After receiving the NSW Police Commissioner’s Valour Award earlier this year, Hawkesbury residents and Penrith police officer, Timothy Duffy was today awarded a Bravery Medal from Governor General, Peter Cosgrove.
Senior Constable Duffy was awarded the Bravery Medal for disarming a man who shot police officer Luke Warburton, at Nepean Hospital last year.
“We are fortunate as a community to have so many outstanding people willing to put themselves in harm’s way to assist others in need, and it is only fitting that they have today been recognised through the Australian Honours system,” Governor General Cosgrove said.
“These awards have drawn national attention to the personal efforts of individuals, made willingly, without thought of personal risk."
Senior Constable Duffy with other police responded to a report of an armed offender at Nepean Hospital, who had taken a staff member hostage in January, 2016.
Police attempted to disarm the offender and in the struggle, the offender managed to take hold of a service pistol belonging to one of the officers and fired it, injuring Acting Sergeant Luke Warburton and a hospital security guard.
Senior Constable Duffy, without hesitation for his own safety and with great presence of mind, took hold of the pistol, placing his fingers in and around the slide and trigger guard, to prevent it from being fired, as the offender continuously pulled on the trigger during the struggle. He was then disarmed and arrested.
Senior Constable Duffy, described the scene of the incident that night as “chaos”, but praised the work of his fellow officers.
“When shots were being fired the first thing I knew I had to do was stop the gun from firing. Myself and the other officers were then able to subdue the man," Senior Constable Duffy said.
In total, Governor General Cosgrove handed out 32 Bravery Medals, nine Star of Courage Medals, 32 Commendations for Brave Conduct and four Group Bravery Citations.
“To the Australians being honoured today, I offer my warmest congratulations and express my sincere gratitude for your contribution to our nation,” the Governor-General said.
“Sadly, there are those whose brave acts mean they are no longer with us. Today, to their families, I express the nation’s sadness at your loss but pride in your loved one’s actions.
“Today’s recipients now join the company of many recipients of Australian honours whose actions have enriched our community and whose values we hold dear – professionalism, compassion, dedication, generosity, tolerance, and energetic ambition.
“These awards have helped to define, encourage and reinforce our national aspirations and ideals by identifying role models. Today, we add a new group of people to those whose lead all Australians should follow.”
