A sad day for the NZ Police

**spudchucka** · 11th July 2008, 14:00

In the simple performance of duty,

he pinned on a badge,
checked his gear with a practiced eye,
and kissed his loved ones good-bye.

In the simple performance of duty,
he reported for work,
joked with his buddies at roll call,
and made his last trip down the squadroom hall.

In the simple performance of duty,
he answered the call
to help the helpless, to find the lost,
no matter the danger or how great the cost.

In the simple performance of duty,
he lay down his life,
for those in peril he tried to save,
our brave friend went to his grave.

In the simple performance of duty,
we honor his deed,
as we carry him to rest in a flag-draped casket,
long after the world has forgotten, we shall never forget.

Never judge or regret, what he did, In the simple performance of duty.

Rest in peace brother, you will always be remembered.

~Ofc. Greg South
Newtown Township Police Department

**Nasty** · 11th July 2008, 14:00

Our thoughts are with this officers family and extended police family at this time. It didn't need to happen but we loose so many people through pointless acts.

Nasty and Grub

**Toaster** · 11th July 2008, 14:19

Such a terrible and tragic loss to Derek's loved ones, workmates and friends, the New Zealand Police and to all of us who really appreciate the tough job they do everyday 24/7.

**jimbo600** · 11th July 2008, 15:33

Condolences to all members of the force and more so to the Derek's family. A sober reminder of the hazzards you guys put yourselves in every day.

Very sad

MD · 11th July 2008, 17:01

Terrible news. Condolences.

There should be harsher penalties to protect law enforcement and Corrections staff from assault and murder. They put themselves between us and crims and therefore face higher risks and deserve every deterent possible. This reckless killing just days after a Prison Officer was badly bashed.

**NighthawkNZ:Me** · 11th July 2008, 17:12

To protect and serve. The thin blue line, just got thinner... sad news

Condolences to all members of the force and family.

**Robbo** · 11th July 2008, 17:25

Excellent post Spudchucka, well done. This is indeed a tradgy and a sad day for the NZ Police. Many of these scumbags place no value or respect for people or property these days. Where has society gone so terribly wrong?
I have already lost one good mate in the force in Fielding a few years ago so i know what the family and friends will be going through.
Condolences to all concerned.

**marty** · 11th July 2008, 17:28

I've been to 3 too many Police funerals. 1 was a good friend. This is another very, very sad day.

**Mom** · 11th July 2008, 17:29

A very sad day indeed. I am very sorry to hear of this terrible tragedy today. My heartfelt condolences to the policemans family, friends and colleagues.

My respect to anyone that puts themselves on the front line everyday.

Anne

**Conquiztador** · 11th July 2008, 17:31

My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

There is no job worth dying for.

**nallac** · 11th July 2008, 21:07

my condolences to his family & friends,

trying to protect the inocent and dies doing it,,,,

as has already been said we don't have enough police officers
already,
Can't really put my anger at that looser in to words!!!!

We need the death penalty.

**CB ARGH** · 11th July 2008, 22:03

Heard about it a few hours ago.

You've got to think how insane the driver had to be to turn the wheel towards the officer. I hope the bastard get's made an example of, and gets life in prison.

**Edbear** · 11th July 2008, 22:15

Can't say much more really. It is tragic and unfair. I think there is already a growing backlash at the offenders who do such things.

I hope it doesn't escalate to mob action, or vigilante justice, but the general opinion of "Joe Public" is getting pretty vehement against these crimes.

One can only hope the judiciary are getting as angry,(? right word?), and come down with the full weight of the law. Won't bring the victim back, but slapping these guys on the wrist with wet bus tickets is not getting the message across.