Three New Zealand Police staff have been honoured today - receiving the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) for exceptional service, commitment and achievement to Police and communities throughout New Zealand.
Police Commissioner Mike Bush presented the medals to Detective Sergeant Trevor Brown, recently retired Sergeant Paul Selby and Mr Alan Richards in a ceremony at Police National Headquarters this afternoon.
A fourth staff member, Detective Sergeant Mike Beal, was last month presented by the Commissioner with a Meritorious Service Medal at a ceremony in Auckland attended by family and friends.
The MSM holds special value in New Zealand Police, and is the highest award that can be made by the Commissioner. The medals were promulgated by Royal Warrant in October 2013 and the first six medals were awarded in March last year.
Commissioner Bush said he was delighted to award the MSMs to the latest four people who have made an exceptional contribution to New Zealand Police.
“They’ve consistently performed at a top level in their diverse fields – from managing complex national and international drug investigations, through to training and mentoring recruits, newly graduated constables, investigators and dog sections or ensuring we’re polished and performing with pride on ceremonial occasions.”
The Minister of Police, Hon Michael Woodhouse, also spoke at today’s ceremony and congratulated the recipients for their outstanding contribution to NZ Police and the communities in which they serve.
The latest recipients are:
Detective Sergeant Michael (Mike) Beal, OFCANZ – based in Auckland
In recognition of his contribution and commitment to organised crime investigations over many years.
DS Beal qualified as a Detective in 1992 and as a Sergeant in 1996. He’s been working within the drugs and organised crime area since 1998 and has led, mentored and provided outstanding leadership to his staff.
A respected expert in his field, DS Beal has headed numerous complex organised crime investigations in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. He was one of the first police officers to be involved with clan lab investigations going on to lead and develop clan lab teams, and has received two Bronze Merit Awards for his work including investigations leading to large scale meth seizures.
Detective Sergeant Trevor Brown – Bay of Plenty
For outstanding service and commitment to the investigation and resolution of serious crime.
DS Brown has worked on many high profile and serious crimes, and is respected for his professionalism, interviewing skills and work with victims.
He’s initiated mentoring programmes for staff and updated training material for CIB staff, including secondments to the Royal New Zealand Police College and to a training course for police investigators in Vietnam.
Off duty DS Brown is a trained lifeguard and retains a community focus – providing a helping practical hand for those who need it and volunteering many hours as coaching junior lifesavers and marshalling at events.
Alan Richards – Royal New Zealand Police College
For outstanding commitment to training, mentoring recruits and representing NZ Police.
Alan Richards, has provided more than 41 years service to Police, including 27 years as a Constabulary officer, retiring in 2001 as a Sergeant. He has since then continued working at the RNZPC as a civilian employee.
A former UK police officer, Mr Richards has taught police recruits and is now the national coordinator of workplace assessment for graduating officers.
Mr Richards has contributed significantly to the life, tikanga, ceremonial protocols and educational standards at the RNZPC. He’s a recognised ‘face’ of police during hundreds of graduations, ceremonies, high profile visits and commemorative parades at the college, and a key member of the Kapa Haka group since its inception.
Sergeant Paul Selby – retired 2014, Bay of Plenty
For outstanding service and commitment to the New Zealand Police Dog Section.
Sergeant Selby was a dedicated and influential member of the NZ Police Dog Section from 1975 until his retirement in July last year.
A high performing dog handler and trainer, his expertise was recognised by dog sections in both New Zealand and Australia. He’s won several national Police Dog Championship titles with dogs Vance and Saba, including the Australasian championship with Saba in 1990.
Sergeant Selby has worked in Northland, Christchurch and Bay of Plenty. He’s built strong relationships with schools and the public and in 1983 developed an initiative to work with Whakatane Intermediate School students which continues to this day. The students determine the best performing police dog team in the district for the year and present the award to the handler – usually at a display attended by schools and the wider community.
ENDS
Photo Captions:
1) Police Minister Michael Woodhouse (far right) with from left Police Commissioner Mike Bush and NZ Police Meritorious Service Medal recipients Sergeant Paul Selby (retired), Detective Sergeant Trevor Brown and Mr Alan Richards after today’s ceremony at Police National Headquarters. Photo: NZ Police.
2) Police Commissioner Mike Bush presents Detective Sergeant Mike Beal with his Meritorious Service Medal at a ceremony in Auckland. Photo: Constable Suzy McNab.
