Port MacDonnell resident Grant Fensom has been named as the Lions Club of the City of Adelaide and South Australia Police 2020 Citizen of the Year.
Mr Fensom was nominated following his valuable contribution in the arrest of an armed holdup offender. Mr Fensom’s nomination was submitted by Superintendent Phil Hoff, Officer in Charge, Limestone Coast LSA.
On 22 August 2019, an offender entered the Port MacDonnell pharmacy wearing a facemask and armed with a knife. He threatened the pharmacist, threw a printer at his head and escaped with a quantity of drugs and cash. Thankfully the pharmacist was not badly injured and called for assistance.
A nearby Mr Fensom quickly established what had happened and observed the offender flee the scene, getting into a vehicle. In his own vehicle and travelling with a friend, Mr Fensom carefully followed the offender from a distance continuing to report the route and direction of travel to police by telephone.
He provided very clear and safe instruction to police communications. He maintained a safe distance which allowed a police interception to occur and arrest the offender at gunpoint 15 kilometres from the robbery site without incident.
The medication and cash was recovered and evidence from the observation of the scene led to the 28 year old offender pleading guilty to all charges and received a sentence of three years and four months.
Commissioner of Police, Grant Stevens joined with members of the Lions Club to present the award at a ceremony today.
“The cool, clear and concise thinking and actions of Mr Fensom reflected his training and professionalism as a CFS Captain and provided great service to the community at large and South Australian Police,” he said.
“The level of intervention by Mr Fensom was mature, thoughtful and appropriate. He did not place himself or any other person at risk, nor was he overcome with excitement which would often impact many people exposed to this activity.”
Pictured: Grant Fensom (centre) is pictured with President of The Lions Club of the City of Adelaide, Petrea Stacey and Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens.
In addition to his service to SA Country Fire Service, Mr Fensom is a great support to the community through his business.
“Grant makes it a requirement for all new employees to his engineering business, to provide a voluntary service to the community of their choice and allows them to commit to their volunteer role during work time.”
“This award is a fitting acknowledgement for his courage and consideration on this occasion, but his standing and further contribution in the community further enhances his eligibility.”
Nominations for this award are made annually in recognition of assistance provided by community members to police during the previous year.
The Lions Club of the City of Adelaide and South Australia Police Citizen’s Award was first awarded in 1979, then 1983 and, after many years absence, has continued annually since 2003.
