Police Commissioner Peter Marshall said the police and public recipients of New Zealand’s highest bravery honours are true heroes for their selfless courage in saving or attempting to save the lives of others.
Ten police officers, a St John advanced paramedic and three members of the public were yesterday presented by the Governor General, Sir Anand Satyanand, with the New Zealand Bravery Star, the New Zealand Bravery Decoration and the New Zealand Bravery Medal for their actions during the May 2009 Napier siege.
This morning in a similar ceremony at Government House, Wellington, a police inspector and his son, a fire fighter and four other members of the public received the New Zealand Bravery Decoration and the New Zealand Bravery Medal for their heroic feats helping people from trapped vehicles, fire scenes and a mountain top.
And at Government House, Auckland, on 27 July, two police officers and five members of the public or their family representatives will receive the New Zealand Bravery Star, New Zealand Bravery Decoration and New Zealand Bravery Medal for actions arising from incidents including the Mangatepopo Gorge tragedy, apprehending an armed offender in Mount Maunganui and saving an Auckland driver trapped in his burning car.
“All of the people honoured with these awards acted calmly and risked their lives in the most dangerous of situations to save fellow New Zealanders,” Commissioner Marshall said. “Their feats were truly extraordinary and tragically three of these brave fellows lost their lives to save others.
“The bravery awards have arisen from some of our country’s bleakest moments. The presentation ceremonies are a time for celebration but are also a poignant reminder of those who have lost in their lives.
“For New Zealand Police that includes one of our own, Senior Constable Len Snee who was callously shot and killed in Napier. Two colleagues Senior Constables Bruce Miller and Grant Diver were seriously wounded along with Mr Len Holmwood who went to their aid.
“It’s gratifying to see men and women from all walks of life so willingly step in to help others. They so richly deserve our highest thanks.”
The New Zealand Bravery Star is the second highest bravery award followed by the New Zealand Bravery Decoration and the New Zealand Bravery Medal.
Napier siege recipients honoured yesterday were:
NZBS:
Constable Michael Burne; Senior Constable Dennis Hurworth; Detective Sergeant Tim Smith; Senior Constable Paul Symonds; Mr Len Holmwood.
NZBD:
Sergeant Heath Jones; Senior Sergeant Anthony Miller; Constable Kevin Rooney.
NZBM:
Detective Paul Buckley; Senior Constable Bradley Clark; Detective Sergeant Nicholas Clere; Mr Donald Fraser; Ms Christine Jackman; Mr Stephen Smith (St John Ambulance Service).
Bravery recipients from today’s ceremony:
NZBD:
Inspector Mike O’Leary; Senior Firefighter Mervyn Neil
NZBM:
Mr Connor O’Leary; Mr Peter Booth; Mr James Christie; Mr Grant Exeter; Mr Peter Hanne.
Photos attached below:
New Zealand Bravery Star recipients for their courage at Napier – Senior Constable Dennis Hurworth, Detective Sergeant Tim Smith, Mr Len Holmwood, Senior Constable Paul Symonds and Constable Michael Burne. Photo: Government House
New Zealand Bravery Decoration recipient Inspector Mike O’Leary with the Governor General, His Excellency, Sir Anand Satyanand. Photo: Government House.
Ends
Kaye Calder
Police Public Affairs: PNHQ
Tel: 04 460 2986 of 027 241 6305
