Napier shooting: Snee family statement

Policeman Len Snee. Photo / Hawkes Bay Today

A statement on behalf of Vicki Snee and sons Sam and Joe and other family members of slain policeman Len Snee was read by close colleague and friend Stan Tristram this afternoon.

The full text is below

We are grieving the loss of a wonderful husband, father and brother. Len had his family and his job.

He gave it 100 per cent and was totally dedicated to everything he did.

He was a private person and a man of few words.

He was proud to be a policeman and proud to be an Armed Offenders Squad officer.

Outside work and family interests, Len loved his sport, especially rugby and was still playing fourth grade for Napier Tech.

We are struggling to come to terms with what has happened. We know we have some difficult times ahead of us.

We're also thinking of the other victims who were shot and injured. Our best wishes goes to those men and their families.

Our family appreciates the support we are getting from so many police staff from throughout New Zealand and from members of the public, both in the Hawkes Bay and other parts of the country. Many of these people are not known to us.

We need now to be left as a family to grieve for Len.