The police officer who single-handedly stopped the wave of murderous stabbings at Westfield Bondi Junction has been honored for her bravery – and it is not the first such recognition the “humble” 39-year-old has received.
New South Wales Police Inspector Amy Scott rushed to the fifth level of the Sydney shopping center on April 15 after being alerted that a man was stabbing.
She confronted Joel Cauchi and fatally shot him in the chest when he refused to drop the knife.
Tragically, six people were killed in the attack and another dozen were injured.
NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott receives the Commissioners Valor Award from NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb.
Inspector Scott’s bravery was honored with the Commissioner’s Bravery Award on Friday at the Goulburn Police Academy in southeastern New South Wales, but the modest 19-year veteran did not want to talk about it.
She told a class of 169 new police officers that she was just an example of “ordinary people called to do something extraordinary.”
“It was quite a traumatic day for everyone involved,” Inspector Scott said.
“I wasn’t the only person there and that’s why I stayed quiet and probably will stay quiet because there are some really important people who responded that day who were affected,” Inspector Scott said.
‘It’s a healing process and it will be for everyone involved. Very unique.’
Inspector Scott said she was lucky to have the love and support of a wife, family and friends, as well as the NSW Police Force community, to help her get through the difficult memories of the day and ” to use the tools again.
“What’s really important is the victims, their families and friends, who will always have to face an unfathomable tragedy,” Inspector Scott said.
Inspector Scott, 39, said her wife, friends and family had supported her since the traumatic incident.
“That’s why it’s very important to me to keep them at the forefront of everything and that’s where they are, I always have them in mind.”
Inspector Scott, attached to the Sydney Eastern Suburbs Police Command, had previously been recognised.
In 2019, while stationed in Kings Cross, in Sydney’s inner east, she was recognized at the Rotary Club’s Police Officer of the Year awards ceremony, when she received an award for Demonstrated Courage and Devotion to Duty.
During Friday’s graduation ceremony in Goulburn, New South Wales, Police Commissioner Karen Webb said Inspector Scott set an example of “going above and beyond”.
Isnp Scott with Joel Cauchi after she shot him and ended his stabbing spree in Bondi Junction on April 19.
“There will be days that challenge you, but there will also be many rewarding days,” he said.
‘While we don’t become police officers to receive recognition, it is important to recognize those who go above and beyond to protect the NSW community.
“Inspector Amy Scott is an example of this.”
Commissioner Webb, Premier Anthony Albanese, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns and even the Prince and Princess of Wales praised Inspector Scott’s brave actions in apprehending Cauchi.
Inspector Scott (second from left) was also recognized for her bravery while posted as a sergeant in 2019.
On the day of the stabbings, Inspector Scott was carrying out routine checks near the shopping centre.
After being directed to the scene by bystanders, the officer approached the 40-year-old Queensland man on level five of the complex as shoppers fled and others lay injured.
When Cauchi refused to put down his knife, Inspector Scott shot him in the chest, sending him to the ground.
He then approached and performed CPR until paramedics arrived, but Cauchi could not be revived.
Among those killed were five women: Ashlee Good, 38, Dawn Singleton, 25, Pikria Darchia, 55, Jade Young, 47, and Yixuan Cheng, 27, along with the security guard. Faraz Tahir, 30 years old.
The nine-month-old daughter Good died protecting was also injured in the attack.
After suffering injuries to his chest and arm, the baby underwent surgery at Sydney Children’s Hospital but was later discharged.