Statement from the family of Senior Constable Len Snee, Taradale Police
This statement is from Vicki Snee, adult sons Sam and Joe, and family. It is read by close colleague and friend Stan Tristram who has worked with Len for many years in the Napier Police Station and Taradale Community Policing Centre.
We are grieving the loss of wonderful husband, father and brother. Len loved his family and he loved his job.
He gave it 100 percent and was totally dedicated to everything he did. He was a private person and a man of few words. He was proud to be a policeman and proud to be an Armed Offenders Squad officer.
Outside work and family interests Len loved his sport, especially rugby and was still playing 4th grade for Napier Tech.
We are struggling to come to terms with what has happened. We know we have some difficult times ahead of us.
We're also thinking of the other victims who were shot and injured. Our best wishes go to those men and their families.
Our family appreciates the support we are getting from so many police staff from throughout New Zealand and from members of the public both in Hawke's Bay and in other parts of the country. Many of these people are not known to us.
We need now to be left as a family to grieve for Len. We ask that members of the media respect our wish to be left alone.
Thank you.
Statement from the families of Senior Constable Bruce Miller and Grant Driver
The families of senior constable Bruce Miller and senior constable Grant Diver wish to release the following statement:
The families at this time are concentrating on supporting Bruce and Grant though this crisis.
"Our hearts go out to the families of Len Snee and the civilian also injured yesterday.
"We wish to acknowledge the support and assistance from the Police, friends and family the hospital staff and the wider Hawke's Bay community
"We want to especially recognise the efforts of the front line police staff who are dealing with the current situation and in particular we wish to pass on our gratitude to the police officers who carried Bruce and Grant to safety."
The families do not wish to make any further comment than this and would ask the media to respect their privacy at this time so they can focus on helping both Grant and Bruce return to full health
Statement from the family on the injured civilian
The family of the civilian injured yesterday would like to thank friends, family and the Hawke's Bay community for their support.
At this time they wish to concentrate on helping him get well and would like to focus their energy on this and ask the media to respect their privacy at this time.
ENDS
Released by
Kris McGehan 027 222 3638
Kaye Calder 027 241 6305