As stated by Police Commissioner Andrew Coster:
Senior Constables Jim Manning and Scott Carmody from Christchurch have today been recognised with the New Zealand Bravery Decoration for their actions during the March 15 terrorist attacks.
Both officers put their lives on the line in 2019 to apprehend the now convicted terrorist.
A detailed account of their actions is available in the citation below.
Police Commissioner Andrew Coster says the honours were welcome acknowledgement of the extreme courage both officers showed on the day.
“As Police Officers we prepare for the worst and hope it never happens, but on 15 March 2019 the worst really did happen in Christchurch.
“Senior Constables Carmody and Manning put themselves in extreme danger to stop the gunman and prevent further harm to the community.
“I am proud and delighted to see the bravery and skills of these experienced frontline officers acknowledged by the nation through these awards.”
Both officers say they are humbled by receiving these awards.
“Receiving this honour is a huge privilege but any Police Officer in that situation would have done the same thing,” Senior Constable Manning says.
Senior Constable Carmody says the pair want to acknowledge the victims of the attacks as well as their colleagues who were also working that day.
“The victims and their loved ones will always be front of mind for us. And there were many, many people involved in the response including many of our fellow police officers,” he says.
“This award really is for every one of our colleagues involved in that response. All of them were prepared to put themselves in harm’s way, and it could have been any one of them that came across that car on that day.”
Canterbury District Commander Superintendent John Price says we all needed heroes that day.
“Those who responded, from members of the community through to Police and other first responders, are true heroes. We honour them all today.
“I’m immensely proud of Jim and Scott – their quick, clear thinking no doubt saved lives. Our communities are safer for their knowledge, experience, and of course, bravery.
“Jim and Scott are incredibly humble, but these awards are an important symbol of much more of than two heroic individuals, they say something about who we are as New Zealanders.
“I would also like to acknowledge the large number of Police staff, local and nationally, were also involved in the days, weeks and months following these horrific attacks. I’m extremely proud of their actions and the work they continue to do to ensure the safety of our communities.”
Senior Constable Manning joined New Zealand Police in 1987 while Senior Constable Carmody joined Police in 1993. Both have worked in Canterbury District for the last 28 years.
The New Zealand Bravery Decoration is the third highest Bravery Award after the New Zealand Cross and the New Zealand Bravery Star.
