11 FebruarySix staff from Waikeria Prison received Special Commendation Awards today to acknowledge the roles they played in bringing three separate incidents to a successful conclusion.
Corrections Chief Executive Barry Matthews says Senior Corrections Officers Diane Vipond and David Galvin, and Corrections Officers James Tane, Alwyn Piua, Kevin Beresford and Geoffrey Palacio all acted in an outstanding manner, displaying initiative and acting quickly.
“I must congratulate Diane, David, Jim, Ollie, Kevin and Geoff for displaying such acts of distinction. All six officers went above and beyond the call of duty.
“During an incident in September 2007 Diane and Jim were on duty at Tauranga District Court when the prisoner leapt from the dock and attempted to run from the courthouse, knocking down a female prosecutor as she made an effort to block his escape.
“Diane and Jim immediately gave chase, catching and restraining the prisoner before he reached freedom. By all accounts, it was a very tense situation but one where these two officers remained calm, were immediately responsive and effectively utilised their training and experience to successfully manage the situation.
“Later that same month, at Rotorua District Court a juror collapsed during trial proceedings. Without delay David and Ollie ensured the offender was secured in the dock before turning their attention to the juror, checking his vital signs and discovering he had no pulse and wasn’t breathing.”
Mr Matthews says the two officers immediately started CPR, continuing until the ambulance arrived and was able to take the man to hospital.
“Because of the officers’ professional conduct and timely actions the juror survived.
“Kevin and Geoff are receiving their awards today for also demonstrating their professional training as well as a sense of duty to community safety. While off-duty during November 2007, they saw a Police Officer being assaulted outside the Otorohanga Westpac bank.
“They promptly intervened, talking to the agitated man and calming him down so they were able to restrain him. It was a highly successful resolution to an incident that could have been a great deal worse than it was.
Mr Matthews says both Kevin and Geoff last year received a Police Special Commendation Award for their actions.
“At the time, there wasn’t a formal way I and the Department could acknowledge our staff when they acted in an outstanding manner. I am pleased I can now also appropriately acknowledge what Kevin and Geoff did, just as I am delighted to acknowledge Diane, Jim, David and Ollie too.
“All six staff have certainly earned my respect for meeting these challenges the way they did and I’m pleased that I can honour them with my Special Commendation Award.
It is the Department’s mission to improve public safety and to reduce re-offending. The Chief Executive’s Special Commendation Awards were developed last year to recognise the times when Corrections staff display exceptional behaviour.
ENDS
For further information contact the Communications Services Desk:
• Phone: (04) 460 3365
Email: commdesk@corrections.govt.nz
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