29 September
A Timaru-based Community Probation Services staff member received the Chief Executive’s Special Commendation Award today to acknowledge the role he played in a potentially dangerous situation.
Corrections Chief Executive Barry Matthews says Community Work Supervisor Russell Chamberlain displayed professionalism during the incident in July.
Mr Matthews said Russell was supervising a group of offenders on community work at the Fairlie Museum who where clearing scrap metal from around the building and sorting it into bins. While sorting through some small metal items, Russell saw what he thought was a World War Two hand grenade.
“Russell immediately realised the potential seriousness of the situation and stepped into action. He calmly placed the grenade on the ground and ensured all the offenders stopped working. He then took the group to a safe area over 100 metres away and notified his area office of what had occurred.
"He twaited for Police to arrive, explained the situation to them, escorted the offenders back to the Service Centre, where he gave his managers a thorough debrief.
“Russell took ownership of a difficult and unusual situation, he didn’t think twice about getting personally involved and his quick thinking helped reduce the likelihood of possible harm.
“He was presented with a potentially life-threatening scenario, and handled the issue calmly and professionally. His actions are a credit to him and also reflect very positively on the Department.”
The Chief Executive’s Special Commendation Award recognises Corrections staff displaying exceptional and exemplary behaviour.
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