Humble cop leads by example: Every day he risks his life to help others

DARREN Kelly has been a police officer for 20 years — he is as humble about his efforts as he is committed to the force.

DARREN Kelly has been a police officer for 20 years — he is as humble about his efforts as he is committed to the force.

The detective and skilled negotiator has risked life and limb to save countless lives. He’s stood metres from a knife-wielding woman to talk her around and stood on ­bridges and cliffs with ­suicidal locals.

While he goes above and beyond to mentor, train and lead by ­example, if you ask the commonsense Wollongong dad he’ll simply say it’s all in a day’s work.

“It’s what I do,” he said, after learning he had been nominated for The Daily Telegraph’s Pride of Australia medal for Heroism.

“I’m a bit taken aback. I just feel humbled, I don’t go seeking this kind of thing.”

The Detective Senior Sergeant has spent the past 20 years working in the Illawarra region.

Despite his busy schedule, the 43-year-old volunteers to run the local investigator’s course, mentoring operational police about investigations.

He also volunteers to lecture Wollongong doctors, nurses and other medical staff about law enforcement issues, investigations and medico-legal issues such as giving statements in court.

“In the police you see the best and the worst in people,” he said.

“Every day is different, so that’s the bonus of this kind of role. I grew up in the area so I have a pretty strong tie to the lllawarra and I love working here and being involved.”

Snr Sgt Kelly’s colleague Simon Day said he doesn’t give himself enough credit for the good work he does, constantly going above and beyond the call of duty.

“He regularly puts himself in dangerous positions to help others,” Day said.

“I can recall one recently. A mentally-ill female armed with a huge knife was on one side of a glass-panelled doorway and Darren was on the other side, negotiating with her.

“He talked to her and calmed her down so she ­surrendered and was taken to a hospital.

“He would write that off as part of a day’s work.”

If someone has inspired you, go to DAILYTELEGRAPH.COM.AU/PRIDEOFAUSTRALIA

Until July 29, you can nominate and ensure that someone you admire receives the recognition they deserve.

So if someone has inspired you through their dedication, initiative, courage or charity, be it a neighbour, friend or colleague, show them how much their actions matter to you by nominating them for the prestigious Pride of Australia Medal.