Media Release

Bravery Award - Constable Andrew Virtue

A Mt Isa police officer will receive award today in recognition of considerable brave conduct.

Commissioners Commendation Bravery Decorations recipient Constable Andrew Virtue is recognised for his brave conduct for his role with other Police in the rescuing of an eight-year-old boy from a storm water drain in Cloncurry in February this year.

At 5.30pm on Wednesday, February 11, Cloncurry police received information that a child had been swept into a storm water drain on the corner of King and Ramsay streets.

A number of children had been playing in the gutter near a drain when the eight-year-old boy tried to jump over the drain, but had fallen short of it and was dragged away underneath the road by the strong current.

The sound of the boy yelling for help led police to check the storm water drain nearby. After removing the steel inspection plate to gain access to the boy, police caught a glimpse of him as he was swept further along the drain network.

Police continued to search in the direction of the flow of water, whereby Constable Gavin Brannigan heard the boy’s cries for help near an inspection plate in Short Street, across the road from the Cloncurry Gymnasium.

Police removed the inspection plate and found the boy was wedged between two drains heading in different directions. Constable Virtue, (who was not initially on duty, but was present at the station when the initial call for help was made), entered the drain and took hold of the boy where he was then extracted from the drain. The other officers present assisted in removing Constable Virtue from inside the drain’s inspection area.

Assistant Commissioner Northern Region Clem O’Regan said the award highlighted the commitment of Queensland police officers.

“Recognition and acknowledgment is thankfully directed to this officer for his actions in responding to dangerous situations while on duty,” Assistant Commissioner O’Regan said.

“The incredible strength of character shown here says a lot about the enthusiasm and commitment of our officers to their local communities.”

Media interested in attending the Awards ceremony are invited to attend the Mt Isa police station at 2.30pm on Monday, November 2, 2009.