Mt Eden Corrections Officer commended for helping woman

A Corrections Officer from Mt Eden Prison who was bitten after intervening in a domestic assault in Auckland last year has today been presented with a Special Commendation Award from new Chief Executive Ray Smith.

George Vasuvulagi was on his way to work on 26 October when he saw a woman being dragged into the road and assaulted by a man. Others had seen the event unfolding, but no one had taken any action, prompting George to stop his car and assist.

George separated the pair and ensured the woman was okay before restraining the man. At that point another driver came to George’s assistance and contacted Police.

While the man was being restrained he managed to twist himself around and bite George. The resulting injury was serious enough for an ambulance to be called to take George to hospital for treatment, and for Police to prosecute the man for his behaviour.

“George’s actions on that day showed initiative, skill and a high level of courage. I’m honoured to continue the Special Commendation Award tradition and to recognise George’s actions - he is a true credit to the Department,” said Chief Executive Ray Smith.

“We need people like George Vasuvulagi - people who don’t just drive by, people who see someone in crisis, who stop and help. We’ve all seen the ads, and we all know domestic violence is not okay. What George did was show us that not only is it not okay, but it won’t be tolerated.”

“While our staff are fully trained to deal with threatening and hostile prisoners, George went above and beyond his duties by putting a stranger’s wellbeing ahead of his own safety. He may have saved the woman from more serious injury at the hands of the man.”

Mr Smith also commended George’s work ethic during the incident.

“Even amid all the drama, George’s commitment to his job shone through – while he was in the ambulance on his way to hospital he was on the phone to his boss, apologising for being late to work.”

ENDS

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