Royal Life Saving NSW Police Commendations presented to Mekalah Dillon, Benjamin McIntyre, Kallum Forbes, Jason Cook, Andrew Martignago
Meet the incredible police officers who leapt to action to apply lifesaving assistance at the scenes of horrific incidents, going above and beyond their duties.
Wentworth Courier
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Sergeant Jason Cook and Sergeant Andrew Martignago were on patrol and about to order a coffee when they were called to the scene of a horrifying two-vehicle motor accident in Berkshire Park.
A young woman, driving at speed and at times on the wrong side of the road had collided with another car, leaving four people trapped and injured and the woman slumped against the deflated airbag.
The police officers rushed to place a face mask over her mouth to commence rescue breaths while CPR was performed.
“CPR continued until unfortunately she passed away,” Sergeant Martignago shared.
The two police officers on Friday were recognised for their dedication, professionalism and actions to preserve life by Royal Life Saving NSW, along with 19 other outstanding NSW Police Officers at a ceremony at Sydney Police Centre.
The award recognised the officers’ initiative and empathy in applying lifesaving skills in emergency situations.
Sergeant Cook said the award brought attention not only to the deserving recipients, but to the police officers “out there every day doing this kind of work [who] don’t get recognised”.
Sergeant Martignago shared while the incident had exacted a toll – he said he “found it hard” to visit the road where the tragic accident occurred – the impact police can have in the aftermath of such events was deeply rewarding.
“We still speak to the family of the young woman and we continue to stay in touch [with those involved] to help them get through,” he said.
“These kinds of things have a ripple effect on the community”.
Probationary Constable Mekalah Dillon said receiving the award was “a proud moment”.
Ms Dillon administered chest compressions as around 150 bystanders gathered at the chaotic and emotional scene, after a 16-year-old man collided with a power pole at Inverell and was thrown off the bike.
Ms Dillon said she had “always wanted” to join the police force. “It’s just something I’ve always wanted to do ever since I was younger,” she said. “I just wanted to be able to help people”.
Constable Kallum Forbes said his training kicked in during a split-second moment when he stripped off his uniform to his boxer shorts to dive into the surf at Manly beach to rescue a woman who had thrown herself into the water in dangerous conditions.
“She was pretty much underwater at that time but I pulled her up,” he explained.
Constable Forbes was able to swim the woman back to the shore, bringing her in from 30m out in the surf.
Sergeant Ben McIntyre was nominated by the family then 17-year-old footballer Cooper Sinclair, who suffered a cardiac arrest in 2021 while at home showering.
Having recently finished his shift, Sergeant McIntyre raced to the home where he found the young man with no discernible pulse, his lips turning blue.
The sergeant performed CPR until paramedics arrived, with his swift actions significantly increasing the young man’s chances of survival, according to doctors.
Sergeant McIntyre said probably “one of the most emotional phone calls I’ve had” came when Cooper’s mother, Leonie, called him from the hospital to tell him her son had pulled through, after being placed in a medically-induced coma.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” he said. “It blows me away that somebody has recognised me for my efforts on that day. It means the world to me”.
Cooper’s mum Leonie said seeing her son, who had “died in front of us, basically” fight for his life was deeply traumatic.
She said Sergeant McIntyre brought her food and rang the hospital daily to check on Cooper’s progress.
“He went above and beyond. We’ll be thankful for ever”.
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