In a ceremony this morning, 15 Queensland Police Service officers were presented with the 2011 Canterbury Earthquake Citation by Commissioner of Police Ian Stewart APM and the New Zealand High Commissioner toAustralia, His Excellency Major General (Retired) Martyn Dunne.
Queensland Police Officers who were deployed to New Zealand to assist in the 2011 Canterbury Earthquake disaster were honoured today by New Zealand Police.
These officers, including four specially-trained Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) officers, were deployed to assist in the response and recovery following the 6.3 magnitude earthquake that devastated Christchurchon February 22, 2011. Incidentally, 10 of the 15 officers were also former New Zealand Police Officers.
The QPS provided services as part of a major international assistance effort and to show their regard for the duties performed and continued appreciation, New Zealand Police designed the 2011 Canterbury Earthquake Citation.
Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) officers who received their Canterbury Earthquake Citation with Senior Sergeant Ken Rach, Coronial Support Unit.
Commissioner Ian Stewart said that the officers who were deployed to assist in Christchurch were sworn-in as New Zealand constables and were involved in a variety of tasks.
“Our officers worked hard, often having to endure around six after-shocks per day, recovering vehicles and patrolling the “red zone”, visiting schools and hospitals, providing security for dignitaries, as well as general duties policing,” Commissioner Stewart said.
“I am proud to witness these 15 officers receive the Canterbury Earthquake Citation and I would like to personally thank them for their commitment and duties during this time. They are all fine examples of what the QPS is capable of and dedicated to do.”
The 2011 Canterbury Earthquake Citation is being presented to 3,600 recipients includingNew Zealand’s own, and other police jurisdiction constabulary and non-constabulary staff.
It recognises the risks and difficult circumstances they endured in the response and recovery phases and encompasses work within a number of areas. These include, initial emergency response, command and leadership, communication – communications centres, community and public information messaging, rescue and recovery, Disaster Victim Identification, investigation, missing people and coronial enquiries, welfare and support, community reassurance policing and business-as-usual services on the ground during the emergency period.
New Zealand High Commissioner to Australia, Martyn Dunne said that careful thought had gone into how best to recognise the incredible spirit, actions and outstanding contribution of those who worked inChristchurchduring the state of emergency.
“The 2011 Canterbury Earthquake Citation is a Dress Distinction featuring four red stripes on a black background –Canterburycolours – within a silver metallic surround,” High Commissioner Dunne said.
“February 22, 2011was one of New Zealand’s darkest days, but we will never forget our friends fromAustraliaand elsewhere who did so much for so many during this tragic chapter in our history.”
Inspector Shane Williams, who led the group in 2011 to New Zealand shakes hands with Commissioner Stewart and His Excellency Major General (Retired) Martyn Dunne.
DVI officers are congratulated by their wives and partners.
The Grime family say congratulations to Senior Constable Deagon Grime, with Commissioner of Police Ian Stewart APM and the New Zealand High Commissioner to Australia, His Excellency Major General (Retired) Martyn Dunne.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Metropolitan North Anne Macdonald, Assistant Commissioner G20 Planning Unit Katarina Carroll, Acting Assistant Commissioner State Crime Operations Command Gayle Hogan and Chief Superintendent Ethical Standards Command Donna Sturgess were proud audience members at this morning’s ceremony. Chief Superintendent Sturgess was the Master of Ceremonies.