A teenage boy from Tailem Bend has been named 2024 Citizen of the Year by the City of Adelaide Lions Club and South Australia Police after saving a woman from a house fire.
Sean Williams, 17, sprung to action on the evening of Thursday February 22, when he was sitting with his grandmother in a car on Lime Kiln Road in Tailem Bend and saw a house engulfed in flames.
He rushed to the property and dragged an unconscious woman from the flames to safety and left his grandmother to perform CPR so he could attempt to extinguish the fire.
“I wasn’t scared. I just did what I felt was right. Someone needed me and I hoped I could help them,” he said.
“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.”
On Tuesday, SA Police recognised his bravery at an award ceremony presented by Deputy Police Commissioner Linda Williams, saying it is likely he saved the mother-of-three’s life.
“Without any consideration for his own safety, Sean provided lifesaving assistance in hazardous circumstances,” Deputy Commissioner Williams said.
“He exhibits qualities we find in our own officers, including courage and initiative. Without his intervention, the woman may have perished in the fire.”
Since 1979, the award has been made to a civilian who performs extraordinary voluntary service to assist SAPOL in the performance of duties during a significant event.
Nominations for the 2025 City of Adelaide Lions Club and South Australia Police Citizen of the Year award will open in July next year.
