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Mangawhai Senior Constable Graham Gough’s 42 years of service was recognised at the Rodney Police Awards recently, but he says his wife deserves a medal too.
He met Sheila at his first posting in Gisborne when she was a young nurse. After marrying 40 years ago she has been at his side ever since, following him to Whangarei, Waipu, Maungaturoto and Mangawhai while raising three children.
Sheila is proud of her husband’s work but has spent many sleepless nights worrying about him. It wasn’t until he was hit over the head with a metal bar in 2004, which took him six months to recover, that she stopped worrying.
“I realised that if something bad was going to happen I’d find out soon enough. So I get better sleeps now.”
Senior Constable Gough says while there has been plenty of tragedy and drama in his career, he prefers to focus on his positive role in the community.
“It’s not all handcuffs and battens. It’s about having empathy and a connection with the community to talk, guide and give them advice.”
His wife says he goes above and beyond, and is known to have cups of teas with elderly women to reassure families they are safe during storms. He has even rescued a cat from a tree.
At the ceremony in Silverdale, on April 22, Senior Constable Gough was awarded a medal for Long Service and Good Conduct along with seven other officers.
Rodney Area Commander Inspector Mark Fergus said they demonstrated bravery, courage, and empathy, and had broken down barriers and built trust in the face of adversity.
“We are likely to see the worst of humanity. What our people do every day many would refer to as extraordinary, yet our people simply say ‘it’s my job’.
“You pick yourself up, dust yourself off each day and step into the fray.”
Inspector Fergus said it was a privilege to serve but it can also be a burden, especially for families and partners, who received a round of applause.
“I acknowledge the things our partners endure in silence. It’s the knowing when not to ask what happened, but let the words flow freely when they do come,” Inspector Fergus said.
“It’s also that feeling of once again having to decline an invitation to a social occasion because the other half is working or being the only unaccompanied person at the event. Worse still is when the invitations stop coming.”
Sheila said Inspector Fergus’ speech resonated for her.
“I had to go out by myself all the time, and I always get introduced as the police officer’s wife.”
But after 40 years she has got used to it and enjoys being part of the community. Senior Constable Gough says his wife’s love and support has made his job possible.
The following eight officers were awarded Long Service and Good Conduct medals.
14 years
Youth and Community Supervisor Sergeant Steven Perris, Watch House Officer Kumeu Bruce Fenton
21 years
Mahurangi CPC Snr Constable Hamish Buick, Watch House officer Whangaparaoa Charlotte Jones.
28 years
Watch House officer Warkworth Celia Sowman.
35 years
PT supervisor Rodney Sergeant Bede Haughey; YES officer Senior Constable Bernie Watt.
42 years
Mangawhai Station Senior Constable Graham Gough.
