WBOP Police officer to receive NZ bravery award

A Western Bay of Plenty Police dog handler has today been recognized for the third time for his actions during an incident at Mt Maunganui in June 2007.

Constable James Muir (Zinny) was today announced amongst a group of 13 New Zealand Police officers, we well as a number of civilians who are to receive New Zealand's highest awards for bravery.

Constable Muir is to receive the New Zealand Bravery Decoration, which is awarded for "acts of exceptional bravery in situations of danger." The award will be presented by the Governor General later this year.

Constable Muir is to receive the award for his actions following a Police pursuit of a stolen vehicle in Western Bay of Plenty in June 2007. Two teenage males had stolen the car from a rural property, along with a large quality of rifles and ammunition.

During the pursuit, the youths fired at Constable Muir's vehicle. At the end of the pursuit, Constable Muir and his Police dog, Neo, came to the aid of another officer who was being threatened with a rifle. Constable Muir was also threatened with the rifle, which fortunately failed to fire. Constable Muir then released Neo, enabling the officers to catch the two youths without further incident.

His actions were deemed to have "undoubtedly saved the life of his colleague and prevented the potential of harm to others".

Constable Muir has previously received the Charles Upham Award for Bravery and the Police Commissioner's Gold Merit Award for Bravery in relation to the same incident.

Constable Muir says he is honoured to be announced as the recipient of a New Zealand Bravery Decoration.

"Obviously this incident was a unique situation, and one that I am grateful not to find myself in every day or even year!

"Having said that, at the end of the day, I stand by my belief that I was simply doing my job and I feel confident that many of my colleagues would have done the same thing in a similar situation."

Constable Muir says he reacted on gut instinct at the time, and does not recall the thought process that accompanied his actions that night.

"There were people in harm's way and as a dog handler, I was in a position to be able to do something about it. I'm incredibly relieved that no-one was hurt."

The Western Bay Area Commander, Inspector Mike Clement, says this latest bravery honour further reinforces the extent of the actions taken by Constable Muir.

"It goes without saying that we are incredibly proud of Zinny's achievements, and we are also delighted for him that he has been recognised in this way, with one of New Zealand's highest bravery awards.

"I hope the local community is also proud of his achievements, which are a reflection of the high quality of Police staff serving them in this Area."

Inspector Clement says the Police staff serving the Western Bay of Plenty are a passionate and committed team, who respond quickly when needed and work hard to achieve good outcomes for their community.

"Policing is not an easy job, and sadly, sometimes our staff come into harm's way in the course of doing their job and while attempting to prevent harm to others.

"In this case, Zinny's clear thinking and coolness under pressure prevented potential harm to others at the scene. He – and his Police dog Neo – are an outstanding example of the commitment and dedication shown by Police across the Bay of Plenty."