I love me some courage.

In the midst of tragedy, heroes often emerge, displaying courage and selflessness that inspire us all. Such is the case with Damien Guerot, a Frenchman whose actions during a deadly stabbing rampage at a Sydney mall have captured the world’s attention. Guerot’s brave confrontation with the attacker, Joel Cauchi, using nothing but a bollard, has earned him the nickname ‘Bollard Man’ and the gratitude of a nation.

A bollard is Aussie for a Post, Piling, or Stanchion. I had to look that one up.

Cauchi, armed with a knife, targeted women in what police described as a horrific act of violence. As shoppers ran for their lives, Guerot and his friend, Silas Despreaux, both construction workers, sprang into action. Acting on pure adrenaline, they attempted to stop Cauchi, with Guerot using a plastic pole to ward him off.

In a moment captured on video and broadcast around the globe, Guerot is seen confronting Cauchi on an escalator, the bollard in his hands a symbol of defiance against senseless violence. When Cauchi fled, Guerot and Despreaux pursued him, showing remarkable courage in the face of danger.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has promised to ensure Guerot faces no issues renewing his visa, which is set to expire soon. “I say this to Damien… you are welcome to stay for as long as you like,” Albanese said, acknowledging Guerot’s extraordinary bravery. French President Emmanuel Macron also praised Guerot and Despreaux as “true heroes,” expressing “very great pride and recognition” for their actions. Their bravery serves as a reminder of the strength of the human spirit in times of crisis.

I want to celebrate the bravery of individuals like Damien Guerot, whose actions remind us that even in the darkest moments, there are still some that run toward disaster rather than from it.