Police across New Zealand have observed a minute of silence in honour of Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming who was killed in Nelson in the early hours of New Year’s Day.
The 62-year-old was one of two officers struck by a vehicle in Nelson’s Buxton Square at around 2am on January 1. She died later that day of her injuries, making her the first New Zealand policewoman to be killed in the line of duty.
The minute’s silence at 1pm today marked 24 hours before Fleming will be farewelled at a funeral service in Nelson with full police honours.
Dozens of police officers and members of the public gathered outside Nelson Central Police Station to observe the minute’s silence and reflect on the loss of their colleague.
Flowers, a rock decorated with Fleming’s badge number and photographs of netball teams she had coached were among the tributes left outside the station.
Officers also gathered outside the Wellington Central police station, among other locations, to pay their respects to their fallen Nelson colleague.
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said staff were invited to pause and observe the minute of silence to “remember the ultimate sacrifice of one of our own”.
Police districts and service centres were encouraged to mark the occasion “as appropriate to them” to acknowledge the loss of a colleague, he added.
New Zealand police flags would continue to be flown at half-mast until Friday.
Funeral to take place in Nelson tomorrow
Fleming’s funeral will be held at Nelson’s Trafalgar Centre from 1pm tomorrow.
The service will include a motorcade, honour guard, police piper and the presentation of a flag to Fleming’s family. It will be attended by family, friends, the police community and invited guests such as Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
The minute of silence came 24 hours before Fleming, who died in Nelson on New Year’s Day, will be farewelled by her friends, family and colleagues. (Source: 1News)
Tasman district commander Superintendent Tracey Thompson said local police were hurting but were encouraged by messages of support.
“I want to acknowledge the overwhelming response that we’ve had from our community and from around the country. The expressions of grief and condolence and offers of support help give us strength.”
Police staff from other districts would provide relief support for Tasman District to allow local staff to attend the funeral.
Nelson Mayor Nick Smith said in a statement that he was proud of the community’s response to Fleming’s death.
“Lyn has made an extraordinary contribution to police and our city – my hope for tomorrow is that we can honour her, support her family and stand shoulder to shoulder with our police as they mourn the loss of this outstanding officer.”
A 32-year-old man is facing a raft of charges over the incident, including murder and attempted murder.
