Death of former commissioner Bob Walton

"Police officers around the country will today be mourning the passing of former Police Commissioner Bob Walton," said President of the New Zealand Police Association, Greg O'Connor.

“Bob was the essence of a ‘Commissioner’s Commissioner’, drawing on his vast policing and also military service experience in inspirational leadership of his troops. That leadership quality perhaps shone its brightest during the testing times of the Springbok Tour, and many police still serving today will remember him with great respect and admiration for that.

“Bob’s loyalty to policing and to his police colleagues continued beyond his tenure as Commissioner. He was also a life member of the Police Welfare Fund, which through the Police Association provides welfare benefits and services to police and their families. His continued involvement in the ‘police family’ spoke of his dedication and his respect for those who perform the vital but at times very difficult job of policing.

“That respect was very much reciprocated by all who knew him. Bob Walton will be greatly missed, and our deepest sympathies and condolences go to his family,” Mr O’Connor said.