Editorial: Recalling city's time of terror

Tomorrow will be five-years since the death of Napier police officer Len Snee.

Five years ago tomorrow, one of the ugliest chapters in Napier's history unfolded.

Yes, it is amazing to think that five years have passed since Jan Molenaar went on the shooting rampage that is now known as the Napier Siege.

Time may have passed, but the police force in this region as well as the city and its residents will never forget.

Tragically a policeman, Senior Constable Len Snee, was killed and two other senior constables, Bruce Miller and Grant Diver, were badly injured during what was meant to be a routine cannabis check on May 7, 2009. Molenaar's friend Lenny Holmwood received recognition as a hero for being shot himself while trying to stop the enraged gunmen from firing at the police officers.

It is shocking that one man was able to cause so much damage to so many lives and to lock down a city the way Molenaar did. Molenaar's reign of terror lasted 50 hours before he turned his weapon on himself.

But now is not the time to focus on Molenaar and the carnage he caused, but rather to remember the bravery of so many police officers and Mr Holmwood.

It is good to see, as we reported, that Mr Holmwood is back in Hawke's Bay, trying to rebuild his life. Unfortunately, the wounds he suffered means he is unable to work, but Mr Holmwood is putting his time to good use, volunteering at the Tu Tangata Maraenui Trust's Mokonui Gardens.

Tomorrow police will gather at 9.30am to pay tribute to Mr Snee at a special service outside the Napier Station.

It is important that we never forget what happened on that fateful day.