The Royal New Zealand Police College is very proud of one of its recruits, honoured for an act of bravery in the New Zealand Bravery Awards announced today.
Recruit Kali Fungavaka has been awarded a New Zealand Bravery Medal for attempting to save the life of a young woman last year who was set alight at an Otahuhu service station by a man who had recently formed a relationship with her.
Mr Fungavaka attempted to extinguish the flames that were burning the young woman using his jumper. When this was unsuccessful he retrieved a fire extinguisher located inside the shop near the burning gas cylinder used to start the fire. After extinguishing the flames burning the young woman he re-entered the shop and extinguished the fire inside which posed a danger to himself and five other members of the public who were present.
Mr Fungavaka is humble about his actions. "I feel like there were lots of people who played a part. It was a nice surprise to receive the letter announcing the award, but I prefer to keep a low profile and focus on my studies at Police College."
Police College Training Commander Superintendent Alistair (Olly) Beckett says New Zealand Police is lucky to have someone of Mr Fungavaka character joining the organisation.
Mr Fungavaka's decision to join Police was influenced by the incident and the Police staff he met who worked on the case.
Mr Fungavaka has asked not to be contacted by the media.
...............................................................................................................
For more information please contact:
Toni Barlow - 04 238 3413 / 0274 419 216