Senior constables Brad Greenwood and Timothy Thumpston were today, Thursday, March 29 presented with an Australian Bravery Decoration from Governor-General, Peter Cosgrove.

Last year the two police officers were conferred Valour Awards for conspicuous merit and exceptional bravery at the NSW Police Force Academy, Goulburn,

In the early hours of May 4, 2013, the police officers responded to a domestic incident at the Godwin Street residence in Forster.

 As they approached the residence they could see smoke coming from the house as well as large flames coming from the garage.

Officers honoured

After alerting fire services they noticed a woman attempting to douse the flames with a garden hose and a man banging on an outside front window.

The officers were told the house was occupied.

Without hesitation, both officers approached the front door and they managed to gain entry.

They entered the smoke engulfed house and moved down a hallway before locating a male victim.

The officers managed to move the man towards the open door and to the safety of outside.

Believing there may be other occupants, Senior Constable Greenwood continued searching through the front area of the house before succumbing to the smoke.

Meanwhile, Senior Constable Thumpston went to the rear of the house but was unable to enter due to flames going up the walls and the fire spreading quickly.

They began to extinguish the fire with garden hoses until emergency services arrived.

For their actions, Senior Constables Greenwood and Thumpston are commended for brave conduct.

“To the Australians being honoured today, I offer my warmest congratulations and express my sincere gratitude for your contribution to our nation,” Sir Peter said.

“Today’s recipients now join the company of more than 50,000 recipients of Australian honours whose actions have enriched our community and whose values we hold dear – professionalism, compassion, dedication, generosity, tolerance, and energetic ambition.”