Lot 5301

Description

Victoria Police Force, Valour Award, in silver and enamel, reverse pantographed, 'L.S.Kovacs/No. 20158/17.3.1983'; National Medal, reverse pantographed, 'Leslie/Steve/Kovacs', both medals fitted with brooch suspenders. Uncirculated.

Valour Award: to Senior Constable, Traffic Operations Group, Frankston in 1983 for 'Rescuing from Drowning' incident.

Incident details: On Saturday 8 January 1983 Senior Constables Kovacs and Hockley were on motor cycle patrol; at about 3.00 p.m. they were patrolling Dromana foreshore. It had been a hot day but a sudden squall swept up the bay and Kovacs saw a small yacht capsized 200 to 300 metres off shore. A 13-year-old youth was in the water near the boat, and was obviously in difficulties.

No rescue craft was available at the time so Kovacs parked his motor cycle, ran to the beach and undressed. Leaving his clothes and equipment with Hockley, he swam out to assist the youth. About 150 to 200 people on the beach stood by and watched whilst this occurred. Kovacs swam out through rough seas and approached Timothy Scott. The young boy could not swim so Kovacs commenced towing him back to shore.

An unknown swimmer then came out to assist. At shore no medical treatment was required and the boy was handed to his parents.

With photos of Snr Constable Kovacs and copy of newspaper article covering the incident.