Former Officer’s Medal Reunited with Family After Unexpected Find

A long-lost police medal has been returned to the family of its late owner after being discovered at a Salvation Army store in Nelson, New Zealand. The medal, awarded for 28 years of long service and good conduct, was found by a volunteer named Kaye, who was taken aback by how such a personal item ended up among the store’s usual donations.

Curiosity led Kaye to share her discovery with her sister, Nyanne Graf-Pollard, a Senior Constable with the Tasman District Police. Recognizing the significance of the medal, Nyanne embarked on a mission to trace its rightful owner. The investigation revealed that the medal belonged to the late Lindsay Hunter, a distinguished police officer who passed away in 2018.

Nyanne quickly learned about Lindsay’s extensive career, which included service in locations such as Canterbury, Tasman, and Wellington, as well as a tenure at the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC). Determined to reunite the medal with his family, she turned to a retired police network on Facebook. This effort resulted in a phone call from Lindsay’s sister, Lauree, who assisted Nyanne in locating Lindsay’s widow, Kay Hunter.

Upon hearing the news, Kay was astonished and confirmed that the medal had once held a place of honor in their household. Nyanne and Kay met in Nelson, where a heartfelt reunion took place. Kay expressed her gratitude, stating, “I have no idea how it made its way to the op shop. I have moved house, so it’s possible that it got moved on in a bag of stuff to be recycled. I guess we’ll never know.”

Reflecting on the significance of the medal, Kay continued, “Having the medal now back in my hands is yet another reminder of all those years Lindsay and I spent together and, in particular, his dedication to police work and the friendships we both developed amongst his police colleagues.” She emphasized her commitment to safeguarding the medal, appreciating the efforts of Nyanne and others involved in its recovery.

Nyanne’s initiative highlights the importance of community connections, especially those forged within the police force. With the assistance of the Police Museum, further details emerged about Lindsay’s remarkable career. He joined the police force as part of the No 2 Walter Nash Cadet Wing in 1958, later becoming a probationary constable in 1960. His career trajectory saw him rise through the ranks to become a superintendent by 1991 and the director of training at the RNZPC in 1988.

The book *With Confidence and Pride* notes that Lindsay’s appointment coincided with a transformative shift in police practice, moving from traditional response methods to community-oriented policing. This transition necessitated extensive training, which Lindsay was instrumental in implementing.

The return of the medal not only restores a piece of family history but also serves as a reminder of Lindsay Hunter’s legacy and contributions to law enforcement in New Zealand. The collaborative efforts of Kaye, Nyanne, and the broader community exemplify the impact of dedication and teamwork, even in the most unexpected circumstances.