Police Constable Shane McCarthy helped rescue an elderly woman from her burning Papamoa home.

Constable Ian Sadler designed a file transfer phone app in his own time that is now being taken up by five other police districts.

The officers and police staff who were presented with awards. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

Teamwork by Constables Murray McGowan and Blair Robertson saved a man who had tried to hang himself.

There are just some of the better work stories to come out of the Tauranga Police awards ceremony on Friday.

Around 27 police and staff were called up for the presentation of diplomas, merit awards, commendations, plus a large number of long service badges, medals and clasps for staff who have serviced in the police from for 14, 21, 28 and 35 years.

Senior Constable Adrian Oldham, who previously received a humane society medal for his part in the rescue of the woman from the burning Papamoa house, has been a police constable for 35 years. He also received a commendation for the Papamoa rescue.

The ceremony was conducted by Western Bay of Plenty area commander Inspector Clifford Paxton, with Bay of Plenty district commander Superintendent Andy McGregor and Tauranga MP, Transport Minister, Energy and Resources Minister, Associate Minister of Justice, Associate Minister of Climate Change Issues and Deputy Leader of the House, Simon Bridges.

As a former prosecutor for the Crown Law Office in Tauranga, Simon says he's familiar with the work police do, and that he recognised some familiar faces in the room.

While it is hard work sometime and there is too much paper work, it's a job that has its dangers and its moments.

Simon says while police and politicians are far apart on the popularity scale, 'you are somewhere near the top, and I'm somewhere near the bottom”.

But there are similarities in the working hours, says Simon.

'The families have nights when partners area not home, and times when they are home all the time. Politics is a bit like that as well.

'I think you do a fantastic job for us. Your support from your family members helps you keep our community safe. Thanks very much.”

Officers who received awards are as follows:

Constable Jane Snare, Diploma in Police Workplace Practice

Constable Murphy Taele, Diploma in Police Workplace Practice

Constable Shane McCarthy, Silver Merit

Constable Ian Sadler, Commissioner's Commendation

Constable Murray McGowan, District Commander's Commendation

Constable Blair Robertson, District Commander's Commendation

Detective Matt Valentine, District Commander's Commendation

Quinn O'Connell, District Commander's Certificate of Appreciation

Sally Bradbury, Area Commander's Certificate of Appreciation

Detective Aaron Duggan, Long Service Medal 14 years; Senior Constable Grant Carpenter, Long Service Medal 14 years

Senior Sergeant Shannon Clifford, Long Service Medal 14 years

Detective Helen Beck, Long Service Medal 14 years

Karen Maule, Long Service Badge 21 years

Sergeant Adrian Tukaki, Long Service Clasp 21 years

Detective Sergeant Nigel Grey, Long Service Clasp 21 years

Senior Constable Andrew Minkhorst, Long Service Clasp 21 years

Sergeant Mark Holmes, Long Service Clasp 21 years

Senior Sergeant Chris Summerville, Long Service Clasp 21 years

Senior Constable Paul Horler, Long Service Clasp 21 years

Jenny Corkill, Long Service Clasp 28 years

Ethne Woodcock, Long Service Badge, 28 years

Senior Constable John Fitzgerald, Long Service Clasp 28 years

Senior Constable Adrian Oldham, Long Service Clasp 35 years

Sonny Walker, Long Service Badge 14 years.

Sonny Walker was last because friends and Whanau from Te Aranui Trust performed a haka in his honour, followed by a reply from police.