Former Police Commissioner Ken Thompson returned to the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC) yesterday to see a great family tradition continue.
Constable Maddie Thompson – Ken’s granddaughter – was among the 78 members of Recruit Wing 308 who passed out from their 16-week initial training.
Maddie represents the fifth generation of her family to join Police.
As well as Ken – Commissioner from 1984 to 1986 – there is her father Ray Thompson, who served in the 1970s before leaving to join the Fire Service; auntie Trish, who served 14 years; great grandfather AJ Johnston; and great-great grandfather Andrew Johnston. Other family members have also served.
“It was my childhood dream to join Police, from watching Nancy Drew,” says Maddie, who is joining Wellington District.
“I used to run up and down the street with my torch at night pretending I was catching crims.
“At primary school when I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up it was always to be a police officer. I’ve always wanted to help people and do something different every day.”
Maddie says she has learned from her father and grandfather’s words of wisdom. “They’ve always been there to help me and give me advice,” she says.
Ken, who was Commissioner when the Queen conferred the ‘Royal’ part of the RNZPC’s title, says Maddie needed little encouragement in her career choice.
“She has always been very determined to achieve this,” he says. “She has put in a lot of hard work.”
He says the graduation brought back many memories. "It's lovely to see them all turned out so smartly and enthusiastic about what lies ahead."
Father Ray says he felt very proud watching Maddie graduate. “She always wanted this. She wrote a letter when she was about five [pictured] saying she wanted to be in Police. We’ve still got it, and now she has achieved her goal.”
There was standing room only – and not much of that – in the gymnasium at the RNZPC, which was packed with family and friends to witness the attestation ceremony.
Speakers included Commissioner Mike Bush and wing patron Gráinne Moss, Chief Executive of the Ministry for Vulnerable Children, Oranga Tamariki.
Constable Robert Manson, winner of the Commissioner’s Award for Leadership, spoke on behalf of Wing members before they lifted the roof with the traditional Police haka.
Awards
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The Commissioner’s Award for Leadership (in recognition of outstanding potential to lead self and others) was awarded to Constable Robert Manson, posted to Waitematā District.
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The Minister’s Award for First in Wing was awarded to Constable Rebecca Hodge, posted to Wellington District.
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Constable Aidan Leslie was awarded the Physical Training and Defensive Tactics Award. He is posted to Bay of Plenty District.
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Constable Kimberley Vedder was awarded the Driver Training and Road Policing Practice Award. She is posted to Bay of Plenty District.
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The Firearms Award, for firearms skills and safe practices, went to Constable Morgan Ward, who is posted to Waikato District.
The new officers are posted to districts as follows: Northland (4); Waitematā (7); Auckland City (8); Counties Manukau (8); Waikato (8); Bay of Plenty (9); Eastern (5); Central (7); Wellington (10); Canterbury (7); and Southern (5).