He was a well-respected police officer, family man and a pillar in his community.
Forty two-year-old officer Jeremy Field died at his Beachlands home from natural causes on Sunday, April 30.
He leaves behind wife Jane Field, who is also a police officer, 12-year-old daughter Faith and 10-year-old son Preston.
More than 1000 people gathered at Elim Christian Centre East in Botany on Thursday, May 4, to farewell Mr Field in a ceremony that included a rousing haka. The service was followed by a private cremation.
Counties Manukau east area commander Inspector Wendy Spiller, who spoke at the funeral, said the dedicated officer was an integral part of the local community.
He was a parent representative on the Somerville Intermediate School BOT and had links with many local sporting teams, including Pakuranga Jaguars Rugby League Community Sports Club.
Building trust between police and the community, particularly with teenagers, was something Mr Field was especially skilled at and passionate about, she said.
“He was a fantastic officer, involved in all facets of the community.”
“He will be missed.”
Mr Field joined the police force in 1998 at the age of 23 years and graduated from the Royal NZ Police College the following year.
During his career in the police force, he worked mostly with Counties Manukau east, covering Howick and Ormiston.
For the past 12 months, he worked as officer in charge of the Counties Manukau district custody unit.
A death notice in the New Zealand Herald written by his devastated family paid tribute to the much-loved husband and father.
“Taken far too early. Thank you for sharing your life with me, you are my soul mate and I will love you forever. You were always there for us, you were our rock. A loving and giving husband and father. We miss you so much. Love always, your wife Jane and our beautiful children Faith and Preston. xx”
