Members of the Bethlehem Community Patrol were handed the keys to their new patrol vehicle during a special ceremony held at Tauranga Central Police Station on Friday.
Tauranga MP Simon Bridges was there to hand over the keys, along with Mayor-Elect Greg Brownless and police representative Inspector Clifford Paxton.
All three spoke of the important role community patrols play in assisting police, and thanked the generous sponsors who provided much-needed financial assistance in purchasing the new 2008 Nissan Dualis.
Representatives from BayTrust, AMI, and Trustpower were in attendance, receiving certificates of appreciation for their sterling support. Other key sponsors include Pub Charities, and Farmer Auto Village, which provided the vehicle.
Bethlehem Community Patrol coordinator Bryan McKenzie says the patrols serve as an extra pair of eyes and ears for the police.
'Our patrol was formed three years ago, and is one of 280-odd such patrols throughout the country working under the guidance of local police.”
Bryan notes all patrols have to be financially self-sufficient, and are required to raise funds by appealing to the community and businesses.
'So we're very grateful for the support we've received.”
He says the Bethlehem Community Patrol is looking to recruit more volunteers, which would enable it to broaden the number of patrols. They hope to start some daytime patrols to assist in burglary prevention.
They are looking for volunteer patrollers with a minimum age of 18 years, although to drive a patrol vehicle you must be 25 years old.
You must be of good character, have a current driver's license, and most importantly, have a desire to help make our communities safer.
Those interested in volunteering for the Bethlehem area – which covers as far afield as Te Puna and Matua – should contact Bryan either at bryanmckenzie@xtra.co.nz or by calling 07-570-2483.
From left: Inspector Clifford Paxton, Mayor-Elect Greg Brownless, Bethlehem Community Patrol coordinator Bryan McKenzie, and Tauranga MP Simon Bridges.
2 comments
golly gosh
Posted on 22-10-2016 10:17 | By old trucker
Its really strange how Simon Bridges is always available for photo shoots and you cannot talk or find him at his office, which has his Lackeys answering for him,signing papers for the multi million dollar auckland job,and he can find NO MONEY for Katikati BYPASS, he does not care, when he first got in, 1100 motor bikes rode into GREY STREET to protest about $500 rego for motor bikes, he got up on his SOAPBOX, and said he would look into it, was there 5 minutes and left, we are no further ahead,but is always able to be there for PHOTOS, my 7 pennies worth Sunlive Thankyou No1 in the BAY.
100%
Posted on 22-10-2016 17:13 | By Jitter
I agree 100% with "old trucker" having had a disastrous "meeting" with the aforementioned Bridges. He is not interested in anyone else but Simon.
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