Nelson policewoman Lyn Fleming’s death: Family of slain officer join police at vigil

The family of slain policewoman Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming have joined police at a community candlelight vigil in Nelson as they marked her tragic death.

The 62-year-old was allegedly run down by a driver in the early hours of New Year’s Day at a gathering in the Buxton Square Carpark.

She is being remembered as “an incredible officer with a kind heart” by her colleagues, community and the wider country.

Members of the Nelson community gathered for a candlelit vigil on steps near the city's cathedral to honour Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming. Photo / Tim Cuff

Several hundred people along with representatives from Fire and Emergency New Zealand staff and other first responders stood under umbrellas in the steady rain.

Nelson police staff were applauded as they walked up and gathered on the steps to face the crowd, some visibly moved by the turnout.

They were then joined by members of Fleming’s family. Comforting one another, they broke down as the crowd sang Amazing Grace.

Nelson Bays Area commander Steve Collins told the crowd the weather tonight was indicative of how everyone was feeling.

Nelson Bays Area commander Steve Collins said the past few days have felt almost impossible after the death of Lyn Fleming. Photo / Katrina Bennett

He said he normally considers his job a privilege and a pleasure, but not this week.

“About as difficult a time as we’ve ever encountered, and it’s encouraging to know you’re all with us.”

Collins said tonight was in no way an obituary for Fleming, but acknowledged “the irreplaceable hole” her death has left in the Nelson police and community.

He described her as a cornerstone of Nelson police and irreplaceable.

The world was a poorer place without her.

“The fact we are not looking at two dead police officers is miraculous given the scale of what occurred,” said Collins.

He described the past few days as feeling “almost impossible” as he thanked his gathered colleagues.

The family of slain policewoman Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming stand alongside police at tonight's community vigil in Nelson. Photo / Katrina Bennett

At the end of proceedings a shout of thanks for the police rang out from those gathered, with one woman coming forward to shake the officers’ hands.

The crowd then burst into applause as officers left with Fleming’s family leaving at the end.

Many of those gathered then walked the short distance to Buxton Square Carpark to place flowers and candles outside the toilet block, near the scene of the fatal incident.

Others walked to the police station to add to the floral tribute there.

Floral tributes were placed at the toilet block near where Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming was fatally injured. Photo / Katrina Bennett

People spoken to by the Herald said it was too raw to comment on the events of the week, saying many knew serving officers and it could have been any one of them.

One woman speaking through tears said it was amazing to see everyone turn out tonight in support of police.

Nelson Mayor Dr Nick Smith said he was proud of the respect the Nelson community showed for Fleming’s family and other emergency services during the wet service.

“The miserable conditions reflected how Nelson is feeling.”

Carpet of floral tributes

A carpet of floral tributes and candles has been left outside the Nelson police station and a condolence book has been opened in Christ Church Cathedral, Nelson to honour the life of Fleming — the first police officer killed in the line of duty in the Nelson area, and the first female police officer killed on the job in New Zealand.

Those leaving messages have thanked Fleming for her 38 years serving the community as a police officer.

More than 1000 people were expected to attend the vigil on the steps of Nelson Cathedral in Trafalgar Square at 7pm, organiser Shelley Bishop told RNZ.

The event’s Facebook page said the vigil would feature poignant music, bagpipes and a solo song.

“A few citizens making speeches on how Lynn impacted their lives. Please wear something blue or blue ribbons.”

Bishop told RNZ she did not know Fleming but felt she had to act after hearing of the 62-year-old’s death.

“I actually cried, I’ve never met her, but I cried.”

Tributes have been left at the Nelson Police Station for slain police officer Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming. Photo / Katrina Bennett

“A devastating day for our community. Arohanui to Lyn’s whānau, colleagues and friends,” one read.

“I am so devastated that your life was stolen from you, while you were at work keeping your community safe,” said another.

Terrible start to year

Smith said Fleming’s death was “a terrible start to the new year for our city” and invited fellow citizens to lay floral tributes for her outside the Albion Square police station.

The flag at the station is flying at half-mast.

Written tributes have been left at Nelson Police Station for Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming. Photo / Katrina Bennett

A Tasman man has appeared in court charged with murder and has been granted interim name suppression until midday next Friday, January 10.

He faces eight charges, including murder, attempted murder, assault using a vehicle as a weapon, wounding with intent, dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.

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