With the assistance of Ms Marie Neilson (Dungog Historical Society) we uncovered another former NSW Police Officer and Servicemen laid to rest in the area. Detective Sergeant Herbert Reginald STERNBECK DCM, born at Wollombi in 1900 and moved to Glen William (between Clarence Town & Dungog) in his early years.
D/Sgt STERNBECK served in the first World War earning the Distinguished Conduct Medal after storming a machine gun nest in Messines. It is said that D/Sgt STERNBECK was the youngest member of the Commonwealth Military Forces to be awarded the DCM at the age of 16.
D/Sgt STERNBECK is believed to have served 21 years in the Force at the following stations
Jerilderie
Hay
Deniliquin
Rankin Springs
Goulburn
Chatswood
Daceyville
Glebe
Died 5th October 1944 due to Appendicitis & heart complications from his war service – 44 years of age.
Scott DUFF
03/05/2024
Scott DUFF
AKA ?
* Nickname: Duffy, Duff Man
Late of ?
Relations in ‘the job’:
“possible” relation in ‘the job‘: ?
Queensland Police Service Academy – Oxley, – Class # ? ? ?
Queensland Police Force
Regd. # 4010386
Rank: Commenced Training at Queensland Police Academy on Monday ? ? ?
Probationary Constable- appointed ? ? ?
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Detective – appointed ? ? ?
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank: = Senior Constable
Stations: ?, Edmonton – Death
Time employed ( Paid ) with QLD Police: From: ? ? ? to between 8 April 2024 – 15 April 2024 = ? years,
Service ( From Training Date ) period: From ? ? ? tobetween 8 April 2024 – 15 April 2024 = ? years, Service
Retirement / Leaving age: = ?
Time in Retirement from Police: ?
Awards: No Find on Australian Honours system
Born: ? ? ?
Died on: between 8 April 2024 – 15 April 2024
Age: 50 years,
Organ Donor: Y / N / ?
Cause: Depression – Suicide – ( Method ? )
Event location: ? , Cairns, Qld
Event / Diagnosis date: between 8 April 2024 – 15 April 2024
Funeral date: ? ? ? TBA
Funeral location: ?
LIVE STREAM?
Wake location: ??? TBA
Wake date: ???
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ?
Grave Location: Section: Row: ?Plot: ?
Grave GPS: ?, ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( April 2024 )
? is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * BUT SHOULD BE
? is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
? IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance
? is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * NOT JOB RELATED
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
“The far north police community has been deeply impacted by this loss, particularly those who knew and worked with Scott during his many years as a highly regarded police officer,” Assistant Commissioner Brett Schafferius said in a statement.
“Our officers are being provided with a range of support services as they come to terms with this terrible news.”
Duff was last seen walking in Edmonton on the afternoon of April 8.
Police launched an appeal for public assistance in the search, asking people to check their dashcam and CCTV footage in Edmonton on the day Duff went missing.
His disappearance was described as “out of character”.
The precise location of the discovery of his body has not been revealed.
Police are preparing a report for the coroner.
In a statement confirming “with great sadness” the death of Duff late on Tuesday, the Queensland Police Service urged people to contact mental health support services Lifeline or Beyond Blue “if you need help”.
“Our thoughts are with the senior constable’s family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time,” the statement read.
The Queensland Police Union posted that officers playing in the Queensland Police Service Rugby League State Championship in Mackay have worn black armbands and “paused in sacred silence to honour” their colleague.
The union been contacted for comment by 7NEWS.com.au.
If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300224636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.
Drones and rescue helicopters were also involved in the search.
Police launched an appeal for public assistance in the search, asking people to check their dashcam and CCTV footage in Edmonton on the day Duff went missing.
“His disappearance is out of character and his family have concerns for his welfare,” police said in an alert.
His body was found on Monday, with police not revealing the location of the discovery.
It has also not been revealed if his death is being considered as suspicious.
“Police will prepare a report for the coroner,” police said in a statement.
“The public and the media are thanked for their assistance.
“The QPS would also like to thank State Emergency Service volunteers and officers from other districts who supported the search effort.”
Police have released new images of the missing officer as investigators continue to appeal for information regarding his whereabouts.
Detectives are investigating unconfirmed sightings across the southern corridor area and are encouraging anyone with relevant CCTV in the Edmonton and Bentley Park areas on Monday April 8 to come forward, especially households and businesses backing onto bushland and creek reserves.
The officer was last seen wearing a dark blue-grey t-shirt, grey shorts, khaki shoes and a grey baseball cap.
His disappearance is out of character and his family have concerns for his welfare.
Search efforts are continuing, with ongoing support from police aerial assets, the State Emergency Service, and officers from Townsville and the south-east corner travelling to Cairns to assist.
Police are grateful for the community’s continued cooperation during the search, however are urging members of the public not to undertake searches of bushland for their own safety.
Police are appealing for anyone with CCTV or dashcam vision near Walker Road, Timberlea Drive and Fitzmaurice Drive between 1pm and 4pm yesterday, April 8.
Officers continue to search for a 50-year-old man reported missing from Edmonton.
He was last seen wearing a dark blue-grey t-shirt, grey shorts, khaki shoes and a grey baseball cap.
Police are appealing to anyone with information or relevant vision to come forward.
Police have resumed the search for a 50-year-old man missing from Edmonton yesterday, April 8.
Several crews including the Tactical Crime Squad, State Emergency Services volunteers and assets including drones and the Rescue 510 helicopter conducted an extensive search of the Edmonton area, before resuming early this morning.
He was last seen wearing a dark grey t-shirt, grey shorts, khaki shoes and a grey baseball cap.
Officers are appealing to the man, or anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward.
Earlier: Police are seeking public assistance to locate a 50-year-old man missing from Edmonton.
He was last seen at a Slipper Street, Edmonton address at approximately midday today, April 8.
Police and family have concerns for his welfare as his disappearance is out of character.
He was last seen wearing a light blue t-shirt and light coloured shorts.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts, or CCTV footage of the area from today, is urged to contact police.
* Story behind any Nickname: Duff Man, Duffy: Play on surname.
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.
Auburn ( 32 Division )( GDs )( 2 April 1978 – 15 March 1980 ),
Whilst stationed at Auburn, completed his Rescue Operators Course at Police Rescue Squad Marrickville. Then completed 2 weeks rotational duty at Police Rescue Squad every 6 weeks for next 15 months. ( 15 Dec. 1978 ),
Blacktown ( 27 Division )( GDs & part time Rescue Squad )( 16 March 1980 – June 1983 ),
Mt Druitt ( 27 Division )( GDs & part time Rescue Squad )( June 1983 – 3 Nov. 1984 ),
Successfully completed the Rescue Operators advanced roping course at Police Rescue Squad, Marrickville ( December 1983 ),
Blacktown ( GDs & part time Rescue Squad )( 4 Nov. 1984 – 21 Sept. 1985 ),
Mt Druitt ( GDs & part time Police Rescue )( 22 Sept. 1985 – 20 Dec. 1986 ),
Riverstone ( 27 Division )( GDs & part time Police Rescue )( 21 Dec. 1986 – 4 April 1987 ), Blacktown ( 27 Division )( GDs & part time Police Rescue )( part time secondment to Anti Theft Squad whilst still performing part time Police Rescue )( 5 April 1987 –
Successfully completed Emergency Management Trainers Course at the Police College, Goulburn until his transfer to Windsor, was the Emergency Management Training Coordinator for the Blacktown Police District. ( 10 May 1991 ),
Successfully completed Incident and Emergency Management Trainers Course at Police College, Goulburn ( 12 February 1995 )
Service name: Royal Australian Navy ( R.A.N. )
Service number: R42939
Rank: Acting Engine Room Artificer 2nd Class
Unit Name:
Date of birth:
Place of birth: The Entrance, NSW
Date of intake: 3 July 1964
Date of exit: 2 July 1976
Total Days: 12 years
NS Training: ?
National Service:
Follow Up Training:?
Basic Training: ?
Next of Kin: Mother – Iris KELSON
Medals: None for display
Upon joining the Navy, Pussa was a 16 year old, a Student, standing 5′ 4.5″ tall, with black hair, brown eyes and a fair complexion.
He Served upon the Sydney, Nirimba, Penguin & Vampire between 1964 – 1969. HMAS Vendetta 20 October 1970 – 9 November 1970.
Time employed ( Paid ) with NSW Police: From: 19 July 1976 to 7 May 1998 ( H.O.D. ) = 21 years, 9 months, 18 days
Service ( From Training Date ) period: From 19 July 1976 to 7 May 1998 ( H.O.D. ) = 21 years, 9 months, 18 days Service
Retirement / Leaving age: = 49 years, 11 months, 8 days
Time in Retirement from Police: 25 years, 11 months, 10 days
Awards: National Medal – granted ? ? ? ( this included his prior service in the R.A.N. )
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 29 June 1984 ( Cst 1/c )
2nd Clasp to National Medal – granted 28 May 1992 ( Sgt )
3rd Clasp to National Medal –granted 27 August 2009 ( Volunteer )
National Police Service Medal – granted ? ? ?
NSW Police Diligent and Ethical Service Medal – granted ? ? ?
Commissioner’s Commendation – ( 14 Sept. 1987 ) Highly Commended for outstanding devotion to duty and meritorious actions involved in the rescue of four people at Plumpton and two people at Mount Druitt, all trapped in raging floodwaters on the 5th August 1986. Awarded Commissioners Commendation for Bravery.
Commissioner’s Valour Award – ( 5 November 1991 ) Conferred with the Commissioner’s Valour Award VA ( it is highest award for bravery in NSW Police ), it was for extreme bravery associated with the attempted rescue of a man believed trapped in a submerged vehicle amid floodwaters at Toongabbie Creek on 14 September, 1990.
Awarded the Theiss Toyota Australia Award – ( 15 February 1993 ), which recognises most meritorious act of bravery by a member of the Police Rescue Squad, Water Police or Air Wing, for his extreme bravery amid rescue in floodwaters of Toongabbie Creek on 14 September, 1990.
The below Live Streams have been deleted, on 3 July 2024, because of a complaint by Funeral Video Australia claiming Copyright on the videos – despite Col Kelson giving me direct verbal permission, in various conversations with him over the years, to use any information I could find about him on His Memorial Post when that time comes because he was “impressed” with the job I do in order to honour our fallen. We know how passionate Pussa was in relation to Honouring our Members.
Two ‘Old Salts’ catching up at Tuncurry on 30 March 2014. Col KELSON # 17357 & Kev BISHOP # 10871
Rescue 27 – Blacktown. Back Row ( L – R ) Ron McGOWN # 15631, Greg PETERSON, Kevin GUILLAUMIER, John FELTON# 17164, Norm RICHARDS, Stephen WYE, Trevor Lloyd WATKINS #18284 Front Row ( L – R ) Keith BRISTOW, Scott ROGAN, Col ‘Pussa’ KELSON # 17357, John BUCKLEY ( RIP )
The cancer, the COPD, and the damage to the lung from the two resections, from radiation and from partial collapse of the lung which leaves me susceptible to infection.
When a good infection hits, I am in trouble with my breathing.
This time around I am in trouble with pneumonia in the top lobe of the stuffed (left) lung.
Hoping that the IV antibiotics are/have done their job and I can be paroled for my daughter’s wedding on Friday.
9 weeks ago
Condolences to Ann, Robert, Christine, Catherine, family and friends.
Now in eternal rest with his first born – Graeme KELSON ( DoD 4 June 1974 )
Colin Michael KELSON & Ann KELSON
Ann & Colin Michael KELSON
Ann & Colin Michael KELSON
Phil BATTIN # 20401 & Col KELSON # 17357
MONDAY 26 AUGUST 2013 FUNERAL SERVICE FOR DECEASED CHIEF INSPECTOR GRAEME DONNELLY WHO DIED ON 16 AUGUST, 2013
April 2015 Catherine KELSON, Col KELSON & Robert KELSON
Lieutenant Commander Anita Nemarich ( R.A.N ) with Col KELSON ( Former R.A.N. )
Col KELSON at Inspector Ken HOLMES funeral.
Ann KELSON & Col KELSON – who was a Volunteer with the S.E.S.
Royal Australian Navy News (National : 1958 – 2021),
Friday 12 June 1987, page 11
Talking about come backs, what about the 19 or so Golden Oldies, all Navy or ex-Navy, who took on the youth of our service. The Golden Oldies at times needed help just getting on the paddock but displayed fine skills and straight running. (Let’s face it, it’s further running across field). Up front the team was led by the irrepressible WOPT Bill Stokes and Barry Learoyd who, along with Neil Thompson, played strongly.
Benny Hill and Jimmy Fern also showed the touches that took them to ASRU honours.
But the player of the day was Col Kelson, an ex E.R.A. (ask an old chief what that stands for). He hadn’t pulled on a boot for 11 years and took the field at 46. Col played in the centres and there were certainly some sore opponents, I for one would loved to have seen a young Col going round.
Royal Australian Navy News (National : 1958 – 2021),
Friday 23 May 1975, page 19
HUGE WINS MARK SAILORS RETURN TO 1st DIVISION
RUGBY DOWN SOUTH ‘
After an absence of some years, there is once again a NAVY side in First Division Victorian Rugby Union.
The CERBERUS team, playing as Combined Services Thirds, are playing in the Third Grade of the First Division.
The other representative team, the CERBERUS COLT’S are playing as Combined Services Under 20s.
Combined Services Firsts and Seconds are made up from all three services in the Melbourne area and players from LONSDALE and ships in Williamstown make up NAVY’s contribution.
Two resounding victories, plenty of tries, enthusiasm and team spirit have marked the opening of the season.
On April 12, the sailors trounced the strong KIWIS’ line-up 38-13.
Fine individual performances were produced by fullback John Worstencroft and centre Col Kelson.
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.
Time employed ( Paid ) with NSW Police: From: 1 November 1965 to 6 January 1981 = 15 years, 2 months, 5 days
Service ( From Training Date ) period: From 1 November 1965to6 January 1981 = 15 years, 2 months, 5 days Service
Retirement / Leaving age: = 36 years, 10 months, 27 days
Time in Retirement from Police: 43 years, 3 months, 1 day
Awards: National Medal – granted 15 April 1981 ( SenCon )
Born: Thursday 10 February 1944
Died on: Sunday 7 April 2024 during the evening
Age: 80 years, 1 month, 28 days
Organ Donor: No
Cause: Hans had suffered a brain injury for the past couple of years after striking his head as the result of a fall. This ultimately led to him being in a Nursing Home where he Passed away from suspected Heart failure.
Event location: ? , Nursing Home,
Event / Diagnosis date: ?
Funeral date: ? ? ? ( A private cremation will happen )
Funeral location: ?
A Private funeral & cremation is being held
LIVE STREAM?
Wake location: ???
Wake date: ???
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ?
Grave Location: Section: Row: ?Plot: ?
Grave GPS: ?, ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( April 2024 )
HANS is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * NOT JOB RELATED
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Hans Resigned from the NSWPF and took up employment within the Mines.
Class 105 of December 1965
Redfern Police Academy
* 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.
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.
Rest peacefully my darling brother Trev Walter on what should have been your 66th Birthday
we miss you so very much and can’t believe you have been taken from us so soon and so suddenly doing what you loved we are heartbroken beyond belief and our hearts are shattered into a million pieces. We all love you so very much and are so very blessed you were our family, our rock our constant and we are so incredibly proud of you and all that you did and gave to us and so many others. You had the biggest heart and you shared your heart and love with all that you knew
We now have to navigate a life without you in it and live with the hole in our hearts that will never be filled Sending you all my love now and forever to keep in heaven until we meet again my darling brother rest in peace I love you
Retiring Detective Senior Constable Trevor Walter is flanked by his colleagues at the station. Photo: Rob Wright / The Coffs Coast Advocate. Picture: Rob Wright
Retiring Detective Senior Constable Trevor Walter is flanked by his colleagues at the station. Photo: Rob Wright / The Coffs Coast Advocate. Picture: Rob Wright
Coffs Harbour says goodbye to a top cop
TREVOR Walter has spent time in the company of many a violent criminal but it’s a love of motorbikes that has this police officer resting his feet.
3 min read
January 18, 2014 – 6:00AM
News Regional Media
Retiring Detective Senior Constable Trevor Walter at the station. Photo: Rob Wright / The Coffs Coast Advocate. Picture: Rob Wright
TREVOR Walter has spent time in the company of many a violent criminal but it’s a love of motorbikes that has one of Coffs Harbour’s longest serving police officers resting his feet.
He’s eager to enjoy his recently announced retirement as soon as possible but with a fractured leg – sustained just before Christmas when his bike landed on him – the well respected Detective Senior Constable has some time to reflect on a job well done.
The true country boy still smiles when he remembers the fresh-faced 18-year-old who headed for the big city in the late 70s.
NSW Police Cadets – Class 9, Phase III ( L – R )
Back Row: Phil VICKERY, Mick COWNIE, Walter KOENIG, Greg CALLANDER ( 17463 ), Glen MORRIS, Mike KNOWLES # 17558 ( R.I.P. ), Ivor PEDERSEN
Front Row: Anthony TANOS, R. BROWN, Acting Sgt Len HARRIS ( Drill Instructor ), Sgt 2/c William ‘Bill’ COMAN ( Instructor ), Sgt 3/c Keith JOHNSON # 7887 ( R.I.P. ), Andrew MARRIOTT, Andrew WARDROP
After finishing high school in the Orara Valley, Sen Const Walter thought he might try his hand at paint work but, as his mother blatantly pointed out, he wasn’t…well…very good at it.
When the police recruitment van rolled into town, she gently suggested he might like to check it out and before he knew it, Sen Const Walter was headed for the academy in Sydney.
The learning curve was steep for a teenager who had never ventured far from home but by the time he returned to Coffs Harbour – where he has served for 33 of his 37 years in the force – he had developed a rare set of skills.
A never failing empathy for victims of crime and the ability to carry them through a tedious legal process allowed him into the lives of countless people and eventually led to him receiving the Commissioner’s Award for outstanding victim support in 2011.
The knowledge that he was living in a country area where everyone, including the criminals, knew who he was and where he lived, never really troubled him.
As he has told the many fresh recruits he has mentored over the years, “if you are hard but fair” and treat others with respect, you will get by without too much opposition.
With the birth of his children came a new set of challenges.
Retiring Detective Senior Constable Trevor Walter is flanked by his colleagues at the station. Photo: Rob Wright / The Coffs Coast Advocate. Picture: Rob Wright
While he was lucky enough to have the kind of personality that allowed him to switch off when he got home, there were unavoidable emotions stirred when tragedy struck a family which he could compare to his own.
His eldest daughter was five when a local boy of the same age was killed after his head was crushed by a telegraph pole as he leant out of a bus window to wave goodbye to his friends.
A double fatality at Bonville, which claimed the life of a 16-year-old girl, the age of his daughter at the time, also hit hard.
“Those are the things that are very sad and remind us how lucky we are that our family is safe,” Sen Const Walter said
“I never lost sight of that fact.”
Mixed with the tough tasks were major achievements.
Sen Const Walter and another officer once arrested the state’s most wanted man, prison escapee Anthony O’Sullivan, who was discovered with a $64,000 stolen boat in tow and went on to serve a lengthy prison sentence.
In 2001, he risked his life to rescue a woman from a burning home in Karuah Ave.
For that, he was awarded the Bronze Medal for Bravery from the Royal Humane Society and the Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery.
To this day, when the woman sees him down the street, she still hugs him and thanks him for saving her life.
More recently, Sen Const Walter had the satisfaction of watching as a disgraced member of a local surf lifesaving club, whom he had been investigating for a number of years, was convicted and sentenced to a significant time in jail over the persistent sexual abuse of a young girl.
There are the troubling cases, which he refuses to allow to haunt him, but admits will always remain strong memories.
He has few regrets but if he could have solved one more case before he left, it would have been the 1990 murder of 92-year-old Veronica Rigney, who was viciously clubbed for no apparent reason in her Hill St home, just near the police station.
Sen Const Walter was on duty that night and interviewed Mrs Rigney in hospital where she later died.
He’ll also miss his second family – both sworn officers and support staff (many of whom celebrated Sen Cost Walter’s career at a farewell party on Thursday night) – but he’s hoping that when the new justice precinct is open, he may just “be invited back for a cuppa”.
This article and historic pictures from Det Sen Const Walter’s career can be viewed on the Advocate website.
Tragically taken from us whilst holidaying in Thailand.
A loved & cherished son of Don and Fay Walter (both dec’d)
Loving and devoted Dad to Naomi and Peter,
Adored Popow to Evelyn and Freya.
Much loved and treasured Brother and Brother in law to Susan & Richard and Kay & Peter.
Loved & adored Uncle to his Nieces & Nephews and their families.
A caring, beautiful and loved partner of Robyn, respected friend, colleague and mate.
A Dedicated, respected and Proud Member of the NSW Police Force for over 38 years.
Trevor touched all our lives and will be greatly missed.
‘I do believe it’s time for another Adventure’
All who knew Trevor are invited to join his Family and Friends in celebrating his life at Coffs Harbour Racing Club, 2 Howard Street Coffs Harbour at 10:30am Saturday 13th April 2024. Thence for private cremation.
**Please dress brightly to reflect Trevor’s love for life!**
In the Australian shaped garden at Karangi Lawn Cemetery up near the chapel.
* 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
Updated 6 October 2025 with NSW Police Cadets – Class 9, Phase III photo.
Updated 9 December 2025 with Grave Memorial photo, Live Stream and additional photos.
John Jackson Welfare HILLIER
03/05/2024
John Jackson Welfare HILLIER
AKA John HILLIER
* Nickname: ?
Previously of Taree, NSW. Late of Campbelltown, NSW
Relations in ‘the job’:
“possible” relation in ‘the job‘:
Frank Pybus HILLIER, NSWP # ‘Q’ 3002 ( Born 1855 – South Australia ) ?
A man has died following a crash in Sydney’s south west.
About 11.15pm yesterday (Thursday 2928 March 2024), emergency services were called to Oxley Street, Campbelltown, following reports a pedestrian had been hit by a car.
The pedestrian – believed to be an 80-year-old man – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, he died at the scene.
He is yet to be formally identified.
The driver – a 26-year-old man – was not injured, and was taken to hospital for mandatory testing.
Officers attached to Campbelltown Police Area Command established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the incident.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
Liverpool Police Cadet – NSW Police Cadet John. J. W. Hillier a former Labourer and Shop Assistant entered the Police Training Centre at Redfern to join the New South Wales Police Cadets.
Following his induction as a Police Cadet he was stationed at the C.I.B. Modus Operandi Section.
In 10/1961 he was transferred to No. 3 Division (Darlinghurst) on Station Duties.
In 1/1962 he was transferred to No. 22 Division (Liverpool) on Station Duties and then from the 8/1962 his duties at Liverpool were changed to the Public Safety Bureau Office.
During his examinations in 1961/1962, having received top marks, he obtained the Silver Baton – signed N. T. W. Allan Commissioner of Police.
Liverpool Police Officer – Probationary Constable John. J. W. Hillier who had returned to the Police Training Centre at Redfern to commence his Initial Training as part of Class 94.
He was attested 4/1963 as a Probationary Constable of Police and stationed at Liverpool Police Station on General Duties, where in 2/1964 he was promoted to the rank of Constable.
In 6/1964 he was transferred to Merrylands Police Station as the Inspector’s Clerk, a position which he held for approximately 18 months.
In 9/1965 he was transferred to Fairfield Police Station (which was part of No. 26 Division ( Merrylands ) at the time) on General Duties.
In 11/1966 he was transferred to No. 21 Division on Criminal Investigations Training.
In 10/1967 he was transferred to the Pillage Squad, where in 2/1968 he was promoted to the rank of Constable 1/c., and in 11/1969 he was designated a ‘Detective’.
Then in 12/1970 transferred to No. 28 Division on Criminal Investigations, where in 2/1972 he was promoted to the rank of Detective Senior Constable.
In 5/1974 he was transferred to No. 26 Division on Criminal Investigation and in 1/1978 transferred to No. 22 Division (Liverpool) on similar duties.
Liverpool Police Officer – Detective Senior Constable John. J. W. Hillier transferred from Merrylands (No. 26 Division) to Liverpool Police Station on Criminal Investigation Duties.
Then in 4/1979 he was transferred to No. 7 Division (Redfern) returned to Uniform Duties and was place on General Duties, where in 4/1983 he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant 3/c.
A Couple of weeks later in 4/1983 he was transferred to No. 2 Division (Regent Street) on General Duties.
Then in 8/1983 he transferred to the Traffic Branch on the Accident Investigation Squad.
While at the Accident Investigation Squad he wrote a ‘Training Course’ for those transferred into the Squad.
He was then the ‘head’ of its Training Unit, and took part in the first three Training Courses conducted at the Police Academy at Goulburn.
Later in 1980’s he transferred to Macquarie Fields Police Station on General Duties.
After a number of years he transferred to Campbelltown Police Station on similar duties.
Later he transferred to Revesby Police Station from where he was discharged medically unfit in 6/1999, after serving the NSW Community for a period of 38 years.
Above Service History Sourced from ‘History of the NSW Police At Liverpool ( 1788 – 2022 ) penned by Joe Stanioch, NSWPF # 14194
* 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.
New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime (Sydney : 1860 – 1930),
Wednesday 2 July 1930 (No.27), page 518
PENSIONS, ALLOWANCES AND- GRATUITIES.
Pensions.
Turbet, Mrs. Eveline ( widow of the late Police Pensioner Ex-Superintendent 1st Class Charles Turbet ).
Advance of £200 from undrawn balance of pension in her case; also allowance of £62 16s. 9d. per month, on and from 27th March, 1930, until the undrawn balance of pension, £3,089 3s. 10d. is exhausted; the further payment of the allowance to be reconsidered in the event of the remarriage of the widow or on her decease.
FORMER Inspector of Police Charles Turbet, who died in retirement in Sydney last week, was an example of what may be attained by those who take to police work as a career. ( The most prominent on hand in that way is, of course, the Chief, Mr. Childs, who, a youth from, the country, joined up, and, adding brains to physique, became Commissioner ).
A policeman’s life nowadays is capable of greater acceptance of ability and hard work than it was half a century ago, and those who add strings to their bow have fine opportunities. Mr. Turbet was one of the class that assiduously pursues the side lines and aids. He learned shorthand, and became of great value in that way. He also had a hand in the introduction of the priceless finger-print system.
When he became Superintendent of Traffic he was reaching the topmost branches of the tree, but ill-health had its claim on him. He was 59 years of age.
The funeral of Superintendent Turbet took place on Friday. There was a large gathering of officers and men of the Police Department.
The interment at Randwick Cemetery was preceded by a service at the Randwick Presbyterian Church, conducted by the Rev. W. G. Grant, who was assisted by the Rev. T. Jamieson Williams.
The chief mourners were Mrs. Turbet (widow), and Messrs. Charles Turbet, James Turbet, and Norman Turbet (sons), and Mesdames Robey and Martin (daughters), Messrs. Robert and Walter Turbet (brothers), Mrs. Tom Waterson, Miss L. Turbet, and Mrs. Mark Garner (sisters), Messrs. Arthur Robinson, Tom Waterson, R. Y. Robinson, and Mark Garner (brothers-in-law), Mesdames A. Raynor, A. Edwards, G. Raynor, and G. Carpenter (sisters-in-law), Messrs. L. Robey, and J. A. Martin (sons-in-law), and Master Lance Robey ( grandson ).
Others present included the Commissioner of Police (Mr. Childs), Acting Superintendent Linegar (representing Metropolitan Superintendent Leary), Inspector Pattinson (representing Inspector Mackay, Criminal Investigation branch), Superintendent Bennetts (Traffic Department), ex-Inspector Thom (representing ex-Superintendent Saunders, president, Retired Police Officers’ Association), Chief Fire Officer Nance (representing Fire Brigades of New South Wales), Mr. Gordon Henderson (secretary), and Mr. W. J. McKinney (representing Royal Automobile Club of Australia). Alderman Jennings (Mayor of Randwick), Alderman J. Dunningham, M.L.A., Messrs. W. K. Percival (town clerk), and K. C. Rourke (deputy town clerk of Randwick) Inspectors Lynch, Farley and O’Brien, Messrs. H. H. Newell (deputy president), and S. R. Henderson (deputy member, Main Roads Board), Mr. I. B. Hodgson, Inspectors J. Scott, G. Mortimer, Rosen, W. J. Jones, ex-Superintendents Park, Brack, Edward, George Mitchell, May, John Cook, Lewis (secretary, Retired Police Officers’ Association), Nolan, Whitfield, Banks, ex-Inspectors Jones, Bannan, Maze, Devlin, A. Campbell, Manktelow, Sherwood, R. Bennett, Fullerton, W. J. Spence, Fowler, Briggs, Ewen, Doig, Littlejohn, Taylor, Robinson, Young, C. Smith, and Priddle; Messrs. W. G. Cox, ex-Detective-sergeant Jordan, M. W. McDonald, Oliver C. Cohen (Government Savings Bank, Randwick), S. F. Cutler, Charles M. Pearce, Detective-sergeants James and Quinn, Detective Almond, Messrs. Ross Jones, J. Pemell, W. Crawford, A. Kay, W. Matchett, Mr. and Mrs. William Duff, Messrs. Gordon Duff, W. J. Spence (Wollongong), John Yardley, ex-Detective-sergeant May, ex-Sergeants Bennett and Blair, and ex-Detective Jordon.
There were many beautiful floral tributes, among them being those of the Traffic Department, the New South Wales Police Association, officers and detectives of the Criminal Investigation branch and various metropolitan police divisions, the Minister and Session of the Presbyterian Church of Randwick, the Royal Automobile Club of Australia, and the Master Carriers’ Association.
WITHIN two days, death has robbed the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Childs, of two personal friends, who were formerly associated with him in the force.
The ex-superintendent of Traffic, Mr. Charles Turbet, died on Wednesday night, and ex-Superintendent John Evans, who retired 18 years ago, passed away at the Sydney Sanitarium, Wahroonga, last night.
Mr. Turbet was an old schoolmate of Mr. Childs, and Mr. Evans was closely associated with the Commissioner during his early days in the service.
Mr. Evans retired at Tamworth 11 years ago, and then bought a home at Pymble, in which he resided up to the time of his death. He had a record of long and valuable service. He was stationed at Tingha, in the tin mining area, and at Richmond River in the cattle stealing days. He was associated with many important cases, including the Wardell murder, which attracted much attention.
Mr. Childs met Mr. Evans, who was then the sergeant in charge at Armidale, 30 years ago. The present Commissioner was then serving in the town as district clerk to Superintendent Garvin, who rose to the office now occupied by Mr. Childs.
Before joining the service in N.S.W., Mr. Evans served with the Cornish police, in which he was a colleague of the late Inspector Sobye.
SUPERINTENDENT TURBET.
Death Announced.
Mr. Charles Turbet, former superintendent of the Police Traffic Department, died at his home, Dolphin-street, Randwick, at a late hour last night.
He had been in ill-health for a long time. Mr. Turbet entered the police force in 1892, and spent most of his police career in the Traffic Branch, in which he became inspector in 1922.
Upon the retirement of Superintendent Brack in 1924, Charles took charge of the branch. Ill-health, however, interfered with his service.
In August, 1928, he underwent a serious operation. He resumed duty in February last year ( 1929 ), but in the following month he again became ill.
He retired from the service last May ( 1929 ).
During Mr. Turbet’s regime at the Traffic Office the handling of motor traffic in the city became a serious problem. In September, 1924, Mr. Turbet visited America and studied motor traffic problems. It was on Mr. Turbet’s advice that the city parking regulations and other traffic regulations, including that relating to motor buses, were framed. Mr. Turbet, who was 59 years of age, is survived by Mrs. Turbet, three sons, Messrs. Charles, chief veterinary officer in Suva, James, and Norman Turbet, and two daughters, Mrs. Lance Robey and Mrs. Jack Martin. The funeral will take place at the Randwick Cemetery tomorrow, following a service at the Randwick Presbyterian Church, of which Mr. Turbet was an elder.
The Sydney Morning Herald
Thursday 27 March 1930, p.12
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.
In 2017, Allan underwent open heart artery by pass surgery.
Prior to joining the NSWPF – Allan was an Apprentice Motor Mechanic and Mechanic for 6 years.
At the time of joining the NSWPF, Allan was described as:
5′ 9 1/4″ tall, 13 stone, 2 lb in weight, with brown eyes, black hair, dark complexion.
He passed his Constable 1st Class course on 27 August 1974.
He passed his Sergeant 3rd Class exam on 9 May 1983.
He held a NSW Drivers licence and was Certified to drive the GD cars, Ute and light trucks on the 30 June 1972.
He also was Certified to drive the Police Boys Club omnibus on 21 September 1972 and Ride Solo Police cycles on 23 February 1973.
Probationary Constable Allan. F. Godfrey
A former Motor Mechanic entered the Police Academy at Redfern and commenced his Initial Training, as part of Class 131.
He was attested on 6/1972 and stationed at No. 3 Division (Darlinghurst) on General Duties, and where he was promoted 6/1973 to the rank of Constable.
In 12/1973 he transferred to the Traffic Branch as a Solo Motor Cyclist and Traffic Signals Sections.
Then in 4/1974 he was transferred to No. 8 Division, Annandale (a substation of Balmain) on General Duties and where he was promoted 3/1978 to the rank of Constable 1/c.
Then in 9/1979 to Glebe Police Station on similar duties. In 2/1982 he was transferred to Liverpool on General Duties, where he was promoted 6/1981 to the rank of Senior Constable.
He remained at Liverpool until 1988.
Source: Liverpool Police History by Joe Stanioch, NSWPF # 14194
Liverpool General Duties Police were incensed by claims of the NSW Minister for Police, Mr Peter Anderson MP, that there were too many police (at Liverpool).
According to the Liverpool Branch Secretary of the NSW Police Association, Senior Constable Allan. F. Godfrey, of the 108 General Duties police listed at Liverpool, 28 are not involved in day to day law enforcement.
S/C Godfrey said that of the 28:-
* Three police were on permanent sick report awaiting discharge from the Force.
* One Officer was shot in the execution of his duty over 12 months ago.
* One Officer was under suspension.
* Six were involved in prisoner security at the Liverpool District Courts.
* Two were attending Penrith Court for the Milperra bikie court hearings.
* Two were guarding Family Law Court Judges on the North Shore.(following bombings)
* Five were involved in Warrants and Summonses.
* One was assigned to the Criminal Information Unit.
* Five were on restricted duties.
The remaining 80 Police attend court cases, prisoner escorts, internal affair and ombudsman’s enquiries and training courses. With such exclusions there are only about 40 police left to perform day to day duties in Liverpool and Green Valley.
These police are rostered over three shifts, seven days a week. In reality of the 108 General Duties police named on the roster, there were only three cars crews and four station staff per shift at Liverpool. Green Valley has only one Officer in the Station and one car crew per morning and afternoon shift. Green Valley was closed between 11pm and 7am each day.
Over night the sub-station area was patrolled by Liverpool, and the Green Valley vehicles are housed at Liverpool Police Station.
Source: August 1985. Liverpool Leader Newspaper via Liverpool Police History by Joe Stanioch, NSWPF # 14194
No to Strike.
Police from Liverpool, Fairfield and the Macarthur District held a mass meeting, attended by in excess of 150 police, who unanimously decided to endorse the NSW Police Association’s call for the immediate increase of 2000 police in the state.
The Secretary of the Liverpool Branch, Sergeant Allan. F. Godfrey said that “all stations in the ‘I’ District were short of manpower”.
Source: May 1986. Liverpool Leader Newspaper via Liverpool Police History by Joe Stanioch, NSWPF # 14194
New Liverpool Police delegate to the NSW Police Association conference was Allan. F. Godfrey.
Source: 1987. Liverpool Police History by Joe Stanioch, NSWPF # 14194
Liverpool Police Officer – Sergeant 3/c. Allan. F. Godfrey returned to Liverpool LAC on General Duties until 9/1993 when he was transferred to Beat Policing at Green Valley LAC.
He retired from the NSW Police in 1996 after 24 years of service to the NSW Community.
Source: 1987. Liverpool Police History by Joe Stanioch, NSWPF # 14194 – via Allan Godfrey.
* 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.
Coroner urges six-monthly welfare checks after inquest into four police suicide deaths
Posted
In short: A Hobart coroner who investigated the deaths of four police officers who took their own lives has recommended Tasmania Police conduct mandatory half-yearly well-being screenings for PTSD.
What’s next? The Police commissioner says work will continue with the police association to implement changes
The family of one of four Tasmanian police officers who died by suicide between 2016 and 2020 say they hope the findings of a coronial inquest may prevent a similar tragedy in the future.
Coroner Simon Cooper has handed down his findings into the deaths of Constable Paul Hunt, Senior Sergeant Paul Reynolds, Constable Simon Darke and Sergeant Robert Cooke, recommending a swathe of welfare supports be implemented.
WARNING: This story touches on themes of depression and suicide.
During last year’s hearings, the court was told how overworked officers were self-medicating with alcohol and drugs, and of significant shortfalls in welfare support — particularly in areas such as fatigue management and protocols around interactions with the Professional Standards Command.
In his findings, Coroner Cooper, acknowledged the fact that these men were all serving police officers was “only part of the whole picture” of their lives, but he said he had “no doubt” that “Sergeant Cooke‘s police service was the direct cause of his death“.
But he said the provision of welfare support and whether it was adequate was a “central consideration at the inquest.”
He called for Tasmania Police to immediately develop and implement a fatigue management policy saying it was essential it was “addressed urgently”.
The inquest heard Robert Cooke had reportedly worked “16-hour continuous shifts for four weeks” during the Central Highlands bushfires in 2019.
This had left him “exhausted and barely functioning towards the end of the third week”.
“Tasmania Police had no fatigue management policy at any time, up to and including as recently as when the evidence at the inquest was publicly taken at the end of 2022,” he said.
“The absence of any fatigue management policy was, I consider, a direct factor in Sergeant Cooke’s death.”
Tasmania Police officers salute at Robert Cooke’s funeral in 2020 .(ABC News: Luke Bowden)
The coroner also recommended six-monthly screenings of all operation police officers for post-traumatic stress disorder.
“Sergeant Cooke obviously suffered from the effects of PTSD for a long time before it was diagnosed,” he said.
“Every health care professional who gave evidence … unanimously agreed that his PTSD was entirely attributable to his service as a police officer.
“Every health care professional also agreed that earlier detection of PTSD increases the chances of successful treatment and recovery.”
Tasmania Police investigating the feasibility of “introducing a points system”, whereby an officer’s exposure to severe incidents would be tracked, was also recommended.
When a “critical points threshold” was reached, an automatic referral to a psychologist should be triggered, Coroner Cooper said.
The coroner also called for better support for officers under investigation for misconduct — including ensuring that those who had their phone seized by Professional Standards be given a replacement mobile pre-programmed with well-being support numbers.
“The death of any member of the community by suicide is a tragedy,” Coroner Cooper said.
“The suicide of serving police officers, whatever their individual circumstances, is particularly tragic for serving members of the police force and the community at large.
“My sincere hope is that some improvements and learnings can emerge from the deaths of Constable Hunt, Senior Sergeant Reynolds, Constable Darke and Sergeant Cooke.”
Sergeant Robert “Cookie” Cooke was well-regarded among his Tasmania Police colleagues.(ABC News: Luke Bowden)
Families welcome findings
In a statement, Robert Cooke‘s mother Lyn and sister Michelle said they were satisfied with the findings, particularly the recommendations for a fatigue management policy and screenings for PTSD stress disorder.
“The family miss Rob terribly and hope the findings and increased support for mental health may prevent similar events in the future,” they said.
“[Our] thoughts are with all the families involved in this inquest.”
Commissioner committed to ‘safe model of policing’
Police Commissioner Donna Adams acknowledged it was a difficult time for the families and colleagues impacted by the coronial report.
She said improvements had already been made within Tasmania Police.
Strategies included “a strong peer support group, and a critical stress program” to ensure officers could access the help they needed.
But she said changes wouldn’t end there — and that Tasmania Police would work with the Police Association to examine the coroner’s recommendations.
Police Minister Felix Ellis said the government had allocated funding to “Tasmania Police and the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management’s nation-leading wellbeing program”.
“Police officers, by the nature of the job, are exposed to some pretty difficult and extraordinary circumstances, so providing that support is important,” he said.
“We want to work to make sure that policing continues to be a career or choice, and that we’re supporting our officers if they do find themselves facing challenging circumstances.”
An inquest examining the deaths by suicide by four police officers in Tasmania has heard how overworked officers were self-medicating with alcohol and drugs, were poorly served by under-trained welfare staff, with one officer enduring horrific nightmares of what he had seen in the line of duty.
WARNING: This story touches on themes of depression and suicide.
The three-weeks of hearings learned about one instance where an officer went from being a happy-go-lucky family man who was exceptionally good at his job, to an absolute wreck who couldn’t get out of bed before his eventual death by suicide.
Sergeant Robert Cooke — affectionately known as “Cookie” — had been diagnosed a year before he died in October 2020 with post-traumatic stress disorder, which was attributed to years of cumulative trauma and over-work.
Before he was placed on leave, the veteran officer of 30 years was in charge of Oatlands police station, in rural central Tasmania, which meant he was regularly on-call and would often take sole responsibility for an incident.
The inquest was given evidence that Sergeant Cooke had worked 16-hour continuous shifts for four weeks during fires in the Central Highlands in 2019, and was experiencing increased anxiety, including nightmares of the dead and burnt bodies he had seen throughout his career.
Sergeant Robert “Cookie” Cooke was well-regarded among his Tasmania Police colleagues.(ABC News: Luke Bowden)
Clinical psychologist Jacqueline Prichard — who was treating Sergeant Cooke — said he could sometimes go from one traumatic incident to the next or straight into shift work before he would have had the opportunity to fully process the initial trauma.
“Your brain naturally resolves trauma in your sleep patterns in the three days following a traumatic incident, which is why it is important to get at least eight hours of sleep in the subsequent nights,” Ms Prichard said.
“If there’s no chance for sleep, or to think about the traumatic incident, then it becomes stored within the brain and can be as vivid as it was on the day.”
The inquest also heard there was a tendency among some police officers to abuse alcohol after a serious incident, which can also be disruptive to a person’s sleep pattern.
“If officers could clean out each trauma as they occurred, so they weren’t getting the cumulative effect, that would help,” Ms Prichard said.
Former Tasmania Police commissioner Darren Hine and Senior Constable Jenny Carlisle salute the hearse at Sergeant Cooke’s funeral in 2020.(ABC News: Luke Bowden)
Sergeant Cooke‘s then-partner, Senior Constable Elizabeth Carlisle, said well-meaning but under-trained people in welfare roles at Tasmania Police had a negative impact on his mental health.
Senior Constable Carlisle told the inquest she did not believe a welfare officer supporting the 49-year-old in the lead-up to his death had any formal training in assisting someone with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“Welfare officers back then were not equipped to deal with someone as unwell as Sergeant Cooke … but they are significantly better trained now,” she said.
Abused during bushfire evacuations
The deaths of Senior Sergeant Paul Reynolds, Constable Simon Darke and Constable Paul Hunt, between 2016 and 2020, have also formed part of the inquest that ended in Hobart on Friday.
Shanna Sweeney, said she contacted police after Constable Darke threatened suicide in 2011 but did not believe her concerns were taken seriously.
She said that Constable Darke was concerned he could be punished if he was seen as being vulnerable.
The inquest also heard evidence from Constable Darke’s father, Graham, who told the court the long hours during the 2019 bushfires and run of night shifts at a Hobart police station became too much for his son.
“He mentioned he had copped a lot of abuse when he asked people to leave their homes during the fires. He then went onto night shift by himself,” Mr Darke told the inquest.
The catastrophic 2019 bushfires in Tasmania were cited several times during the inquest.(Supplied: Tasmania Fire Service)
The inquest was also told the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management had made significant changes to the welfare protocol as a direct consequence of Constable Hunt‘s suicide in 2016.
Constable Hunt took his own life on the same day he received an unannounced visit from Professional Standards Command (PSC) personnel over allegations that he used his police badge and other people’s driver’s licence numbers to obtain codeine and pseudoephedrine-based medications from pharmacies in Hobart.
The court was told that the 32-year-old had his personal phone confiscated and did not have a support person present at the meeting with officers from PSC when he was officially stood down from his role.
Tasmania Police officers salute at Robert Cooke’s funeral in 2020.(ABC News: Luke Bowden)
Police Inspector John Ward told the inquest that he saw the benefit of putting a system in place where a risk assessment is carried out before an officer is approached about an investigation involving them.
“I was aware that Constable Hunt had been suffering from a medical condition, but didn’t realise he was experiencing suicidal thoughts,” he said.
At the time, he was facing allegations that he had sent and received child exploitation material, and that he had groomed young men.
Director of wellbeing support at Tasmania Police, Matthew Richman, told the court, the organisation has looked at what additional early intervention opportunities could be implemented as a direct consequence of Senior Sergeant Reynolds‘ death.
“Every aspect of policing has changed dramatically from when Senior Sergeant Reynolds started his career to the time of his death, but I think there is an opportunity to rethink our wellbeing check approach,” he said.
The inquest was told it is now standard procedure for a Tasmania Police officer to be offered a replacement mobile phone if their personal one is confiscated as part of an investigation.
It also heard that significant improvements had been made regarding welfare after the deaths of the four officers, including de-stigmatising post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions.
The inquest was told that, while Tasmania Police has made improvements in staff rosters and resourcing, it is facing an 18-month delay in the publication of a fatigue-management policy.
Work is continuing between the department, the Police Association of Tasmania and the University of Tasmania to research and identify areas that regulate workloads.
Former commissioner Darren Hine said a lot of improvements had been made over the years and Tasmania Police had dramatically increased the number of welfare officers after a funding submission to the government.
“The area of welfare and mental health will never be finished. It is a growing body of knowledge and it’s something we should never stop learning about,” Mr Hine said.
Coroner Simon Cooper is expected to hand down his findings next year.
The funeral motorcade for Tasmania Police officer Robert Cooke in 2020.(ABC News: Luke Bowden)
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 Cadets – Class 9, Phase III ( L – R )
