Police staff involved in the disaster victim identification (DVI) operation after the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 were yesterday honoured for their work.
Six New Zealand Police staff flew to the Netherlands in 2014 on two three-week rotations to help the Australian-led DVI operation following the shooting-down of the airliner as it flew over the Ukraine, en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur.
By the end of the second rotation, 183 of the 298 victims had been identified.
Five of the staff were at Police National Headquarters (PNHQ) yesterday, with two colleagues who supported the operation from New Zealand, to receive awards from Australian Federal Police.
The Australian and Malaysian High Commissioners and Dutch Ambassador were among the VIPs and AFP Deputy Commissioner Neil Gaughan and Superintendent Mick Travers travelled from Canberra to make the presentations.
Receiving the Australian Federal Police Operational Medal – Ukraine for their part in Operation AREW were: Senior Constables Al Hendrickson (Tasman) and Barry Shepherd (Bay of Plenty), from the first rotation; and Inspector Geoff Logan (PNHQ) and Senior Sergeants Steve Harwood (Wellington) and Karl Wilson (Auckland), from the second.
Retired Inspector Mike Wright, who led the first rotation, was unable to attend.
AFP Certificates of Recognition were presented to Detective Niall Deehan (Wellington) and retired Senior Sergeant Bruce Johnston (PNHQ) who supported the operation from New Zealand.
Commissioner Mike Bush praised the recipients for their work in helping families of those killed in the tragedy. “The job of Police – and we’ve seen it countless times – in identification and reconciliation is just so important,” he said.
“Regardless of the situation, international law enforcement works together to do whatever’s for the best,” said Neil Gaughan. “This is a tangible example of it.
“While we hope we won’t see another job like this, if there is one we know we can produce a similar response. The police family gets together to do what we do so well.”
Her Excellency Mira Woldberg, Netherlands Ambassador, said the tragedy of MH17 – in which 193 Dutch citizens died – was like a wound for her country, but that the international response had been a source of strength.
“We were so embraced by our international partners – New Zealand, Australia and many other countries who helped us out in a very difficult time. The international teamwork was really amazing.”
Malaysian High Commissioner Her Excellency Ms Nur Izzah Wong Mee Choo said the ceremony was an opportunity to meet "unsung heroes" whose work in the background of a disaster could easily be overlooked.
"They did their duty and helped families who were in pain," said Ms Wong. "I spoke to a few of them and personally conveyed my thanks to them for their services."
Australian High Commissioner His Excellency Ewen McDonald said: "Recognising New Zealand Police's contribution after the MH17 tragedy just shows the teamwork between our police services."
Geoff Logan, who led the second rotation, said it was important to acknowledge the work New Zealand, Australia, the Netherlands and Malaysia did together to bring grieving families a degree of resolution.
“With events like this we build a really strong working relationship with our colleagues overseas, which always stands us in good stead for the future.”
Barry Shepherd said the award was acknowledgement of the ongoing relationship between police in New Zealand and Australia. “It cements that relationship – when we respond to these events overseas we always work together.”
Also honoured yesterday were 17 members of PNHQ staff, who received Long Service and Good Conduct Awards.
“You completely deserve this recognition - and to be recognised in front of your family and friends,” said MC Assistant Commissioner Sandra Venables, closing the ceremony.
Our photo shows, from left, back: Former Senior Sergeant Bruce Johnston, Inspector Geoff Logan, Senior Sergeant Karl Wilson, Commissioner Mike Bush, Superintendent Mick Travers, Senior Constable Al Hendrickson, Senior Constable Barry Shepherd, Detective Niall Deehan and Senior Sergeant Steve Harwood. Front: Their Excellencies Nur Izzah Wong Mee Choo, Mira Woldberg and Ewen McDonald and Deputy Commissioner Neil Gaughan.