Albany’s Rhys Morrissey receives WA Police Cross for Bravery after rescuing boy from house fire

Albany-raised Constable Rhys Morrissey has received a WA Police Cross for Bravery for rescuing a child from a burning home in South Hedland.

Const. Morrissey, who lived in Albany before joining the police force in 2015, was one of nine officers recognised for their bravery at a ceremony in Perth on Friday night

In the early hours of March 27, Const. Morrissey and his partner Sen. Const. Tom Gryta were called out to a house fire.

Dramatic body camera footage of the incident shows the officers running towards the home and pulling an unresponsive and injured eight-year-old boy from the flames. Const. Morrissey spotted the child, scooped him up and handed him to another officer.

Const. Morrissey, Sen. Const. Gryta and First Class Const. Lance Simpson each received a cross for bravery for their actions in rescuing the boy and providing first aid.

Const. Trent Banner re-ceived a special commendation.

The boy made a full recovery.

The officers were presented with their medals and certificates by WA Police Force Commissioner Chris Dawson.

“I am extremely proud of these officers for their courage and professionalism in performing their duties,” Mr Dawson said.

In May, Const. Morrissey and his fellow officers were recognised by Hedland Aboriginal Strong Leaders.

Elders from the Kariyarra, Martu and Ngarluma people presented them with certificates in honour of the rescue.

“What these officers did will never be forgotten by the Aboriginal people in Hedland,” Ngarluma elder Maureen Kelly said.