The Napier Community Patrol came together at Napier Police Station recently to recognise 16 years of commitment to the patrol by local woman, Sandy Ibbotson QSM.
In 2006, Sandy and her husband Brook answered an ad in the paper asking for volunteers to help set up and run the patrol, which provides extra eyes and ears around the community and helps prevent crime.
Since then Sandy has been at the heart of the patrol as its co-ordinator, with support from Brook, but has now decided to step down, leaving it in the safe hands of a hard-working group of volunteers.
The gathering was held to acknowledge Sandy's dedication and the mahi of the entire patrol.
Hawke’s Bay Police Inspector Marty James says Sandy's initiative, drive and passion throughout her 16 years as Napier Community Patrol coordinator has seen the patrol flourish.
"The community is our eyes and ears, and we rely on them to help reduce harm in the place we call home,” he says.
"We acknowledge and thank Sandy for the huge amount of work she has put in to assist Hawke's Bay Police and keep our communities safe."
Napier Community Patrol is organised and run by volunteers and includes six patrol cars and about 240 volunteers.
In 2017, Sandy Ibbotson received a Queen's Service Medal (QSM) for her services to the community.