The United Nations is awarding a Dunedin police officer a
hero's accolade after he saved an elderly man from drowning
in East Timor.
Southern district commander, Superintendent Bob Burns, will
present Senior Constable Malcolm Parker with the UN
Courageous Service Award at a police medal ceremony today.
In March, while working in East Timor, Mr Parker saw an
elderly man riding a horse get into trouble crossing a
rapidly rising river near Suai.
His horse was pushed over by the rushing water and the man
was being pulled underwater.
Mr Parker waded into the river where he helped the struggling
man stay above the water and dragged him to safety.
Witnesses said the man would have drowned without Mr Parker's
help.
The commendation, awarded by United Nations transitional
force Police Commissioner Luis Carrilho, describes his
actions as "heroic and chivalrous" and commends him for his
"courageous and valiant accomplishment".
Mr Burns said New Zealand Police, which had a long-term
commitment in Pacific deployments, were "highly regarded for
their ability to easily interact with the locals and their
traditional Kiwi `can do' attitude".
"Mal not only epitomised that reputation throughout his
deployment, but took it one step further in risking his own
life to save another. "He is a credit to NZ Police and
Southern Police in particular."
Mr Parker served in East Timor as part of the United Nations
integrated mission from November 2008 until April 2009. He
was been stationed in south Dunedin for nine years and is the
first officer from the district to receive the award.
