The Auckland Metro medal and awards ceremony is being held tomorrow (Friday 7 November) at the Vodafone Events Centre, 770 Great South Road, Wiri.
A number of awards will be presented to both Police staff and members of the public.
Though media are not able to be in the venue as the awards are presented, a number of the recipients from the Waitemata Police district are happy to speak to media after the ceremony, and to have photos/video taken with their awards.
Media who would like to speak to the following people should meet in the foyer of the Vodafone Events Centre at 11 am. It would be appreciated if you could email an indication of who you would like to speak to beth.bates@police.govt.nz
Please note the recipients will not be making any comment before the ceremony.
Constable Nicholas Munn - Commissioner's Commendation
On the night of 23 November 2013, Constable Munn and Senior Constable Roberts (with Police Dog Xrah) were involved in the search for two offenders who fled from a motor vehicle that had been pursued by police from the scene of an aggravated burglary. The offenders were believed to have been armed with a loaded ‘sawn-off’ shot gun.
Constable Munn and Senior Constable Roberts, with Police dog Xrah, tracked the offenders for an hour through dense bush and difficult wooded terrain. While doing so, they lost radio communications and associated support from police resources.
The successful safe arrest and securing of the offender in this circumstances reflected bravery, sound judgement, good planning and the application of best practice in relation to tactics and were in the highest traditions of New Zealand Police.
Constable Katrina Van Der Wende & Constable Hoani Koman - Commissioner's Silver Merit Award
For bravery and professionalism in saving the life of a woman being attacked by a man armed with a knife.
On 27 September 2013, Constable Hoani Koman and Constable Katrina Van Der Wende were called to a violent domestic incident where the offender had kidnapped his estranged partner and was threatening to kill her with a large knife.
When the constables arrived, the victim broke free and ran towards them. The offender chased her, grabbed her pony tail and drew the knife towards her head and neck.
Without hesitation, and with pinpoint accuracy, Constable Koman used pepper spray on the offender. This, along with Constable Van Der Wende's use of a taser, incapacitated the offender.
Their quick thinking and decisive action saved the woman's life and were in the highest traditions of New Zealand Police.
Sergeant Keki Wilson, Constable Dean Henderson & Constable Michelle Melis - District Commander's Commendation
On 18 September 2014 Constable Damian Albert suffered a severe medical episode whilst driving a patrol vehicle in Mairangi Bay. The patrol car left the road and collided heavily with a retaining wall and a group of trees.
Sergeant Keki Wilson, and Constables Dean Henderson and Michelle Melis were first on the scene. Along with ambulance staff, who arrived a short time later, the three officers performed CPR on Constable Albert who was unconscious and not breathing.
After 25 minutes of CPR, with each officer taking turns to do chest compressions, and multiple shocks with the defibrillator administered by ambulance staff, Constable Albert’s heart started functioning.
Their actions undoubtedly contributed to saving Constable Albert’s life and were in the highest traditions of the New Zealand Police.
ENDS
Issued by Beth Bates/Waitemata Police