The New Zealand Police Commissioner, Mr Peter Marshall, will today personally thank members of the NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services who assisted in the wake of the country’s earthquake disaster.
On the 22nd of February 2011, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck Christchurch, devastating parts of the region and claiming almost 200 lives.
“In the following days a request for assistance was received from our New Zealand counterparts.” Said NT Police Commissioner and CEO Fire and Emergency Services, John McRoberts.
“Without hesitation personnel from across the Tri-Service volunteered, risking their own lives to help as aftershocks continued.”
“The grim task which confronted the volunteers should never be underestimated, nor the events of New Zealand’s second-deadliest peacetime disaster.” Said Commissioner McRoberts.
In total 15 NT personnel assisted operations, consisting of specialists in Disaster Victim Identification, Urban Search and Rescue and Frontline Policing.
Today they will be presented with the ‘Canterbury Earthquake Citation’ which recognises courage, leadership, dedication and outstanding and heroic deeds.
