Grieving ex-cop leads memorial ride for police sergeant found dead at home

The ride two police mates never completed becomes a memorial journey as colleagues unite to honour a sergeant who took his own life with a service weapon.

Cydonee Mardon

“He wanted to do a ride with me. I couldn’t make it. I had told him to set a date and I would make it work, but I couldn’t. It’s ruined me,” Mitch told news.com.au.

His friend, Sergeant Anthony Baillie – affectionately known as Bails and the name preferred by his family – was tragically found deceased in his Bateau Bay home on Monday, April 6, with a gunshot wound from a police-issue firearm.

Authorities have confirmed there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Bails’ passing is now the subject of a Law Enforcement Conduct Commission Review.

Police sources have revealed the review will investigate how the sergeant managed to take a firearm home to his Central Coast residence after a night shift. It is understood he was designated an “internal sergeant”, meaning he was not permitted to carry a weapon due to mental health concerns.

Mitch, police colleagues and family and friends of Bails are for now focused on honouring the life of the much loved police officer.

“I just wish I could have done more for him,” Mitch said.

Mitch fondly remembered Bails as a truly exceptional individual who would go to great lengths for anyone, “even if it meant he copped criticism for it.”

“He always had your back and would fight for the troops below him before protecting himself.”

This Wednesday, Mitch, along with Bails’ father, other family members, and police colleagues, will embark on the very route the two men had planned to ride together.

Mitch is organising this ride in honour of Bails, aiming to make it “the biggest thing as he really enjoyed being out on his bike.”

“His ride of choice, which we did together many times, is the ride we will be doing,” Mitch said.

“I want to make this a big event to show how much he was loved as a son, father, brother, uncle, and friend. This ride means the world to me, and I would love as much support on the ride. If you can offer any support, big or small, it will all be greatly appreciated.”

He urged, “If you know Bails, know of him, or want to support a friend riding, please make every effort you can to attend.”

Cyclists are requested to gather at 9am for a 10am start on Railway Parade, at the intersection of Gen Street, Belmont. ( NSW )

The group will ride to The Beach Hotel, Merewether, for lunch before returning to Belmont. A support vehicle will be available to transport bikes in case of mechanical issues or injuries. Coffee will be generously supplied by Emerge & See NSW & ACT, proudly serving Toby’s Estate Coffee.

“Let’s all get together and show our support for the legend Bails was,” Mitch encouraged.

Alana Singleton from Emerge & See emphasised the importance of reaching out for help, urging anyone experiencing mental health issues to contact their organisation.

Emerge & See is a “peer-led, free, independent, and confidential mental health support service for currently serving and retired emergency service workers and volunteers.”

She explained, “Driven by the lived experience of service, trauma, treatment, recovery, and growth, they will be there to help with resources, education, professional referrals, connection, and hope. We empower our community to proactively engage in support.”

To connect or seek support, please visit emergeandsee.org.au or email info@emergeandsee.org.au