A young police constable who put his life on the line to stop a gun-wielding gang member firing shots outside a hospital emergency department was among officers recognised at the annual Auckland police awards today.
Nickolas Frederick of Henderson police received a Silver Merit Award for his bravery and professionalism at the Police Auckland Metro Medals and Awards ceremony.
Mr Frederick was at Waitakere Hospital on October 13 last year with another constable dealing with an unrelated matter when the gunman pulled up in the ambulance bay at the emergency department.
The man got out of the car and, brandishing the shotgun, demanded to see a doctor. A security guard who knew the constables were at the hospital went inside to raise the alarm.
The pair then came out and confronted the man. Neither had firearms or Tasers on them when they approached the distressed gang member. He fired multiple shots at the patrol car, but the officers stood their ground.
Mr Frederick spoke to him, while the other constable went to the police car and retrieved a firearm. They arrested the man at gunpoint as he tried to drive away.
Detective Inspector Bruce Scott told the New Zealand Herald at the time the constables were "hugely brave".
"They made sure that nobody was injured or killed as a result of their brave actions."
Sergeant Karl Wilson of the Police Forensic Imaging Unit was another officer honoured. He received a Commemorative Coin minted by the National Police of the Netherlands for his efforts locating and identifying victims of flight MH17.
The flight was shot down over the Ukraine on July 17 last year, and all 283 passengers and 15 crew were killed.
Sergeant Wilson is one of six New Zealanders to receive the coin.
An award, medal, certificate or long service clasp were given to 126 people from the Auckland region at the awards. Twenty two of the recipients were members of the public who were recognised for their contributions or assistance to Police.
By Catherine Gaffaney of NZME News Service
