Key Takeaways
- Cyclone Gabrielle caused significant disruption and damage in October 2023, with rising river levels and dropping cell phone coverage.
- Detective Sergeant Heath Jones and his colleague Detective Constable Jaime Stewart were deployed to the Pakowhai area near Hastings to assist with rescues.
- Jones and Stewart performed two rescues, including saving a woman and her two children from a house roof and helping two elderly people trapped in chest-high water.
- The community played a crucial role in helping others during the crisis, with many people wanting to get out and assist those in need.
- Jones credits his training and the community’s support for the successful rescues, and believes that helping others is a key reason why people join the police force.
Introduction to the Storm
The day Cyclone Gabrielle hit, Detective Sergeant Heath Jones was traveling to work, unaware of the severity of the situation. At first, he thought it was just a minor disruption, with a few trees down and some puddles. However, as the day progressed, the situation quickly became a concern. Cell phone coverage began to drop, and river levels started to rise, making it difficult for people to communicate and navigate the area. Jones and his colleagues were deployed to the Pakowhai area near Hastings, where they would face numerous challenges and dangers as they worked to rescue those in need.
The Rescues
Jones and his colleague Detective Constable Jaime Stewart were tasked with rescuing a woman and her two children, aged 4 and a baby, who were stranded on their house roof. To reach them, they had to cross waist-deep, debris-filled, and fast-moving water. This was just the first of two rescues they would perform that day. Later, they came across two elderly people who were trapped in chest-high water after walking a short distance from their vehicle, which was almost fully submerged. The couple couldn’t swim and were exhausted, making it difficult for them to stay afloat. Jones entered the water to swim out to them, navigating a submerged barbed-wire fence line to reach them. Throughout both rescues, the main concern was the risk of losing footing and being swept away by the strong currents.
Community Support and Bravery
The community played a significant role in helping others during the crisis, with many people wanting to get out and assist those in need. Jones credits the community’s support and his training for the successful rescues. He believes that helping others is a key reason why people join the police force. As he said, "So it’s not just about being a police officer, but, [if] someone’s in trouble, I suppose that’s one reason why you do join the police, is so that you can help others." Jones’ bravery and selflessness were recognized, and he was one of five police officers to receive a Bravery Medal for their actions during Cyclone Gabrielle. Two others received the New Zealand Bravery Decoration, a higher honor.
Previous Awards and Recognition
This was not Jones’ first time receiving an award for bravery. In 2011, he was awarded the New Zealand Bravery Decoration for his actions during the 2009 Napier siege, where Senior Constable Len Snee was fatally shot. Jones was one of the first officers to arrive at the scene, and his bravery and quick thinking helped to save lives. The fact that he has received multiple awards for bravery is a testament to his dedication to serving and protecting his community. Jones’ story serves as an inspiration to others, highlighting the importance of courage, selflessness, and community support in the face of adversity.
Conclusion and Reflection
The story of Detective Sergeant Heath Jones and his colleague Detective Constable Jaime Stewart is a remarkable one, highlighting the bravery and selflessness of those who risk their lives to help others. The rescues they performed during Cyclone Gabrielle were just a few examples of the many heroic actions taken by emergency services and community members during the crisis. As Jones reflected on the experience, he emphasized the importance of community support and the role that police officers play in helping those in need. His story serves as a reminder of the power of courage, compassion, and community, and the difference that individuals can make in the lives of others.
