Held each year, the QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards were announced today at a ceremony held at the Queensland University of Technology.
Recognised for their bravery, courage, determination and strength, six QPS members made the finals in these awards, with 54 nominated in total for QPS members. There were 170 nominations across the QPS, Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS), Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES), Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) and Queensland Health.
Assistant Commissioner Brett Schafferius, Constable Aimee Sewell (finalist), Constable Fraser Northey (finalist), Constable Mallory Hofmeier (winner), Senior Constable Chris Hay (winner), Senior Constable Garry Casey (winner) and Detective Senior Sergeant Daren Edwards (Honourary winner).
Senior Constable Chris Hay of Peranga Station took out the award for dedication after he set out on a mission earlier in the year to give back to the Queensland Children's Hospital Foundation.
At only 7-weeks-old, his son Lachlan was diagnosed with a rare liver disorder called biliary atresia. The Queensland Children's Hospital Foundation were a great support to Senior Constable Hay and his family as they endured countless surgeries and hospital stints, particularly when Senior Constable Hay selflessly donated part of his liver to his son.
Assistant Commissioner Brett Schafferius presents Senior Constable Chris Hay and his proud family including son, Lachlan.
To show his gratitude and give back, Senior Constable Hay set out on a journey to conquer 48 American states in 48 days with a goal of raising $24,500. Not only did he reach this goal, he went on to raise $27,282 which went a long way to funding a Vascular Ultrasound machine.
In his own words, Senior Constable Hay said he didn't do any of this for the accolades – he did it because he wanted to give back to those who gave so much to him and his family.
Constable Mallory Hofmeier of Townsville Station took out the award for Excellence after showing courage and determination in the face of danger.
Constable Hofmeier was faced with an impossible situation with a member of her community poised to jump off a bridge. Without giving it a second thought, Constable Hofmeier risked her own life in an attempt to communicate with a profoundly deaf woman who refused to look police in the eye.
This didn't stop Constable Hofmeier though, as she climbed the bridge and got close enough to reassure the woman and use gestures, touch and hand signals to communicate, resulting in a positive outcome for all involved.
In her acceptance speech, Constable Hofmeier took time to acknowledge her colleagues who go to work each day and do their job – the true heroes in her eyes.
Constable Hofmeier giving her acceptance speech.
Lastly, Senior Constable Garry Casey of the Railway Squad was awarded in the category of Ownership after taking the concept of a Mobile Police Facility (MPF) and bringing it to life through months of diligence and commitment.
This dynamic resource has enabled his team to innovate and and improve community safety, enhancing the community and rail line for all who use it.
Congratulations to all finalists and winners from all organisations, you should all be incredibly proud of your achievements and commitment to going above and beyond the day to day.
Senior Constable Garry Casey was humbled winning the category.
