Tēnā koutou katoa. Over the last number of weeks I have mentioned the good work that our staff have been doing around keeping the community safe including the great results around gangs and burglaries in the area.
Today I want to thank our unsung heroes from Land Search and Rescue (LandSAR) and Coastguard. These men and women, many who have employment commitments, drop their tools or leave the office at short notice responding to people in need.
These calls often occur at inconvenient times throughout the day and night. A number are when the weather is poor and deteriorating, yet these men and women go forth to help those lost and injured.
Unfortunately, these operations do not always end well. Emergency service workers know that we will see things in our vocation that most people will and should never see in their lifetime. These volunteers also see the sad results of these operations. In the last week it has been unfortunate that Police have called upon the service of these groups to recover bodies from Mt Ruapehu and the Waikato River.
As a community we all need to thank these volunteers for their work over the many years they have worked alongside Police. We also thank those employers who allow their staff to have the time to participate in these searches and rescue operations.
If you are interested in becoming part of a group that does amazing work within the community then look at these websites: www.coastguard.nz, www.coastguardlaketaupo.nz, www.landsar.org.nz.
Finally from all the staff at the Taupō Police we would like to thank all the members of Coastguard and LandSAR for their efforts over the years. It is a privilege and pleasure to work alongside these professional organisations who are dedicated to helping our communities.
Stay safe, Fane Troy.