Senior Constable Norman Watt honoured at Rockhampton Awards Ceremony
Senior Constable Norm Watt didn’t know it would be his last day when he responded to a disturbance unfolding at a property in Central Queensland. His exceptional bravery and that of others since has now been formally recognised.
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Senior Constable Norman James Watt didn’t know it would be his last day when he responded to a disturbance unfolding at a property in the Rockhampton region on Thursday, July 20, 2000.
He was among the cohort of officers who responded to a property in Alton Downs after being called by a man who had sought refuge at a neighbour’s home following an alcohol-fuelled argument with another man armed with a .303 rifle who had threatened him.
Despite the perilous circumstances, Senior Constable Watt volunteered to conduct a crucial reconnaissance at the rear of the property to ensure there were no additional hostages and facilitate the safe evacuation of neighbouring residences.
Senior Constable Watt, while wearing his bulletproof vest, left his police dog Zeus in his vehicle and accompanied Inspector Larkin towards the rear of the property.
Tragically, he encountered unforeseen danger as the armed offender lay concealed in shadows under a bush.
Without warning, a single shot from the rifle struck Senior Constable Watt.
Despite his grievous injury, he pressed forward towards the threat, managing to cover another 10 meters before collapsing.
Sadly, he succumbed to his wounds and was pronounced deceased at 3.47am on Friday, July 21, 2000.
Now, more than 20 years later, Senior Constable Watt’s mother, Rosalie Watt, and brother, Greg Watt, accepted the Queensland Police Valour Medal and Queensland Police Blue Heart Medal, which were awarded posthumously on Wednesday to honour his exceptional bravery.
The Queensland Police Valour Medal is the highest medal of recognition in the Queensland Police Service and is presented to a police officer who performs an act of exceptional bravery in hazardous circumstances.
Senior Constable Watt was one of more than 45 police officers in the Capricornia District honoured by the Queensland Police Service on Wednesday at the Capricornia District Honours and Awards Ceremony for their bravery and service to the community.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Kelly said Senior Constable Watt’s family were “very honoured” to accept the awards.
“It is really important we acknowledge his work here in the service in the community of Rockhampton,” he said.
“He was a great officer.
“It’s really important to recognise the hard work our police do.”
Officer In Charge Capella Police Station Leading Senior Constable Rod Minns was awarded the Queensland Police Bravery Medal for his actions on the evening of Wednesday, October 19, 2022.
Senior Constable Minns received a call to assist in the rescue of a woman who had become trapped in floodwater along Mount Stuart Rd at Lilyvale.
The woman had clung to the roof of her vehicle after it was swept downstream during flash flooding before she became entangled in an unseen barbed wire fence and was trapped under water.
Senior Constable Minns rushed into the water to assist by holding the woman’s head above water and remained submerged in the floodwater while other emergency services assisted by cutting the woman free from the barbed wire fence.
He continued to provide situation reports, remaining calm and focused which was paramount to the successful lifesaving outcome.
Senior Constable Minns, who had been in the Queensland Police Service for 27 years, said it was a great honour to be awarded the Bravery Medal.
“Police do things every day during their shift, good acts, and it is nice to get that recognition,” he said.
Senior Constable Grant Kerlin was awarded the Commissioner’s Certificate of Notable Action for his heroics on the evening of Saturday, February 3, 2018, when distress was declared by a 10-metre yacht caught in a severe storm with gale force winds and heavy rain north of Townshend Island, Shoalwater Bay.
The storm had damaged the vessel and its communication equipment.
The Yeppoon Water Police conducted two hours of search efforts and were able to rescue the sailor from the vessel.
Senior Constable Kerlin said the award was acknowledgment that police officers do good work.
“They were certainly weather conditions no boatie should be out in,” he said.
“Unfortunately, when things go bad sometimes we have to put ourselves in these positions.
“They were probably the worst sea conditions I have ever been in.
“Officers do a very difficult job.
“A lot of times it goes unrewarded.
“While we don’t do it for reward, it is certainly nice to know the police service recognise that work.”
Senior Constable Phillip Criss and Constable Wian Schwartz were awarded the Assistant Commissioners’ Certificate for intelligence, resourcefulness, and dedication to duty in relation to murder of Karen Gilliland in Rockhampton on June 23, 2020.
Senior Constable Criss and Constable Schwartz were the first responders at the scene and immediately administered first aid and commenced CPR.
Nigel John Gilliland, 46, pleaded guilty to murder (domestic violence) on August 30, 2021, in the Supreme Court in Rockhampton and was sentenced to life in prison.
Sergeant Wylie Steel and Constable Callam Moriarty were awarded the Queensland Police Valour Medal and Queensland Ambulance Service paramedic Vaughan Mason was awarded the Queensland Police Service Commissioner’s Certificate for their heroic rescue of Baralaba farmer John Lawson on Thursday February 23, 2023, who became trapped in a grain silo on a property outside of the country town.
Police Dog Sacco earned the War Dog Trackers Association Service Medal and was now officially retired with handler, Sergeant Jeff Brandt.
PD Sacco was inducted at the Queensland Police Academy, Oxley in 2016 and his tracking ability saw him become one of the top police dogs in the state with his number of apprehensions.
Other awards presented include the National Emergency Medal, National Medal, 1st clasp and 2nd claps to the National Medal, Queensland Police Service Medal (QPSM), 15-40-year clasps of the QPSM, Assistant Commissioner’s Certificate, Promotion Certificates and Retirement awards.
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Originally published as Senior Constable Norman Watt honoured at Rockhampton Awards Ceremony
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