Tailem Bend teen wins bravery award
In February, this teenager saved a woman from a house fire – now he has been recognised for his courage.
A Tailem Bend teenager has been given a state bravery award for saving a woman from a house fire earlier this year.
Sean Williams was named the 2024 City of Adelaide Lions Club and SA Police citizen of the year on Tuesday morning at a ceremony in Adelaide.
On February 22, the then-16-year-old and his grandmother followed a column of thick smoke to a house fire on Lime Kiln Road, Tailem Bend, and spotted a woman lying motionless just inside the front door.
Sean leapt out of the car, plunged into the smoke and pulled her to safety.
His grandmother performed CPR on the woman while her grandson tried to put the fire out.
“I wasn't scared – I just did what I felt was right,” he said on Tuesday.
“Someone needed me and I hoped I could help them.
“I never thought of myself as a hero or anything; I just did what everyone should do for members of their community.
“I am just glad she is okay, and I hope she is doing well.”
Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams said Sean had shown qualities worthy of any police officer: courage and initiative.
“Without any consideration for his own safety, Sean provided lifesaving assistance in hazardous circumstances,” she said.
“Without his intervention, the woman may have perished.”
His mother, Michelle, said Sean had always been a “super kind boy”.
“We have always taught him that kindness and compassion cannot be bought and can turn someone's day around,” she said.
“In this case, it saved a life.”
SA Police and the City of Adelaide Lions Club have given the same award to a civilian who has performed extraordinary volunteer service during a significant event each year since 1979.
Previous recipients have included Shawn Hicks, the anti-violence campaigner who instituted the River Murray Football League’s White Ribbon round, in 2019; and Murray Bridge Neighbourhood Watch leader Bob Wheare in 2005.
