Mystery hero of Whakaari White Island disaster honoured as 'Serviceman M'
Sunday, 6 June 2021
A serviceman responsible for leading the ground recovery team after the 2019 Whakaari/White Island eruption has been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours with a Distinguished Service Decoration (DSD).
Serviceman M, who cannot be named for security reasons, is a New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) officer who has spent years dealing with bombs, explosives and highly volatile situations.
After the eruption on December 9, 2019, which killed 22 people and injured another 25, he led a team from E Squadron (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) in a body recovery operation.
He was honoured with a DSD alongside Lieutenant Colonel Adam Modd for their careers, during which the pair have worked in a range of dangerous situations.
**READ MORE:
* 'I hadn't eaten, I hadn't slept': NZDF commander recalls Whakaari/White Island recovery operation
* The Whakaari recovery operation - behind the scenes
**
At Whakaari, Serviceman M and his team worked in extreme conditions due to the heat and lethal gases.
According to the award citation, he liaised with other agencies to ensure the safest and most effective course of action.
He conducted planning at the emergency operations centre in Whakatāne, before embarking on HMNZS Wellington for the recovery operation. Later he was involved in planning for body assessment and decontamination processes.
Initially, Serviceman M and his rescue team medic went ashore on Whakaari to place monitoring and diagnostic equipment.
He then led the recovery team on to the island to search for and retrieve six victims, keeping the team focused in their cumbersome protective clothing and breathing apparatus that quickly exhausted those involved.
He ensured six bodies were recovered and determined the other two victims could not be located, before withdrawing the team, then supporting the subsequent police search.
“Being recognised in this way is still sinking in, I am proud and incredibly grateful,” he said.
“I understand also that I have been recognised as the team leader. I am really grateful and humbled to be placed in a leadership position like this; especially considering the calibre of people we have throughout our unit.”
He said the unit had continued its reputation for success in complex and novel situations and that working with the navy, air force and Joint Forces staff made the operation successful.
“I think as we face the risks from further earthquakes and natural disasters resulting from increasing climate extremes, we will see more need for people who can solve problems and provide effective solutions.”
His family were proud of his efforts, said Serviceman M, who has served in the NZDF for more than 17 years, especially his wife because of her connection to the Whakatāne area.
“My children think it is awesome – mostly that certificate from the Queen is amazing.”
The second DSD recipient in 2021, Modd has had a career dedicated to the development of domestic and expeditionary EOD capabilities.
After serving with the British Army, he joined the NZ Army in 2007 as an ammunition technical officer.
He set up a New Zealand-led international explosives research and training programme that resulted in a higher level of understanding in helping reduce chemical and explosive related risks.
Now in the Reserve Force, he was surprised and humbled to receive the honour, particularly after receiving a George Medal in 2002.
“To be honoured by the Queen a second time, but in my new home of New Zealand, is something really special,” he said.
“I will accept this award feeling it is also for the brave men and women I have served with and continue to serve with.”
He said his career had involved risking his life to save others and trying to restore normality for those put at risk by explosive hazards and chemicals.
“So receiving the DSD is something that adds to the honour but in a way that complements the main core of our role to save lives which is the most important thing.”
He is now deputy director of emergency management at the Ministry of Health and is currently the deputy mission lead on a ministry team providing support to the Cook Islands.