New officer proud to be part of team on cyclone day

BAPTISM BY WATER: Constable Jacob Samuel (above left) was on his second day on duty in February when Cyclone Gabrielle stormed through the region. Pictures supplied

Most people remember their first few days in a new job, but for Tairāwhiti Police Constable Jacob Samuel only his second shift as a police officer will go down in the history books.

Constable Samuel was starting a late shift on his second day on the job the day Cyclone Gabrielle hit.

“It was pretty unreal — mobility was down and communication in general was limited. A lot of people began gathering in the foyer at the front of the station to ask questions so initially I got quite tied up with that.”

Constable Samuel said they got out and about in the CBD before bridges closed for some hours, stranding them on the northern side of the city.

“Those members of the public who were out and about were quite scared.

“We got asked a lot of questions that we didn’t have answers for, particularly around communication and supplies.

“We were able to point people in the direction of refuge centres for any immediate needs.”

For Constable Samuel the enduring memory will be the way police came together in response to the cyclone.

“It made me feel reassured.

“Cops had come back into work even though they were off duty.

“They were even volunteering to do stuff outside of uniform to assist. It made me feel proud to be part of such a connected team.”

Tairāwhiti Area Commander Inspector Sam Aberahama said it was “fantastic” to be able to welcome new staff into Tairāwhiti.

“Our focus is on growing staff locally and generally we ease them into the job but in this instance Constable Jacob was thrown straight into the thick of it.

“Police staff did incredibly well dealing with such an unprecedented situation and with limited communications.

“It was great to see staff mucking in and doing what they could to support our communities.”

— Police Ten One magazine and Murray Robertson