By Eugene Bingham
In his death, Christopher Crean's heartfelt desire to bring peace to his street has come tragically true.
The 27-year-old's decision to stand up to the Black Power gang cost him his life, but has ultimately seen the crime rate drop away in his home town of New Plymouth.
Mr Crean, gunned down three years ago in front of his wife and children as revenge for giving evidence against the gang, has been awarded the New Zealand Bravery Decoration.
Detective Sergeant Dave McKenzie, who investigated the murder case, said Mr Crean was responsible for a significant drop in crime.
"His bravery in effect wiped out the Black Power in the area.
"The serious crime rate has dropped away sharply."
Mr Crean gave evidence against gang members after witnessing an attack on a young man in Marfell, the New Plymouth suburb in which he lived in March 1996.
Just months later, he was shot after answering the door at home one afternoon. Four Black Power men - including three he had given evidence against over the assault - were later convicted of his murder.
His father, Mike Crean, said yesterday that the family was immensely proud of what he had done.
"Of course, it would be nicer if he was here, but to me, my wife and his wife, this award is an honour.
"I would like to see the award go to my mokopuna so they can say to themselves, 'This is my Dad's. This is what he did.'"
Mr Crean senior said his son had never spoke of the danger he was in, but he said he wanted to take a stand on behalf of his children to bring peace to the street.
"He truly believed in God."
Christopher Crean's widow, who gave birth to the couple's fourth child after the murder, has since remarried. She declined to comment yesterday.
Detective Sergeant McKenzie said it was impossible to underestimate Mr Crean's bravery.
"I would think it takes somebody with tremendous character to stand up against known Black Power members ... who were in a position at the time to intimidate people and did so frequently.
"If anyone deserves a bravery award, it's Christopher Crean."
Honours:Man who stood up to gang gets bravery award
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