Squad celebrates 50 years
They’re called out at all hours to respond to some of the most difficult and dangerous situations imaginable, and members of the public will get to see them in action in Porirua this weekend.
Past and present members of the Police Armed Offenders Squad and other specialist units will be in town this weekend for a national commemoration of the squad’s 50 year anniversary, culminating in a public event at the Royal New Zealand Police College on Saturday.
‘‘These anniversary commemorations are a significant and poignant milestone for police, and mark the huge contribution that past and present members have made,’’ said assistant commissioner operations Mike Rusbatch, a former Armed Offenders Squad commander.
The squad was formed in 1964, following a series of tragic events in which four police officers and a civilian were gunned down by armed men during separate incidents in Lower Hutt and Waitakere.
‘‘Over the last 50 years, emerging out of great tragedy has been a proud tradition of service to our communities, led by dedicated men and women under some of the most extreme and challenging circumstances imaginable.
‘‘They have undoubtedly saved many innocent lives,’’ Rusbatch said.
The official commemorations begin on Friday with a series of events involving past and current members and guests, followed by a public event at the Police College on Saturday from 1.30pm till 3.30pm. This will feature live demonstrations of equipment and tactics, including a display by the police dog section at 2pm. Armed offenders squad members will give a demonstration of deploying from helicopters onto the college playing field.
The New Zealand Police Museum also features a significant exhibition showcasing important milestones and exhibits in the history of the squad and other specialist squads.
There are currently 17 armed offenders squad units across New Zealand, made up of nearly 300 volunteers from within the police.