Bay officers awarded meritorious medals

Police Commissioner Mike Bush (left) and NZ Police Meritorious Service Medal recipients Sergeant Paul Selby (retired), Detective Sergeant Trevor Brown with Alan Richards and Michael Woodhouse.

Two Western Bay of Plenty policemen were honoured with medals for exceptional service, commitment and achievement at a ceremony in Wellington yesterday.

Police Commissioner Mike Bush presented Meritorious Service Medals to Detective Sergeant Trevor Brown and recently retired Sergeant Paul Selby. Medals were also awarded to Auckland Detective Sergeant Mike Beal and retired Sergeant Alan Richards.

I couldn't have done it without the support from my family who put up with my callouts and late nights.

Paul Selby

The Meritorious Service Medal is the highest award that can be made by the commissioner.

Mr Brown was recognised for outstanding service and commitment to the investigation and resolution of serious crime.

He worked on many high-profile and serious crimes and was respected for his professionalism, interviewing skills and work with victims.

"It was nice to be recognised for the work done in and around Western Bay of Plenty. We have a great team of detectives here," Mr Brown said.

"After 38 years on the beat, it was nice that police included our families in today's ceremony."

Off duty, Mr Brown is a trained lifeguard and retains a community focus - providing a practical hand for those who need it and volunteering many hours coaching junior lifesavers and marshalling at events.

Mr Selby was recognised for outstanding service and commitment to the New Zealand Police Dog Section.

Tauranga Dog Squad boss and handler Paul Selby just before his retirement last year.

He was a dedicated and influential member of the section from 1975 until his retirement in July last year.

"I was just doing my job for as long as I did. Today was a proud day," Mr Selby said.

"I couldn't have done it without the support from my family who put up with my callouts and late nights.

"After 41 years, I really had a blast. Policing is a great job."

Western Bay of Plenty Area Commander Inspector Clifford Paxton said both Mr Brown and Mr Selby's work efforts had made the Western Bay of Plenty a safer place.

"We are incredibly proud of them and their efforts," he said.

"They have given us very good service towards the Western Bay of Plenty area. We're grateful to their families.

"We have great pride in what they have achieved and we're lucky to share that with them."