The Hawke's Bay Community (Hawke's Bay Today article 20 May 2009)
Last week it was an absolute honour to attend the funeral of Len Snee in Napier. Much has been said about Len, all deserved, and his funeral was like no other we will see in Napier for a very long time if not ever. I was proud to see how his family and our community gathered around to support Vicki, Sam, Jo and the wider police family.
I was fortunate to travel with the Prime Minister, following Len's funeral, to quietly visit Bruce Miller, Grant Diver, and Leonard Holmwood at the Hawke's Bay Regional Hospital. I can report that all three men have improved. Last week we all saw the amazing act of courage from Grant Diver to don his uniform and ensure that he was at his mate's funeral. What we had not seen was the humble nature of all three, the concerns they expressed for others, way above their own pain and concern for themselves. It was a humbling experience.
I can report that our Prime Minister has promised to join Bruce Miller for a game of golf once he has returned to full fitness. However given Bruce is a scratch handicapper, it might be better for the PM if he is not quite 100% fit.
Our regional hospital and our ambulance service has done an outstanding job. In one of the worst nightmares that could be conceived our health services were able to deal with three serious gunshot wounds immediately. All three men were in Hastings within 20 minutes, were immediately put into theatre and operated upon. While they have long recoveries ahead of them they are clearly in excellent hands. The ambulance team and the intensive care team at the Regional Hospital saved lives and deserve to take a bow.
We really do have an amazing community here in the Bay. Let's never ever forget that. Sure we have our debates about different issues but this tragedy showed the true spirit of our community. Overriding everything for me three powerful messages shone through.
Firstly, the power and absolute importance of strong families.
Secondly,the massive strength of community when we all pull in the same direction.
And thirdly, the significance of our support for our men and women in the police uniform for the job that they do each and every day to keep you and I safe.
The Hawke's Bay Community (Hawke's Bay Today article 20 May 2009)
Last week it was an absolute honour to attend the funeral of Len Snee in Napier. Much has been said about Len, all deserved, and his funeral was like no other we will see in Napier for a very long time if not ever. I was proud to see how his family and our community gathered around to support Vicki, Sam, Jo and the wider police family.
I was fortunate to travel with the Prime Minister, following Len's funeral, to quietly visit Bruce Miller, Grant Diver, and Leonard Holmwood at the Hawke's Bay Regional Hospital. I can report that all three men have improved. Last week we all saw the amazing act of courage from Grant Diver to don his uniform and ensure that he was at his mate's funeral. What we had not seen was the humble nature of all three, the concerns they expressed for others, way above their own pain and concern for themselves. It was a humbling experience.
I can report that our Prime Minister has promised to join Bruce Miller for a game of golf once he has returned to full fitness. However given Bruce is a scratch handicapper, it might be better for the PM if he is not quite 100% fit.
Our regional hospital and our ambulance service has done an outstanding job. In one of the worst nightmares that could be conceived our health services were able to deal with three serious gunshot wounds immediately. All three men were in Hastings within 20 minutes, were immediately put into theatre and operated upon. While they have long recoveries ahead of them they are clearly in excellent hands. The ambulance team and the intensive care team at the Regional Hospital saved lives and deserve to take a bow.
We really do have an amazing community here in the Bay. Let's never ever forget that. Sure we have our debates about different issues but this tragedy showed the true spirit of our community. Overriding everything for me three powerful messages shone through.
Firstly, the power and absolute importance of strong families.
Secondly,the massive strength of community when we all pull in the same direction.
And thirdly, the significance of our support for our men and women in the police uniform for the job that they do each and every day to keep you and I safe.
