Tributes pour in for 'Sneezo'

Napier Mail

FLORAL TRIBUTES: An officer lays flowers at a memorial for slain Napier policeman Len Snee, who was shot dead on Thursday.

Napier Mail

DECEASED: Senior Constable Len Snee.

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Devastated family and friends of slain police officer Len Snee have converged on Napier to pay tribute to their "Sneezo" as his body was reclaimed by police after lying in the street for more than a day.
Snee, 53, a policeman of 33 years, was committed to three things in life; his family, his rugby and his job.
His wife of more than 25 years, Vicki, and sons Sam, 24, and Joe, 22, issued a short statement yesterday through family friend Stan Tristram.
"He gave it 100 per cent and was totally dedicated to everything he did.
"He was a private person and a man of few words. He was proud to be a policeman and proud to be an armed offenders squad officer."
Friends from Napier Technical Old Boys Rugby Club who have known him for more than 20 years described the Taradale police officer as a laid-back guy not a big drinker, "although he did like a bourbon occasionally" said rugby mate Phil Turner.
"He was always immaculate; that's why, you know, it's so hard to believe he was just lying in the street like that.
"Obviously, sure, there's nothing they can do, but it's just not him."
Former colleague, rugby coach and Napier City Councillor Keith Price remembers his mate's dogged dedication.
"He was the kind of guy who would never take leave ... you'd tell him to take three weeks and he'd be back the next day, saying `oh I've just got to do this, I've just got to do that'."
"He's left an irreplaceable hole. He was a little bit of a loner, he'd head off by himself and gnaw away at things, but get a result."
Calm and level-headed, Snee was not the type to put himself or his team in unnecessary danger.
"I wouldn't picture him running up and kicking the front door in, he'd snoop around a little bit. He was very cautious, not a gung-ho sort of a guy.
"He didn't upset a lot of people obviously when something like this happens, everyone will say he's a good person, but I say it genuinely."