The Waikato Police District Pay Parade and Awards Ceremony is taking place tomorrow morning (29 July) in Hamilton Gardens.
Two members of the public will be presented bravery awards.
A number of Long Service and Good Conduct Awards will also be presented, with one recognising an officer’s 42 years of service.
The event will be attended by Commissioner Mike Bush, Acting Deputy Commissioner Allan Boreham, Acting Assistant Commissioner Bruce Bird, invited dignitaries and guests.
Among others, the 45 awards being presented will also include National Diplomas, Overseas Service Medals, Certificates of Promotion and District Commander Awards. Sir William Gallagher will present the Gallagher Trophy.
Acting District Commander Inspector Greg Nicholls hopes the people will come along to watch the parade, with 200 already expected to be in attendance:
“These awards are an opportunity for Police to recognise the great work and bravery of staff and members of the public.
“The bravery awards going to members of the public will be awarded to an off-duty volunteer fireman and to a seven-year-old girl.
“The young girl is being awarded for running across farmland to get assistance from emergency services when her grandfather had an accident on a quadbike.
We hope the public will come along and celebrate these local heroes.”
The tradition of the Pay Parade comes from the requirement for Police officers to march to the local magistrate's office every fortnight in their dress uniform and pass inspection before getting their pay packet.
The Master of Ceremonies is Inspector Kent Holdsworth and the Parade Commander is Senior Sergeant Dave Litton.
Waikato Police encourage the public to come along and watch the parade, which will take approximately one hour.
The ceremony will be held at 10am at the Central Court Pavilion, Hamilton Gardens, Cobham Drive.
ENDS
Police Media Centre
For any media queries, please contact Josie Cochrane at josie.cochrane@police.govt.nz