Local cops honoured for their work

ENDURANCE: Senior Constable Tim Wilson received a 28-year long service and good conduct medal.

Wairarapa Police acting area commander Tracey Thompson says police "see the good and the bad", and are in the job "because we care about people, and care about communities".

Ms Thompson was speaking at police's annual pay parade, where several staff were recognised for long service and good conduct. She said she had come to relieve in Wairarapa for two weeks, which had become two months.

Highlights of her time at the helm included dealing with a security threat at Rathkeale College, and "resolving it swiftly and safely for the public".

Masterton Mayor Lyn Patterson told the officers: "On behalf of the community, you are appreciated, and we thank you very much for the work that you do."

Acting district commander Paul Basham said there has been "a lot of talk about trust and confidence" in police - and without that trust and confidence, police would find it difficult to do their jobs.

"Think about your colleagues in Baltimore. They go to an event and quite likely get the door slammed in their face.

"Here in New Zealand, more often than not we get invited in by people to talk about what took place."

Mr Basham said this was thanks to "people like you, living and breathing our values, helping maintain the trust and confidence that the New Zealand community quite rightly have in the New Zealand Police".

Police Commissioner Mike Bush, who presented the long service and good conduct awards, told officers he was struck by the difference between "what gets into the public domain, and what you do".

Mr Bush, who travelled from Christchurch, said he wanted "to just say thank you".

"I've come here, in person, to give you that thank you and appreciation."