Ten police officers who risked their safety in a hail of gunfire during the 2009 Napier siege received honours for their bravery today.
Police Minister Judith Collins today congratulated the officers for their parts in the May 7 standoff in which Jan Molenaar shot and wounded two policemen and killed Senior Constable Len Snee.
The bravery awards, announced in April, were presented at a ceremony at Government House in Wellington today.
Detective Sergeant Tim Smith and armed offenders squad members Constable Michael Burne, Senior Constable Dennis Hurworth and Senior Constable Paul Symonds received the Bravery Star, New Zealand's second-highest bravery award.
The next highest award, the Bravery Decoration, was given to Senior Sergeant Anthony Miller, Sergeant Heath Jones and Constable Kevin Rooney, while the fourth-ranked Bravery Medal was awarded to Detective Paul Buckley, Senior Constable Bradley Clark and Detective Sergeant Nicholas Clere.
Ms Collins said the officers were confronted by "an extremely dangerous and unpredictable situation" during the siege.
"The police honoured today showed tremendous leadership, initiative and personal courage in helping bring the siege to an end without further loss of life to police or innocent members of the public.
"I congratulate each of them on their award, and for their unshakeable commitment to protecting and serving their fellow New Zealanders."
Ms Collins said bravery went with the territory for police.
"When the lives of others were at risk, each of these inspirational officers stepped forward and put their own safety on the line. All New Zealanders can be proud of them."
