The families of two Christchurch police officers shot and injured in the city yesterday say they are overwhelmed by the care and concern shown to them.
Both police dog handler Senior Constable Bruce Lamb, 50, and general duties officer Constable Mitchel Alatalo, who has his 31st birthday on Monday next week, are recovering from extensive surgery in Christchurch Hospital. Senior Constable Lamb has facial and jaw injuries and is in the intensive care unit. Constable Alatalo is in a surgical ward with a wound to his left thigh which narrowly missed a femoral artery.
Both men are in good spirits despite their pain. It's hoped Bruce will be moved from intensive care to a ward later today. Mitch will be in hospital until possibly tomorrow depending on his response to antibiotics.
Police patrol dog Gage was shot and killed trying to save the officers' lives.
Superintendent Dave Cliff, Canterbury District Commander, said that while the injuries are serious, they are not life threatening "which is a massive relief for all of us".
None more so than the families of both officers who are being supported by their friends and colleagues.
In a statement issued through police, the families say they are deeply touched by the care and concern shown by so many people - in Christchurch and throughout the country. They acknowledge the media and public interest in them but decline invitations to talk with media at present. Their focus is on supporting their loved ones through surgery and recovery.
Senior Constable Lamb has been a police officer for 32 years and a dog handler since June 1987. He's the most experienced and senior of police dog handlers in Christchurch and six year old Gage was his fifth patrol dog.
"Most of Bruce's working life is with dog section and he wouldn't have it any other way," says his wife Jill, who with daughter Kimberley (22), and sons Michael (20) and Christopher (17) has spent much of the last 24 hours at the hospital.
"We've had fabulous support from so many people since yesterday. Our friends both in and outside police have rallied around us and the hospital staff are just amazing. We've had hundreds of texts, emails, phone calls, flowers and messages from so many people, many unknown to us, including a lovely message from a wee seven year old boy especially for Gage.
"Bruce loves the job and the dogs that he's worked with over the years. Gage came to us as a pup from the police dog breeding programme so he's been a big part of our lives for the last six years.
"He was a bit of a character at home and certainly a one man dog. He would have done anything to help Bruce and that's ultimately just what Gage did."
Constable Alatalo joined police three years ago in Christchurch and loves in job as a general duties officer in the city, says his wife Philippa Johnson-Alatalo.
Mitch, who is Australian by birth, and Philippa met on the Gold Coast several years, The couple returned to Philippa's home town of Christchurch, married and Mitch joined police.
"We've been amazed at the support and messages we've been getting. We're in regular contact too with family here and in Australia.
"Thank you to all the people who are showing so much support for Mitch and myself. The care and concern shown by so many means a lot to both of us and helps to keep our spirits up."
The families of both officers ask media to respect their privacy at present and not contact them for interviews.
Ends
Media note:
Bruce and Mitch are not well enough to be interviewed, and we ask you respect their families' wishes not to be interviewed at this stage.
Please note too - corrections in ages for both men. Bruce is 50 and Mitch is 30 - he'll be 31 on Monday.
Released by:
Kaye Calder
Senior Media Adviser: District Liaison
Mobile: 027 241 6305