The family of slain policewoman Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming joined police at a community candlelight vigil in Nelson to honour her life. Video / Katrina Bennett
More than 120 police officers and staff gathered in front of the Wellington police station for a minute’s silence in honour of their fallen Nelson colleague Lyn Fleming.
All those gathered removed their hats and bowed their heads for a minute. Only the hum of traffic and the odd chatterfrom a police radio could be heard.
Among their number were uniformed officers and other police staff. One small boy had been dressed in a police uniform. A police dog was also part of the crowd.
Officers and workers at the Wellington Central Police station joined in a minute’s silence at 1pm today to remember fallen Nelson colleague Lyn Fleming.
Senior Sergeant Fleming, 62, was killed when she and two colleagues were rammed by a car just after 2am on New Year’s Day.
Police across the country observed the minute’s silence, which will mark 24 hours before Fleming is farewelled at a funeral service in Nelson with full police honours.
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said his officers were observing the minute’s silence “to remember the ultimate sacrifice of one of our own”.
Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming. Photo / New Zealand Police
Chambers said: “We have invited staff to pause and observe a minute’s silence wherever they are to ... reflect as we prepare to lay Lyn to rest.”
New Zealand Police flags would continue to be flown at half-mast until Friday, he said.
On Fleming’s funeral, Chambers said: “Lyn has made the ultimate sacrifice as a police officer, so it is appropriate we honour her with a formal police funeral.
“My staff have already commenced planning with Lyn’s family, and I want to ensure we are able to support Lyn’s family in providing a fitting tribute for her.
Tributes left at the Nelson Police Station for slain police officer Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming. Photo / Katrina Bennett
“This is something I wish we didn’t have to plan for, but I am grateful to Lyn’s family for allowing her police family to be an integral part of her final farewell.”
The funeral will include a motorcade, honour guard, police piper, and flag presentation to her family.
It will be attended by family, friends, the police community, and invited guests.
The Prime Minister and Police Minister will also be present along with opposition politicians.
Tasman district commander Superintendent Tracey Thompson said local police were hurting but were encouraged by messages of support.
“I want to acknowledge the overwhelming response that we’ve had from our community and from around the country. The expressions of grief and condolence and offers of support help give us strength.
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers and Police Minister Mark Mitchell announce Fleming's death on New Year's Day. Photo / Tim Cuff
“It’s a reminder, in these sad times, of the reason that we come to work every day – to serve our communities and work to keep everyone safe.”
When Chambers announced Fleming’s death only hours after the violent incident in Nelson’s Buxton Square, he paid tribute to his fallen officer.
“She was a loved and cherished, daughter, mother, wife and valued member of the wider Nelson community. Lyn was a beautiful soul and her death will be felt across the Nelson community and our police family.”
Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He joined the Herald as a Te Rito cadet in 2022.
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