September 1, 2013
Kilkivan police officer Senior Constable Daven Richards was today named as a recipient of a Queensland bravery award, recognising his courage during the 2011 floods.
On January 7, 2011, Senior Constable Richards rescued two people after their vehicle had become submerged in flood waters at Kilkivan.
He and his colleague responded to an incident in which two people were trapped in a bus stranded in rising water at Widgee Creek.
Arriving at the scene, Senior Constable Richards learned the vehicle was about 200m from the water’s edge.
In darkness, he waded out to a point where he could locate the bus, then he swam toward it. After reaching the bus he realised the current was too strong to rescue the people safely except by boat.
He swam back against the current and secured the attendance of an SES boat which then brought the people to safety.
He was one of 32 people thanked for their bravery by Premier Campbell Newman today.
“There are acts of bravery across Queensland all the time, but every so often people do something out of the ordinary,” Mr Newman said.
“These acts of courage save property and in some cases may save lives so it’s important to recognise those involved and the profound impact they have had on so many individuals.
“The acts are performed by selfless people who place the interests of others above their own.
“To them I say congratulations and thank you for what you have done.”
