Tailem Bend teenager Sean Williams,17, has been named the City of Adelaide Lions Club and South Australia Police (SAPOL) 2024 Citizen of the Year for saving a woman from a house fire.
On 22 February 2024, the then 16-year-old was travelling with his grandmother in the Tailem Bend area when they saw thick smoke, which they followed to a house engulfed in flames.
Through a black cloud and intense heat, Sean noticed a woman lying motionless inside of the front door and, without hesitation, ran inside to assist her.
Sean dragged the unconscious woman 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.”
Deputy Commissioner of Police Linda Williams joined Adelaide Lions Club members at a special ceremony this morning, 12 November, at Police Headquarters, where Sean was presented with the award.
“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.
Sean felt “excited and shocked” to receive the accolade and his mother, Michelle, was proud to see him receive the award.
“Sean has always been a super kind boy that puts others first,” she said.
“We have always taught him that kindness and compassion cannot be bought and can turn someone’s day around. In this case, it saved a life.
“We are all very happy for Sean and we know he wouldn’t hesitate to do the same thing again for someone else.”
City of Adelaide Lions Club President Andrew Stacey commended Sean for his quick-thinking last February and was pleased to help present the award.
“The City of Adelaide Lions Club is proud to again partner with SAPOL to award a member of the public who has heroically disregarded their own safety to help another,” he said.
“Each year we are impressed with the selflessness of individuals awarded and Sean is certainly deserving of this recognition.”
The award consists of an individual shield, perpetual shield, and framed citation outlining the nomination’s basis.
Meanwhile, nominations for the 2025 City of Adelaide Lions Club and South Australia Police Citizen of the Year award will open in July next year.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Linda Williams, the City of Adelaide Lions Club and South Australia Police (SAPOL) 2024 Citizen of the Year Sean Williams, and City of Adelaide Lions Club President Andrew Stacey pictured the award ceremony on Tuesday 12 November.
City of Adelaide Lions Club and South Australia Police (SAPOL) 2024 Citizen of the Year Sean Williams.
City of Adelaide Lions Club President Andrew Stacey passes on the award to Deputy Commissioner of Police Linda Williams to present to this year’s recipient.
