Five police officers — Detective Gary Hyndman, Sergeant Derek Ealson, Senior Constable Mike Colligan, Senior Constable Patrick Henderson and Senior Constable Arnold Hooykaas — and station support officer Deborah Hyndman were presented with police commendations by Southern district commander Superintendent Paul Basham and Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan at the Alexandra police station on Thursday.
Supt Basham said good police work in New Zealand was the norm and New Zealanders were well served by their police force.
But to be able to "pause and acknowledge the professionalism and bravery of our staff" was rewarding, and it was important exemplary service and actions
were recognised.
Mrs Hyndman received a District Commander’s Commendation for his efforts calming the wife of a man who was threatening to commit suicide, checking
their daughter was safe and relaying information to police dealing with the matter.
Det Hyndman received a Commissioner’s Commendation for his "bravery and professionalism" dealing with the same incident. He had calmed a distressed man who was mentally unstable and had a loaded firearm. After he gained the man’s trust, the firearm was surrendered and the man was taken into custody.
Sgt Ealson received a Commissioner’s Commendation for his "bravery, professionalism and leadership" negotiating with an offender who was armed with a
knife and was threatening his ex-partner. Sgt Ealson and other officers had been called to a vehicle fire, kidnapping and assault. The offender had put a
knife to his ex-partner’s throat.
Their baby was also there. Sgt Ealson negotiated with the offender to gain the custody of the baby, who was removed to safety. After a 30-40 minute stand off the offender was arrested.
Senior Constables Mike Colligan, Patrick Henderson and Arnold Hooykaas received Area Commander’s Commendations for their work in the same kidnapping incident, in which they helped secure a successful outcome without harm being caused. The officers had done work that was "in the highest traditions of New Zealand Police" and it was fitting their families were present at the awards ceremony, Supt Basham said.
The Central Otago community "should be proud" of the officers, and reassured by their professionalism, he said.
