Officers and staff who died as a direct result of duty

New Zealand Police honours and remembers officers and employees killed as a direct result of their duties.

  • Office Administrator Pamela (Pam) Maree Brien

    Died: 
    22nd February 2011
    Papanui

    Died when Christchurch’s CTV building collapsed in the 6.3 Canterbury earthquake.

    Office Administrator Pamela (Pam) Maree Brien (nee Brooker)
  • Detective Travis Brent Hughes

    Died: 
    29th January 2005
    Queenstown

    Died when a Cessna 172 aircraft crashed in the Gibbston Valley during a routine cannabis reconnaissance mission.

    Detective Travis Brent Hughes
  • Senior Constable Philip (Piripi) Anthony Wipatene

    Died: 
    15th July 2004
    New Plymouth

    Died as a result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle crash on the Oakura Bridge.

    Senior Constable Philip (Piripi) Anthony Wipatene
  • Senior Technician Glenn William Phillips

    Died: 
    7th March 2000
    Hamilton

    Died in a helicopter crash on Mt Karioi near Raglan en route to test radio repeater stations.

    Senior Technician Glenn William Phillips
  • Sergeant Lindsay (Lou) Eion Grant

    Died: 
    26th November 1993
    Auckland

    Died when the Police helicopter Eagle collided with a fixed wing aircraft over the Auckland motorway.

    Sergeant Lindsay (Lou) Eion Grant
  • Constable Alastair Alan Sampson

    Died: 
    26th November 1993
    Auckland

    Died when the Police helicopter Eagle collided with a fixed wing aircraft over the Auckland motorway.

    Constable Alastair Alan Sampson
  • Detective Anthony Raymond Harrod

    Died: 
    17th December 1990
    Wanganui

    Died as a result of falling from a helicopter while conducting a cannabis recovery operation. 

    Detective Anthony Raymond Harrod
  • Constable Glenn Andrews Hughes

    Died: 
    2nd July 1986
    Wellington

    Drowned when the police launch Lady Elizabeth II sank in heavy seas off Barrett’s reef at the entrance to Wellington harbour.

    Constable Glenn Andrews Hughes
  • Senior Sergeant Philip William Ward

    Died: 
    2nd July 1986
    Wellington

    Drowned when the police launch Lady Elizabeth II sank in heavy seas off Barrett’s reef at the entrance to Wellington harbour.

    Senior Sergeant Philip William Ward
  • Constable Graeme Stuart Wackrow

    Died: 
    25th March 1984
    Dannevirke

    Died as result of injuries received in a motor vehicle crash on SH2 south of Dannevirke. 

    Constable Graeme Stuart Wackrow
  • Constable Peter Robert Heritage

    Died: 
    11th May 1983
    Ashburton

    Died as a result of injuries received in a motor vehicle crash in Ashburton.

    Constable Peter Robert Heritage
  • Traffic Officer Steven Alan Perry

    Died: 
    4th April 1983
    Lower Hutt

    On his patrol motorcycle he collided with another vehicle on the corner of Nelson Street and the Esplanade, Petone. He died in Wellington hospital of his injuries. Aged 22.

    Traffic Officer Steven Alan Perry
  • Constable Gregory Donald Rowe

    Died: 
    1st April 1978
    Wellington

    Died as a result of injuries received when the Lady Elizabeth II police launch was rescuing a yacht in heavy seas. His body was never recovered.

    Constable Gregory Donald Rowe
  • Traffic Officer Robert Clive Bell

    Died: 
    12th February 1978
    Wellington

    Responding to a vehicle crash on his motorcycle with red light flashing he crashed into a car that pulled out into his path and suffered severe head injury. Aged 21.

    Traffic Officer Robert Clive Bell
  • Constable Alan Robert Liddell

    Died: 
    26th February 1976
    Greymouth

    Drowned in the Grey River helping to recreate a crime scene.

    Constable Alan Robert Liddell
  • Traffic Officer George Nelson

    Died: 
    25th October 1975
    Wellington

    A sports car pulled into his path, he was thrown from his motorcycle on impact and suffered severe head injury. Aged 23.

    Traffic Officer George Nelson
  • Constable Peter Allan Hart

    Died: 
    9th March 1974
    Napier

    Constable Hart was on duty when he stopped to assist a motorist whose car had broken down. A car travelling in the same direction crashed into the rear of the car and killed him.

    Constable Peter Allan Hart
  • Detective Sergeant Robin Pittman Thompson

    Died: 
    4th May 1973
    Wellington

    Died as a result of injuries received in a motor vehicle crash in the Manawatu Gorge.

    Detective Sergeant Robin Pittman Thompson
  • Traffic Officer Martin Ross Miller

    Died: 
    14th March 1973
    Wellington

    Collision with a truck on the Johnsonville – Porirua motorway while riding his patrol motorcycle. Aged 21.

    Traffic Officer Martin Ross Miller
  • Traffic Officer Richard Henry Cecil Dench

    Died: 
    23rd November 1970
    Christchurch

    Lost control of his motorcycle while pursuit training on the road between Paremata and Pauatahanui. Aged 31.

    Traffic Officer Richard Henry Cecil Dench
  • Transport Department Inspector George Henry Jenner

    Died: 
    15th May 1955
    Christchurch

    Collision with a truck whilst supervising a drivers’ licence test on 4th May 1955. Aged 58.

    Transport Department Inspector George Henry Jenner
  • Transport Department Inspector Edmund Lawrence Fox

    Died: 
    6th December 1954
    Gore

    Head-on collision with a truck that crossed the centre-line near Waikaia. Aged 34.

    Transport Department Inspector Edmund Lawrence Fox
  • Traffic Inspector Ivan Eugene Joel Pearson

    Died: 
    23rd September 1953
    Wellington

    Born: c1925
    Years as a Traffic Inspector: two
    Age: 28
    Married with children

    On Monday 21 September 1953, Traffic Inspector Ivan Pearson was performing motorcycle patrol duty on the Hutt Road when he crashed, injuring his left shoulder and head. He was taken to Wellington Hospital but succumbed to his injuries two days later.

    His funeral was on 25 September and was attended by the Wellington City Mayor, Mr Macallister, Councillors Treadwell, Kitts and McGrath and the new Traffic Superintendent, Mr James Anderson. Also present were senior police and traffic officials. The Reverend Simson officiated at the Church of St Anne, Newtown and at the graveside, Karori Cemetery.

    Photo of Traffic Inspector Ivan Eugene Joel Pearson
  • Constable Andrew (Andy) James Cummings

    Died: 
    26th April 1946
    Auckland

    Died as a result of injuries received when the police car in which he was a passenger crashed on Great North Road, Western Springs.

    Constable Andrew (Andy) James Cummings
  • Constable Cecil Edgar Orr

    Died: 
    24th February 1942
    Auckland

    Constable Orr was searching for a diamond ring that had been thrown from a train near Parnell. He was killed instantly when struck by a locomotive.

    Constable Cecil Edgar Orr
  • Constable Neils Godley French Berntsen

    Died: 
    9th February 1941
    Wanganui

    Drowned while guarding a wreck at Castlecliff.

    Constable Neils Godley French Berntsen
  • Constable Richard Byrne

    Died: 
    2nd April 1940
    Napier

    Died as a result of injuries received in a motor vehicle crash in Napier. 

    photo huia remembrance pin
  • Constable Norman Trerise Davis

    Died: 
    26th August 1939
    New Lynn

    Died from injuries received when he fell from a moving tramcar.

    photo of huia remembrance pin
  • Constable William John Watt

    Died: 
    10th August 1939
    Waimate

    Died as a result of injuries received in a motor vehicle crash at Elephant Hill Creek, South Canterbury. 

    photo of huia remembrance pin
  • Main Highways Board Inspector Thomas Arthur Allcock

    Died: 
    24th December 1938
    Rotorua

    Struck by a truck as he tried to pull over another vehicle. Aged 25.

    photo of huia remembrance pin
  • Constable John (Jack) Albert Elstone

    Died: 
    3rd March 1936
    Kawakawa

    Died of injuries received in a motorbike crash near Paihia.

    Constable John (Jack) Albert Elstone
  • Constable Charles Hayward Williams

    Died: 
    13th August 1935
    Hamilton

    Drowned in the Waikato River attempting to rescue a woman. He was posthumously honoured by the Royal Humane Society.

    Constable Charles Hayward Williams
  • Constable Patrick Joseph O’Gorman

    Died: 
    21st May 1935
    Avondale

    Died after being struck by a taxi as he stepped into the road to stop a truck.

    photo of huia remembrance pin
  • Constable James Shields

    Died: 
    25th October 1933
    Huntly

    Died from injuries received when the vehicle he was a passenger in was struck by the Rotorua – Auckland express.

    photo of huia remembrance pin
  • Constable Henry Henderson

    Died: 
    1st July 1932
    Christchurch

    Died from injuries received when the bike he was riding was hit by a taxi.

    Constable Henry Henderson
  • Constable Adam George Begg

    Died: 
    23rd February 1926
    Auckland City

    Died after being struck by a passing train in the Parnell Tunnel while searching for an escaped prisoner.

    Constable Adam George Begg
  • Traffic Inspector William Henry Cross

    Died: 
    29th April 1924
    Wellington

    Born: c1878
    Years as a Traffic Inspector: six
    Age: 46
    Married with one son

    William had worked for a number of years for the Wellington City Corporation, and transferred to traffic enforcement duties in 1918.

    On Saturday evening, 26 April, the weather was rainy and windy. It had been a race day and a steady stream of cars had left the Trentham Race Course and were heading back to Wellington City via the Hutt Road (now the Old Hutt Road). A new strip of bitumen had been laid close to the Kaiwharawhara turn-off towards Ngaio, and a number of drivers were treating it like a race strip. Traffic Inspector Cross was on point duty, to slow the traffic. At dusk the traffic was still heavy, and he stood on the crown of the road. He tried to slow a speeding car by signalling to the driver, but the car struck him, leaving him severely injured with broken legs and a fractured skull.

    The car stopped some metres up the road, the driver and passengers walked back to look at William, then returned to the car and drove away before police or ambulance arrived. The driver was heard to say “It wasn’t my fault!” William died three days later in Wellington Hospital.

    The driver of the car consulted with his lawyer on the Monday morning after the crash. When the three passengers were interviewed by police they all stated that the driver had been asked multiple times to slow down and stop overtaking cars. They had all seen Traffic Inspector Cross on the road.

    After the inquest the case was directed to the Supreme Court and the driver was charged with manslaughter. Despite the passengers all testifying in the Supreme Court concerning the driver’s dangerous driving, a pedestrian witness also gave evidence and stated that Traffic Inspector Cross was hard to see in his dark uniform and with no lights. The manslaughter charge was dismissed.

    William Cross was dedicated to road safety and it was noted that he lost his life in the execution of his duty, which had as its aim the safety of the public[1].

     


    [1] The Dominion 2 May 1924.

     

    Photo of the huia pin
  • Constable Malcolm Gordon MacIntosh Smart

    Died: 
    28th January 1924
    Dunedin

    Drowned in the Otago Harbour while on police business.

    photo of huia remembrance pin
  • Constable Hercules Spence

    Died: 
    18th July 1919
    Auckland

    Collapsed and died from heart failure after subduing a violently struggling prisoner.

    photo of huia remembrance pin
  • Constable John Samuel Doak

    Died: 
    30th November 1918
    Invercargill

    John Samuel Doak (Constable No 1787) contracted influenza while performing his duty, aged 36.

     

    Marking 100 years since 14 Police Officers died in the 1918 Influenza Epidemic

    As with all influenza pandemics it is the weak, the elderly, the very young and the immune compromised that succumb. Because of the toll that was taken across the country New Zealand Police were required to attend to the dead and enter households where the illness was rife, in place of medical professionals, public health officials and funeral directors. They had a much greater chance of catching the disease.

    At a time when the entire Police Force numbered less than 1000 this was a huge percentage and represented a great loss to New Zealand Police.

    The Commissioner's annual report of 1919 indicated that at its height as many as 65 members of the Auckland District Police were off sick. The Commissioner paid tribute to the heroic and unselfish work carried out by police throughout the country - aiding the sick, burying the dead and giving assistance to local bodies, relief organisations and medical staff. Most of the police who died are believed to have contracted the disease in the execution of their duty and grants of compassionate allowances were made to their widows and children.

    On the 16 December 1918 the Police Commissioner John O’Donovan wrote in the Police Gazette:
    “The Honourable the Minister of Justice desires to place on record here his deep regret for the death of these valuable officers, and his sense of the loss the Department has sustained thereby. He also desires to express his admiration of the manner in which all ranks acquitted themselves during the influenza epidemic and thus obtained the approbation of the people in general. I desire to be associated with the Hon. the Minister in this expression of his sentiments.”

     

    photo of huia remembrance pin
  • Constable Ralph Wakefield Pettit

    Died: 
    28th November 1918
    Levin

    Ralph Wakefield Pettit (Constable No 1791) contracted influenza while performing his duty, 28.

     

    Marking 100 years since 14 Police Officers died in the 1918 Influenza Epidemic

    As with all influenza pandemics it is the weak, the elderly, the very young and the immune compromised that succumb. Because of the toll that was taken across the country New Zealand Police were required to attend to the dead and enter households where the illness was rife, in place of medical professionals, public health officials and funeral directors. They had a much greater chance of catching the disease.

    At a time when the entire Police Force numbered less than 1000 this was a huge percentage and represented a great loss to New Zealand Police.

    The Commissioner's annual report of 1919 indicated that at its height as many as 65 members of the Auckland District Police were off sick. The Commissioner paid tribute to the heroic and unselfish work carried out by police throughout the country - aiding the sick, burying the dead and giving assistance to local bodies, relief organisations and medical staff. Most of the police who died are believed to have contracted the disease in the execution of their duty and grants of compassionate allowances were made to their widows and children.

    On the 16 December 1918 the Police Commissioner John O’Donovan wrote in the Police Gazette:
    “The Honourable the Minister of Justice desires to place on record here his deep regret for the death of these valuable officers, and his sense of the loss the Department has sustained thereby. He also desires to express his admiration of the manner in which all ranks acquitted themselves during the influenza epidemic and thus obtained the approbation of the people in general. I desire to be associated with the Hon. the Minister in this expression of his sentiments.”

     

    photo of huia remembrance pin
  • Constable John Lachlan McKenzie

    Died: 
    26th November 1918
    Invercargill

    John Lachlan McKenzie (Constable No 1814) contracted influenza while performing his duty, aged 35.

     

    Marking 100 years since 14 Police Officers died in the 1918 Influenza Epidemic

    As with all influenza pandemics it is the weak, the elderly, the very young and the immune compromised that succumb. Because of the toll that was taken across the country New Zealand Police were required to attend to the dead and enter households where the illness was rife, in place of medical professionals, public health officials and funeral directors. They had a much greater chance of catching the disease.

    At a time when the entire Police Force numbered less than 1000 this was a huge percentage and represented a great loss to New Zealand Police.

    The Commissioner's annual report of 1919 indicated that at its height as many as 65 members of the Auckland District Police were off sick. The Commissioner paid tribute to the heroic and unselfish work carried out by police throughout the country - aiding the sick, burying the dead and giving assistance to local bodies, relief organisations and medical staff. Most of the police who died are believed to have contracted the disease in the execution of their duty and grants of compassionate allowances were made to their widows and children.

    On the 16 December 1918 the Police Commissioner John O’Donovan wrote in the Police Gazette:
    “The Honourable the Minister of Justice desires to place on record here his deep regret for the death of these valuable officers, and his sense of the loss the Department has sustained thereby. He also desires to express his admiration of the manner in which all ranks acquitted themselves during the influenza epidemic and thus obtained the approbation of the people in general. I desire to be associated with the Hon. the Minister in this expression of his sentiments.”

     

    photo of huia remembrance pin
  • Constable John William Robinson

    Died: 
    21st November 1918
    Otorohanga

    John William Robinson (Constable No 1273) contracted influenza while performing his duty, aged 40.

     

    Marking 100 years since 14 Police Officers died in the 1918 Influenza Epidemic

    As with all influenza pandemics it is the weak, the elderly, the very young and the immune compromised that succumb. Because of the toll that was taken across the country New Zealand Police were required to attend to the dead and enter households where the illness was rife, in place of medical professionals, public health officials and funeral directors. They had a much greater chance of catching the disease.

    At a time when the entire Police Force numbered less than 1000 this was a huge percentage and represented a great loss to New Zealand Police.

    The Commissioner's annual report of 1919 indicated that at its height as many as 65 members of the Auckland District Police were off sick. The Commissioner paid tribute to the heroic and unselfish work carried out by police throughout the country - aiding the sick, burying the dead and giving assistance to local bodies, relief organisations and medical staff. Most of the police who died are believed to have contracted the disease in the execution of their duty and grants of compassionate allowances were made to their widows and children.

    On the 16 December 1918 the Police Commissioner John O’Donovan wrote in the Police Gazette:
    “The Honourable the Minister of Justice desires to place on record here his deep regret for the death of these valuable officers, and his sense of the loss the Department has sustained thereby. He also desires to express his admiration of the manner in which all ranks acquitted themselves during the influenza epidemic and thus obtained the approbation of the people in general. I desire to be associated with the Hon. the Minister in this expression of his sentiments.”

     

    Constable John William Robinson
  • Senior Sergeant John Burrows

    Died: 
    19th November 1918
    Invercargill

    John Burrows (Sergeant No 472A) contracted influenza while performing his duty, aged 42.

     

    Marking 100 years since 14 Police Officers died in the 1918 Influenza Epidemic

    As with all influenza pandemics it is the weak, the elderly, the very young and the immune compromised that succumb. Because of the toll that was taken across the country New Zealand Police were required to attend to the dead and enter households where the illness was rife, in place of medical professionals, public health officials and funeral directors. They had a much greater chance of catching the disease.

    At a time when the entire Police Force numbered less than 1000 this was a huge percentage and represented a great loss to New Zealand Police.

    The Commissioner's annual report of 1919 indicated that at its height as many as 65 members of the Auckland District Police were off sick. The Commissioner paid tribute to the heroic and unselfish work carried out by police throughout the country - aiding the sick, burying the dead and giving assistance to local bodies, relief organisations and medical staff. Most of the police who died are believed to have contracted the disease in the execution of their duty and grants of compassionate allowances were made to their widows and children.

    On the 16 December 1918 the Police Commissioner John O’Donovan wrote in the Police Gazette:
    “The Honourable the Minister of Justice desires to place on record here his deep regret for the death of these valuable officers, and his sense of the loss the Department has sustained thereby. He also desires to express his admiration of the manner in which all ranks acquitted themselves during the influenza epidemic and thus obtained the approbation of the people in general. I desire to be associated with the Hon. the Minister in this expression of his sentiments.”

     

    photo of huia remembrance pin
  • Constable George Arthur Gordine

    Died: 
    18th November 1918
    Auckland

    George Arthur Gordine (Constable No 1775) contracted influenza while performing his duty, aged 34.

     

    Marking 100 years since 14 Police Officers died in the 1918 Influenza Epidemic

    As with all influenza pandemics it is the weak, the elderly, the very young and the immune compromised that succumb. Because of the toll that was taken across the country New Zealand Police were required to attend to the dead and enter households where the illness was rife, in place of medical professionals, public health officials and funeral directors. They had a much greater chance of catching the disease.

    At a time when the entire Police Force numbered less than 1000 this was a huge percentage and represented a great loss to New Zealand Police.

    The Commissioner's annual report of 1919 indicated that at its height as many as 65 members of the Auckland District Police were off sick. The Commissioner paid tribute to the heroic and unselfish work carried out by police throughout the country - aiding the sick, burying the dead and giving assistance to local bodies, relief organisations and medical staff. Most of the police who died are believed to have contracted the disease in the execution of their duty and grants of compassionate allowances were made to their widows and children.

    On the 16 December 1918 the Police Commissioner John O’Donovan wrote in the Police Gazette:
    “The Honourable the Minister of Justice desires to place on record here his deep regret for the death of these valuable officers, and his sense of the loss the Department has sustained thereby. He also desires to express his admiration of the manner in which all ranks acquitted themselves during the influenza epidemic and thus obtained the approbation of the people in general. I desire to be associated with the Hon. the Minister in this expression of his sentiments.”

     

    photo of huia remembrance pin
  • Constable Ronald Frederick Thomas

    Died: 
    18th November 1918
    Christchurch

    Ronald Frederick Thomas (Constable No 1820) contracted influenza while performing his duty, aged 27.

     

    Marking 100 years since 14 Police Officers died in the 1918 Influenza Epidemic

    As with all influenza pandemics it is the weak, the elderly, the very young and the immune compromised that succumb. Because of the toll that was taken across the country New Zealand Police were required to attend to the dead and enter households where the illness was rife, in place of medical professionals, public health officials and funeral directors. They had a much greater chance of catching the disease.

    At a time when the entire Police Force numbered less than 1000 this was a huge percentage and represented a great loss to New Zealand Police.

    The Commissioner's annual report of 1919 indicated that at its height as many as 65 members of the Auckland District Police were off sick. The Commissioner paid tribute to the heroic and unselfish work carried out by police throughout the country - aiding the sick, burying the dead and giving assistance to local bodies, relief organisations and medical staff. Most of the police who died are believed to have contracted the disease in the execution of their duty and grants of compassionate allowances were made to their widows and children.

    On the 16 December 1918 the Police Commissioner John O’Donovan wrote in the Police Gazette:
    “The Honourable the Minister of Justice desires to place on record here his deep regret for the death of these valuable officers, and his sense of the loss the Department has sustained thereby. He also desires to express his admiration of the manner in which all ranks acquitted themselves during the influenza epidemic and thus obtained the approbation of the people in general. I desire to be associated with the Hon. the Minister in this expression of his sentiments.”

     

    photo of huia remembrance pin
  • Constable Wilfred Gilmore McRoberts

    Died: 
    17th November 1918
    Greymouth

    Wilfred Gilmore McRoberts (Constable No 1661) contracted influenza while performing his duty, aged 38.

     

    Marking 100 years since 14 Police Officers died in the 1918 Influenza Epidemic

    As with all influenza pandemics it is the weak, the elderly, the very young and the immune compromised that succumb. Because of the toll that was taken across the country New Zealand Police were required to attend to the dead and enter households where the illness was rife, in place of medical professionals, public health officials and funeral directors. They had a much greater chance of catching the disease.

    At a time when the entire Police Force numbered less than 1000 this was a huge percentage and represented a great loss to New Zealand Police.

    The Commissioner's annual report of 1919 indicated that at its height as many as 65 members of the Auckland District Police were off sick. The Commissioner paid tribute to the heroic and unselfish work carried out by police throughout the country - aiding the sick, burying the dead and giving assistance to local bodies, relief organisations and medical staff. Most of the police who died are believed to have contracted the disease in the execution of their duty and grants of compassionate allowances were made to their widows and children.

    On the 16 December 1918 the Police Commissioner John O’Donovan wrote in the Police Gazette:
    “The Honourable the Minister of Justice desires to place on record here his deep regret for the death of these valuable officers, and his sense of the loss the Department has sustained thereby. He also desires to express his admiration of the manner in which all ranks acquitted themselves during the influenza epidemic and thus obtained the approbation of the people in general. I desire to be associated with the Hon. the Minister in this expression of his sentiments.”

     

    Constable Wilfred Gilmore McRoberts
  • Constable John Nash

    Died: 
    16th November 1918
    Greymouth

    John Nash (Constable No 1063) contracted influenza while performing his duty, aged 39.

     

    Marking 100 years since 14 Police Officers died in the 1918 Influenza Epidemic

    As with all influenza pandemics it is the weak, the elderly, the very young and the immune compromised that succumb. Because of the toll that was taken across the country New Zealand Police were required to attend to the dead and enter households where the illness was rife, in place of medical professionals, public health officials and funeral directors. They had a much greater chance of catching the disease.

    At a time when the entire Police Force numbered less than 1000 this was a huge percentage and represented a great loss to New Zealand Police.

    The Commissioner's annual report of 1919 indicated that at its height as many as 65 members of the Auckland District Police were off sick. The Commissioner paid tribute to the heroic and unselfish work carried out by police throughout the country - aiding the sick, burying the dead and giving assistance to local bodies, relief organisations and medical staff. Most of the police who died are believed to have contracted the disease in the execution of their duty and grants of compassionate allowances were made to their widows and children.

    On the 16 December 1918 the Police Commissioner John O’Donovan wrote in the Police Gazette:
    “The Honourable the Minister of Justice desires to place on record here his deep regret for the death of these valuable officers, and his sense of the loss the Department has sustained thereby. He also desires to express his admiration of the manner in which all ranks acquitted themselves during the influenza epidemic and thus obtained the approbation of the people in general. I desire to be associated with the Hon. the Minister in this expression of his sentiments.”

     

    photo of huia remembrance pin
  • Constable John Garvey

    Died: 
    14th November 1918
    Taumaranui

    John Garvey (Constable No 1889) contracted influenza while performing his duty, aged 26.

     

    Marking 100 years since 14 Police Officers died in the 1918 Influenza Epidemic

    As with all influenza pandemics it is the weak, the elderly, the very young and the immune compromised that succumb. Because of the toll that was taken across the country New Zealand Police were required to attend to the dead and enter households where the illness was rife, in place of medical professionals, public health officials and funeral directors. They had a much greater chance of catching the disease.

    At a time when the entire Police Force numbered less than 1000 this was a huge percentage and represented a great loss to New Zealand Police.

    The Commissioner's annual report of 1919 indicated that at its height as many as 65 members of the Auckland District Police were off sick. The Commissioner paid tribute to the heroic and unselfish work carried out by police throughout the country - aiding the sick, burying the dead and giving assistance to local bodies, relief organisations and medical staff. Most of the police who died are believed to have contracted the disease in the execution of their duty and grants of compassionate allowances were made to their widows and children.

    On the 16 December 1918 the Police Commissioner John O’Donovan wrote in the Police Gazette:
    “The Honourable the Minister of Justice desires to place on record here his deep regret for the death of these valuable officers, and his sense of the loss the Department has sustained thereby. He also desires to express his admiration of the manner in which all ranks acquitted themselves during the influenza epidemic and thus obtained the approbation of the people in general. I desire to be associated with the Hon. the Minister in this expression of his sentiments.”

     

    photo of huia remembrance pin
  • Constable Dan Hasselberg

    Died: 
    14th November 1918
    Timaru

    Dan Hasselberg (Constable No 1996) contracted influenza while performing his duty, aged 27.

     

    Marking 100 years since 14 Police Officers died in the 1918 Influenza Epidemic

    As with all influenza pandemics it is the weak, the elderly, the very young and the immune compromised that succumb. Because of the toll that was taken across the country New Zealand Police were required to attend to the dead and enter households where the illness was rife, in place of medical professionals, public health officials and funeral directors. They had a much greater chance of catching the disease.

    At a time when the entire Police Force numbered less than 1000 this was a huge percentage and represented a great loss to New Zealand Police.

    The Commissioner's annual report of 1919 indicated that at its height as many as 65 members of the Auckland District Police were off sick. The Commissioner paid tribute to the heroic and unselfish work carried out by police throughout the country - aiding the sick, burying the dead and giving assistance to local bodies, relief organisations and medical staff. Most of the police who died are believed to have contracted the disease in the execution of their duty and grants of compassionate allowances were made to their widows and children.

    On the 16 December 1918 the Police Commissioner John O’Donovan wrote in the Police Gazette:
    “The Honourable the Minister of Justice desires to place on record here his deep regret for the death of these valuable officers, and his sense of the loss the Department has sustained thereby. He also desires to express his admiration of the manner in which all ranks acquitted themselves during the influenza epidemic and thus obtained the approbation of the people in general. I desire to be associated with the Hon. the Minister in this expression of his sentiments.”

     

    photo of huia remembrance pin
  • Constable John Joseph O’Gorman

    Died: 
    13th November 1918
    Auckland

    John Joseph O’Gorman (Constable No 2002) contracted influenza while performing his duty, aged 32.

     

    Marking 100 years since 14 Police Officers died in the 1918 Influenza Epidemic

    As with all influenza pandemics it is the weak, the elderly, the very young and the immune compromised that succumb. Because of the toll that was taken across the country New Zealand Police were required to attend to the dead and enter households where the illness was rife, in place of medical professionals, public health officials and funeral directors. They had a much greater chance of catching the disease.

    At a time when the entire Police Force numbered less than 1000 this was a huge percentage and represented a great loss to New Zealand Police.

    The Commissioner's annual report of 1919 indicated that at its height as many as 65 members of the Auckland District Police were off sick. The Commissioner paid tribute to the heroic and unselfish work carried out by police throughout the country - aiding the sick, burying the dead and giving assistance to local bodies, relief organisations and medical staff. Most of the police who died are believed to have contracted the disease in the execution of their duty and grants of compassionate allowances were made to their widows and children.

    On the 16 December 1918 the Police Commissioner John O’Donovan wrote in the Police Gazette:
    “The Honourable the Minister of Justice desires to place on record here his deep regret for the death of these valuable officers, and his sense of the loss the Department has sustained thereby. He also desires to express his admiration of the manner in which all ranks acquitted themselves during the influenza epidemic and thus obtained the approbation of the people in general. I desire to be associated with the Hon. the Minister in this expression of his sentiments.”

     

    photo of huia remembrance pin
  • Constable Hubert Edgar Hicks

    Died: 
    5th November 1918
    Auckland

    Hubert Edgar Hicks (Constable No 1933) contracted influenza while performing his duty, aged 29.

     

    Marking 100 years since 14 Police Officers died in the 1918 Influenza Epidemic

    As with all influenza pandemics it is the weak, the elderly, the very young and the immune compromised that succumb. Because of the toll that was taken across the country New Zealand Police were required to attend to the dead and enter households where the illness was rife, in place of medical professionals, public health officials and funeral directors. They had a much greater chance of catching the disease.

    At a time when the entire Police Force numbered less than 1000 this was a huge percentage and represented a great loss to New Zealand Police.

    The Commissioner's annual report of 1919 indicated that at its height as many as 65 members of the Auckland District Police were off sick. The Commissioner paid tribute to the heroic and unselfish work carried out by police throughout the country - aiding the sick, burying the dead and giving assistance to local bodies, relief organisations and medical staff. Most of the police who died are believed to have contracted the disease in the execution of their duty and grants of compassionate allowances were made to their widows and children.

    On the 16 December 1918 the Police Commissioner John O’Donovan wrote in the Police Gazette:
    “The Honourable the Minister of Justice desires to place on record here his deep regret for the death of these valuable officers, and his sense of the loss the Department has sustained thereby. He also desires to express his admiration of the manner in which all ranks acquitted themselves during the influenza epidemic and thus obtained the approbation of the people in general. I desire to be associated with the Hon. the Minister in this expression of his sentiments.”

     

    photo of huia remembrance pin
  • Constable James Smyth

    Died: 
    5th November 1918
    Auckland

    James Smyth (Constable No 2061) contracted influenza while performing his duty, aged 30.

     

    Marking 100 years since 14 Police Officers died in the 1918 Influenza Epidemic

    As with all influenza pandemics it is the weak, the elderly, the very young and the immune compromised that succumb. Because of the toll that was taken across the country New Zealand Police were required to attend to the dead and enter households where the illness was rife, in place of medical professionals, public health officials and funeral directors. They had a much greater chance of catching the disease.

    At a time when the entire Police Force numbered less than 1000 this was a huge percentage and represented a great loss to New Zealand Police.

    The Commissioner's annual report of 1919 indicated that at its height as many as 65 members of the Auckland District Police were off sick. The Commissioner paid tribute to the heroic and unselfish work carried out by police throughout the country - aiding the sick, burying the dead and giving assistance to local bodies, relief organisations and medical staff. Most of the police who died are believed to have contracted the disease in the execution of their duty and grants of compassionate allowances were made to their widows and children.

    On the 16 December 1918 the Police Commissioner John O’Donovan wrote in the Police Gazette:
    “The Honourable the Minister of Justice desires to place on record here his deep regret for the death of these valuable officers, and his sense of the loss the Department has sustained thereby. He also desires to express his admiration of the manner in which all ranks acquitted themselves during the influenza epidemic and thus obtained the approbation of the people in general. I desire to be associated with the Hon. the Minister in this expression of his sentiments.”

     

    photo of huia remembrance pin
  • Constable Denis Mahoney

    Died: 
    29th March 1914
    Upper Hutt

    Died while attending a fire at an Upper Hutt store that exploded because of illegally stored gelignite.

    Constable Denis Mahoney
  • Constable Henry Herbert Hancox

    Died: 
    21st June 1910
    Ōkārito

    Drowned in the Karangarua River while on police business.

    Constable Henry Herbert Hancox
  • Sergeant Archibald McPhee

    Died: 
    20th January 1910
    Newmarket

    Died from an illness contracted on duty.

    photo of huia remembrance pin
  • Constable Luke McDonnell

    Died: 
    29th June 1901
    Ponsonby

    Died from an illness contracted on duty.

    Constable Luke McDonnell
  • Constable Michael James Mitchell

    Died: 
    31st January 1898
    Auckland

    Died from an illness contracted on duty.

    photo of huia remembrance pin
  • Constable Alfred John Stephenson

    Died: 
    16th April 1897
    Napier

    Drowned while rescuing citizens from floods in Napier.

    Constable Alfred John Stephenson
  • Sergeant Florence O’Donovan

    Died: 
    16th April 1897
    Napier

    Drowned while rescuing citizens from floods in Napier.

    Sergeant Florence O’Donovan
  • Constable Thomas Ward

    Died: 
    21st August 1896
    Wellington

    Died when he fell from a train in the Lyttlelton Tunnel while returning to Wellington after escorting a prisoner to Timaru.

    photo of huia remembrance pin
  • Constable George Harrison Brooking

    Died: 
    20th May 1896
    Waihi

    Died from an illness contracted on duty.

    Constable George Harrison Brooking
  • Constable Charles Hogg

    Died: 
    16th October 1893
    Kohukohu

    Drowned in the Hokianga Harbour while on police business.

    photo of huia remembrance pin
  • Constable James Robinson

    Died: 
    13th November 1891
    Westport

    Died from a head injury sustained on duty.

    photo of huia remembrance pin
  • Constable John Cotter

    Died: 
    4th July 1890
    Newmarket

    Died from an illness contracted on duty.

    photo of huia remembrance pin
  • Constable Cornelius O’Shea

    Died: 
    16th November 1887
    Auckland

    Died from an illness contracted on duty.

    photo of huia remembrance pin
  • Senior Constable Henry Porter

    Died: 
    21st June 1887
    Port Chalmers

    Drowned while doing night rounds in Port Chalmers.

    photo of huia remembrance pin
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