Our region's saviours honoured

SIXTEEN police officers were presented with special awards and medals yesterday at a ceremony held at the Warwick Ambulance Station.

Southern Police Region Assistant Commissioner Paul Wilson (right) presents Sgt Guy Smidt with his award. Picture: Erin Smith

SIXTEEN police officers were presented with special awards and medals yesterday at a ceremony held at the Warwick Ambulance Station.

Sergeant Guy Smidt from the Clifton division was awarded the Commissioner's Certificate of Notable Action, the second highest award for which a police officer can be presented.

Sgt Smidt was given the award after saving a man's life during the 2010 floods.

Southern Police Region Assistant Commissioner Paul Wilson said Sgt Smidt went above and beyond the expectation of an officer.

"On December 24, 2010 a Clifton man drove into flood waters and become trapped in his vehicle," he said.

"Sergeant Smidt calmed the man in the vehicle and Queensland Fire and Rescue officers tied a rope around his waist.

"He proceeded into the water with a second rope and attached it to the man in the vehicle and pulled him to safety."

Sgt Smidt said he was just doing his job.

"There was nothing else we could do," he said.

"There was no time to be scared and we had to improvise.

"At a small country station we do not always have all the equipment on hand.

"We work very closely with the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service and the local ambulance officers and I was only too happy to put my life in their hands."

Southern Downs Deputy Mayor Ross Bartley also attended the event.

"It is an honour and a privilege to be here," he said.

"I appreciate what you do to keep us safe."

Among the other recipients was the Warwick State Emergency Services for its efforts in the search for Paul Devine in March this year.

Warwick SES controller John Newley said it was nice to be recognised.

"I am proud of the unit," he said. "They put in a big effort during the search, the local group searched for five days straight."

Originally published as Our region's saviours honoured