Sergeant Peter Summerfield, well known O/C of Canterbury Police Search and Rescue, (since 1992) retires today after 35 years with police. From early in his police career Peter was interested and took part in various SAR squads alongside his regular policing duties.
Peter was involved in many high profile search and rescue cases including the homicide of Kirsty Bently in Ashburton. In 2004 he was part of the first NZ Police DVI team deployed to Phuket.
Inspector Craig McKay says Peter's file is full of letters of appreciation from families for finding lost family members but also for recovering deceased so families can celebrate their lives and have some dignity in closure.
Peter intends to travel, enjoy life in retirement - and no doubt go on a few tramping trips.