their families and friends, who will be forever dealing with an unfathomable tragedy,” said Inspector Scott, who confirmed she was “back on the tools”.
“So it’s really important for me to keep them at the forefront of everything and that’s where they are for me they are always on my mind.”
Inspector Scott brought an end to Joel Cauchi’s stabbing rampage at Bondi Junction shopping centre on April 13.
She approached the 40-year-old Queensland man as shoppers fled and others lay injured.
When Cauchi refused to put the knife down, Insp Scott fired one shot to his chest.
She then gave him CPR until paramedics arrived but Cauchi was unable to be revived.
Inspector Scott was recognised for her brave actions at an attestation parade that welcomed 169 new probationary constables — the first class to attest having been fully paid to study as part of their training.
Inspector Scott received a Commissioner’s Valour Award for displaying exceptional bravery in a life-threatening situation.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said she has been “rightly labelled a hero”.
“She was calm, decisive, and as a result she saved many lives.”
“She gives us all an example of what we ask of our police, many of whom are young, to walk into terrible situations as an ordinary part of their job.
“And if there was an emergency tomorrow, we’d ask them to do it all over again. Because the truth is, we don’t have a choice.”
After attending the attestation parade that welcomed 169 new probationary constables, Inspector Scott said it “only feels like the other day that she was on the parade ground herself 19 years ago.
“So I have some mixed emotions being here today. First I am incredibly honoured and grateful to receive an award of this level however those mixed emotions are with the fact I do feel like I am taking it on behalf of my team because I don’t want people to forget how incredible they were on that day,” she said.
“And you are only as strong as the people around you and that goes for my incredible family and friends after that, the other first responders both at the scene and at the hospitals and the extraordinary acts of bravery that we saw from everyday civilians was second to none.”
Do you have a story for The Daily Telegraph? Message 0481 056 618 or email tips@dailytelegraph.com.au
More Coverage
Originally published as NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott, who shot Bondi Junction Westfield stabber, commended for bravery
Join the conversation
Haunted by the hell of October 7
James Morrow in Israel hears the pain and determination of survivors of the massacre and finds a politcially divided nation on edge but united by the goal of the hostages’ return.
Read more
Top cop gifted gin to PR firm hired for ‘media advice’
Police Commissioner Karen Webb gave bottles of her Commissioner’s gin to the heads of a PR firm she hired for ‘media advice’ before she became Police Commissioner.
Read more