New Award Honours Burning Van Bravery

The outstanding bravery of Police Inspector Mike O’Leary in rescuing two children from a burning van last year will be honoured today, as the Police Association awards him the first ever New Zealand Police Association Bravery Award.

The award will be presented today by the Prime Minister, Rt Hon John Key, at the Association’s 75th Annual Conference in Wellington. The Police Association Bravery Award is unique in that it represents recognition of an outstanding act of bravery by an officer’s peers.

“Inspector Mike O’Leary’s actions exemplified the traditions and highest ideals of policing. There is no doubt that, but for his actions, the two children trapped in the burning van would not have survived,” Police Association President Greg O’Connor said today.

“Inspector O’Leary was off duty, travelling with his family when he witnessed the horrendous crash near Taupo on 24 April last year. But confronted by a situation like that, he knew he had to act and his police training and instincts kicked in.

“Whether on or off duty, it is the unique role of police to step in and take charge in an emergency – to be the cool head when faced with danger, and protect the public to the best of their ability.

“Even so, Inspector Mike O’Leary’s actions in rescuing the two children, despite fierce flames and at considerable risk to himself, demonstrated extraordinary bravery, above and beyond all reasonable expectations of a police officer performing his duty.

“Awarding the first New Zealand Police Association Bravery Award to Mike O’Leary is the highest honour the Police Association can bestow on one of its members to recognise such an extraordinary and inspirational act. It is fitting that the award is presented by the Prime Minister, as the most senior representative of the society police are sworn to protect. The Association is honoured that he accepted the role of doing so,” Mr O’Connor said.