Bravery awards for officers who jumped into fast-flowing Hutt River to save wanted man

April 12, 2018

Two Wellington police officers are being recognised with bravery awards for saving a man who jumped into a fast-flowing river to escape police.

Sergeant Billy-Ray Slight and Constable Aaron Wilkins will both receive silver medals from the Royal Humane Society of New Zealand for bravery.

New Zealand Police say the two officers performed a high-risk but calculated daytime rescue of a man in Hutt River at the end of June 2016.

The injured 25-year-old man was involved in a fleeing driver incident and leapt into the water.

He rapidly got into trouble, was struggling to stay afloat and thought he was going to drown.

Police say in a selfless act, Sergeant Slight and Constable Wilkins shed their excess gear and swam from opposite sides of the river to reach the man.

The river was in flood and the current was strong and against them.

They focussed on human life and put this man first

—  Wellington Police District Commander | Superintendent Sam Hoyle

The determined officers managed to rescue the man, calmed him down and took him to shore, but not before all three were carried 250 metres downstream past Melling Bridge.

Wellington Police District Commander, Superintendent Sam Hoyle, commended the pair for their actions.

"Sergeant Slight and Constable Wilkins showed tremendous courage that day," Mr Hoyle said. 

"They focussed on human life and put this man first. He was in need and police came to his aid in extremely testing circumstances. 

"I am immensely proud of my staff. They are thoroughly deserving of their awards."

Sergeant Slight says to win the award is quite humbling. 

"I happened to be the right person in the right place. The speed of the river made swimming difficult, however I'm pleased we made a difference that day," he said.

Constable Wilkins says he's humbled to be a recipient of the prestigious medal. 

"My thanks goes out to the other officers involved, those who assisted in the fleeing driver incident and helped pull us and the injured man from the river. We couldn't have done it without the support of our colleagues," he said.

The man rescue, now 27, is currently serving a prison sentence. 

Since the rescue he has expressed his gratitude to police for saving him and says the officers have given him a second chance to turn his life around.

Royal Humane Society of New Zealand patron, Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy, will present the medals in June.

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