A brave Hunter Valley police officer who entered dangerous flood waters to rescue three people from a partially-submerged car has been praised for his actions.
As the wet weather, and dangerous conditions, continue to rage across the region, Port Stephens-Hunter Police District Senior Constable Richard Hansen turned a “dicey” situation into one of “good news” on Thursday.
About 9.30am on 22 September, police received information that two women and a four-year-old boy were trapped in a vehicle at a flooded causeway along Lyons Road, Bingleburra, west of Dungog.
Using a rope as a safety line, and with no thought of self preservation, Senior Constable Hansen entered the floodwater and made his way to the car.
Re-entering the water three times, he rescued the youngster, as well as two females, aged 47 and 51.
Thankfully, they were uninjured and treated for shock.
Commander Detective Superintendent Wayne Humphrey APM extolled the virtues of Senior Constable Hansen.
“That incident could have been much uglier if it had not been for Richard’s heroics,” he said.
“We might have been fronting an entirely different press conference [today].
“I’m not blaming anyone for what occurred.
“However, it’s a timely reminder for people in flood-affected or flood-prone areas to not drive through flood waters.
“If it’s flooded, forget it.”
As for the man, himself, Senior Constable Hansen said he did what he thought was necessary.
“At first, I guess it was ‘holy dooley, what kind of mess have they got themselves into?” he told Sunrise on Friday morning.
“Being out in the country, my next emergency service was 20-25 minutes away.
“The victims were only five-to-six metres from where I was, so I wasn’t going to just sit on the shore and wait for someone else to come.
“Obviously, I tested the waters where I could and couldn’t go.
“And, it all kicked off from there.”
Senior Constable Hansen admitted he didn’t have time to “stress” about the state of affairs.
“In the moment, you’re not thinking things like that,” he said.
“You break it down into sections.
“My first priority was seeing the lady clinging to the side of the vehicle.
“When I got to her, she told me about the child inside the car.
“I then adapted to the circumstances quite quickly.
“In the end, I just went through the motions.
“I was pretty lucky that I had calm victims as well.
“They made a stressful situation pretty good.”
Those seeking emergency assistance during a flood or storm should contact the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500 or visit their website for more information at www.ses.nsw.gov.au
In all life-threatening situations and emergencies, the public are advised to phone Triple Zero (000).
