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 contribution in the arrest of an armed holdup offender.
In August last year, 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.
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 followed the offender from a distance continuing to report the route and direction of travel to police by telephone.
Mr Fensom provided very clear and safe instruction to police communications, which allowed police interception to occur and arrest the offender without incident.
Police Commissioner Grant Stevens joined Lions Club members 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 Country Fire Service 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.”
