Officer kept calm to save his colleague

Police Constable James Muir, with his NZ Bravery Award, which he was awarded at a ceremony at Government House by The Governor-General Rt Hon Sir Anand Satyanard. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Being shot at and coming face-to-face with the barrel of a gun were not enough to stop Constable James Muir from keeping his calm and saving a colleague's life.

The Bay of Plenty policeman was awarded the New Zealand Bravery Decoration at Government House yesterday for actions which led to the arrest of two armed 14-year-old boys in 2007.

Mr Muir and other officers chased the boys after they stole firearms and ammunition during burglaries in the Bay of Plenty.

The youngsters fired at Mr Muir during the pursuit and, after their car stopped, they threatened another officer with a rifle.

The gun was then turned on Mr Muir and the boy pulled the trigger but the chamber was empty. Mr Muir released his dog Neo to apprehend one of the teenagers.

Yesterday, Mr Muir was clearly uncomfortable with the attention he was getting, and did not want to comment on his award.

But Acting Police Commissioner Viv Rickard said Mr Muir's actions "undoubtedly saved the life of a colleague and prevented potential harm to others".