It was the Saturday afternoon that Sydney will never forget.
A typical day at Westfield Bondi Junction spiraled into chaos as Joel Cauchi embarked on a violent spree, brandishing a knife. His actions resulted in the deaths of six individuals, numerous injuries, and a cascade of trauma for many others.
For Nike assistant store manager Amy Van Der Jagt, that fateful day on April 13, 2024 was life-altering.
Trapped inside a locked Nike store with terrified coworkers, she recalls the feeling of powerlessness as panic and screams filled the shopping center during the ordeal.
‘Amid the overwhelming fear and rush of adrenaline, I was struck by a powerful determination to be the protector, not the protected; the rescuer, not the rescued,’ Ms. Van Der Jagt, 37, recounted to news.com.au.
‘Seeing so many succumb to fear and feeling utterly impotent reinforced my choice to pursue a career in law enforcement. That experience truly sealed my decision.’
‘I want to have all the skills and knowledge so that I can be the one running towards the danger, not running away from it.
A particular individual stood out that day: Inspector Amy Scott, the courageous officer who stopped Cauchi by confronting and shooting him.
Amy Van Der Jagt (pictured) joined the NSW Police following the Westfield Bondi Junction attack
Van Der Jagt was inspired by Inspector Amy Scott, the officer who bravely confronted Bondi Junction killer Joel Cauchi
‘Amy Scott was the hero that day, I’m another Amy. I thought, ‘it’s a sign,” she said.
That sign quickly became a new path and within four months, Ms Van Der Jagt had entered the NSW Police Academy.
On Friday, she proudly marched alongside more than 300 fellow police graduates in Goulburn, the largest cohort of new officers in 13 years.
On Monday, she will take her first shift as a probationary constable.
Her story was singled out by NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley, who praised her courage and determination in a public statement.
‘Amy’s journey to a career in blue is one marked by courage and compassion,’ Catley said.
‘On April 13, 2024, during the horrifying stabbings at Bondi Junction Westfield, she was present. Overwhelmed by helplessness, she resolved to devote her life to assisting others.
‘That day changed the course of her life, and we couldn’t be more proud that she’s decided to serve our great state.’
Amy Van Der Jagt (pictured with loved ones on Friday) was working at the Westfield’s Nike story when the chaos unfolded
The retail worker turned police officer regards Inspector Amy Scott (pictured) as a hero
Van Der Jagt policing career began at a defining moment for NSW Police Force.
As the newest recruits prepare to start, Commissioner Karen Webb, the first woman to lead the organisation, is preparing to step down.
Webb will retire next month, leaving the government to appoint the 24th commissioner of a force now 17,000 strong.
Probationary Constable Van Der Jagt has her sights set on the general purpose dog squad or tactical operations, units she believes best reflect the bravery she aspired to on that fateful April afternoon.
