Two Australian Federal Police officers have been recognised for their extraordinary bravery after rushing into danger during the 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Vanuatu in December 2024.
AFP Sergeant Aaron Cox and Inspector Peter Murphy, part of the Vanuatu–Australia Police Partnership, were in Port Vila’s central business district when the quake hit. With buildings collapsing and debris littering the streets, the officers immediately sprang into action, rescuing injured civilians just 50 metres from a major building collapse at Rue de Pasteur and Kumul Highway.
Despite compromised telecommunications and disrupted electricity and water supplies, Sergeant Cox and Inspector Murphy helped triage and treat casualties, using makeshift splints, slings, and bandages, while evacuating people away from the waterfront amid fears of a tsunami.
At one point, Inspector Murphy responded to a gas leak in a nearby building, clearing the public from danger before entering the damaged structure to assist local authorities in shutting off the gas and preventing further loss of life.
In the days and months following the disaster, the officers, along with other AFP members and the Pacific Police Support Group, worked alongside the Vanuatu Police Force in an extensive response and recovery effort.
For their courage under extreme pressure, Sergeant Cox and Inspector Murphy received the National Police Bravery Award from the Police Federation of Australia in Canberra last night.
AFP Deputy Commissioner Lesa Gale praised the officers’ actions as life-saving. “Their extraordinary contributions, alongside the bravery of the Vanuatu Police Force, in what was an extremely complex and deteriorating environment came at great personal risk. They truly embody the very best of the AFP,” she said.
Deputy Commissioner Gale also acknowledged the efforts of Vanuatu police, emergency services, and volunteers, and extended condolences to the victims of the earthquake, expressing hope for the recovery of those injured.
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