Dungog Police Senior Constable Mitchell Parker says it is a “privilege to save the life of another person”.
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Senior Constable Parker will today be awarded a commendation for brave conduct.
In July 2015, he rescued farmer Bob Watkins, after he fell into a dam at a property near Dungog.
Mr Watkins was tending to a pump in the middle of the dam when he fell from his dinghy into icy water. He was exhausted and struggling to cling to the upturned dinghy.
Senior Constable Parker quickly removed his clothing, entered the freezing water and swam about 30 metres to the man.
He managed to swim the semi-conscious farmer back to shore, before dragging him out of the water and administering first aid until paramedics arrived.
Senior Constable Parker said saving Mr Watkins’ life was special, given he was a returned serviceman.
“The immediate medical attention that Dungog paramedics gave to Bob on the side of the dam, before he was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital, certainly contributed to Bob's recovery.”
