National recognition for two brave officers

Detective Sergeant Bradley Galpin and Brevet Sergeant Gregory Blieden are among those recognised as part of today’s Australian Bravery Decorations Wattle Day 2025 Honours List.

The accolade recognises acts of bravery where people selflessly put themselves in jeopardy to protect the lives or property of others.

On 18 May 2019, the two SAPOL officers were tasked to a house fire. After neighbours advised people were still inside (then Constable) Blieden and Detective Sergeant Galpin gained access to the rear of the property, where they heard a five-year-old child crying.

They entered the residence but were forced to withdraw due to heat and smoke. The officers found an alternate entry by smashing a window, crawling on their hands and knees to try and reach the child while the dwelling was still ablaze.

The officers were again forced to withdraw as parts of the ceiling and structures began to collapse. Detective Sergeant Galpin assisted in physically removing Constable Blieden from the premises through a window after he suffered smoke inhalation and a wound to his arm.

At this time, Metropolitan Fire Service officers gained entry and located the child, who after medical intervention survived the incident.  A female occupant unfortunately could not be saved.

Both officers received a Police Bravery Medal in 2022 for their actions during the same incident. Two other SAPOL members also received a Certificate of Merit for their assistance during the housefire.

Acting Commissioner of Police Linda Williams commended Detective Sergeant Galpin and Brevet Sergeant Blieden on this esteemed national recognition.

“In a moment of peril, these police officers chose to act and put their lives in danger to save a child,” she said.

“Both these members demonstrated outstanding and sustained acts of bravery in the face of danger and are both deserving of this accolade.”

Detective Sergeant Galpin joined SAPOL 18 years ago and currently works in the Criminal Investigations Branch. He considered the rescue a team effort.

“I'm humbled to receive this award and grateful for the recognition,” he said.

“It was a collective effort from every person there that night.”

Brevet Sergeant Blieden graduated from SAPOL’s academy in 2014 and currently works at the Security Response Section, in Special Tasks and Rescue Group.

“I feel deeply honoured to receive this commendation, though it’s a recognition I share with the other officers and emergency first responders who were there that night,” he echoed.

“We were all working together, doing everything we could in a dangerous and confronting situation.

“While I’m grateful for the acknowledgement, my thoughts are with the family who suffered such a tragic loss. The outcome will always stay with me.”

Both officers claimed the recognition reinforced their commitment to their colleagues and the community.

“This accolade serves as a reminder of why we as police do what we do, why we respond without hesitation, and why teamwork is vital in moments where seconds matter,” Brevet Sergeant Blieden added.

The Commendation for Brave Conduct features a silver-gilt sprig of mimosa mounted at a 45-degree angle on a blood-red ribbon. This will be presented by the Governor-General of Australia at a later date.

Detective Sergeant Galpin

Brevet Sergeant Gregory Blieden