By Luke Voogt
Local pollie Stuart Grimley hurtled through the air at about 200km/h on Monday in a bid to raise funds to battle post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in police.
The Member for Western Victoria and state leader of Derryn Hinch’s Justice Party tandem skydived as part of ‘Drop-a-Cop’.
“Being a former police officer myself, I know all too well of the traumatic incidents that members see each day,” the Torquay-based MP said.
“It’s the least I can do to bring awareness and support for police officers who are suffering from psychological injuries.”
The skydive was the third time lucky for Mr Grimley, after his previous two attempts were cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions and on-plane due to poor weather.
He took the plunge for Drop-a-Cop, part of Victoria Police’s campaign to raise funds to support current and former officers suffering from PTSD and other psychological injuries.
“It’s important that events like Drop-a-Cop not only help those that suffer from psychological injuries, but reduce the stigma around it,” he said.
“It’s vitally important that police members seek treatment when they have suffered a psychological injury, like they would if they were physically injured on the job.”
Others taking part in the event included Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent, Victoria Police Association secretary Wayne Gatt, Victoria Police Legacy chief executive officer Lex De Man, Blue Ribbon Foundation board member Superintendent Pat Boyle and shadow police minister David Southwick.
