Rewarding awards

Four members of the public will be presented with the Auckland City District Commander's Certificate of Appreciation at the District's biannual Medal and Awards Ceremony on Friday, May 22.

Kirsten Ritchie and Jared Wooff of Auckland intervened in December last year to prevent a man in Mt Wellington taking his own life in a parked vehicle.

Harrison Sage of Ellerslie saved a woman from drowning in the harbour off Queen's Wharf in the early hours of April 27 last year after he dived in and assisted her to safety.

Andrew Tsang of Royal Oak supported elderly Chinese pedestrian victims of a crash on February 9 this year.

Mr Tsang, who'd observed the crash, photographed the incident to assist the Police investigation, comforted the woman while her husband was unconscious and travelled with her to hospital where he continued to support and translate for her and hospital staff.

Commissioner Mike Bush and Police Minister, Hon Michael Woodhouse, will officiate alongside Superintendent Richard Chambers on Friday where:

16 staff will receive the District Commander's Commendation;
four staff will receive the Commissioner's Commendation;
one officer will receive the Police Silver Merit Award;
27 staff will receive a medal, pin or clasp to mark their good conduct and long service;
seven receive the NZ Operational Service Medal and the NZ General Service Medal for service in the Solomon Islands.

Among the many being recognised, Senior Constable Catherine Grant will receive the District Commander's Commendation for professionalism, commitment and dedication to the Police Negotiation Team since 1998.

Her most recent accomplishment being the 17 hours she spent as principal negotiator at a siege in Eastern Beach where an offender was eventually taken into custody without injury to Police or members of the public.

Constable Bede Walsh of Avondale gets the Silver Merit Award for bravery when apprehending an armed man who was randomly shooting at members of the public in November 2013.

The ceremony is traditionally held at the Auckland Town Hall and will get underway at 10am.

ENDS

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