Medals for local heroes

Ruapehu Bulletin, 24 November 1992, Page 4

Medals for local heroes

Ex-Ohakune man Peter Sutton now has two pieces of metal to remind him of his bravery at Owhango on 23 August 1988. He has a Queen's Gallantry Medal presented last week, and he also still carries a bullet in his leg after being shot in the Owhango incident. Ex-Ohakune ski patrol leader Peter Sutton received his medal for going to the aid of Ohakune traffic officer Ian Harrison when he was under attack by two offenders. Mr Harrison said he was "rather nervous" when receiving his Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct. The Governor General Dame Cath Tizzard presented the awards last week. Mr Harrison had been

taken hostage and severely beaten by two offenders after he stopped them for speeding. He had managed to free himself, only to be attacked further. Mr Sutton had arrived on the scene (with his family in the car) while Mr Harrison was on the ground, being beaten. One of the offenders fired two shots from a pistol, and one of the bullets hit Mr Sutton in the calf of one leg. A third shot hit Mr Sutton's car. Mr Sutton now lives in Taupo and works for the New Zealand Employment Service. Soldiers The Queen's Gallantry Medal was also awarded to Warrant Officer Class II Kevin Friss and Sergeant John Akurangi who, in two separate incidents in 1987

and 1988 at Waiouru, shielded their students from exploding grenades. Corporal Alan Lawry received the Queen's

Commendation for Brave Conduct for helping 10 people involved in an accident north of Taihape on 27 November 1987.