text: Editorial: Slain police officer is a national tragedy - NZ Herald
  20 Jun, 2020 01:24 AM 2 minutes to read
  The scene of yesterday's incident in Massey where an officer was gunned down while carrying out a routine traffic check. Photo / Michael Craig
  The killing in Massey yesterday of a New Zealand Police officer is a devastating event, most particularly for the officer's family and friends.
  We are only fortunate in that this is a relatively rare occurrence compared with overseas territories. It has been 11 years since a police officer was killed in the line of duty in New Zealand. Senior Constable Len Snee was shot dead by gunman Jan Molenaar in Napier in May 2009.
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  There will be some who will cite this tragedy to call for more weapons to be provided to police officers, or to criticise the Government's weapons buy-back scheme. These discussions are important and will be held in coming days.
  Similarly, what exactly took place before during and after what was a routine traffic stop on Reynella Drive will come out in the fullness of several inquiries.
  Today, we mourn an officer who did not return home after a shift, we grieve for the people who received the most unwanted visit from the officer's superiors, and reflect on a community stunned and shamed for what took place there.
  Today, our entire nation should take pause to consider the loss of a person who volunteered to walk towards danger for their fellow citizens. There can be no greater sacrifice and we should be sincere and generous with our gratitude.