Young officers recognised for bravery after fatal Nowra shooting

Constable Max Godfrey, Jessica Richards and Tyrone Saddler have been recognised for their bravery in confronting an armed offender in 2022. (ABC Illawarra: Kelly Fuller)

Four NSW police officers have been recognised for bravery almost four years after a fatal shooting in Nowra, with a coronial inquest finding they acted to protect the public during a violent domestic incident.

Former Constable Jessica Richards says the experience had a lasting personal impact, describing years of difficulty, loss of identity, and the toll on her family after leaving the force.

Three of the young officers will now return to private life, carrying the lasting impact of the 2022 shooting as the formal recognition brings a measure of closure.

Almost four years after a violent confrontation on a Nowra street on the NSW South Coast changed their lives forever, four young police officers have been recognised for the bravery they displayed in protecting the community.

Retired Constable Tyrone Saddler, Retired Constable Jessica Richards and Constable Max Godfrey were today awarded the Commissioner's Commendation for Courage in recognition of their actions during a fatal police shooting on July 9, 2022.

Retired Senior Constable Hayley Collier has also been recognised, but was unable to attend the event in Ulladulla today.

Tyrone Saddler receives a bravery award in recognition of his actions. (ABC Illawarra: Kelly Fuller)

The shooting followed a domestic violence incident in which Brett Walker, 37, stabbed his then partner in the neck and another person who came to her aid while she held her young child.

Walker had been released from prison just 23 days earlier. He had a long history of mental illness, drug addiction and violent offending, including domestic violence offences.

Police responded within a minute of the Triple Zero (000) call.

Body-worn camera footage captured Walker armed with a large knife, taunting officers and yelling "Shoot me, you f*****g dogs" as he moved towards another person on the street.

Officers attempted to stop him using capsicum spray and a taser, but Walker continued advancing.

Senior Constable Tyrone Saddler had tripped over a kerb as Walker approached. As Walker moved towards him and began leaning over him while still holding the knife, Senior Constable Saddler fired several shots.

A coronial inquest into Walker's death examined the actions of the officers and the circumstances leading up to the shooting.

In findings handed down in August 2024, Deputy State Coroner Magistrate Erin Kennedy concluded Walker posed a grave danger to the co