Kerrod’s actions earn him Bravery Award
Community
You just never know what to expect during any working day. Certainly not for 28-year-old Port Douglas-based Kerrod Andrews who unexpectedly faced a challenging incident while working as a customer service manager at the Cooktown IGA where he served for eight years before coming to Port Douglas.
His courageous actions on that day back in 2018 has earned him a Bravery Award from the Australian Government.
In his own words, this is what occurred:
“When the incident occurred I was working at the Cooktown IGA and was approached by staff and customers notifying me of an incident between two women.
“I proceeded to intervene and separate the two who were fighting at the time. After separating them, one kept coming towards the other with an object in her hand. I initially didn't know it was a knife but restrained her. On restraining her I heard someone yell she had a knife. I had a brief scuffle and was helped by a member of the public who was sliced with the knife.
“Once the other gentlemen had been injured I tightened my restraint on the woman with the knife and attempted to remove the knife. I was able to get the knife out of her hands and restrain her until police arrived.
“Since the incident occurred I have spoken to both women involved to make sure they were okay and that there was no issue from my end. Both apologised immensely for the incident and have been nothing but respectful towards me since then.
“I think the award means something to me as I feel like I did the right thing given the circumstances. Obviously you never want to put yourself in harms way, however, sometimes an occasion arises where you need to help.
“I was raised to help anyone and everyone and I think my actions reflect greatly on the wonderful people who I've been raised by and guided me through life. I also think the outcome may have been very different had I not intervened.”
Earlier today, the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) announced Australian Bravery decorations to recognise courageous acts.
COMMENDATION FOR BRAVE CONDUCT
Mr Kerrod Alan ANDREWS, Port Douglas QLD 4877.
Mr Kerrod Andrews is commended for brave conduct for his actions during an altercation outside a supermarket in Cooktown, Queensland on 15 May 2018. At about 1:00pm, Mr Kerrod Andrews was working at a supermarket when he witnessed two women fighting outside.
He attempted to diffuse the situation by standing in between the women and pushing them apart.
Another man stepped in to assist Mr Andrews. One of the women produced a knife and recommenced the attack on the other female. Mr Andrews and the other man tried to restrain the armed woman and remove the knife.
During the scuffle, the other man sustained a large laceration to his hand. Mr Andrews was able to dislodge the knife from the woman's grip, and it was picked up by another employee. Mr Andrews and the other man kept the two women separated until police arrived.
Governor General
In recognising the recipients, the Governor General said: “In a moment of peril, today’s recipients were selfless and brave. On behalf of all Australians, I offer congratulations and thanks.
“No one sets out to be brave. No one really knows how, when presented with a dangerous situation, they will act. The men and women that we are celebrating today acted bravely.
“Each found themselves in a perilous situation. There was a threat. They or fellow citizens were in danger and, in that instant, they chose to help.
“Each of their stories is inspirational and speaks to who we all aspire to be. To recipients, wear the recognition you are receiving today with pride. We are proud of you.
Australian Bravery Decorations recognise acts of bravery where people selflessly put themselves in jeopardy to protect the lives or property of others.”