Portland officer Senior Constable James McMillan was presented with an award for bravery along with former Portland officer Sergeant Mark McCulkin.
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He was one of nine officers to receive the Royal Humane Society Bravery Award at the ceremony on Friday, October 20.
The awards were presented by the Governor of New South Wales, David Hurley at Governor’s House at 3pm on Friday.
Senior Constable McMillan’s award is related to his actions in saving three elderly people from carbon monoxide poisoning in Portland in 2014.
Working with fellow officer, Sergeant Mark McCulkin, he carried the trio from the home and certainly saved their lives.
Both Senior Constable McMillan and Sergeant McCulkin received bronze medals for bravery.
Sergeant McCulkin is now based in Newcastle.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller, APM, said the officers presented with the bravery medals exemplified the best of the NSW Police Force.
“These officers have gone to work simply to do their job and found themselves in situations where they have put their lives on the line to protect others,” he said.
“Their actions are selfless and courageous and illustrate the challenges officers face every day. They are worthy recipients of today’s praise and accolades.”
The Portland rescue was carried out on August 7, 2014, when Senior Constable McMillan and Sergeant McCulkin responded to a triple-zero call to Back Cullen Road at about 12.30am.
The two police officers carried the occupants from the home. A 69-year-old woman and two men, aged 72 and 79, were taken to Lithgow Hospital.
The 72-year-old man was later airlifted to Nepean Hospital.
All three were overcome by carbon monoxide fumes when police arrived. One victim was unconscious.
Five people, including the two police officers involved in the rescue, were hospitalised with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning.
At the time of the rescue, Chifley local area command Superintendent Michael Robinson said the officers’ “quick decisive actions” undoubtedly saved three lives.