It was Constable Jeremy Snow's first day back in uniform and he was loving it.
The South Auckland officer, 28, has been off duty since he was shot four times on a routine patrol before Christmas, left lying in a Papatoetoe gutter gushing blood while his partner Constable Robert Cato ran for help.
Neshanderan Rajgopaul, 28, is before the courts charged with shooting him as he allegedly tried to protect a cache of guns and a stolen car.
But at the annual Counties-Manukau Police District Pay Parade yesterday, Mr Snow was all smiles, hopping around on crutches chatting to his colleagues and superiors.
"I would have loved to have [joined the parade]," he told the Herald.
Mr Snow said it had been a slow recovery but he hoped to be back at work - behind a desk - soon.
He missed frontline duty but was looking forward to returning to policing of any sort.
As more than 400 officers, detectives and non-sworn staff marched along Broadway Papakura to the beat of the Auckland Police Pipe Band, the young constable sat waiting in a marquee at the end with dad and stepmother David and Marion Snow.
When Police Minister Judith Collins took the stage, she gave him a special mention.
"I am pleased to see Constable Jeremy Snow here on crutches, but in uniform, and that's just the way we want to see him," she said, triggering an embarrassed smile from the officer.
When Acting Commissioner Rob Pope acknowledged the families of his staff, who sent their loved ones out on duty "never knowing if they were going to return in one piece", Marion Snow looked at her stepson and smiled.
Ms Collins also mentioned Constable John Connolly, who was badly injured breaking up a fight between youths in Tuakau last month.
"As everybody knows he is very unwell and we all wish him a speedy recovery," the minister said.
Counties-Manukau district commander Superintendent Mike Bush congratulated his staff for turning out "as one in your numbers".
"It's absolutely humbling," he said.
But he kept it short, saying he remembered how hard it was to stand still in the heat for so long.
During yesterday's speeches, several officers fainted and were tended to by St John staff.
The parade dates back to days when officers would march to the local magistrate's office to collect their pay.
Jeremy Snow was eager to catch up with colleagues yesterday. Photo / Sarah Ivey
