28 Jun 2013

Servicemen honoured for bravery

6:06 pm on 28 June 2013

Emergency servicemen have received medals for putting their lives at risk to save others.

Michael Johnston.

Michael Johnston. Photo: RNZ

Brett Delamere, left and Eric Spittal.

Brett Delamere, left and Eric Spittal. Photo: RNZ

Fire Station Officer Brett Delamere, Rural Fire Officer Eric Spittal and Senior Constable Michael Johnston were recognised by Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae at an award ceremony for the Royal Humane Society of New Zealand on Friday.

Mr Delamere received a silver award and Mr Spittal a bronze for being part of the response team that saved the lives of two people in a car crash near Oamaru in October 2008.

Senior Constable Michael Johnston was the first responder to the accident which claimed the life of a 15-year-old in January 2012 after the boy's foot became stuck between rocks in a waterfall in the Motatapu Gorge.

Mr Johnston received a silver medal.