The cost of running towards danger.

On Sunday, young Sydneysiders put on their blue police uniforms to clock into work. 

It was golden hour at Bondi Beach. The sun was setting, the beachfront was packed, and the Jewish community had gathered in the park to celebrate the first night of Chanukah, a time for light and love. 

Instead, it became the site of Australia's worst mass shooting in three decades. 

Fifteen innocent people lost their lives, and scores more were sent to hospitals across Sydney for urgent care.

Amongst them were Probationary Constable Jack Hibbert and Constable Scott Dyson, NSW police officers who were injured in the line of duty, trying to protect people from this senseless violence against Australia's Jewish community. 

Those present on the night have attested to the bravery of Jack and Scott. 

Jack's family released a statement, saying that they've been told of how their beloved son, just 22 years of age, moved toward people in need, not away, and continued to help others even when he had sustained serious injuries himself. 

He'd been near the Bondi Beach Chanukah by the Sea celebration when the first shots rang out. 

"In the face of a violent and tragic incident, he responded with courage, instinct, and selflessness, continuing to protect and help others whilst injured, until he was physically no longer able to," his family said. 

He had been a police officer for just four months. 

Constable Jack Hibbert. Image: Supplied.

It's a job he loves. One he undertook, driven by a need to "protect the community, even at great personal cost", his family said. 

Jack was shot twice — once to the head and another to his shoulder. Premier Chris Minns confirmed that he was shot from the front, running towards danger.

The wounds left him in the ICU, fighting for life, where he was intubated and had multiple surgeries performed to save him. 

As a result, he's lost vision in one eye and faces a long and challenging journey to recovery. 

This is the cost of his service to the people of New South Wales. 

And he did it anyway. 

In an update to media on December 17, NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon shared that he had visited Jack in hospital.

"I'm really pleased to say that Jack was awake this morning — we had a lovely conversation. He's a really positive young man," he said.

Policeman Scott Dyson was also seriously injured while doing his job on Sunday. His family reached out to publicly thank first responders and well-wishers for their support while he heals. 

He'd been attached to the Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command for just 18 months before the Bondi attack landed him in hospital, in a serious but stable condition. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that he was shot in the shoulder and abdomen.

His brother Christopher Dyson said they won't know the full extent of Scott's injuries for some time.

In a post on LinkedIn, Christopher shared his brother had only recently found out that he is going to be a dad.

"Scott is known as one of the nicest guys around. Loves spending time with his mates and playing water polo," he wrote. "He also has had incredible news about becoming a dad with his partner. Making this so much more difficult…"

He said the family have not left his brother's side in hospital and thanked healthcare workers and first responders.

"The doctors and nurses have been incredible, even with the complexity of his case," he said.

"We have been receiving so much love and support from the water polo community, the Blue Family, and the general public have just been incredibly caring… we are overwhelmed."

Image: Supplied.

Scott is a keen water polo player, with his club confirming he is 'widely respected' by his teammates. 

"Our thoughts are with Scott, his partner, his family, and everyone impacted by this tragic incident. We are holding them close and hoping for the best possible outcome as he continues to receive medical care," Drummoyne Water Polo Club shared online.

Mr Lanyon on Wednesday said Constable Dyson "underwent further surgery this morning and remains in a critical and stable condition".

"Our thoughts and all of our prayers are with him and his family. For both officers, it will be a long road to recovery," he shared.

Police legacy fundraisers have been set up to support Scott and Jack's families.

Premier Chris Minns took a moment to acknowledge the hard work of the officers on scene. Many came down who were not rostered on — from as far afield as Sutherland and Newcastle — because they wanted to help. 

The picture of resolve and mettle. The spirit of Jack and Scott. 

"NSW Police acted with bravery and integrity. They didn't take a backwards step," Minns said. 

"They engaged the gunman on the footbridge with handguns. The offenders had long-range rifles. 

"And NSW police officers were responsible for killing one of them and shooting the other one, and as a result, saving many, many people's lives. 

He reiterated that Jack and Scott had gone headfirst into the melee.

"There are two officers in critical care in NSW hospitals at the moment. They weren't shot in the back as they were running away. They were shot in the front," he said. 

"I'm sorry to be graphic about it, but if there's any suggestion that NSW Police didn't live up to their responsibilities to the people of this state, it should be rejected, because it's not consistent with the facts. 

"NSW Police officers, some of whom had been in the job for a number of months, put their lives on the line to save people in this state."

It comes as new details about the officer who took down the gunmen are coming to light. 

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Detective Senior Constable Cesar Barraza fired at the perpetrators as they attacked the Chanukah celebration. 

The Bondi-based detective, who was in plain clothes, is reportedly believed to have killed the 50-year-old gunman and wounded the 24-year-old gunman, although ballistics are still being reviewed. 

Barraza, who formerly worked with the cybercrime squad per SMH, was working on Sunday and rushed to the beach to help. 

He is just one of the dozens of officers who ran toward terror. Who did everything they could to help. 

How to help following the Bondi Beach shooting.

In the aftermath of the Bondi Beach shooting, many people are searching for meaningful ways to help during the incredibly distressing time. If you're able:

You can support victims and their families by donating to verified GoFundMe fundraisers established in response to the attack here.

By giving blood at your nearest Australian Red Cross Lifeblood centre, to help those receiving medical care. Find your nearest donation centre here.

You can also pay your respects and share messages of support via the NSW Government's Online Condolence Book, which offers comfort and solidarity to those affected. You can sign the book here.

Featured image: Getty.