Slain policeman remembered by colleagues

Taylor was killed outright, and Park took a bullet to the thigh.

It’s been 15 years since Detective Constable Duncan Taylor was shot dead by a crazed teen, but the memories of that day will never leave his colleague and friend, Jeanette Park.

Police around the country took a moment to remember their slain colleague yesterday, marking the day Taylor, 39, was shot in the chest by 17-year-old Daniel John Luff in an armed standoff near Feilding on July 5, 2002.

Inspector Park – then a detective, was with Taylor during the incident. The pair were making inquiries at an Awapuni property, the home of Luff’s ex-girlfriend, when Luff, who had taken the break up badly, shot at them both.

Taylor was killed outright, and Park took a bullet to the thigh. She was able to escape and call for help. Park yesterday described Taylor as full of life and an excellent police officer. The anniversary of his death came around quickly each year. ‘‘Life keeps going and that’s what Duncan would have wanted, for everyone to keep going and getting on with things. But you just don’t ever forget it, it will never go away.’’

In a tribute posted on the New Zealand Police Museum Facebook page, Taylor was described as a naturally talented officer, who had ‘‘a lot of presence, a gentle giant who was hard to rattle’’. ‘‘He was a man who could come into your home in times of family emergency, even if he did have to duck to get through the door, and do what was necessary with both sensitivity and fairness.’’

Taylor left behind his wife of 12 years and baby son Campbell, who was 11 months old at the time. Taylor was posthumously awarded a New Zealand Bravery Medal and Park was awarded the New Zealand Bravery Star.

Luff pleaded guilty to the murder of Taylor and attempted murder of Park, and was jailed for life with a 17 year minimum nonparole period.