Officers honoured for flood heroics

A NUMBER of police officers have been recognised for their bravery after they saved several people from flood waters in Tallebudgera.

Senior Constable Luke Andrew, Constable Michael Crawford, Senior Constable Jason McInnes and Sergeant Troy McLachlan have received a group bravery citation for their actions in saving a family from raging floodwaters.

After torrential rain brought on by Cyclone Debbie the officers were patrolling along Guineas Creek Rd, about 1.30am, when they saw lights bobbing in flood waters.

Two officers ran from their car and saw a small tinny stranded in fast-flowing water, it was inoperable, with four adults, a young child, a baby and four dogs on board.

Another two officers from the Water Police arrived and a local was able to provide life jackets, rope and tools.

Two of the cops entered the chest-deep water and made their way to the boat.

They came across a locked gate and a barbed wire fence that they had to cut through to get to the boat.

The distressed children were passed from the boat to the officers, who then handed them over to the other two officers. These officers assisted the children to the police vehicle.

Shortly after Swift Water Rescue personnel arrived and together with the four police officers,worked to remove the remaining adults and four dogs to safety.