Mosque attack: Heroes honoured
Bravery awards for two officers ‘just doing their job’ who had total faith in each other
The two police officers who arrested the accused Christchurch mosque gunman on March 15 — honoured yesterday for their bravery at a ceremony in Wellington — say they were just doing their jobs.
But they are proud they were able to prevent the possibility of further casualties.
“We know our families are truly proud of what we were able to do, and that has helped tremendously in the past months.
“For us, knowing we played our part in possibly preventing further casualties is really important.”
The two officers were recognised for their efforts at the annual Police Association Conference, being held in the capital this week.
The bravery awards were presented by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and were closed to media because the officers have interim name suppression.
Ardern said the officers would, in time, be more formally recognised.
“There are some limitations, sadly, at the moment while we are still awaiting court proceedings but thereafter I think the public would like the opportunity to be able to hear more of their story and to really acknowledge them.”
It is understood both officers may be called to give evidence at the trial for Brenton Tarrant, the man charged in relation to the alleged terror attack.
The Australian national is charged with murdering 51 people during the attacks at the city’s two mosques.
He is also facing 40 charges of attempted murder and one charge laid under the Terrorism Suppression Act 2002.
The 28-year-old has pleaded not guilty to all charges and will go on trial next year.
He was arrested 18 minutes after he allegedly started shooting indiscriminately at the Al Noor mosque on Deans Ave.
Footage of the arrest went viral and the two officers who brought the accused mass murderer down were labelled heroes by the public and their boss Commissioner Mike Bush.
They were attending a training session on how to deal with armed offenders when the call came in.
With a good knowledge of Christchurch and as experienced police officers, they had the foresight to consider potential escape options. At that stage they did not know if there was more than one offender, but the officers believed there was already a good chance they would have left the mosques.
The two officers were joined by family members at the awards yesterday.
The Police Association said the officers were proud to be recognised, particularly as they were nominated by their colleagues.
“We were part of a huge and focused operation which resulted in the arrest of the alleged gunman. In doing our job we represented all police staff around the country who put themselves in harm’s way every day,” the officers said.
“We have known each other for many years, including playing many games of rugby together, and had total trust in each other’s abilities, and total faith that the other would do their job and continue to go forward regardless of what we encountered.
“To those families who were torn apart by this event, through death or injury, our hearts go out to you all.”
Police Association President Chris Cahill said all police staff were proud of their two colleagues.
“All officers wonder how they would respond when faced with a split-second decision to risk their lives,” Cahill said. “These two officers have answered that question.”