We regret to inform you of the untimely passing of Laurie Vickery, a former bus driver and employee of the Tea Gardens Country Club and Motel. We will never forget his steadfast dedication and community involvement.
This loss left his co-workers and the community he served deeply saddened. During this difficult time, our thoughts and condolences are with her family and loved ones.
Many people have not held back from sending their sincere condolences to Laurie Vickery’s family since news of his death broke, as well as honoring his recent statements. Everyone is asked to remember Lori Vickery’s family during this difficult time of unimaginable grief.
We are deeply saddened by your passing and grieve with family and friends for this significant loss. We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of this promising entity. We sincerely apologize and hope our prayers bring you comfort. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Please feel free to send prayers and condolences to the family and friends of the deceased; It will be greatly appreciated during this difficult time.
Deepest condolences to Lorraine, Jai, family & friends.
* Story behind any Nickname:
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Tragedy for WA Police as homicide squad detective takes own life at police facility
Rebecca Le May
The Nightly
Monday 9 September 2024
A WA police officer has taken his own life at a police facility.
Credit: Simon Santi/The West Australian
A homicide squad detective has taken his own life at a WA Police facility in Perth overnight.
It is understood the male officer fatally self-injured in the early hours of Monday morning.
In a statement, police said the death was being considered non-suspicious.
Commissioner Col Blanch extended his condolences to the officer’s family, his colleagues and everyone who knew him.
“Information regarding this officer’s death has been shared with his colleagues, and health and welfare support has been offered to all police officers and staff who may be impacted by this tragedy,” Mr Blanch said.
WA Police Union president Paul Gale said the whole force and membership were distraught by the loss.
“All of our members both here and across Australia will be affected by this,” Mr Gale said.
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the man’s death and compiling a report for the coroner.
A WA Police officer has died overnight in a Perth facility in what is thought to be suicide, with an investigation under way into how the tragedy unfolded.
WA Police confirmed the news on Monday, stating that the man’s death was non-suspicious and that a report would be prepared for the coroner.
This terminology is generally understood to relate to a self-harm incident.
Police Commissioner Col Blanch extended his condolences to the family of the officer, his colleagues and all who knew him.
“Information regarding this officer’s death has been shared with his colleagues, and health and welfare support has been offered to all police officers and staff who may be impacted by this tragedy,” a WA Police spokeswoman said.
WA Police Union president Paul Gale said the whole force and union membership were distraught.
“All of our members both here and across Australia will be affected by this,” he said.
A St John Ambulance spokeswoman said three ambulances attended a Stirling Street building just after 1am on Monday.
WA Police officers who have taken their own lives in the line of duty include officer Darren Igglesden, 50, who was found by colleagues at Cockburn police station in 2018 after suffering a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Gang Crime Squad detective sergeant Scott Blanchard, a married 45-year-old father of three, took his own life while travelling in a convoy en route to Kalgoorlie in 2015. In her findings, deputy State Coroner Evelyn Vicker concluded Blanchard had become overcome by his perceptions of his work and private responsibilities, and delusional about a medical condition.
If you or someone you know is in need of support contactLifeline on 13 11 14orBeyond Blue. In the event of an emergency dial Triple Zero (000
Police officer who took his own life at work stopped at airport days before death
A police officer who took his own life at work was stopped at an international airport days before he took his own life, police have said.
Emma Kirk
less than 2 min read
September 10, 2024 – 9:06PM
A police officer who took his own life at work was stopped at an international airport days before his death.
WA Police commissioner Col Blanch told 6PR the officer was a 45-year old Homicide Squad detective who had returned from a family event overseas.
The officer took his own life at a Perth police facility on Monday morning.
Mr Blanch said it was not clear if the incidents were connected in any way, but it was a focus of the police investigation.
“It is not unusual for Homicide Squad detectives (to access the armoury out of hours) because as you would appreciate they are called in at all hours of the day or night,” he said.
“All of those detectives have access to the building including the armoury for exactly that reason.”
Mr Blanch said sadly, when he talked to families of police officers who had died through suicide, work was always a contributing factor.
“It is a tough job,” he said.
“There are often multiple factors … and many many issues within people’s lives that leads them down this path.
“We understand and acknowledge it is a very difficult job for police.”
Mr Blanch said he had focused on building the health and welfare section of the force, with more support available to officer’s than ever before.
He said right now the priority was the welfare of the officer’s family, his colleagues and the staff who were in the building at the time.
“We have a lot of support from our health and welfare area being deployed throughout the agency to give that support to the officers and to the family,” he said.
“Police Legacy are also involved to provide support to the family when officers pass away.”
In a statement released by police, a spokesperson said the death was not being considered suspicious.
“Information regarding this officer’s death has been shared with his colleagues, and health and welfare support has been offered to all police officers and staff who may be impacted by this tragedy,” the statement said.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Yesterday afternoon, Mounted constable Edward Martin committed suicide at the police barracks, St Kilda road, by shooting himself.
The deceased was a single man, a native of the colony, and had been about two years in the force.
He had been stationed during the greater portion of that period at Swan-hill, and some time ago he received a sunstroke.
On the 16th of last month he was forwarded from Swan-hill to Melbourne, and reported as insane.
On his arrival he was sent to the police hospital, where under treatment his general health was greatly improved, and he was discharged from the hospital on the 3rd inst.
Since that time he has been doing duty about the depot until Saturday last, when he was despatched for temporary duty to Ringwood.
He returned to the barracks at a quarter to 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon, and reported himself to Sergeant Fagin, and appeared to be all right.
He was ordered by the sergeant to go to the barracks, get his dinner, and then to clean his horse and accoutrements.
Martin left Sergeant Fagin and went to his room, and in less than five minutes afterwards he shot himself through the head with his revolver.
A little boy nine years of age, son of Quarter-master Fahey, was passing through the passage when be heard the report of a revolver. He looked into the room and saw Martin standing in the centre of the room, with one side of his helmet all blackened.
He said to Martin, “One side of your helmet’s all black,” where upon Martin took it off and laid it down.
Young Fahey then went outside, and on looking through the window he saw Martin loading his revolver, which he did very quickly, placed it to his head, fired, and fell down.
The boy instantly gave the alarm, and Sergeant Fagin at once proceeded to the room, where he found Martin lying on his back in a pool of blood.
The bullet had entered on the right side of the head passed through and out on the left side, and stuck in a corner of the room.
Dr Webb, who was quickly in attendance, pronounced the case hopeless. Martin was at once removed to another room, and every attention shown to him, but be never rallied, and died shortly before 8pm.
The deceased has a brother living at Castlemaine and a sister at Swan-hill.
The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser ( NSW )
Thursday 12 January 1882 Page 3
Constable Edward MARTIN, lately confined as a lunatic, on account of the effects of sun-stroke, committed suicide yesterday ( Wednesday 11 January 1882 ) by blowing his brains out, in the police barracks.
An inquest was held on the remains at the police hospital on Tuesday.
The unfortunate young fellow had been sent down from his station, at Swan-hill for medical treatment, as he exhibited signs of insanity. He progressed so favourably that he was sent on special duty to Ringwood on Saturday.
On Monday afternoon Sergeant Fagan’s attention was drawn to the fact that Martin had shot himself, and upon examination he found Martin had shot himself through the head. Two bullets were found embedded in a beam in the room.
Dr. Ford said the deceased was quiet but stupid when under treatment in the hospital, and to all appearance was perfectly sane when he returned to duty.
On examining him, after being shot, he found the brain protruding from both sides of the head.
The deceased’s brother gave evidence, that he suffered from a sunstroke some years before he joined the force.
A verdict of suicide whilst of unsound mind was returned.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Our deepest condolences to Col’s son Chris, other family members and friends.
May Col Forever Rest In Peace.
* Story behind any Nickname:
Col worked at 22 MP Platoon (Military Police) at Victoria Barracks in 1976/77, he was known as Constantin Polydoros then and changed his name to Col Polley before he joined the NSW Police a few years later, around 1979,
Class 165A – 10 December 1979
Class 165B – 10 December 1979
Class 165C – 10 December 1979
Class 165D – 10 December 1979
Clss 165E – 10 December 1979
Class 165F – 10 December 1979
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
On September 27, at the NSW Police Wall of Remembrance, and all around the nation, National Police Remembrance Day was celebrated. Before the ceremony, our Chair Det Supt Donna McCarthy held a private Touchstone Ceremony, where members of the Zucchetti, Burns, and Schell families were presented with the Touchstones of their loved one.
At the service we honoured the names of NSW Police Force’s Sergeant Peter Thomas Stone, and SA Police’s Brevet Sergeant Jason Christopher Doig, who died while on duty, as well as the serving members of NSW Police who have passed away in the last 12 months:
General Administrative Support Officer Tammy Leigh Nagle
After the ceremony, three of our young Police Legatees – Oscar, Max, and Bronte – were presented with the Commissioner’s Scholarship. This award has the personal endorsement of the Commissioner, and each young Legatee receives money to support them in their chosen studies and endeavours.
A day of love and remembrance, a day of sadness and of promise.
Ash Feeney is fighting incurable Stage 4 Cervical Cancer. At 34, her vibrant personality has touched many lives. If you are lucky enough to know Ash, we can guarantee you know her infectious humour, ridiculously quick wit and spirit. After bravely overcoming Stage 3 Cervical Cancer earlier this year, Ash faces a new challenge. A recent PET scan revealed a tumour on the left side of her stomach, indicating the cancer has returned and spread to her stomach and lungs. Now diagnosed with stage 4 cervical cancer, her prognosis is heart-wrenching, with a life expectancy of 3 to 5 years.
Ash and her husband Matt are navigating this difficult journey. Despite the grim outlook, Ash remains a beacon of hope and courage. She’s begun chemotherapy and immunotherapy, with radiation to follow, aiming for tumour shrinkage. Throughout this ordeal, Ash has been a vocal advocate for regular health screenings, urging everyone to be proactive about their health.
To know Ash is to love her. She has an incredible, infectious personality and lights up every room she is in. She lives for her family- in Australia, Bali and the U.S, her friends, her lovely cat Lola, spicy margs, silliness, the Newcastle Knights, jokes, American reality TV, RuPaul’s Drag Race… So many things make up Ash’s beautiful life. It is a privilege to have Ash in your corner, her selfless and caring nature shines through in everything she does. Now, it’s our turn to reciprocate that support for Ash.
This GoFundMe campaign is to support Ash and Matt during this trying time. Ash has been battling cervical cancer since July 2022 and has undergone treatment, exhausting all leave entitlements available. With Ash unable to work and facing an uncertain future, your contributions will help provide much-needed relief for living expenses, ensuring Ash and her husband Matt can focus on her treatment and recovery.
Ash’s battle isn’t just personal; it’s a campaign of awareness she bravely shares on TikTok, building a community of support and spreading the word on health vigilance. By documenting her experiences, she fosters a community of support and raises awareness about the criticality of health vigilance.
We invite you to be a part of Ash’s support network. Your contribution, whether large or small, plays a crucial role in her fight against cervical cancer. If financial assistance is beyond reach, your positive thoughts and sharing of this campaign are equally valued.
We also encourage you to follow Ash’s TikTok for regular updates into her journey: @ash_feen. Ash not only chronicles her personal experiences with cervical cancer, but also shares information and advice that could benefit others. This platform has become a space for Ash to connect with a wider opportunity, offering support and raising awareness. Follow her on Tiktok at @ash_feen to stay informed and join her supportive network.
15 June 2024 by Ashley and Matthew Feeney, Beneficiary
It’s been some time since the last update I wrote.
We have only a little good news. Ashley will resume her chemo next week to treat the cancer.
She hasn’t had any treatment in nearly 5 months as her feeding and the pain were issues we needed to treat before she could ensure another round of chemo and radiation.
A CT scan has revealed in that time that her tumors have grown a fair bit since her last round of radiation.
She’s in hospital now in decent spirits. Still experiences horrific pain a few times a day after the painkillers wear off. And she’s resting and snacking.
We (Matt, Jen and Ron… And Ash!) were all happy to be told she’ll be restarting her chemo this week. First bit of hope we’ve gotten in a long time
Thank you all for your support. We love you all.
14 February 2024 by Ashley and Matthew Feeney, Beneficiary
Ashley has been in the hospital since Sunday. The radiation to her stomach is causing an incredible amount of pain. It effectively rendered her unable to eat. She would maybe get about a tablespoon of food in and about 300-500ml of water down per day.
They’ve quickly got approval to feed her via a picc line through her arm. We hope this will help her regain some of her strength to continue her battle.
Thank you all for your support!
23 January 2024 by Ashley and Matthew Feeney, Beneficiary
This week has been a bit tough for our family. Ashley has been in hospital since the 15th. Her tumor has grown about 1cm in the direction of her liver and spine. The tumor in her stomach is currently inoperable as crucial blood vessels are now intertwined with it. Ashley’s folks have been with her sun up to sun down every day at St. George Private. The nurses and doctors have been taking great care of her. I’ve been able to keep working and visiting in the afternoon.
Some good news: she had an endoscopy to see if her tumor was bleeding. It wasn’t thankfully. She has an ulcer that will be easily treated. They’re giving her a feeding tube to aid in getting some nutrition into her which she desperately needs.
I’ve been lucky enough to be able to take the next couple weeks off from work to be with her during her upcoming intensive round of radiation therapy.
Our financial situation going forward has improved for the time being. So that’s one less thing we have to worry about.
Your help got us through this first difficult patch with relative ease and we’re eternally grateful.
Please keep Ashley in your thought as she’s embarking on the hardest part of this ordeal. Her spirits are high as she chews ice and distracts herself with her coloring books. She has a literal briefcase of markers and made swatches.
We can’t wait to be able to spend time with all of our friends and family again in the future.
30 December 2023 by Ashley and Matthew Feeney, Beneficiary
Ashley and I are completely floored by our family, friends and strangers generosity.
We wanted to make a video to give everyone an update and say thank you but unfortunately Ashley doesn’t have much energy. She had a chemo and immunotherapy session two days ago but since eating and drinking causes severe pain (on top of the usual pain she has), she was anaemic and needed to stay overnight to receive 3 bags of blood and saline.
From the bottom of our hearts we thank you so much. So far the money you’ve donated has helped us with groceries and rent. It’s given us the peace of mind to focus on her care.
Once Ashley feels up for it, we’ll definitely post a video update.
We wish you all Happy Holidays and a safe and healthy New Year!
* Story behind any Nickname:
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
On September 27, at the NSW Police Wall of Remembrance, and all around the nation, National Police Remembrance Day was celebrated. Before the ceremony, our Chair Det Supt Donna McCarthy held a private Touchstone Ceremony, where members of the Zucchetti, Burns, and Schell families were presented with the Touchstones of their loved one.
At the service we honoured the names of NSW Police Force’s Sergeant Peter Thomas Stone, and SA Police’s Brevet Sergeant Jason Christopher Doig, who died while on duty, as well as the serving members of NSW Police who have passed away in the last 12 months:
General Administrative Support Officer Tammy Leigh Nagle
After the ceremony, three of our young Police Legatees – Oscar, Max, and Bronte – were presented with the Commissioner’s Scholarship. This award has the personal endorsement of the Commissioner, and each young Legatee receives money to support them in their chosen studies and endeavours.
A day of love and remembrance, a day of sadness and of promise.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Funeral location: the Chapel, Pettigrew Family Funerals, 7 Murray Dwyer Crt, Mayfield West, NSW
Newcastle City Police District will provide an Official Police Guard of Honour
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Frank’s favourite charity in Kenya, Africa where an Australian couple from Cessnock established a school and orphanage to help some of the poorest families.
Brighter Horizon Psychology was established to meet the needs of people living with psychological injury/illness. We are passionate about ensuring you receive the most appropriate psychological treatment for your circumstances. This includes many different options such as Cognitive Behaviour (CBT) Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), Neuropsychotherapy and Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR).
Frank is a Psychologist, registered with Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA PSY0001410015, NSW WorkCover (11836), Vic Workcover and Medicare to provide “Focused Psychological Services”.
Frank finished his Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in 2009 and completed his qualification at Warners Bay Private Hospital. Frank established his private practice in 2012. Since that time Frank has focused heavily on the treatment mood disorders, anxiety, trauma and workplace psychological injury.
Frank has a history of service in frontline emergency services and has a keen understanding of psychological toll that can result from a career of service to the community. Frank is also aware of the difficulty in transitioning from surviving to recovery and resuming a valuable and meaningful life. We hold the tenet that emotions are essential to our humanity and so provide a safe, supportive and predictable environment to learn skills to manage emotions. In addition, identifying triggers, understanding the difference between reactions and responses and learning to effectively deal with strong emotions and gain confidence to apply psychological skills in daily life.
Anxiety, trauma and fear are often manifested in physical symptoms and we are keen to help you learn the biological reasons you experience symptoms such as nausea, shaking, sweating , muscle tension and shortness of breath when you suffer anxiety. In this way we seek a holistic approach to your health and well-being. Having a strong focus on biology and specific training in Neuropsychotherapy, Frank can offer insight into the body systems that contribute to avoidance, safety behaviours and panic like symptoms.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Alan’s wife, Helen, predeceased him several years earlier.
Alan is survived by his son and daughter.
( L – R ) Alan KAY # 9185, Charlie PARSONS # 7336 ( Region Commander ? ), Ken BECK # 9675 ( Commander – Taree ), Supt. Bob HUISH # 7406
Upon the murder of two Police in Crescent Head, NSW, on Sunday 9 July 1995, it fell upon Alan KAY to attend and inform the families of the tragic murders of ADDISON & SPEARS.
* Story behind any Nickname:
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
**********
Cal
23 June 2024
Updated 24 June 2024 with additional photos
Updated 24 June 2024 with Funeral Time / Date / Location
Updated 26 June 2024 – Funeral Parlour contact details
Updated 30 June 2024 with further information and Live Stream video
David John MEURANT
10/09/2024
David John MEURANT APM
AKA David MEURANT, Dave MEURANT
* Nickname: ?
Late of ?
Relations in ‘the job’:
“possible” relation in ‘the job‘: Thomas Bruce MEURANT, NSWPF # 14551 ?
NSW Police Training Centre – Redfern – Class # 169
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 19289
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy on Monday 22 September 1980 ( aged 18 years, 9 months, 14 days )
Probationary Constable- appointed 8 December 1980 ( aged 19 years, 0 months, 0 days )
To my loving husband, our lives will never be the same without you here. My heart is shattered. I would do anything to have another 39 years with you by my side. You were the greatest husband, father, grandfather and friend that anyone could ask for. You fought to be with us until the very end and we will always be so grateful for the time we got to be with you. I will forever adore you, love you and never forget you. Rest easy my sweet man, I will love you always ❤️❤️❤️ xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Our deepest condolences to your wife, Vicki, family and friends of this gentle giant.
? & ? with David John MEURANT APM on the right at a Police March in Canberra – 2007
Class 169D
* Story behind any Nickname:
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
NSW Police Training Centre – Redfern – Class # 115
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 13273
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy on Monday 13 May 1968 ( aged 19 years, 2 months, 1 day )
Probationary Constable- appointed Monday 24 June 1968 ( aged 19 years, 3 months, 12 days )
Constable – appointed 24 June 1969
Constable 1st Class – appointed 24 June 1973
Detective – appointed ? ? ? ( YES )
Senior Constable – appointed 24 June 1977
Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ? ( N/A )
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 31 August 1984
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank: = Detective Senior Sergeant
Stations: ?, Hurstville Scientific ( 31 Division ), ?, Ex War Crimes Investigator, Special Operations – Forensic Services Group – Identifications Services Branch ( DNA Advancement Program ), Forensic Intelligence & Results Management – Retirement
Time employed ( Paid ) with NSW Police: From: 13 May 1968 to 29 September 2018= 50 years, 4 months, 16 days
Service ( From Training Date ) period: From 13 May 1968to 29 September 2018 = 50 years, 4 months, 16 days Service
( 44 years in Crime Scene )
Retirement / Leaving age: = 69 years, 6 months, 17 days
Time in Retirement from Police: 5 years, 8 months, 10 days
Awards: National Medal – granted 29June 1984 ( Det SenCon )
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 7 May 1994 ( Det SenCon )
Australian Police Medal ( APM ) – granted 26 January 2016 ( Det SenSgt )
Born: Saturday 12 March 1949
Died on: Saturday 8 June 2024
Age: 75 years, 2 months, 27 days
Organ Donor: Y / N / ?
Cause: Cancer – Bladder ( Renal – Kidney failure )
* Stage 4 Ureter Epithelial Cancer
Health Cluster from his FSG work
* Stage 4 Ureter Epithelial Cancer (also known as Stage 4 Urothelial Carcinoma of the Renal Pelvis and Ureter) is a cancer that spreads to distant organs, such as the lungs, liver, or bones, or has metastasized to lymph nodes far from the original tumor.
It is considered advanced and has a poorer prognosis than earlier stages.
Event location: ?
Diagnosis date: shortly after Retiring
Funeral date: Wednesday 19 June 2024 @ 11am
Funeral location: South Chapel, Woronora Memorial Park, 121 Linden St, Sutherland, NSW
Forensic Evidence & Technical Services Command will provide an Official Police Guard of Honour
Family and friends are warmly invited to the farewell service for Stephen at Woronora Memorial Park, South Chapel.
The service can be viewed via the following live stream link from 11am. A recording of the service will also be available for download after the service has concluded.
NSW Police , Thought to share this – Remember those Nightshifts and early morning crime scene’s when Detective Senior Sergeant Steve Horn arrived. It was a matter of “who was in charge til I got here”.. A career spanning more than 50 years, there isn’t much this cop hasn’t seen. Detective Senior Sergeant Stephen Horn has investigated and solved some of the highest-profile crimes and disasters in Australia, and across the world.
Courtesy of Colin Walsh.
Granville train to war crimes: Hero cop’s 50 years on the front lines
From the Granville train disaster to the long search for Matthew Leveson’s remains, there isn’t much Detective Sergeant Stephen Horn hasn’t done in more than 50 years with NSW Police.
The veteran is hanging up his badge and hopes to spend more time with his family, and he spoke to A Current Affair about his career and the cases that have stayed with him.
“I’ve always tried to give more than 100 percent – as I say to some young people, get down and get dirty,” Det Sgt Horn said.
Detective Sergeant Stephen Horn is retiring after more than 50 years with NSW Police. (A Current Affair)
He joined the force in 1968, and for 44 years of his career he has been on the front line of crime scenes gathering any clue that might unravel a crime.
“Who else is going to speak for (the deceased) if not the police?” he said.
But despite his long career, he admitted the burden could be a heavy one.
Det Sgt Horn joined the force in 1968. (A Current Affair)
“I try not to take the work home and think about it at home, because if I worry about it and freak out and think about it, I’ll end up making mistakes,” he said.
“Multiple murders where a family has been murdered and children were involved – you always think to yourself, ‘why the children?'”
Det Sgt Horn was a fresh-faced, young forensic officer when a train derailed at Granville in Sydney in 1977.
Det Sgt Horn was one of the forensic officers on the scene at the Granville train disaster in 1977. (A Current Affair)
His job was to retrieve the 83 victims who died, and identify them.
“We had a temporary morgue put up in a large tent and when portions of the concrete from the roadway were actually moved off the carriages, we would go down and retrieve the bodies and take them up to the morgue, do an initial examination of them, photograph them, look at their injuries, look at their clothing,” he said.
It was far from the last disaster scene Det Sgt Horn would attend.
The forensic officers did their work at Granville in a temporary morgue in a large tent. (A Current Affair)
He also carried out his duties at the 1981 Sylvania Nursing Home fire (19 dead), the 1989 Kempsey bus crash (35 dead).
And in 1991, he received a phone call that shaped his career.
Det Sgt Horn was called on to investigate war crimes in Ukraine, where he dug up two mass graves and exhumed the remains of dozens of World War II victims – including 20 children.
Assistant Commissioner Peter Cotter with Det Sgt Horn who hopes to spend more time with his wife and granddaughter in retirement. (A Current Affair)
“When we started to exhume these remains, we could actually see they were almost all grouped in an area – little tiny baby remains and things like that,” he said.
“Why did this happen? Why were these children taken from this village when the information was they didn’t know if they were Jews or not? They just decided to take them and dispose of them.”
He spent three months in the trenches, with minimal food and supplies.
Det Sgt Horn has also been called upon to investigate war crimes in Ukraine. (A Current Affair)
Back home, the evolution of DNA technology has allowed Det Sgt Horne to solve cases that were otherwise impossible to crack.
“I think we had about 27 sexual assault cases solved with DNA, with about 33 charges – some of them serial offenders,” he said.
Most recently, Det Sgt Horn’s experience played an integral role in finding Matthew Leveson’s remains, 10 years after he went missing.
Det Sgt Horn exhumed the remains of dozens of WWII victims, including children. (A Current Affair)
It is a gift Matthew’s parents Mark and Faye Leveson could never repay.
“He helped bring our Matty home and without that, we might still be out there looking for him, so a massive thank-you isn’t enough,” Faye Leveson said.
Assistant Commissioner Peter Cotter commended Det Sgt Horn’s service.
Most recently, Det Sgt Horn played an integral role in finding the remains of Matthew Leveson. (A Current Affair)
“The NSW Police Force is extremely proud of you, we wish you the very best in retirement, and please go and enjoy yourself, and thank you for 50 years,” he said.
And Det Sgt Horn himself had one message for the new generation of young police officers.
“Be professional, diligent, loyal, courteous, and don’t give up,” he said.
There are three other ex-Forensics guys from Sydney who have the same problem.
One appears to have beaten it, but two others’ prognoses are very poor.
I worked with them all over the years.
I’m going to get a kidney health check next week, as are a few other former Forensics work mates.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
