Levin cop dies after test

Sergeant Stephen McCarthy. Photo / Supplied

A Levin police officer collapsed and died after a regular New Zealand Police physical fitness test at the Springvale stadium in Wanganui.

He was Sergeant Stephen McCarthy, 54.

The endurance test lasts about three minutes, each officer having to run 200m, jump and carry a heavy load, imitating things they could face at a crime scene.

McCarthy was highly respected in the Horowhenua community and throughout Manawatu for his work with young people and their families.

Central police district commander Superintendent Russell Gibson said police colleagues worked to resuscitate McCarthy using an on-site defibrillator.

However, he died soon after arrival at Wanganui Hospital around lunchtime on Thursday.

"Steve was a valued member of our police team, not only in Levin but throughout our district," he said.

"He had an excellent rapport with young people, especially those at risk, and spent a huge amount of his time working with youth, their families and other community groups."

McCarthy headed the police youth services team in Levin for 12 years and had been recently seconded to the interagency Life to the Max community youth programme.

Life to the Max works with police, health, education and community providers to help support children and young people and families/whanau overcome difficulties.