Retired Senior Sergeant Mark Davidson stepped back into the Police environment last week to receive a Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) in recognition of his exceptional service.
The presentation last Monday, an intimate gathering with family and colleagues Mark worked closely with over the years, was held in Commissioner Andrew Coster’s office at Police National Headquarters.
Mark - former OC of Wellington Dog Section and Wellington Armed Offenders Squad (AOS) - is the 24th recipient of the MSM, the most prestigious award the Police Commissioner can bestow in recognition of exemplary service.
He said he was “chuffed” and very emotional when the Commissioner called shortly before his retirement in February to tell him about the award.
“The special thing about the Meritorious Service Medal is that it’s an internal acknowledgement of service to the organisation and the communities that we serve,” Commissioner Coster said.
Across more than five decades, Mark made an outstanding contribution to developing the capability of tactical groups including Dog Section, the Armed Offenders Squad and Special Tactics Group.
His achievements as a handler, trainer and senior leader have been recognised at local, national and international levels.
Mark received the Charles Upham Award, a Royal Humane Society Bronze Medal and Police Gold Merit Award for bravery – and, in 2006, the Queen’s Service Medal (QSM) for his role in leading training and deployment of police dogs and his community involvement with Kāpiti Coastguard.
Even after receiving a royal honour for service, Mark went on to complete another 15 years of faithful service in Police, Commissioner Coster said.
“I can’t think of a more fitting person to be awarded the MSM for what you’ve done over the course of your career," he said.
"Your leadership of Dog Section and specialist squads is recognised around the country. That kind of experience is very hard to replace.
“I can only thank you on behalf of New Zealand Police, and on behalf of our communities for what you’ve done. It’s an honour to present you this is Meritorious Service Medal.”
Acting Wellington District Commander Inspector Dion Bennett congratulated Mark, thanking him and acknowledging his wife Pene on behalf of the district.
“We’re absolutely delighted to see you receive this. You have been a tuakana - a big brother, a leader, the person who has been there for all of us.
“Despite the grumpy persona," he said, to laughter, "you have been an innovative thinker about where we need to be as a police service.
“Beyond the Meritorious Service Medal, beyond the bravery awards, there are many stories which can be told about the impact you’ve had on us as individuals and as a district.”
Given the last word, Mark went around the room, graciously thanking everyone personally for their support of him throughout his career.
“It’s been a fantastic career," he said. "On the exit survey I couldn’t think of anything negative about Police. It really has been a blast. Thank you.”
In retirement, Mark is prioritising family, his grandson and projects around the house keeping him busy.
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