In the spirit of unity and partnership, Police and the Christchurch community recently came together to honour those whose extraordinary mahi helped bring order to the chaos of 15 March 2019.
Police's Operation Deans awards, held on 24 May, recognised Police staff involved in the response and investigation following the terrorist attacks on Masjid Al-Noor and the Linwood Islamic Centre, and also acknowledged some members of the public and partner organisations.
Among the guests were Police Minister Poto Williams, Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel, representatives of Ngai Tahu, and Imams Gamal Fouda and Abdul Alabi Lateef from the mosques.
District Commander Superintendent John Price set the tone with his welcome: “In the darkest part of night it is the stars that light up the sky.
“Today is about you – you were the stars that shone at this time through your actions, your courage and your strength. You brought peace, calm and unity, a united front to Christchurch and Aotearoa New Zealand.
“Thank you for standing up for what is good and right."
Commissioner Coster presented 19 Gold and 20 Silver Merit Awards, recognising the responders who attended and entered the mosques, made the scenes safe and rendered first aid to victims.
Nine Bronze awards and nine Commissioner’s Commendations were presented, recognising leaders in the investigation, family liaison and other areas for their long-term professionalism, commitment and the reassurance they provided for communities.
Commissioner Coster thanked the many people, organisations and groups who contributed to support Police and the Muslim community in so many ways after the attacks.
Two members of the public who helped victims received Certificates of Appreciation. Also honoured were partners from St John; Piki Te Ora Medical Centre, Linwood; Victim Support; Canterbury District Health Board; Christchurch City Council; and Ngāi Tahu.
Commissioner Coster acknowledged arresting officers Senior Constables Jim Manning and Scott Carmody, who have already received Gold Merit Awards and New Zealand Bravery Decorations. “We all owe you a debt of gratitude.”
He continued: “To those receiving merit awards and commendations today: Nobody could have asked for more from you and I thank you most sincerely. I am proud of you as I know your families and your colleagues are too.
“Responding to that type of emergency and facing a life-threatening risk takes tremendous mental and physical effort at the time, but so too does dealing with your own emotions and healing afterwards. For some, this will be a long process.”
He praised the part played by recipients' whānau. "What your loved ones have achieved also reflects the care and support you give to them," he told family members in the audience.
"Members of the Police whānau, that support is incredibly important to all of us in this organisation. We are thankful for all you do for us."
Commissioner Coster concluded by thanking the award recipients for their "extraordinary mahi performed in extraordinary circumstances. Your actions were absolutely in the finest traditions of policing.”
Minister Williams praised the recipients – in Christchurch and at other district ceremonies which will follow – “as shining examples of what it means to serve and protect your country and your community.”
“In a time of dire need, police officers and others went into danger and chaos, and performed heroic actions.”
She said she was proud to be Minister “for a service that embodies such courage, selflessness, and dedication, and never loses sight of the human aspect – the need for care and support to those who have suffered terrible trauma and loss”.
Presenting waka huia to Imam Gamal, from Masjid al-Noor, and Imam Lateef, from Linwood Islamic Centre, Commissioner Coster thanked them for their support of Police, and spoke of the established relationship between Police and Muslim communities which enabled them to work together through the horror and tragedy of 15 March.
Imam Gamal closed the ceremony, recounting how in the small hours of the morning after the attacks, as he sat alone after an emotionally draining meeting with victims' families and community members, the only person who offered him help was a ‘polite and kind’ police officer.
“I want my children to grow up knowing that the police are their friends who will protect them and keep them safe,” he said.
“My community and I admire and appreciate your efforts to keep us all safe.
"Continue your excellent work. May God keep an eye on you. God bless us all.”