A pair of tradies who came to the aid of a Bendigo police officer who was being assaulted in Marong earlier this year have been recognised with a special award.
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Metal fabricators Brendan Hercus and John Cooper were presented with certificates of thanks at Bendigo police station yesterday morning.
The pair stopped to help Leading Senior Constable Peter Dyer after an arrest turned ugly at the side of Allies Road, near the Calder Highway, on March 22.
Leading Senior Constable Dyer, working alone, had pulled over a motorist in a routine stop, but the man became very aggressive.
The man stole the keys from the police car and a struggle ensued. Not even pepper spray would subdue him.
That’s when Mr Hercus and Mr Cooper drove past, on their way to a job in Inglewood. Both men said they didn’t think before stopping the car to help out.
“He was on the ground and we thought he had his hand up to wave us down so we pulled over,” Mr Hercus said.
He and Mr Cooper helped restrain the man and handcuff him.
Leading Senior Constable Dyer said he was happy to have the extra sets of hands. “I wasn’t totally out of options... but he was trying his hardest to get away,” he said.
Bendigo Inspector Mark Edwards personally thanked the men.
“You have prevented one of our officers from being seriously injured, or worse,” he said.