SAPOL’s Brevet Sgt Jordan Allely, Snr Constable Rebekah Cass, and Sgt Michael Hutchinson awarded Police Bravery Medals

Three SA police officers who risked their lives in the line of duty have been awarded with prestigious medals in recognition of their bravery.

Three hero cops have been awarded bravery medals for risking their lives during two of the most high-risk police emergencies in years, including one that cost an officer his life.

Brevet Sergeant Jordan Allely, Senior Constable Rebekah Cass, and Sergeant Michael Hutchinson received the medals last Wednesday at SA’s Police Academy.

Sgt Allely was recognised for his actions when he saved the life of Brevet Sergeant Ian Todd during a horrific stabbing incident at Crystal Brook despite being injured himself.

Sergeant Michael Hutchinson, Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens, Senior Constable Rebekah Cass, and Brevet Sergeant Jordan Allely following their award presentation on Wednesday last week. Picture: Supplied

On Wednesday May 3, 2023, the officers went to the Crystal Brook house after an ongoing domestic complaint about the occupant’s dog, a husky, when they were attacked by Sean Ferris, who was shot dead.

Sgt Todd sustained life-threatening injuries after being stabbed in the neck, arm and hands as he negotiated with Ferris.

Sgt Allely intervened, sustaining serious stab wounds to his right leg and arm, but still maintained his composure and acted decisively, police said.

Just seven months later, police were caught up a gun battle in a separate incident that cost one career officer his life.

It was the terrifying shooting in Senior, near Bordertown, on November 16, for which Senior Constable Rebekah Cass and Sergeant Hutchinson were recognised

Tragically, the shootout killed beloved Lucindale officer Senior Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig.

On that Thursday night, police say they were called after a concerned father, worried their pet dog had been shot.

Mr Doig, Constable Cass and Sgt Hutchinson arrived at the Senior property, 273 km southeast of Adelaide, around 11.20pm, with Police Commissioner Grant Stevens saying later there were no warning signs they were headed into a “high-risk” incident.

South Australian Police Senior Constable Rebekah Cass with her bravery award on Wednesday 16 October. Picture: Supplied

South Australian Police Brevet Sergeant Jordan Allely with his bravery award on Wednesday 16 October. Picture: Supplied

The officers were allegedly confronted by Jaydn Stimson, 26, which led to a shootout.

Having heard the harrowing gunfire, Constable Cass – who was 31 years old at the time – immediately ran into the property to help her fellow officers, and then called for police back-up before attending to the injured.

Despite Ms Cass, who escaped physical injury, and a wounded Mr Hutchinson desperately trying to save their colleague and the alleged shooter, Mr Doig died at the scene.

Sgt Hutchinson was also recognised for his incredible composure and putting himself in the line of fire by running towards Sgt Doig during the distressing incident.

Mr Stimson has been charged with murder and will seek a mental incompetence defence, a court heard at his most recent appearance. He has pleaded not guilty.

The medals are given to South Australian Police employees who perform exceptional and outstanding acts of bravery, act courageously in the face of potential or actual danger to their life, or in the face of the possibility of serious injury.

Mr Stevens commended the officers for their heroism, courage and quick-thinking in the face of enormous danger.

“Last week’s ceremony saw an opportunity to recognise our people and acknowledge the three officers’ unwavering commitment to policing,” Mr Stevens said.

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Police Minister Dan Cregan the awards show the “bravery and courage of SAPOL officers.”

“Each recipient has put the safety of others ahead of their own, acting immediately to assist their colleagues,” Mr Cregan said.

Originally published as SAPOL’s Brevet Sgt Jordan Allely, Snr Constable Rebekah Cass, and Sgt Michael Hutchinson awarded Police Bravery Medals