The bravery of two Hawke's Bay police officers who saved the life of a boy from treacherous surf at Napier earlier this year will be recognised today with New Zealand Police Association Bravery Awards presented by Prime Minister John Key.
Senior Constable Bryan Farquharson and Constable Paul Bailey saved the life of 12-year-old Joshua McQuoid by forming a human chain which dragged him to shore after he was sucked out to sea on Marine Parade in March.
The awards are the highest honour the association can bestow on its members to recognise such acts and will be presented at midday today at the Police Association's 78th Annual Conference in Wellington.
The Police Association Bravery Awards are also unique in that they represent recognition of an outstanding act of bravery by officers' peers.
Police Association president Greg O'Connor said the actions of the two officers "exemplified the traditions and highest ideals of policing".