Police honour tracking volunteer

Police from around the South West met at Bunbury Police Station on Friday to meet Marlon Johns — the man who used his tracking skills to find a missing woman in January — and present him with an award certificate.

On January 24, MainRoads-Fulton Hogan worker Mr Johns was working in traffic management near Lowden when police were looking for a missing 41-year-old woman.

He offered to use his tracking skills and found the woman underneath a log within two hours of searching for her.

Mr Johns said he was not told ahead of time that Friday’s meeting was for an award ceremony.

“I was quite proud but it’s not why I did it — I’d do anything to save a life, ” he said.

On Friday, South West District Supt Peter Hatch congratulated and thanked Mr Johns for his services.

“If not for the efforts of Marlon, the circumstances may have changed and the outcome may not have been as good as it was, ” Supt Hatch said.

“We’d really like to acknowledge your efforts Marlon, it’s fantastic the fact you volunteered your skills and ability to help the community and WA Police.

“Community spirit that you showed by offering up your skills is an effort that really needs to be acknowledged.”

Supt Hatch said Mr Johns would be on their list of resources for future emergencies.