Gold Coast officers honoured for crane rescue and Redcliffe creek dive

A police officer who climbed a 40-storey tower crane on the Gold Coast to help a distraught young man has been recognised at the Gold Coast District Medals and Awards Presentation in Southport. The ceremony was held on 10 November.

Queensland Police Service (QPS) said it recognised the dedication of 80 officers and five civilians to community safety.

Senior Constable Tyler Swaney, 32, received the Assistant Commissioner's Certificate after the crane rescue. Despite strong winds and a fear of heights, he climbed up to help a young man who had fallen asleep on the concrete ballast of the tower crane. Alongside his partner, Sergeant Nathan Hunt, he built a rapport with the man and helped him descend safely.

"Thankfully we were able to give him the support he needed to resolve the situation safely," Senior Constable Swaney said. "It is a reminder of how rewarding our job can be. We can make a difference to someone's life."

Senior Constable Skyler Mullins received a Commissioner's Certificate of Notable Action. He dove into a Redcliffe tidal creek, known to contain bull sharks, to save a driver trapped in a fast-sinking car. With help from his partner, Senior Constable Blaze Essery, he pulled the man from the vehicle and helped save his life through CPR. The man fully recovered in hospital.

"It was at the back of my mind that there were bull sharks, but my main priority was protecting my community and saving a life," Senior Constable Mullins said.

Five civilians also received Assistant Commissioner's Certificates for performing CPR on a driver who suffered a sudden cardiac arrest and crashed on the Gold Coast Highway. The group obtained an Automated External Defibrillator until emergency services arrived and took over, ultimately saving the man's life.

Gold Coast Chief Superintendent Kylie Rigg said: "I congratulate all recipients and thank them for their valued service to the Gold Coast District and the Queensland community we serve."