Great service
REGION: He abandoned a motorracing career to join the Ministry of Transport and now Sergeant Murray Lyons has been recognised for nearly three decades of service to the New Zealand Police.
He abandoned a motor-racing career to join the Ministry of Transport and now Sergeant Murray Lyons has been recognised for nearly three decades of service to the New Zealand Police.
Manawatu¯ area commander Inspector Sarah Stewart said 28 years of service was not something they saw every day.
But his service stretches back longer than that as Lyons became a police officer after the ministry merged with the police in 1992.
All up, he has dedicated 43 years to his job, which in any job was significant, Senior Sergeant Malcolm Greig said.
Lyons was one of several longserving police officers honoured during a ceremony on Wednesday for their service and their good conduct.
Detective sergeants Dave Thompson and Dave Wishnowsky and Senior Constable Karl Williams all received medals for their 21 years of service.
Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Harrison said Wishnowsky was known for his great work in the criminal investigation branch, CIB, in family-violence prevention and also on the karaoke stage singing Robbie Williams tracks.
Wishnowsky has also dealt with many sexual violence cases.
Harrison said Thompson was one of the longest-serving members in the CIB.
He had worked on many highprofile cases, including the Lundy murders.
Thompson was described as being ‘‘disruptive’’ to the world of organised crime.
Sergeant Shane Brown said Williams started his police career in Lower Hutt, before moving to Marton and then Whanganui.
In 2014, he moved to Tararua and became the officer in charge of the Woodville station.
Twenty-one years as a hardworking member of the team was ‘‘something that Karl should be really proud of’’.
Police staff members Susan Gifford and Dr Zane Kearns were also commended for their 14 years of service to the police.
Stewart said it was important to acknowledge the work and commitment of staff.
‘‘They work hard every day for our community.’’