QCS officer wins QBANK Everyday Heroes award

A Queensland Corrective Services officer who put his life on the line to help a victim of domestic violence has received the Excellence Award in this year’s QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards.

Custodial Correctional Officer, Mr Kyle Patrech from the Escort and Security Branch, was recognised for his role in intervening in an intense and life threatening domestic violence situation in March this year.

Mr Patrech overheard his neighbours having a loud argument outside their property. He called 000 and went outside to find a female victim lying on the ground with a head wound and the aggressive male perpetrator standing over her, making further threats to her life.

Utilising his custodial officer training, Mr Patrech disarmed the perpetrator who had a knife drawn and gesturing threats of extreme violence towards him and the victim, separated him from the victim and deescalated the situation while waiting for the emergency services to arrive.

Mr Patrech is also a volunteer paramedic and treated the victim for shock at the scene.

Escort and Security Branch’s General Manager Mr Peter Coyne said he was proud of the actions Mr Patrech took, which undoubtedly saved a life.

“Our custodial officers master key skills that assist in managing the most difficult and challenging people in society as part of their training, including de-escalation techniques, and control and restraint,” Mr Coyne said.

“Mr Patrech used his skills effectively and safely to bravely step in and help deescalate a frightening situation. I could not think of a more deserving person to be recognised – I congratulate him on his award.”

Custodial Correctional Officer Kyle Patrech.

Mr Patrech said he was honoured to receive the award and only did what he thought anyone else would do to help someone in need.

“All of the nominees have made outstanding contributions to the community. I feel honoured to be able to stand amongst them,” Mr Patrech said.

“I don’t feel like I’ve done anything different to what they would have done – I just thought what I did was the right thing to do at the time.”

The QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards celebrates front line public safety agency officers who have contributed to a better and safer Queensland by making a positive difference in the community.

For more information on domestic violence and how to seek help, visit www.qld.gov.au and search for domestic and family violence.