When we think of the senseless murder of Len Snee and the serious wounding of his two colleagues, it is hard to see positives. And yet, as with everything in life, there are positives that become obvious.
The first thing that became obvious was that Napier is a wonderful caring community. Individuals opened their homes to friends – hoteliers and moteliers offered beds to those shut out of their homes and agencies such as civil defence and the Salvation Army sprung immediately into action.
On a personal note, I would like to thank Bruce and Gill Wilton who put Shirley and I up for the night.
The other real positive to come out of this tragedy is the huge demonstration of support for our police personnel.
By the very nature of their job, policemen and women spend a lot of their time dealing with the less desirable members of our community. Many of these low-lifes have no respect for the police and it becomes very easy for police personnel to see the world as being full of scumbags who hate the police.
Events of the last two weeks have allowed us to demonstrate to the members of our police force, that we admire and appreciate the job that they do and that the great majority of citizens have tremendous respect for them.
I don’t know if you saw the letter to the editor in the Hawke’s Bay Today on Monday night from Glen Miller – brother of injured policeman Bruce. It was a fantastic letter and if you didn’t read it – get a copy of Monday night’s paper and do so. The paper should print it again. It makes you feel good to be a member of the human race.
So no matter what happens in our lives there are always some positives to be found.
We can only hope that we do not have to face such tragic circumstances again, but if we do – we will do so in the knowledge that our police force can handle any situation and that our community will pitch in and do what is required.
I for one take great comfort from that.
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