Robert Peat was awarded a Bravery Medal after he intercepted a woman who set a bowser alight at this service station. Picture: Mike Richards.By Sarah Schwager
NOBLE Park man Robert Peat has been recognised for his actions that saved lives at a local petrol station three years ago.
Mr Peat, 53, was awarded a Bravery Medal from the Federal Government, his third recognition in three months.
The father of four was also presented with a Royal Humane Society bravery medal and a police commendation for his actions.
“I’ve got a bit of a collection going,” Mr Peat said.
On 19 November, 2002, about 9.30pm, Mr Peat walked to the Noble Park service station where he saw a woman leaning against the front door trying to light a gas bottle with a cigarette lighter.
Mr Peat said he took the gas bottle from the woman, then told the service station attendant to call the police.
“I went back to the door where the girl was and talked to her to try to calm her, then all of a sudden she ran down the other end of the station and grabbed a hose out of the bowser and set it on fire,” he said.
“I ran down there and grabbed her from behind, grabbed the nozzle and put my hand over the flame to put it out,” he said.
Mr Peat said he then put the girl on the ground and held her there until the police arrived. “The reality is that there was this girl who had some sort of mission on the go,” he said.
“She was heading for self destruction.
“But in trying to do what she was doing, she was getting other people involved.”
Mr Peat, who works as a builder, said he hated being labelled a hero, and was merely helping out.
“The police can’t be everywhere all the time, so those that can help out should,” he said.
Also awarded a Bravery Medal was Sergeant Bob Hardie, from Springvale Police.
Sgt Hardie was recognised for saving a woman attempting to commit suicide near Sandown Park Railway Station.
Sgt Hardie was on duty on 27 July, 2004, when he received a report that a woman was on the train tracks.
After sending a request that all trains in the area be stopped, he went to the site and saw the woman facing an oncoming train, which was about 50 metres away.
He ran to the woman and struggled with her until he was able to drag her from the tracks.
The medal recipients will be awarded their medals in an official ceremony in the coming weeks.
