MWW509 Constable Michael Wardle
The New Zealand Bravery Decoration
Police Dog Gage
PDSA Gold Medal (posthumous)
Constable Michael Wardle
On 13 July 2010, during the course of an arrest at a private property, an armed offender opened a bedroom door and shot Police Dog Handler Senior Constable Bruce Lamb in the face. His dog Gage, in trying to protect him, lunged at the gunman and was shot dead.
Senior Constable Bruce Lamb and Gage
Constable Marty Stiles dragged the wounded officer by his belt down the hallway and out of immediate danger. At the same time, the offender came to his bedroom doorway again and shot and wounded Constable Mitch Alatalo, who managed to escape out a bathroom window.
The offender then aimed his rifle directly at Constable Wardle and started to walk toward him. Constable Wardle fired his Taser at the offender who attempted to shoot him, but his rifle jammed.
The officers retreated outside. The offender followed them and again aimed his rifle at Constable Wardle, who stood his ground and maintained a position between him and his officers.
The Armed Offenders Squad arrived and successfully arrested the gunman.
Senior Constable Bruce Lamb and Gage