Four Hamiltonians to receive Bravery Awards

Posted On: Wednesday, 24 August 2011

Four courageous Hamiltonians will be presented with bravery awards from the Royal Humane Society of New Zealand tomorrow in recognition of their efforts during two separate rescue attempts on the Waikato River.

Hamilton Mayor Julie Hardaker, who is a Vice-Patron of the Royal Humane Society of New Zealand, will present the awards on the Society’s behalf during tomorrow’s Council Meeting.

Jessica Munro and Ashleigh Hodge will be presented with Bronze Medals for their actions while attempting to rescue a woman from the Waikato River in Cambridge in June 2010. The pair, who were both 17 years old at the time of the incident, swam across the river to retrieve the woman. Once ashore they unsuccessfully attempted to resuscitate her and remained on the riverbank for 45 minutes before a boat could reach them.

Police Constables Marcus Elliott and Mark Strongman will receive Certificate of Merits in acknowledgement of their actions in a rescue of a woman from the river in Hamilton in March 2010. Constable Elliott and Constable Strongman were on patrol in the city when they responded to a call about a person in the river. On arrival at the scene the pair swam out into the middle of the river to assist the woman – keeping her afloat and bringing her safely to the shore.

“In both incidents these brave individuals acted swiftly and selflessly in attempts to save the lives of complete strangers. It is courageous actions like these that deserve to be recognised and celebrated, and amazing people like these that help to make Hamilton such a great place to live,” said Mayor Hardaker.

A number of official guests will be attendance during the awards presentation including local MPs, Freedom of the City Holders and representatives from NZ Police.

ENDS

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