14 October
Corrections Chief Executive Barry Matthews presented two Chief Executive’s Special Commendation Awards during a special presentation at Manurewa Marae today.
The award is for staff who display exceptional behaviour through courage, initiative or skill in one-off situations and was given to Community Probation & Psychological Services Community Work Supervisors Mark Menke and Frances Wijohn.
Mark and Frances were both nominated for awards following their quick action as a building collapsed at the Manurewa Marae in June.
Mr Matthews said that while they were both working with offenders on the marae grounds a building collapsed, crushing and injuring workmen supervising the relocation of the building.
“Mark and Frances both acted quickly following this tragic incident, Mark delivering first aid and assistance to those injured and Frances contacting emergency services and supervising the offenders that were on site.”
Mr Matthews said Mark’s knowledge of first aid ensured that those injured and trapped had immediate assistance.
“Mark was able to assess the situation, free one man who was partially trapped by the collapsed building, provide much needed first aid and comfort another man unable to be moved from where he was trapped. I am in no doubt that his presence, and his calm professionalism was of huge comfort to them.”
Frances took charge of both groups of Community Work offenders, organising some to take blankets from the Marae to the injured, comforting those that needed it and ensuring that all were kept out of the danger area.
The Chief Executive’s Special Commendation Award was launched in April 2009. Nominations are open to all Corrections staff, volunteers and the employees of partner agencies where appropriate.
ENDS
For further information contact the Communications Services Desk:
- Phone: (04) 460 3365
- Email: commdesk@corrections.govt.nz