Murupara couple James and Sheryl Fitzgerald are among a group of the district's police officers who have been presented awards for long service, promotion and outstanding work.
Police Commissioner Howard Broad presented the awards at a recent ceremony at the Rotorua District Council Chambers.
Mr Fitzgerald received a district commander's commendation for
dedication and commitment to duty at Murupara.
Rotorua police area commander Inspector Bruce Horne described one particular incident for which Mr Fitzgerald was commended.
In August, Mr Fitzgerald received a call to say gang members were rustling sheep.
"James developed a quick, cunning plan in spite of the fact he knew they were gang members, he was outnumbered and they were armed," Mr Horne said.
It was an "outstanding piece of solid police work," Mr Horne said.
The official commendation read:
"In August 2010 Constable Fitzgerald was made aware of the shooting of a cattle beast in a small remote location and a subsequent check of the suspect vehicle revealed it belonged to a known gang member. Constable Fitzgerald took the initiative and armed himself prior to calling for assistance and intercepting the offending vehicle. Whilst on his own he carried out an armed vehicle stop and arrested all four occupants of the vehicle without incident. A high-powered rifle was located in the vehicle. The continued commitment of Constable Fitzgerald to his local community as well as his initiative and courage in confronting known gang members while on his own is commendable."
Mr Fitzgerald said the award was a recognition of what all police who work in remote areas have to face.
"It's a reflection on cops in general who work by themselves and the different challenges we have to go through compared to city policing when back-up and assistance is right there," he said.
Mrs Fitzgerald received a Diploma in Police Workplace practice (Level 5), which was due to have been awarded in October 2007.
Born and raised in Murupara, she is passionate about working in her home town.
"It's a big part of the reason I joined [the police] - to go back and serve the community, especially with youth," she said.
It was very rewarding work, she said.
