Police officer Jack Hibbert has been released from hospital after being shot during Bondi terror attack
Probation officer Jack Hibbert has been discharged from hospital after being seriously injured in the Bondi terror attack and his family have described it as a “miracle” that he is home for Christmas.
The 22-year-old man had been a police officer for only four months when alleged gunmen tried to capture Sajid and Naveed Akram on December 14.
In a statement released by NSW Police, the family expressed gratitude for the “outpouring of support, kind messages and well wishes from the community”.
“He is still recovering while at home and will need space, support and continued positive thoughts during this time,” they said.
Construction Hibbert was patrolling the Hanukkah by the Sea celebrations at Bondi Beach when the massacre began.
He was shot twice, once in the head and once in the shoulder.
In a statement released last week, Const. “Jack was taken to the intensive care unit, where he was incubated and underwent multiple surgeries,” Hibbert’s family said.
“Although he miraculously survived, Jack’s injuries resulted in the loss of vision in one of his eyes and he now faces a long and difficult recovery requiring additional surgeries.”
Family, Const. Hibbert’s home at Christmas “truly feels like a miracle.”
“As a family, we couldn’t ask for more.”
Construction Hibbert was one of two police officers taken to hospital after the Bondi attack. The other was Officer Scott Dyson, who recently learned he would be a father.
He had served at Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command for 18 months before his injury.
Construction Hibbert’s family said that although he was new to the job, “in the face of a violent and tragic event, he responded with courage, instinct and selflessness, continuing to protect and assist others while injured until he was physically no longer able to do so.”
“Jack was simply doing his job – a job he loved – with a commitment to protecting the community even at great personal cost.”
The family said many of his colleagues have visited him in hospital since the incident, telling him about his courage and dedication to the community.
“The support from the police force and hospital staff has been second to none and we are beyond grateful. We thank the wider community for their kindness, support and prayers for Jack and our family during this difficult time.”
The family asks for their privacy to be respected as they focus on Const. Hibbert’s recovery.
“Jacko, you’ve shown a different degree of strength, we’re glad you’re home, buddy.”
