Kāpiti trio to receive bravery awards

Three Kāpiti heroes, who worked as a team to save the life of a cyclist trapped by floodwaters in the Waikanae River, are to be recognised for their bravery at a ceremony on Wednesday 24 February.

Kāpiti Mayor Ross Church will present the awards on behalf of the Royal Humane Society to local residents, Police Sergeant Karen Ellis, Shane Foxley and Mark Franklin, in recognition of their efforts to rescue a cyclist who had fallen into the swollen river during a storm in the district last May.

Sergeant Ellis responded to an emergency call and teamed up with Mr Franklin, who drove his loader through the surging flood waters to try and locate the cyclist. When he was spotted, trapped with his bike among reeds and debris on the other side of the river, Mr Franklin called Mr Foxley who brought in a digger to assist.

Eventually the rescue was made by Sergeant Ellis who, riding in the bucket of the digger, pulled the cyclist and his bike to safety. At times the digger was balanced on its two front wheels due to the arm and bucket being extended across the river.

The Royal Humane Society says by placing themselves at considerable risk, Sergeant Ellis, Mr Foxley and Mr Franklin “prevented a probable fatality”.

Mayor Church will present the awards in the Council Chambers, with family and friends of the recipients in attendance. Councillors, members of the Waikanae and Paraparaumu Community Boards, senior police officers and council staff will also attend.