Honouring our heroes
Wreath for fallen officer
A fallen Hawke’s Bay policeman has been remembered at a special service to mark Police Remembrance Day.
As part of Police Remembrance Day, a special wreath was laid at Takapau Cemetery on Saturday to remember Senior Constable Len Snee, who died in the line of duty in 2009.
Snee was shot and killed on May 9, 2009 after trying to execute a search warrant at an address on Chaucer Rd in Napier — in events later known as the Napier Siege.
“Police Remembrance Day is a chance to reflect and honour those who have made the ultimate sacrifice of giving their lives to protect their fellow New Zealanders,” Police Association president Chris Cahill said.
“It is a reminder of the dangers all police officers face on a daily basis, but a danger they are willing to confront for the safety of our communities.
“It is a sobering occasion for the families and friends of the dead, and current officers and police employees who attend, and it is extremely important that they all feel supported.”
Police Remembrance Day falls on September 29, the feast day of the Archangel Michael, Patron Saint of Police.
This year it was observed on Friday, September 28 with a service at the Royal New Zealand Police College and in services across the country.
The roll of honour listing police slain while on duty now comprises 32 police officers killed by a criminal act since records began in 1886.