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Police Commisioner Howard Broad - Source: Close Up -
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The Police Commissioner has staunchly defended police actions during the aftermath of Friday's Pike River mine explosion, after they became the target of the dead miners' families anger.
All 29 men trapped underground in the West Coast mine were confirmed dead this afternoon, after a second explosion ripped through the mine.
Police Commissioner Howard Broad told TVNZ's Close Up tonight that the rescue effort was "extremely professional and thoroughly detailed", and praised Superintendent Gary Knowles, who was in charge of the operation.
"This was a situation hugely emotional in character, and when when people's emotions are all over the place there are outlets for that - and it's directed to the police. And he (Knowles) was very resilient in his response to that and he has my utmost admiration," he said.
The comments come after Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn labelled the disaster "the West Coast's darkest hour", adding the families broke down in anguish when told the news of their loved ones' deaths, and channelled much of their fury towards the police.
However, Broad said this anger was misdirected.
"It's a very sad and devastating day," he said.
"But throughout these last six days we have faced the prospect of dealing with a post-explosion set of conditions in the mine that created conditions that made it impossible to put rescuers at risk to go and find these men in the mine."
He added the personal attack on Knowles by Australian journalist Ean Higgins who questioned his ability as a "country cop" to lead the operation was both unwarranted and "disgraceful".
"Here was Superintendent Gary Knowles, a very successful and accomplished police officer of over 30 years' experience... Leading a rescue operation in which there was hope - a slim hope - of rescuing the miners trapped below.
"And to be subjected to that sort of personal abuse I thought was disgraceful.
"Gary Knowles has had an extraordinarily difficult role, one of the most challenging police roles that I have encountered in my police career," he said.
Broad also rejected ideas that more could have been done, saying there was expert involvement throughout the six-day process.
"Superintendent Knowles was advised by experts of world-class standards, and those experts' decisions were being peer reviewed by other world experts.
"So what he was presenting to families - what he was presenting to communities, to the nation - was the product of a huge amount of highly expert advice. His job was to communicate that clearly and simply. And I think he did a good job."
Broad said the operation is now moving into a recovery phase.
Share your messages of condolence to the friends and families of the men lost in the Pike River Mine on our messageboard below.
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Post new commenttit4tat said on 2010-12-03 @ 18:25 NZDT: Report abusive post
condolences to the families, concern about the industry that allowed these men to work in unsafe conditions, mines are dangerous thats true but none can put their hands on their hearts and claim they have gone above and beyond what is lawfully required of them to ensure their "mates" safety. Glenn Grindly could lead the way by ensuring his mine workers and his local community are 110% protected people b4 profit yeah right!!!
tropicalkiwi said on 2010-12-02 @ 23:35 NZDT: Report abusive post
To the families of the miners, my condolences. My thoughts have been with over the last 13 days, I have shed tears for your loss and hope that the support you have been shown in some small way helps. You will remain in my thoughts.
james q said on 2010-12-02 @ 17:17 NZDT: Report abusive post
Tragedy has brought Australia & New Zealand together yet again. My thought are with the West Coasters in NZ from the west coast of Australia.
wellthatsafinemess said on 2010-12-02 @ 13:50 NZDT: Report abusive post
when your here your here when your gone your gone there is nothing to be said there is nothing can be done and when the bell tolls your on the final run to your maker you may fly upon wings of mercy sigh forever you will be in our hearts & our minds eye Rest in Peace Gentlemen.
turret said on 2010-12-02 @ 13:27 NZDT: Report abusive post
to hear your voice,to see you smile to sit and talk to you a while to be together the same old way that would be our greatest wish wish today.....to hear you laugh,to hear you cry on just a chance,to say goodbye to say the things we didn't say that would be our greatest wish today But all we can dois throw flowers on the water look fo the sun through the rain Lay a little flower gentle on the water Remember how we loved you to comb you hair,to lace your boots buy some beer ,let you choose .