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Shortly before 9:00 p.m., Matiu Ratana left the training ground at his rugby club to go on his night shift as a custodial sergeant.
The inspiring police officer had thrown himself into training and was eager to fully focus on nurturing future rugby stars once he retired.
Six hours later, his life and hopes were taken from him in the cruelest way imaginable.
He was shot point-blank in the line of duty, in a police building where he should have been safe.
Sergeant Ratana, whose job it was to ensure the care and well-being of detainees, died in hospital.
He was previously a protection officer for Princess Diana, the Queen Mother and former Prime Minister John Major.
And, in 1992, the hero officer found himself within 330 yards of an IRA car bomb exploding in front of 10 Downing Street, The Mirror reports.
The 54-year-old father immigrated to Britain from New Zealand in 1989 and had been in the Metropolitan Police Service for nearly 30 years. His friends said that he was incredibly proud of his work and that he would do anything to help members of the community.
Within a year of his retirement, the inspiring police officer (pictured) had thrown himself into training and was eager to fully focus on nurturing future rugby stars.
A bear man, the crazy rugby striker was thrown deep into the dark belly of London, first as a policeman in Hackney and then in Croydon, where he died yesterday morning. Friends say he dedicated his life to force, but outside of work he had a great sense of humor and would leave his friends in a fit of laughter.
After moving to Worthing in West Sussex six years ago, Ratana took over as the head coach of the East Grinstead Rugby Club, helping young people develop their game.
He himself had been an outstanding player, even going so far as to become the London Irish professional team among many other London clubs. He had learned the game at Palmerston North Boys’ High School, which has produced several All Blacks.
Three years after arriving in Britain, he married Teresa Conway in Slough and the couple had a son, Luke, the following year.
They later separated and his ex-wife and son are believed to have emigrated to Australia. Friends said that Ratana had remained very close to Luke.
After moving to Worthing in West Sussex six years ago, Matiu Ratana took over as head coach of East Grinstead Rugby Club, helping young people develop their game.
For the past four years he had been in a relationship with Sue Bushby. Her sister, Amanda Tessier, said Miss Bushby was devastated by the news and that her friends were comforting her.
Describing Mr. Ratana, he said: “ He was a great friendly bear, one of the loveliest men you could meet.
‘He was absolutely dedicated to being a cop and had almost 30 years of service.
“ He knew the dangers of being a policeman in London and had talked about them, but for him it was all part of the job.
‘It was something he was trained in and was used to. He was such a lovely boy. We just can’t believe it. How did someone have a gun at the police station?
Flowers were left outside the Croydon Custody Center yesterday.
Among those who paid tribute was Paul, 27, who was trained by Ratana at East Grinstead.
He said: ‘Man was a machine. He was a leader among men. He would go from training us straight to work like he did last night.
“ Last night he left training around 9 p.m. It was a huge inspiration. It helped our club a lot.
“Many years ago we lost our funding and he fought tooth and nail for the club and really helped us. As players, we were like brothers. He was so vibrant, larger than life, he was the kind of man everyone wanted to have a beer with. ‘
Glenn and Debbie Stobart lived next door to Ratana in Coulsdon, South London, for several years before he moved to Worthing.
Ms Stobart, a close friend, said: ‘He was a fantastic man. He was always helping others. If you were concerned about something, he would respond to your concerns.
“ He was so loving, funny, everyone knew him. He was a really great character.
‘The first day he moved to the area he came and knocked on the door and introduced himself and everyone has known him since. He loved his job and being a cop. He was very proud to serve the community.
“ He was hoping to retire next year but wasn’t sure what he was going to do with all that free time, so he threw himself into rugby even more. He loved helping children and that gave him real purpose. ‘
Holding back tears as she spoke of her killer, she added: ‘They should throw away the key.
How can someone enter a police station with a gun? Is incredible.
