Bravery rewarded

By Lia Bichel
TWO Casey residents who put their lives in harm’s way to save elderly women have been honoured for their bravery.
Endeavour Hills resident Ralph Martyn, 64, saved an elderly woman from being hit by a train last year and his selfless move landed him an Australian Bravery Medal, which was approved by Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia Quentin Bryce.
Mr Martyn said he was humbled by the honour.
He was working as Middle Brighton railway station host when the incident unfolded about 10am on 1 October.
The woman, who was about 85-years-old and using a walking frame, was attempting to cross a railway crossing at the end of the train platform.
Mr Martyn said the woman was still on the tracks when the gates closed and bells started ringing.
“I heard the train announcement and knew I had only a minute to react, so I jumped off the platform and ran onto the side of the tracks, grabbed her hands and her walking frame and started pulling her to safety,” he said.
“She was oblivious to the fact she was in danger and was yelling at me not to pull her, but I just kept trying.
“The next thing I know, I could see the train coming around the bend. It put on its emergency brakes and came to a stop near the end of the platform. (If I didn’t pull her to safety), she would have been gone.”
Mr Martyn immediately returned to his post to complete his work duties, and when he went back to the platform to speak with the elderly lady, she had left the station.
Though his knees were trembling after the incident, Mr Martyn said he was pleased that he not only saved the woman, but also prevented a horrific experience for the train driver and passengers.
He is now continuing his work as a station officer at Sandringham.
Narre Warren resident Slavica Zdravkovic was also commended for brave conduct for helping to rescue an elderly woman from a burning house in Preston on 27 October.
Ms Zdravkovic was visiting her parents when she was alerted to a fire in the neighbouring semi-detached houses.
Aware that an elderly woman was possibly inside one of the houses, Ms Zdravkovic ran outside and rang Triple-zero before banging and kicking on the door with another neighbour.
An off-duty police officer who was passing by joined them and they entered the smoke-filled house, woke the woman who was asleep in her bed, and took her to safety.