It is with great pride that the PFA announces the winner of the inaugural National Bravery Awards is Senior Constable Stephanie Bochorsky from Western Australia.
Chosen from over sixty nominations across the country, Stephanie’s bravery and selfless act saved the lives of two young innocent children who were being set alight by their father.
“This honour was completely unexpected and I’m very humbled,” says Senior Constable Bochorsky.
Off duty at the time of the incident, Stephanie rushed into a neighbour’s home after hearing screams from the children’s mother. Upon entering the house, she found a child alight and another being doused in petrol. Fighting off the offender, Stephanie removed the children from the house and cared for the severely injured young girl.
“I took an oath to serve and protect the community, on or off duty, uniform or not, 24/7.” She said.
The first recipient of the now annual awards, Senior Constable Bochorsky believes that the value of recognition cannot be underestimated.
“These awards makes you feel valued. It is nice to know that your actions are acknowledged and what you went through is validated.” says Senior Constable Bochorsky.
The award was presented to Steph by the Minister for Home Affairs Hon Peter Dutton MP at a gala dinner held at the National Museum of Australia, and her bravery was acknowledged in the Parliament on Thursday 20 September in Question Time by both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. Click here to see the footage
