Marlon Edwards and Mark Cavanough given WA Police certificates of appreciation for roles in BodyCare incident

Two courageous Albany men have been formally honoured by WA Police for their bravery after they intervened to help a woman who was allegedly being chased by an armed man near BodyCare gym last month. BodyCare trainer Mark Cavanough and Centennial Park resident Marlon Edwards were awarded certificates of appreciation by WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch and Great Southern Superintendent Jon Munday on Thursday for their roles in the July 30 incident. Mr Edwards said he was at his home on Lion Street in Centennial Park when he heard a woman calling for help. Seeing that she was holding a young child while being chased by the alleged man holding a large pole, he took her inside his home and barricaded the door against the intruder. Drawing on his former experience as a security guard, he said his “fight mode” kicked in. “Once I escorted her to the house, I was also aware that she was being chased, and the threat was not over by any means,” he said. “I didn’t really feel comfortable straight away, because obviously I put myself in danger and I didn’t know what the potential outcomes were going to be.” The woman is alleged to have then left Mr Edwards’ home and sought shelter from the man, who was still chasing her, in the nearby BodyCare gym. Mr Cavanough was staffing the gym’s front desk when he saw the pair. “I just heard a scream, and I saw him bashing the reception door,” the personal trainer said. “My wife and youngest daughter were in the creche so I knew exactly what to do, just ran straight up there, saw my target and took him down and held him until police got there.” Mr Cavanough said that while he sustained bites to the ear and chest while holding the man down, he doesn’t regret his actions. “I didn’t even think about it at the time, I just acted,” he said. Both men said they were surprised, but honoured by the WA Police recognition. Commissioner Col Blanch said that the acts of bravery by ordinary citizens should be honoured. “There’s always a conversation, particularly around domestic violence,” he said. “Where are the people stepping forward? Where are the people in our community that will step forward and help? “As police officers we are sworn to do that — members of the public are not. “But it was easy to see that without hesitation, you did exactly that, and I think we as a community owe you a debt of gratitude.” Commissioner Blanch also presented awards to 11 police officers for their service, including Senior Constable Michael Fazio who was acknowledged for his 41 years of work.