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Bravery Awards Presented To Dog Attack Heroine

Published: Thu 7 Aug 2008 12:56 AM
Bravery Awards Presented To Dog Attack Heroine
06 August 2008
A Motumaoho mother of two took time to pay tribute to the bravery of the boy she rescued from a pack of dogs that attacked him in Waitoa last month during an awards ceremony held in Morrinsville Police Station today.
Jeanne Robinson, 34, had been driving towards Te Aroha on 14 July when she saw what she first believed to be a dog fight but quickly realised to her horror what was in fact a group of dogs attacking a 13-year-old boy.
Suffering over 100 dog bites the boy required over 300 stitches to his wounds and was hospitalised for a week.
Accepting a District Commanders Commendation from Waikato Police and a Certificate of Appreciation from Matamata-Piako Mayor, Hugh Vercoe, Mrs Robinson said she wanted to acknowledge the young man's courage.
"It was unbelievable how brave he was, even when he was being attacked he yelled to me to wind my window up in my vehicle as the dogs could turn on me.
"It was remarkable how he kept it all together, throughout the ordeal he remained totally cool and calm," she said.
Presenting awards to both Mrs Robinson and the boy she rescued, Eastern Waikato Area Commander, Inspector Glenn Dunbier, said there was no shortage of courage on display that day.
"I feel very privileged to have both of you here today, no-one can prepare themselves for what they will do when confronted by such a situation.
"Many people arriving at that scene would have gone for help or dialled 111 but you chose to intervene directly and it is indeed a privilege to be able to recognise your actions here today."
Presenting a certificate to Mrs Robinson Mr Vercoe told assembled guests her actions epitomized everything good about a community such as that in Matamata-Piako.
Addressing assembled guests Mr Vercoe read out a letter written to him by a friend of the injured boy asking him to; "please give Mrs Robinson an award, she saved the life of my friend."
In a private moment the 13-year-old boy presented his rescuers with a bouquet of flowers and spoke to her of his progressing recovery.
His mother reported his recovery was going well and her son was looking forward to a forthcoming trip to Rainbows End organised by local Police.
The awarding of certificates followed the presentation of awards to two members of the Matamata-Piako recognising their service.
Sergeant Neil Mansill received the 21-year-clasp to the NZ Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal while Watch House Officer Jackie Cantley received the 21-year Non-Sworn Long Service Award.
Mr Mansill originally served as a Traffic Officer joining the Ministry of Transport in 1980 before that service was merged with the Police in 1992 while Mrs Cantley joined the Police in 1972.
Mr Dunbier said both staff had been involved in traumatic events in their careers and it was fitting that their presentations coincided with today's bravery awards.
"Neither has allowed those incidents to effect the level of service they deliver to their community and to be involved in this organisation for as long as they have is an excellent example of service to the community."
End

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