Altona North’s Roger Bertocci has been posthumously recognised in the Australian Bravery Awards for what his wife described as “acting like a true man”.
Mr Bertocci was fatally stabbed after pulling over to help a pregnant woman being attacked by her partner in Blackshaws Road on December 14, 2014.
The assailant ran towards Mr Bertocci’s vehicle and attempted to punch the windows.
Mr Bertocci got out, and the other man pulled a large kitchen knife from a sheath and chased him before grabbing him by the shoulder and stabbing him multiple times. Mr Bertocci collapsed and was unable to be revived.
On Thursday – which would have been Mr Bertocci’s 50th birthday – his actions were recognised with an Australian Bravery Medal awarded by Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove for an act of courage outside a warlike situation.
“Sadly, there are those whose brave acts mean they are no longer with us,” Sir Peter said.
“I express the nation’s sadness at your loss but pride in your loved one’s actions.
“On behalf of all Australians, I thank them for their bravery.”
Mr Bertocci left behind his wife, Helen, and their two daughters, Ashlee, now aged 17, and Brylee, now four.
Mrs Bertocci said her husband’s national bravery decoration gave the family comfort.
“He just acted as a true man that day,” she said. “It’s good for society as a whole to embrace the fact and give him a title as a hero.
“The way he acted was as a true man should, and men still should – they have to step up.”
Last November, Mr Bertocci was recognised by the Royal Humane Society of Australasia with the Posthumous Medal.
Mr Bertocci’s killer, Jonathon Sporton, was sentenced to 21 years’ jail with a 17-year minimum.
