Sydney teen Zac Bissell was only six days away from his 19th birthday on August 6, 2011, when he was struck and killed by a train while saving his mate’s life.
The Illawong-based apprentice carpenter never got to celebrate the occasion but, today, his parents honoured their son’s selfless act by accepting a posthumous Bravery Medal from Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove on his behalf.
Craig and Sharon said the recognition of Zac’s brave act – he followed a friend who jumped onto train tracks at Como railway station and threw him out of harm’s way, only to be killed by a train approaching in the opposite direction – helped take some of the sting out of their tragic loss.
“We miss him more than words can express but we take comfort in this honour.”
You can watch a short interview with his parents on tonight’s ‘The Project’:
We share some of the stories of Australia’s bravest citizens who have been awarded for heroic acts #TheProjectTV https://t.co/wKxm5XqWmJ
— #TheProjectTV (@theprojecttv) August 17, 2016
Not only did Zac save the life of his friend, who escaped with only minor injuries, but the donation of his organs (as per his wishes) helped save the lives of six others.
He’s among 79 heroic Aussies who were honoured for everything from stepping in to stop domestic violence altercations to rescuing the elderly from burning buildings.
All legends <3
Photo: Supplied.
