Bravery award for lives saved Stephen Taylor steve@baysidenews.com.au A FRANKSTON police officer has been honoured for saving the lives of three people – one a troubled 17-yearold girl – about 250 metres offshore from the lifesaving club last February. First Constable Cameron Wallace, 35, of Hastings, received the Police Medal of Courage last week from Acting Chief Commissioner Tim Cartwright at a ceremony at the police academy. Before the rescue, police had been called to the foreshore by reports of a swimmer in trouble about 10.40pm. Constable Wallace rushed to the scene and jumped into the water and swam to assist the girl - and then discovered two other men had gone out to help but had also got into difficulties. Constable Wallace reached the girl - and the tiring men - and got them all to link arms and swim back to shore together. When they were about 50 metres offshore, he noticed the girl had lost consciousness and was not breathing. He began CPR in the water and directed the two men to continue swimming to shore. The girl began breathing and he managed to drag her to safety. She stopped breathing again and he continued CPR until paramedics arrived. They got her breathing again and she was taken to Frankston Hospital for treatment and assessment. Inspector Bruce Wemyss – who was in charge of Frankston police at that time - praised the actions of Constable Wallace and the two witnesses. “This situation could have ended tragically if not for the initial
Art mystery: Frankston police are trying to find the owner of this artwork found outside a retirement village on Robinsons Rd, Frankston South. Anyone recognising the painting can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at crimestoppersvic.com.au
Raid nets drugs
Well done: First Constable Cameron Wallace receives his Medal of Courage award from Acting Chief Commissioner Tim Cartwright at the police academy.
actions of the two male witnesses.” “I also commend the efforts of the responding police officer who, knowing time was of the essence, entered the water immediately with risk to his own safety in order to protect a life.” Constable Wallace last week said the rescue was made harder because
the girl did not try to help herself. “She was troubled and saw drowning as her only option,” he said. “People in her position should know that they are not alone – that someone cares for them.” Two weeks later the girl posted her thanks on social media. Wife Kirsten is proud of her man.
“This is just recognition of what he did,” she said. “It’s good to hear something good about police because of all the ragging they get.” After accepting his award, Constable Wallace praised the high quality of local police work. “There are many amazing police at Frankston and this award honours them, too.”
ABOUT 80 grams of heroin, cannabis plants and a Taser disguised as a mobile phone was found by Frankston detectives during a raid on a house in Rocklea Cres, Skye, on Monday at 6.30am. Senior Constable Matt Pearce, of the Tasking Unit, said the street value of the haul was $20,000. A 50-year-old man was arrested and charged with trafficking heroin, cultivating a narcotic plant and possession of a prohibited weapon. He was bailed to appear at Frankston Magistrates Court on 21 May. A 23-year-old man was also arrested and charged with theft from a motor vehicle, handling stolen goods, obtaining property by deception and resisting police. He was remanded to appear at Frankston Magistrates Court on 19 March.
Important changes to Emergency at Frankston Hospital All patients requiring urgent treatment must now present to the new Emergency Department in Building A at Frankston Hospital.
Access is from Gate 2 on Hastings Road. Medicentre is now also located here. Short-term parking is available directly outside and paid parking is nearby.
NEW LOCATION Our landmark $80 million Frankston Stage 3 development provides 92 beds, three new wards and the new Emergency Department which is two and a half times the size of our old facility. These exciting changes are allowing us to progressively upgrade older areas of the hospital to improve patient comfort and amenity. It’s all part of our commitment to building a healthy community, in partnership, for residents of the Mornington Peninsula.
peninsulahealth.org.au Frankston Times 23 February 2015
PAGE 7