Commissioner praises fire rescue police officers

7 July 2014

The two police officers who rescued an elderly woman from a fire in her Mount Maunganui home have acted in the finest traditions of the New Zealand Police says Commissioner Mike Bush.

Senior Constable Adrian Oldham was patrolling in Mount Maunganui last night when he saw a house engulfed in flames. He could see an occupant was still inside and made several attempts to rescue her. Despite facing intense smoke and flames he and Constable Shane McCarthy were eventually able to rescue the woman.

"We put victims at the centre of everything we do and these two police officers have demonstrated this through their selfless actions last night," said Mr Bush today.

"Every day I see the outstanding work which the men of women of New Zealand Police undertake to keep people safe in their communities. Last night's rescue could not be a better demonstration of this.

"I have spoken to both officers and conveyed my thanks to them. I wish them and the occupant of the house a speedy recovery from their ordeal." said Mr Bush.

ENDS

© Scoop Media