Altona North man Roger Bertocci, who was murdered after going to the rescue of a pregnant woman being assaulted by her partner, has been posthumously honoured with a bravery award.
Mr Bertocci, 46, was fatally stabbed on December 14, 2014 after pulling over in Blackshaws Road to help the woman.
The woman, who was 22 weeks pregnant, had been headbutted and punched by her partner causing her to fall to the ground.
Mr Bertocci left behind his wife, Helen, and their two daughters, Ashlee, now aged 17, and Brylee, now four.
Last week, he was among 20 Victorians recognised by The Royal Humane Society of Australasia. Mrs Bertocci last week accepted the The Posthumous Medal for her husband from Victoria’s Governor Linda Dessau.
“He respected women,” Mrs Bertocci said.
“He held women in high regard. It would be so against his grain to even contemplate any form of physical violence on a woman or a child.”
Mrs Bertocci praised police investigator James Brady and his team, who she said had constantly reminded her that her husband’s actions had saved two lives.
“When they put together the chain of events, there’s no doubt in their minds that Roger acted as a hero on that day, and that protected her baby as well.”
Mr Bertocci’s killer, Jonathon Sporton, was sentenced to 21 years’ jail with a 17-year minimum.
