Four Hamiltonians To Receive Bravery Awards

Four courageous Hamiltonians will be presented with bravery awards from the Royal
Humane Society of New Zealand tomorrow in recognition of their efforts during two
separate rescue attempts on the Waikato River.

Hamilton Mayor Julie Hardaker, who is a Vice-Patron of the Royal Humane Society of
New Zealand, will present the awards on the Society’s behalf during tomorrow’s
Council Meeting.

Jessica Munro and Ashleigh Hodge will be presented with Bronze Medals for their
actions while attempting to rescue a woman from the Waikato River in Cambridge in
June 2010. The pair, who were both 17 years old at the time of the incident, swam
across the river to retrieve the woman. Once ashore they unsuccessfully attempted to
resuscitate her and remained on the riverbank for 45 minutes before a boat could reach
them.

Police Constables Marcus Elliott and Mark Strongman will receive Certificate of Merits
in acknowledgement of their actions in a rescue of a woman from the river in Hamilton
in March 2010. Constable Elliott and Constable Strongman were on patrol in the city
when they responded to a call about a person in the river. On arrival at the scene the
pair swam out into the middle of the river to assist the woman – keeping her afloat
and bringing her safely to the shore.

“In both incidents these brave individuals acted swiftly and selflessly in attempts to save
the lives of complete strangers. It is courageous actions like these that deserve to be
recognised and celebrated, and amazing people like these that help to make Hamilton
such a great place to live,” said Mayor Hardaker.

A number of official guests will be attendance during the awards presentation including
local MPs, Freedom of the City Holders and representatives from NZ Police.