‘You’re never out of your uniform in a small community’
When the Tairua River burst its banks and vehicles were stuck in floodwaters, Paul Johnston went out with his own ute and a rope.
On another occasion, he drove from the Coromandel Peninsula to Auckland’s Starship Hospital to visit a vulnerable teenager he’d met through work.
Senior Constable Paul Johnston’s commitment to his community – Tairua and Pauanui – caught the attention of his superiors.
On Friday, he collected a district commander’s commendation at the Waikato Police pay parade at Gallagher Performing Arts Centre.
The pay parade is a tradition which dates to the nineteenth century, and now recognises officers’ long service and achievements.
Johnston first policed in the Coromandel about 20 years ago, liked the pace, and always planned to return. Tairua’s a small spot without social services on the ground, he said.
‘‘The police become the go-to for a range of problems.’’
‘‘[There’s] no such thing as being out of your uniform in a small community. They all know you.’’
He’s had people knocking on his door at home, or popping in to the Four Square to see his wife, Karen, if there’s no-one at the station.
He couldn’t do the job without a supportive partner, he said, but he likes getting to know his community and they’ve shown their gratitude.
Johnston is a firm believer in empowering the community to sort out their own problems.
Another commendation recipient was Constable Jackie Pretswell, who rescued a 17-yearold woman who ‘‘had entered the river in a determined attempt to take her own life’’. Pretswell and two other officers launched the police boat in the March 2018 incident, but the woman kept swimming away as they approached.
Pretswell jumped into the Waikato River and, got hold of the woman, and was able to get her into the boat.
Work with Ma¯ ori boys at risk of suspension or exclusion from school won Constable Niwha Jones the Waikato University Evidence Based Policing Award.
He worked on the Tuakaritanga programme, which used methods such as engagement with Ma¯ ori culture, exercise, and wha¯ nau to give students direction.
And the Gallagher Waikato District Police Person of the Year award went to Constable Calum Grant.