Responders to shooting at Bogie, Hungry Jacks Mackay staff honoured at Police awards

Three first responders hoped for the best when they arrived on scene to a triple murder at Bogie, blind to what was ahead knowing backup was hours away. Read their story

The best and bravest members of Mackay’s first responders have been honoured at the Mackay Police District Honours and Awards Presentation.

Recognised for their bravery were Queensland Ambulance Officers Katrina Taylor and Ross Vickers who along with Senior Constable Oliver Gordon, first responders to the scene of a triple murder at Bogie.

“We got the call very early in the day,” Ambulance officer Katrina Taylor said.

“Essentially we were going in quite blind.”

Queensland Ambulance Officer Katrina Taylor said she had no idea she was receiving a commendation for her bravery. Photo: Fergus Gregg

The three knew backup was hours away and further shooting could come without warning.

“We looked out for each other and hoped for the best,” Ms Taylor said.

Ross Vickers was beside her and said he was apprehensive going to the job, but said when he arrived he thought only about the work ahead.

Senior Constable Oliver Gordon said he was humbled to be honoured for his work two years on from the incident. Photo: Fergus Gregg

Senior Constable Oliver Gordon said he didn’t like to dwell on the Bogie incident too much but he was humbled to be recognised for his part.

For their role in the act of “collective bravery” the three were awarded the Queensland Police Group Bravery Citation, the second highest Queensland Police Service award for bravery.

Receiving the same award was Senior Sergeant Trevor Robson, who sustained injuries which will affect him for the rest of his life.

Senior Sergeant Trevor Robson is expecting to have another surgery on his wounded leg. Photo: Fergus Gregg

On June 19, 2018 Sergeant Robson located two stolen vehicles on Riverside Drive and had his vehicle rammed while he tried to block the offenders from escaping.

He left his vehicle and pursued a male offender on foot, bringing him to the ground.

While restraining the offender, another driving a Toyota LandCruiser ran over Mr Robsons leg.

“Through this entire ordeal and experiencing horrible injuries, Senior Sergeant Robson retained control of the male offender,” Mr Holmes said.

Mr Robson, who has been with QPS for 30 years, said all police officers were in danger when they go about their job.
“We don’t do it for the recognition, we do it because it’s the right thing to do,” Mr Robson said.

Mackay-Whitsunday District Superintendent Shane Holmes said he was proud to present up to 70 awards to officers in the Mackay-Whitsunday District.

“What’s really important here is we work with the community,” Mr Holmes said.

“We could not do it alone and it’s great to know we can rely on community members to step up.”

When a stabbing victim came into Hungry Jacks Mackay, staff members Anastacia Jackson and Sarah Twaddell leapt into action. Photo: Fergus Gregg

Epitomising this community heroism was Anastacia Jackson and Sarah Twaddell, two Hungry Jacks Mackay staff members who leapt into action when a stabbing victim walked into their establishment on April 4, 2024.

Ms Jackson and Ms Twaddell not only managed to evacuate bystanders but also treated the victims injury.

Queensland Ambulance service said their “timely and effective” compression of the victim’s injuries was crucial in preventing blood loss, potentially saving the victim’s life.

“The Queensland Police Service commend the exceptional leadership and critical actions demonstrated by Ms Jackson and Ms Twaddell amid such distressing circumstances,” Mr Holmes said.