Patrick HEARN
Patrick HEARN
Victoria Police Force
Regd. # 10387
Rank: Superintendent – retired
Stations: spent most of his Service with the Fingerprint Unit, O.I.C. Doncaster, Kew, Prahran, Supt: Essendon, Acting Chief Superintendent for District of Ivanhoe
Service: From 5 August 1948 to 26 May 1987 = 40 years Service
Served in Cyprus from May 1969 – May 1970
Awards: National Medal – granted 10 September 1986
Police Overseas Service Medal – Clasp CYPRUS – granted 8 July 1992
Born: 25 May 1927 in U.K., Brackley, Northants
Missing: Since Wednesday 6 June 2007 ( Anniversary of Pat meeting his wife – Sally )
Body located: 3 March 2010 – High St, Lower Templestowe, Victoria
Died on: it is assumed that Pat may have died on Wednesday 6 June 2007
Age: 80
Cause: Suicide – most probably medication overdose
Memorial ceremony : 25 May 2008
Funeral date: 16 March 2010
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial at: Pat’s Ashes were sprinkled in the surf at Separation Creek where he regularly body surfed on the 6 June 2010 – being the Anniversary of his disappearance
[alert_yellow]PATRICK is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO
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May they forever Rest In Peace
Closure for family – Doncaster man Patrick Hearn’s remains found
Missing Doncaster resident Patrick Hearn has been identified as the man whose remains were found behind bushes next to High St in Lower Templestowe.
Mr Hearn, a former Doncaster police superintendent and United Nations peace-keeper, went missing after leaving his Doncaster home on Wednesday, June 6, 2007, leaving his family baffled.
Frederick John HANSON
Frederick John HANSON QPM CBE(C)
aka ‘ Slippery ‘
( late of Terrigal )
Penrith Police Academy Class # ??
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 3958
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 7 September 1936 ( aged 22 years, 3 months, 12 days )
Constable 1st Class ( during the War whilst with RAAF )
Sergeant 3rd Class – about 1947
Sergeant 2nd Class – 1952
Sergeant 1st Class – 1955
Inspector 3rd Class – appointed 26 September 1959
Inspector 2nd Class – appointed 16 April 1961
Inspector 1st Class – appointed 28 August 1962
Superintendent 3rd Class – appointed 31 October 1964
Superintendent 2nd Class – appointed 22 June 1966
Superintendent 1st Class – appointed 14 August 1967
Assistant Metropolitan Superintendent – 1967
Assistant Commissioner – appointed 25 September 1968
Acting Commissioner – appointed from 11 June 1970 to 22 July 1970, inclusive, during Commissioner ALLEN‘s recreation leave.
Acting Commissioner – appointed from 1 March 1971 to 28 March 1971, inclusive, during Commissioner ALLEN’s recreation leave.
Acting Commissioner – appointed 5 June 1971 ( due to illness of Norm ALLEN )
Deputy Commissioner – appointed 14 January 1972
Commissioner – appointed 15 November 1972
Resigned – December 1976
Stations: 4 Division – ( Pedestrian / Traffic Duties ),
Broken Hill GD’s ( September 1936 – 1940 ) & Plain clothes ( 1940 – 1942 ),
RAAF during the War years 31 January 1942 – 30 January 1946,
Vice Squad ( September 1946 – 1946 ),
Police Air Wing as Sgt 3/C ( 1946 – 1950 ),
21 Mobile Division – ( 1950 – 1953 ) Sgt 2/C
Broken Hill GD’s – ( 1953 – 1959 ) ( Sgt 2/c – Sgt 1/c )
Bega – ( 15 October 1959 – 17 April 1962 ) Inspector 3/C & O.I.C. (succeeded Insp. 3/C C. M. Lark, retired ).
Wollongong – ( 20 April 1962 – 16 June 1964 ) ( succeeded Insp. 1/C Allan Glenville Wild
Attended Australian Police College, Manly, 1963
Whilst at Police HQ, Phillip St and then College St, Sydney ( 22 June 1964 – 1976 ) he was the:
Metropolitan Police District – Superintendent 3rd Class
Superintendent 1st Class, Assistant Metropolitan Superintendent, Assistant Commissioner, Commissioner.
Service: From 7 September 1936 to 31 December 1976 = 40 years Service
[blockquote]
Australian Imperial Force Royal Australian Air Force
Regiment: ?
Enlisted: ?
Service # 407958
Rank: Flying Officer ( Lieutenant )
Embarkation: ?
Next of kin: ?
Religion: ?
Single / Married: Married
Returned to Australia: ?
Awards: M.I.D. ( Mentioned in Despatches) NCA ( No Citation Available ) Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 21 June 1945 Page 1353, position 54
[/blockquote]
Awards: King’s Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air – granted 1 January 1945
Queen’s Police Medal ( QPM ) – granted 11 June 1966
The Order of the British Empire – Commander ( Civil ) ( CBE(C)) – granted 1 January 1974
Born: Tuesday 26 May 1914 in Orange, NSW
Died on: Sunday 26 October 1980 in Terrigal, NSW ( his home )
Age: 66 years, 5 months, 0 days
Cause: Suicide – Carbon Monoxide poisoning
Funeral date: ?
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial at: Police Rugby League competition ( 1970 ) Fred Hanson Shield.
FRED is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
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May they forever Rest In Peace
Frederick John Hanson CBE (26 May 1914 at Orange, New South Wales – 26 October 1980 at Terrigal, New South Wales), was the Commissioner of the New South Wales Police from 15 November 1972 until his retirement in 1976.
Early life and career
Frederick Hanson was born the eldest of four children to Ernest Frederick Hanson and Vera Marie Hanson. He did not remain in Orange for long before moving to Burwood where he was educated at the Christian Brother’s Saint Mary’s Boy’s School. He became a jeweller’s assistant before being hired as a porter with the New South Wales Government Railways. Hanson joined the New South Wales Police on 7 September 1936 at the age of 22 and the next year was posted to Broken Hill where, in the Sacred Heart Cathedral, he married Carole Louise Whitehall with Catholic rites on 9 November 1938. In 1940 Hanson was transferred to plain clothes duties.[1]
Military service
Hanson served in the Citizen Air Force from 1932 to 1936 and obtained a private pilot licence in 1939. On 31 January 1942 he was transferred to the Royal Australian Air Force. Commissioned on 14 January 1943, Hanson served as a pilot in Britain, the Middle East and Ceylon (Sri Lanka), and was mentioned in despatches. On 30 January 1946 he was demobilized as acting squadron leader and returned to the police.[1]
Policing career
Hanson was promoted to the rank of Constable (first class) while on active service and briefly posted to the vice squad before being transferred to the police air wing as Sergeant (third class).
Such rapid advancement in an organization which was committed to seniority based promotion resulted in a number of appeals. The first appeal was rejected and the remainder were withdrawn which allowed Hanson to overtake more than a thousand other police on the seniority list. After this he became known as ‘Slippery’.
The air wing was disbanded in 1950 and Hanson then moved to the new Number 21 Mobile Division.
He returned to Broken Hill in 1953 and was promoted to Sergeant (first class) in 1955.
Hanson served as an Inspector (third class) and also officer in charge at Bega (1959–62) and Wollongong (1962–64) before moving to the Metropolitan Police District as a Superintendent (third class).
After attendance at the Australian Police College in 1963, Hanson rose to Superintendent (first class) and Assistant Metropolitan Superintendent in 1967.[1]
Hanson was appointed Assistant Commissioner in 1968, Deputy Commissioner on 14 January 1972 and Commissioner on 15 November 1972.
That year he also attended the general assembly of the International Criminal Police Organization at Frankfurt, Germany.
In 1974 he visited the Australian police contingent at Cyprus.
While Commissioner Hanson introduced merit rating, abolished seniority in executive promotions and also established the crime intelligence unit.
By objecting to New South Wales Police Association attempts to gain greater access to the Industrial Commission of New South Wales he sparked contention.
Hanson gained widespread support in 1975 when he initiated aggressive street patrols to counter hoodlum activity, however he failed to control illegal gambling which was to become a major public issue.
In 1976 Hanson sued the then Australian Broadcasting Commission for defamation when it had been suggested that he had a financial interest in an illegal casino situated at Gosford; the case was later settled out of court.[1]
Retirement
Pressured to resign after adverse publicity, he delayed doing so until he was replaced in 1976 by his preferred successor and air wing colleague Mervyn Wood.
Further allegations of corruption were made against Hanson in the 1980s.
Hanson was a modest however humorous man, he kept his family life extremely private. He was a noted practical joker and esteemed by his subordinates for his genuine interest in their welfare, his readiness to delegate responsibility and his unwillingness to be hindered by red tape.
Survived by his wife, Hanson died from carbon monoxide poisoning by inhalation on the night of 25 to 26 October 1980 at his Terrigal home; the Coroner dispensed with an inquest and Hanson was cremated.[1]
Corruption allegations
There were persistent allegations about Hanson’s involvement in organised crime, and was repeatedly claimed that he corruptly received payments from criminals and that he was the part-owner of an illegal casino at Gosford, in which former detective Ray “Gunner” Kelly is also alleged to have had an interest.
Hanson featured prominently in The Prince and the Premier, the 1985 book by investigative journalist David Hickie, which canvassed allegations of corruption against senior NSW government officials, including Premier Robert Askin and senior police including Norman Allan, Hanson and Merv Wood.
Hickie specifically named both Allan and Hanson as corrupt, stating that they knowingly allowed illegal casinos and illegal SP (off-track) betting to flourish in NSW. Citing an “impeccable” and highly placed source within the illegal gaming empire established by Perc Galea, Hickie alleged that Askin and his police commissioners, Allan and Hanson, were paid bribes amounting to A$100,000 per year from 1967 until Askin’s retirement.[2]
Another of Hickie’s informants, a former croupier at Galea’s Double Bay Bridge Club, claimed that A$5000 per week from the club was paid in bribes to Hanson and Askin.[3] Hickie also notes that Hanson was among the mourners at Galea’s funeral in 1976.[4]
In 1979 John Hatton, an independent politician claimed in the New South Wales Parliament that Askin and Hanson knew of and may have even encouraged the penetration of Australian crime by “overseas mobsters, gangsters and the Mafia“.[citation needed]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Hanson
Leighton John McQUADE
Leighton John McQUADE
( Late of Boro formerly of Blackbutt, NSW )
aka Leigh
New South Wales Police Force
Academy Class DPP 5
Regd. # 33903
Rank: Senior Constable – Medical Discharge HOD – PTSD
Stations: ?, Warilla ( Lake Illawarra / Oak Flats ) TAG Unit,
Service: From 12 May 2000 to 6 January 2011 ( Medically retired 2013 ) = 13+ years Service
Awards: Local Area Command Commendation – Lake Illawarra – 2008
No find on It’s An Honour
Born: 30 May 1973
Died on: Thursday 18 August 2016
Cause: PTSD – Suicide – overdose
Age: 43
Funeral date: Monday 29 August 2016 @ 10am
Funeral location: Hansen & Cole Funerals, 634 Northcliffe Dve, Kembla Grange ( cnr F6 )
Buried at: Lakeside Memorial Park, 230 Kanahooka Rd, Kanahooka
Memorial at: ?
Push video to full screen to remove the side marks of the website.
LEIGH is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
Funeral location: [codepeople-post-map]
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal
Leigh, prior to joining NSW Police, worked at Appin Mine and later became a Senior Constable at Lake Illawarra ( Oak Flats ) Police Station for many years.
On the morning of Thursday 18 August 2016, he was found deceased at his property at Boro near Braidwood, NSW, resulting from an overdose.
Leigh had recently ‘sold up’ in the Illawarra and moved to his property to make a fresh start in life – but, sadly, the demons continued to follow him after a previous suicide attempt some years earlier.
May you forever Rest In Peace mate. You were a good bloke.
Will be sadly missed by his many Aunties, Uncles, Cousins and Friends.
Aged 43 Years
Your Memory Is Our Greatest Treasure
To Have And To Hold In Our Hearts Forever
The relatives and friends of Leigh are invited to attend his Funeral Service to be held at the Northcliffe Chapel of Hansen & Cole, 634 Northcliffe Drive, Kembla Grange on Monday 29th August, 2016 commencing at 10am. At the conclusion of the Chapel Service the funeral will proceed to Lakeside Cemetery for burial.
In lieu of flowers donations are invited to Beyond Blue. A bowl will be provided at the Chapel door.
Leighton John McQuade – Funeral pamphlet
Illawarra sisters speak out after cop dad’s suicide
Leigh McQuade had no trouble staring down the hardest of criminals and never thought twice about throwing himself in the line of fire.
His police academy training supplied him with the tools necessary to bring down the toughest of crooks and soothe the hearts of the most broken victims.
But no one taught Senior Constable McQuade how to tackle the black dog that terrorised him. The wild beast that has brought down far too many NSW cops, got him too.
Maddison and Taylah McQuade are now left wondering why no one could help their dad – the brave Illawarra cop who took his own life, aged 43.
‘’When dad began to get sick, I was quite young so I wasn’t entirely aware of what was going on but as I grew up I learnt what the basics were … his anxiety affected the daily things that he used to be able to do so carefreely,’’ Maddison said.
‘’It wasn’t until after his death that I actually researched what PTSD actually entails, and it just blew me away to believe how an individual can suffer so much.’’
Maddison said police officers entering the force should be better supported for the mental struggles they could face.
‘’They should sit them down and say ‘hey you might have to learn to fire this gun but you also need to learn how to mentally deal with seeing deceased bodies, by being able to save people and all the horrific things that are on the cards’.
‘’It’s pretty evident that there’s not much of that.’’
The McQuade girls are angry their family was ‘’kept in the dark’’ with no support or education on how to help their dad during his six year-struggle before he was medically retired in 2013.
‘’Everyone puts so much crap on cops … but they put up with some inhumane sights, they are suffering,’’ Maddison said.
‘’There is minimal awareness, support and education about PTSD and these types of diseases.
’’If any good can come of Dad’s death it would have to be to try and help those suffering before it’s too late because I could never wish this pain on anyone.
‘’It’s too horrific to lose someone you love to a disease that they didn’t deserve. There could be so much more support.’’
As the McQuade family struggles to move on without Leigh, they still feel the support is lacklustre.
‘’Even now we haven’t been provided much help, we were assisted with NSW Police Association counselling with only three appointments and as I’ve been going through my HSC they ‘couldn’t’ help me with paperwork to explain why I need privileges,’’ Maddison said.
‘’It was horrible, all the stuffing around and telling stories to people who claimed they were there to help but never did.’’
Brave cop ill-equipped to battle his demons
The death of an Illawarra police officer has again highlighted the dire need for better support for emergency service workers suffering mental health issues, Greens Justice Spokesperson David Shoebridge said.
The MP is taking their fight to Parliament on Monday.
Lake Illawarra Senior Constable Leigh McQuade took his own life in August after years of battling debilitating symptoms of PTSD. He went from a loving, happy dad with a close-knit group of friends, to an isolated, withdrawn man who drank excessively to ‘’coat the pain’’.
His daughters Maddison and Taylah remember feeling helpless and on ‘’high alert’’ for a trigger that could end in a bad episode for their dad.
‘’I understand in the job there’s tragedies of deaths with accidents, murders, drug busts … but criminals get assistance and the opportunity to rehabilitate,’’ Maddison said.
‘’No assistance is given to these police officers that suffer PTSD and other mental illnesses and diseases. Their only escape from it is to end it, usually with suicide.’’
Mr Shoebridge said the story was all too familiar. ‘’First responders, whether police, firefighters or paramedics, see things and deal with trauma that is almost unthinkable for most of us, and it happens to them on a daily basis’’.
“For police in particular the lack of organisational support while they are in the force is then magnified by the complete absence of support once a psychologically injured officer leaves the force,’’ Mr Shoebridge said. “The fact is once an injured officer leaves it is their family, their spouse and children, who take on the burden and suffer the impacts of the injury. Theirs is an often unspoken need and it is well past time it was addressed.’’
Berrick Boland, a former police officer who runs a support page for injured police officers and the families of those who have died, says the issue of suicide is hidden from public view.’’
In NSW you are better positioned if you are a dead greyhound than an injured or deceased policeman or emergency services government employee,’’ Mr Bolland, the administrator of the Forgotten 000s Facebook page says.
A NSW Police Association spokeswoman said a new Police Legacy program was available to officers and families called BACKUP for Life. The Government has committed $500,000 annually over the next four years for the program to ‘’design, implement and manage post service support strategies for former NSW police officers and immediate families’’.
The Association runs a CARE Program and promotes Beyondblue’s ‘‘Good Practice Framework for Mental Health and Wellbeing in First Responder Organisations’’.
Illawarra cops pay tribute to struggling friend
The NSW Police Force can hold themselves responsible for Leigh’s death, an unnamed colleague said.
‘’He left there with a messed-up head and not any kind of support. He had so much anger and hurt in his heart, this wouldn’t have come as no surprise to anyone who knew him. And as a police officer he managed to have care and respect for the people he was forced to arrest.
‘’More than any police officer EVER he cared for the families and genuinely wanted to see positive change in people and always done his absolute best to give people a second chance.
‘’No police officer will ever live up to his standards. R.I.P mate save that beer for us when we see you again.’’
Another colleague said: ‘’Leigh worked in the Lake Illawarra TAG Unit, now it’s called the proactive crime unit. It was very busy, non stop.
‘’Work involved drug raids, DNA hits targeting high-risk offenders … ,’’ the officer said.
‘’He was in the face of crooks, searching people, brawls … he was a great bloke with a good heart.’’
Anyone needing support can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 224 636.
Raymond John McNISH
Raymond John McNISH ( Jnr )
aka Ray
Original heading: Unknown MALE VicPol member – suicide 1
VicPol Academy Squad 7 of 2004
Victoria Police Force
Regd. # 34557
Rank: Commenced at Victorian Police Academy on 14 June 2004
Probationary Constable – appointed 29 October 2004
Leading Senior Constable
Stations: ?, Campaspe region, Swan Hill, Echuca – death
Service: From 14 June 2004 to 8 February 2016 = 11 years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: 5 May 1965
Died on: 8 February 2016 @ home in Moama, NSW
Cause: Depression – Suicide – firearm to head ( non police issue )
( Ray was struggling with his Depression & had an appointment arranged for the day after his suicide )
Age: 50
Funeral date: Friday 19 February 2016 @ 10am
Funeral location: Dungula Events Centre, 69 Dungula Way, Echuca – Moama
Buried at: Cremated
Wake: Dungula Function Centre
Memorial at: ?
RAY is NOT mentioned on the National Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal
Advocates want more of a conversation on the mental health impact on frontline police
Grieving widow says her policeman husband’s death was work-related,
takes Victoria Police to court
Posted
A grieving Victorian widow has taken the state’s police to court in an attempt to prove her husband’s suicide was work-related.
Wendy McNish has spoken out for the first-time about the suicide of her husband Raymond McNish at Moama early last year.
The New South Wales Coroner has been examining the case but Mrs McNish has also taken legal action against Victoria Police.
Her lawyer Travis Fewster from Maurice Blackburn said his client was trying to prove Mr McNish’s psychological disturbance came about because of employment stress.
“We will be saying that at the time he took his life, he just did not know where to turn, what to do,” Mr Fewster said.
“It was absolutely work-related,” he said.
Mr Fewster said a medical report from a GP suggested Mr McNish had lost faith in society and was disenchanted.
“We have also got a suicide note that said he could no longer have any fun, he could not laugh and he was not smiling anymore,” he said.
“So we have got those things put together as well as the trauma he saw day and in day out and what we consider is a lack of support from some of the parties involved,” Mr Fewster said.
A country copper
A great country copper was how Wendy McNish described her late husband.
“He was a very diligent, thorough worker and he found he had put his hand up for help and that was not there,” she said.
He took his own life in February last year aged 50.
He was a senior constable based at Echuca in northern Victoria.
Victoria Police rejected Mrs McNish’s initial application for compensation, denying liability in December last year. Now she has taken on the force and hopes it can make changes to better support staff and their families.
“He felt alone and unsupported within his job,” Mrs McNish said.
She said she wanted the force to be more open-minded about mental health measures it could implement.
“Anything that helps them to cope with what they are seeing every-time they close their eyes has got to be a benefit and help them be more balanced,” she said.
“I’m not the only one out there that this is happening too,” she said.
“If I can help in any way I can then I will,” she said.
She said Mr McNish was affected by what he saw during his almost 12 years in the force.
Police tackle mental health issues
Victoria Police unveiled its three-year mental health strategy in August, which included a cultural leadership program.
Commissioner Graham Ashton said he wanted the force to do everything to protect, promote and preserve employees’ wellbeing.
Mr Ashton announced last month he was suffering from a fatigue-related illness and was taking sick leave.
At that time, he said he had always encouraged staff to speak up if they were struggling and to seek support as early as possible.
The Police Association, the union representing Victorian officers, said it was looking at how to encourage members facing a stigma to speak up. The secretary Wayne Gatt said he wanted to break down culture that stopped police from seeking help.
[code]”The stress that builds up over a long and challenging career makes for the perfect environment for mental health injuries to take hold,” he said.[/code]
“The Victorian Police has also been strengthening its support services that are available to our members and has the Police Association in terms of physical resources and people we can send out to assist members when they need help.
Wayne Gatt said some members had taken their own lives this year.
“I’ve been to two funerals this year of members who have lost their lives,” he said.
“It’s so critically important that we have adequate ways of providing appropriate diagnosis, delivering appropriate support services and getting help to members as soon as they put their hand up,” he said.
Mrs McNish acknowledged Victoria Police had some focus on mental health but she said she was unsure if it was on the right path.
“For me, I don’t think counselling and psychology is the only answer,” she said.
“I think there is more than one avenue that can be taken with regard to mental health,” Mrs McNish said.
“I look at natural therapies because that’s where I’ve got the main healing and benefits for me,” she said.
She said she just wanted acknowledgement from Victoria Police.
“I think they need to speak with widows and families who have lost and find if there are some common threads in there that we can pull together … so changes can be made in the right direction because like I said, it’s not a one-size-fits-all scenario,” she said. Mrs McNish also said treatment options could go further.
“The counselling side of things and the support that is there, is really only just ticking the boxes,” she said.
She said conversations about suicide were becoming more widespread but there was still work to be done.
“I’ve seen people shy away from me,” Mrs McNish said.
“Even friends of 10 years have crossed the street who are work colleagues of Ray’s, you know that’s disappointing,” she said.
“I don’t want to normalise it, I just want to open the doors so that the conversations can flow and people can be understood,” she said.
“That’s been a real difficult thing for me to understand that people don’t want to or are not prepared to talk about it,” Mrs McNish.
“The more we get it out there, it just makes it easier for people,” she said.
“Sadly I’m not going to be the last one that goes through this,” Mrs McNish said.
“If you can’t open up to people and for them to at least hear you out, it makes it really difficult to move forward,” she said.
Victoria Police said in recent years, it had completed an organisation-wide mental health review and done significant work to improve the culture and support services around mental health.
If you or anyone you know needs help:
- Lifeline on 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
- MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
- Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
- Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
- Headspace on 1800 650 890
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-13/widow-of-cop-speaks-out-about-suicide/9249808?pfmredir=sm
Echuca police officer’s widow sues force
by
THE widow of an Echuca policeman who took his own life a year ago is suing the Victoria Police.
In a writ lodged in the Country Court Wendy McNish is claiming her husband “sustained personal injury and death” throughout his career, which was caused or contributed to by the force’s breach of duty to him.
Leading Senior Constable McNish had always wanted to be a policeman but did not actually begin his career until he was 39.
Eleven years later he was dead after a career which saw him work in stations around the Campaspe region, in undercover and had been the key investigator in recovering more than $1 million in stolen farming machinery.
The issue of mental health among officers made headlines in February last year after three Victoria Police members committed suicide in the first six weeks of 2016, including Ray McNish.
Now his widow is seeking compensation under the Accident Compensation Act, claiming she was dependent on her husband’s earnings at the time he died.
Mrs McNish is seeking unspecified damages.
The Herald Sun reports today that since 2000 five officers have died in the line of duty – but 19 more have died at their own hand.
In 2006, while based at Swan Hill, Ray McNish was awarded for his efforts in dealing with family violence through “exceptional listening skills, an empathetic approach and thorough investigation of family violence incidents.
The paper said between July 2010 and June 2015 WorkCover accepted 482 mental injury claims from Victoria Police and rejected 500.
It might have been a late start in blue but Dissa was a born copper. He worked in uniform, he worked undercover, even got to mix police work with his other great passion – farming – in a case which saw him help recover more than $1 million worth of stolen agricultural machinery.
But in the end it was most likely the job he loved that in part had failed him — to what extent no-one will ever really know.
Ground down by a depression so dark and so insidious that in the end it would all be more than he could live with.
At the time of his death the Riverine Herald reported Ray McNish was the tangible tip of an unseen iceberg paralysing many of those on our emergency services frontline.
Police, fire fighters, ambulance crews, search and rescue – they’re all vulnerable to the horrors and tragedy to which they are so frequently exposed on our behalf.
And they are committing suicide, or attempting to, in greater numbers, frightening numbers.
Or broken by post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, or crushing variations of either/or, baling out of careers they love before they checked out of life – for good.
The ripple effect on families, friends and colleagues spans generations – from victim to their parents, their partners and their children.
These men and women give their all in careers where they are frequently all that stands between society and social chaos.
Yet are forced to haggle, sometimes for years, for the most meagre financial recognition of the load they carry.
Governments of all persuasions are prepared to see them as numbers on a spreadsheet rather than the increasingly irreplaceable assets they are; real people whose very wellbeing – mentally and physically – is being eroded on a daily basis.
And in the end Ray McNish joined a line that sadly is already too long, and threatening to become much longer.
A human tragedy, which in Ray McNish’s case, was played out in tributes and tears at Dungula Function Centre last February.
http://www.riverineherald.com.au/2017/01/18/5484/echuca-police-officers-widow-sues-force
Wife of Echuca cop who died in tragic circumstances sues Victoria Police
THE wife of a well-loved country cop who died in tragic circumstances a year ago is suing Victoria Police.
Wendy McNish, whose “soulmate”, Leading Senior Constable Ray McNish, 50, died on February 8 last year, accuses the force of breaching its duty to her husband, who took his own life.
In a writ lodged in the County Court, Ms McNish claims her husband “sustained personal injury and death throughout” his career which was caused or contributed to by the force’s breach of duty to him.
Ms McNish is claiming compensation under the Accident Compensation Act, saying she was dependant on her husband’s earnings at the time of his death.
Ms McNish and her lawyer declined to comment on Tuesday. The action is the latest by grieving families of dead police, with the Herald Sun revealing last April that the fiancée of another officer ( Robert John SMITH ) was suing after her partner shot himself at Boronia Police Station with his service firearm after complaining of being bullied and harassed.
Since 2000, five Victoria Police officers have died in the line of duty, but 19 more have died by their own hand.
It is understood Leading Senior Constable McNish’s death did not occur at work or involve a police firearm.
Based at Echuca, he was a popular officer on both sides of the Murray River and was farewelled with a police guard of honour in the presence of Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton.
“No farewells were spoken. No time to say goodbye. You were gone before we knew it. And only God knows why. Forever in our hearts, love you always. Until we meet again. Your suffering is now over”, a family death notice read.
In 2006, while based at Swan Hill, then-Senior Constable McNish was awarded for his efforts in dealing with the complex issue of family violence, through his “exceptional listening skills, an empathetic approach and thorough investigation of family violence incidents”.
A colleague from NSW paid tribute to “not only a fellow police officer but a mate & a true loving caring person”.
He posted: “To my very close friend Wendy my heart breaks for you, you & Ray have been true friends to me helping me with my PTSD I just wish I could have known Ray’s pain so I could have been there for Ray.”
Ms McNish is seeking unspecified damages.
A police spokeswoman said the force took the welfare of its employees seriously and had made a priority of addressing mental health issues, including adopting all 39 recommendations from a mental health review last year.
Between July, 2010 and June, 2015 WorkCover accepted 482 mental injury claims from Victoria Police and rejected 500, including 241 resulting from harassment and bullying, 252 for work pressure, 167 sparked by traumatic events and 54 due to occupational violence.
A WorkSafe spokesman said: “WorkSafe is continuing its inquiries into the death of Mr McNish. As such it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
Over the past five years, 1037 mental injury claims have been made by Victoria Police members.
A National Coronial Information System report on Intentional self-harm among emergency service personnel in 2015 found that of the of the 62 police suicides in Australia between July 1, 2000, and December 2012, 25 shot themselves — 23 with their service-issued firearm.
A 2015 Victorian Coroners Prevention Unit report into suicide rates among workers in key professions found the annual suicide rate among Victoria police was 10 per 100,000.
If this article causes you distress or if you require help or information, police employees can call Welfare Services confidentially 24 hours 7 days a week on (03) 9247 3344, and other members of the community can call Lifeline on 131 114 or Beyondblue on 1300 224 636
Echuca police pause
The Riverine Herald
22 February 2016
Ray McNish waited until he was 39 to fulfil a childhood dream – and become a policeman.
Barely 11 years later about 1000 people, many of them police and former police, alongside family and friends, gathered in Echuca – Moama to attend his funeral.
The man affectionately dubbed Dissa ( as in disarray ) had taken his own life.
He had lived the dream, and he loved the job. Everyone said so, and they all meant it.
It might have been a late start in blue but Dissa was born copper. he worked in uniform, he worked undercover, even got to mix police work with his other great passion – farming – in a case which saw him help recover more than $1 million worth of stolen agricultural machinery.
But in the end it was most likely the job he loved that in part had failed him – to what extent no-one will ever really know.
Ground down by a depression so dark and so insidious that in the end it would all be more than he could live with.
A state which, in true Dissa style, he largely kept from those who knew him best, those who loved him most.
Ray McNish is the tangible tip of an unseen iceberg paralysing many of those on our emergency service frontline.
Police, fire fighters, ambulance crews, search and rescue – they’re all vulnerable to the horrors and tragedy to which they are so frequently exposed on hour behalf.
And they are committing suicide, or attempting to, in greater numbers, frightening numbers.
Or broken by post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, or crushing variations of either / or, bailing out of careers they love before they check out of life – for good.
The ripple effect on families, friends and colleagues spans generations – from victim to their parents, their partners and their children.
These men and women give their all in careers where they are frequently all that stands between society and social chaos.
Yet are force to haggle, sometimes for years, for the most meagre financial recognition of the load they carry.
Governments of all persuasions are prepared to see them as numbers on a spreadsheet rather than the increasingly irreplaceable assets they are; real people whose very wellbeing – mentally and physically – is being eroded on a daily basis.
And in the end Ray McNish joined a line that sadly is already too long, and threatening to become much longer.
A human tragedy finally played out in tributes and tears at Dungula Function Centre on Friday – and the ripples keep on spreading.
Man to front court accused of farm thefts
Updated
A 55-year-old man has been charged with stealing farm machinery from properties in northern Victoria.
Detectives say they found about $500,000 worth of stolen equipment when they searched five properties in the Bamawm region, south of Echuca, on Tuesday.
Senior Constable Ray McNish says the investigation has been a focus for local police.
“It certainly has. It’s been probably well over 12 months now and it’s still an ongoing investigation at this stage,” he said.
A Bamawm man was arrested and charged with theft and handling stolen goods.
He was released on bail and is due to face the Echuca Magistrates Court in April.
Victorian police have increased their focus on farm thefts in recent months, with the establishment of rural crime taskforce.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-02-23/man-to-front-court-accused-of-farm-thefts/3846800
Echuca assault accused bailed
A MELBOURNE man who police allege drove to Echuca, bound his father’s partner with duct tape, assaulted her and robbed the house, was granted bail yesterday.Mustafa Hadis, 20, of Meadow Heights, faced the Bendigo Magistrates Court on several charges, including intentionally causing serious injury and theft yesterday.
The court heard Hadis had been estranged from his father since the age of two and had recent attempts at contact rebuffed.
Detective Senior Constable Ray McNish said Hadis had attended his father’s house twice in the week leading up to the attack. The first time he was told his father wished to have no further contact with him, the second his father was not home. Detective McNish said two days later, on January 18, Hadis and two co-accused attached stolen number plates to a car and again drove to Echuca, parking some distance from the victim’s address. “The victim was home alone in bed and at about 7am was awoken to see Hadis standing outside her bedroom window,” he said. Detective McNish said when the 58-year-old victim went outside to confront Hadis, he grabbed her and tried to pull her back inside, causing her to fall to the ground. He said Hadis then called out for help from his co-accused and they dragged the victim inside where they struck her face and arms with a rubber mallet. “Once inside, the victim’s hands were bound with packing tape, she also had her mouth and head covered to quell her screaming,” Detective McNish said. He said Hadis and the two co-accused then stole a large amount of jewellery and two mobile phones. He said the victim feared for her life, especially when one of Hadis’ co-accused took a knife from the kitchen. “The victim was taken to hospital with injuries to her head requiring stitches, severe swelling to her hand and bruising to her arms and legs,” he said. Detective McNish said the attack was a “premeditated act” with the men pre-packing the tape, mallet, screwdrivers and gloves. The court heard Hadis made full admissions when later arrested and interviewed by police, saying he felt hurt by his father and “emotionally rejected”. Hadis’ bail application was opposed by police, but his defence counsel said it was important her client was released as he was the sole carer of his mother. Hadis was bailed, with strict conditions, to appear at the Bendigo Magistrates Court for a committal mention on April 4.
http://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/story/74482/echuca-assault-accused-bailed/
Police honoured for work in combating family violence
Release date: Sat 28 October 2006
Last updated: Wed 1 November 2006
Five police members were honoured on Friday for their efforts in dealing with the complex issue of family violence.
The 2006 Excellence in Policing Family Violence Awards were presented by Assistant Commissioner (Region 3) Ken Lay.
The awards are the result of a recommendation from the Region 3 Family Violence Reference Group that police members who excel in their approach in responding to family violence should be recognised. The Family Violence Reference Group comprises police members and representatives from other government departments and family violence services.
The awards were divided into two categories: Leadership and Practise.
Leadership awards are for members displaying outstanding initiative and leadership, which have positively motivated and influenced others in response to family violence.
Winners of the 2006 Excellence in Policing Family Violence – Leadership awards are:
• Sergeant Phil Nash from Broadmeadows police station for excellence in managing Family Violence Liaison Officer portfolio in an area of high numbers of family violence incidents.
• Constable Donna Rundle from Kyneton police station for outstanding leadership in addressing Family Violence within Macedon Ranges.
Practise awards are for members exhibiting exemplary characteristics that have added significant value to the manner in which police act when responding to family violence.
Winners of the 2006 Excellence in Policing Family Violence – Practise awards are:
• Senior Constable Frank Scopelliti from Tatura police station for a consistently high level of response, outstanding victim support and negotiation skills.
• Senior Constable John Lal from Epping police station for a highly professional and ethical approach, adhering to the principles and policies of the Victoria Police Code of Practice for Investigating Family Violence and consistent referrals to NARTT.
• Senior Constable Ray McNish from Swan Hill police station for exceptional listening skills, an empathetic approach and thorough investigation of family violence incidents.
Assistant Commissioner Ken Lay told forum attendees that family violence affects all communities.
“The unfortunate and stark reality of family violence is that it affects all of our communities”, Mr Lay said.
Assistant Commissioner Ken Lay said that police attendance at incidents of family violence had decreased in Region 3 in the 2005/2006 financial year compared to the 2004/2005 financial year.
He said that in the 2005/2006 financial year police in Region 3 attended 5955 incidents of family violence, compared to the 2004/2005 financial year where police in Region 3 attended 6367 incidents.
“Reporting incidents to the police is the crucial step needed to ensure that victims of family violence are supported and the crime attached to family violence is addressed,” Mr Lay said.
“Although the figures suggest that family violence incidents have decreased, it is still possible that incidents go unreported. I hope that the example set by all police members in Region 3 nominated for the ‘Excellence in Policing Family Violence’ awards encourages more victims of family violence to seek support.”
Police response to family violence can mean the difference between life and death; about half the homicides in Victoria over recent years have been the result of family violence.
New Victims’ legislation, the ‘Victims’ Charter Act 2006’ comes into effect on Wednesday 1 November. This legislation will further ensure that all police members deliver a quality service to victims of crime, treating victims with courtesy, respect and dignity. As part of the Act, police will distribute a new booklet ‘A Victim’s Guide to Support Services and the Criminal Justice System’ to all victims of crime.
Sara McMillan
Media Officer
http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?Document_ID=8992
Unnamed male who suicided the week pre 11 February 2016.
This officer who died this week was from Echuca police station, but ended his life at a house in Tocumwal, a small town in NSW about 110 kilometres to the north-east.
Two Victoria Police officers take their own lives in a week
-
Nino Bucci and Cameron Houston
Victoria Police is grappling with the suicides of two officers in a week, as it awaits a high-level review of mental health issues within the force that is expected to recommend an overhaul of support services.
As Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton described the challenge of mental health issues among police as “one of the most important issues” he had to face, the families of the two officers were mourning the sudden losses.
In 41 days this year, two officers and a police employee have taken their lives. It has been almost 10 years since a Victoria Police officer died on duty, according to the Police Association honour roll.
The first officer who died this week was from Echuca police station, but ended his life at a house in Tocumwal, a small town in NSW about 110 kilometres to the north-east.
The other officer( SenCon Paul Anthony BRENNAN ) was from Mordialloc station, and is understood to have taken his own life after being involved in a minor traffic incident in the bayside suburbs on Wednesday night.
Neither officer was on duty at the time of their deaths.
“The death by suicide of a police member is always cause for enormous concern at Victoria Police. Looking after our people is one of our highest priorities,” police spokeswoman Acting Sergeant Melissa Seach said.
“We are heavily committed to improving the mental health support available to all our staff.
“We know that anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress can all be triggered by the stressful situations our people can find themselves in.”
Acting Sergeant Seach said the Victoria Police Mental Health Review would be completed in late March. Mental health experts have been consulted as part of the review.
“Suicide has long been a problem for Victoria Police as it has been across the population in general.
“Victoria Police understands that with improvements in recognising and addressing mental health issues, the incidence of suicide can be reduced and we are committed to doing this.
“The organisation will continue to work … [with] partners such as the Police Association, beyondblue and independent universities to improve our services and ability to break down barriers and help those at risk.”
In October, The Age reported that an officer had taken her own life at a police station, soon after she was deemed fit to carry a service firearm, despite suffering from mental illness.
The leading senior constable( Simone CARROLL ) was a mother of three.
It was also reported that a senior police officer who was charged with murder suffered mental health issues for almost a decade before he allegedly shot and killed a man during a routine intercept in Windsor in 2013.
Senior Constable Tim Baker, 44, allegedly shot Vlado Micetic three times in the chest during the intercept, and claimed he acted in self-defence.
He is believed to have an extensive history of psychiatric problems, raising further concerns about Victoria Police’s handling of mental illness and its policies surrounding access to firearms.
Mr Baker took extended leave on several occasions because of his illness, and was only allowed to resume work after approval from a Victoria Police psychiatrist.
But less than a year before the shooting, it is believed Mr Baker was involved in a serious altercation with another officer that should have set off alarms, according to colleagues of the accused man.
The coroner is also set to investigate the death of a sergeant( Sergeant Martin James VEAL ) who took his own life last June.
It is believed at least five officer deaths are before the coroner. More than 40Victoria Police officers have reportedly committed suicide since 1990.
The force said they would not comment on the circumstances of the officers’ deaths while they were the subject of coronial investigations, including whether they were reviewing access to service weapons.
For support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 224 636.
See later edition of Herald Sun for details.
-Wendy Jennings
Martin James VEAL
Martin James VEAL
Previously recorded as: Unknown MALE VicPol member – suicide 3
aka Marty VEAL
Victoria Police Force
Regd. # 30157
Rank: Training – Academy April 1994 – August 1994
Sergeant – appointed June 2009
Stations: Coburg GD’s ( August 1994 – July 2002 ),
Melbourne City Police Station – Senior Constable on GD’s ( July 2002 – March 2007 ),
Heidelberg – GD’s ( March 2007 – June 2009 ),
Information System and Security Command ( Sgt on the Criminal Justice Enhancement Program – June 2009 – December 2010 ),
Operations Response Unit ( Specialist Duties – December 2010 – September 2011 ),
Victoria Police Air Wing ( September 2011 – March 2013 ),
LEAP Management Unit then Business Readiness & Transition Unit – assigned to LEDR Mk 2 project ( March 2013 – 1 June 2015 )
Service: From 4 April 1994 to 1 June 2015 = 21+ years Service
Awards: Victoria Police Service Medal with 20 year clasp
National Police Medal – posthumously awarded at his funeral – 9 June 2015
No find on It’s An Honour
Born: Wednesday 11 December 1968
Died on: Monday 1 June 2015 about 5 a.m.
Cause: Depression – Suicide – shot with Service weapon – on Sick Leave at the time
Age: 46 years, 5 months, 21 days
Funeral date: Tuesday 9 June 2015 @ 2pm
Funeral location: Great Hall, The Centre Ivanhoe,
275 Upper Heidelberg Rd, Ivanhoe, Victoria
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial at: ?
MARTY is NOT mentioned on the National Police Wall of Remembrance ( 3 Dec 2022 ) *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal
Troubled police database blamed for officer’s death
THE force’s trouble-plagued LEAP database has been blamed for the death of a senior officer in a damages claim against the state lodged on behalf of his two young sons by their mother.
After 21 years on the force Sergeant Martin “Marty” Veal, 46, took his own life on June 1, 2015, using a police gun obtained a day before against force protocols.
https://www.heraldsun.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=HSWEB_WRE170_a&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.heraldsun.com.au%2Fnews%2Ffamily-claims-policeman-shot-himself-due-to-stress-of-working-on-forces-troubled-leap-database%2Fnews-story%2F2bf2ba1c4791433e28f3ed33c3730450&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&v21=dynamic-warm-control-score&V21spcbehaviour=append
Eulogy:
Good Afternoon, my name is Damian Downie ( Sen Sgt ) and today I would like to take you through the service history of Sergeant Martin Veal or as we all knew him, Marty.
Firstly I would like to say that it was an honour and a privilege to manage and work with Marty over the last 2 and half years.
In April 1994 Marty began his career as a recruit at the Victoria Police Academy.
From August 1994 through to 2002 Marty worked in the Coburg area as a Constable performing general duties. In that time the Superintendents comments on Marty’s work performance were:
“A team player who will be an asset to his next station.” and
“A professional, conscientious, effective and efficient member who is an asset to the Force and displays potential for promotion”
The reasons behind these comments were Marty’s excellent work ethic and his tenacious nature. In May 2000 while working at Coburg Police Station, Commander Peter Graham commended Marty for his good work in that:
“After an armed robbery on Pascoe Vale Road Marty used his local knowledge of the area to predict in advance the escape route of the offenders in which Marty arrested both of the offenders, recovered the knife used in the armed robbery and the victims cash.”
In July 2002, Marty transferred to Melbourne City Police Station as a Senior Constable performing general duties. In that time the Superintendents comment on Marty’s work performance was:
“A well conducted member whose work performance was above satisfactory.”
In March 2007 Marty transferred to Heidelberg Uniform performing general duties. In that time the Superintendents comment on Marty’s work performance was:
“An efficient, mature and hard working member whose work performance was above average.”
Testament to this:
In May 2007 while at Heidelberg Marty was recognised for his good work in arresting a rapist and preserving the crime scene that supported the conviction of the offender, and showing the diversity of Marty’s skills.
In that same month Marty was at the scene of an accident where one of the drivers forwarded a letter of thanks to the Officer in Charge of Heidelberg. The lady involved in the car accident wanted to thank Marty for his professionalism and support.
In June 2009 Marty was promoted to Sergeant and transferred to one of the most innovate IT projects at the time, being the Criminal Justice Enhancement Program. Marty was an asset to the project with his extensive operational knowledge and problem solving skills. Marty’s efforts helped to deliver enhancements to the way Victoria Police managed offenders and communicated with other government departments.
In December 2010 Marty transferred to the Operations Response Unit where he performed specialist duties such as assisting local police with public safety, road policing and crime reduction.
In September 2011 Marty had the opportunity and transferred to the Victoria Police Air wing. Marty was involved in a range of specialist activities including:
- Aerial observation and tactical assistance for ground units.
- Crime prevention and detection with regular patrols of metropolitan Melbourne.
- Supporting ground units involved in pursuits
- Search and Rescue missions
In March 2013 Marty transferred to what was then the LEAP Management Unit, and then on to the Business Readiness and Transition Unit. When Marty transferred we identified that he had an extensive operational, IT and specialist services knowledge. As a result of this knowledge Marty was assigned to the LEDR Mk2 Project. I met Marty when he commenced at the LEDR Mk2 Project and over the next 2 and half years it was my pleasure to work with him.
In his role on the LEDR Mk2 Project Marty was instrumental in delivering an IT system that benefits operational members and people in the Victorian Community. I was always impressed with Marty’s work ethic, his problem solving skills and dedication to supporting operational members.
Marty has been awarded the Victoria Police Service Medal with 20 year clasp, National Medal and the National Police Medal of which he will be awarded posthumously today.
Marty was a team player and he will be missed by me, people in our office and the Victoria Police community.
On behalf of Victoria Police and the Information, Systems and Security Command we’d like to express our deepest condolences and sympathy to the Veal family and their loved ones.
Thank You.
VEAL, Martin James
Supporting Notices
http://tributes.heraldsun.com.au/notice/164242043
Banyule Cricket Club
·
Banyule Cricket Club wishes to express its condolences in the very sad passing of Marty Veal. Our thoughts are prayer’s are with Marty’s family and friends during this sad time. A valued member, friend and mentor to many. He will be sadly missed by all.
Danie O’Connor RIP Marty – our thoughts are with all of the veals.
Banyule Cricket Club This morning a son, brother, father, team mate, friend and colleague was lost. Marty was one of the most genuine men I’ve come to know. He was a loving, caring, passionate, hard working man who would go above and beyond to help out off his own bat. I am absolutely shattered, and wish to share my sincerest condolences with the entire Veal family whom are so heavily in our thoughts on this incredibly sad day. To Marty, I say thank you for being a mentor, a team mate whom shared my love for Banyule and for being a friend to celebrate with and confine in whenever I needed. You’ll be forever remembered and cherished.
Words escape me.
RIP Marty.
Leigh Arrowsmith O’Connor Our sincere condolences to the Veal family. RIP. Shaun & Leigh O’Connor
I’m sure I can pass on condolences on behalf of the GCC as many have played against. RIP Marty.
https://www.facebook.com/BanyuleCC/
We regret to advise that Marty Veal died tragically in the early hours this morning.
We are opening the Chelsworth Club rooms tomorrow (Tuesday) night at 6.30pm for any past players, supporters, members who wish to have a chat and drink following this devastating news.
All are welcome.
Kevin McLean
OIGFC President
Joanne Toll Such sad, sad news. Deepest sympathy to the Veal family.
Karen Patricia Griffiths Fantastic footballer, club legend and good friend to all… RIP Marty ?
Hem Pa Terrible, terrible news. Appears his last post was a call for help but alas too late. He was a good player, great captain, friend and colleague. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest in peace Vealy.
Richie Butler great footballer, great teacher of the game, and great bloke, RIP Marty
Rhy Gieschen Devastating news. RIP Vealy. A legend of the club and just a really good bloke to have around.
Nick Gieschen Shattering news. Condolences to all the Veal family. Will be greatly missed. RIP Marty.
RIP Vealy
Hayden Heta My thoughts are with the Veal family. Absolutely devastating. Rest easy Vealy
Great team man
Condolences to the Veal family
Paul Northey The class of 86 is devastated by this news and there have been many messages shared today between our crew. A few of us were lucky to catch up with him at the OIG centenary dinner a month or so ago and I was lucky enough to sit next to him, something I will always be grateful for. A freak of an athlete, fantastic teammate (1st XIII, 1st XI and OIGFC), always interested in how you were going and always with a smile on his face. We are grieving today for our mate who was blessed with incredible talent and intelligence who followed his own path in life, sometimes the road less travelled. I was able to sneak a final year of footy in 98 back at OIGFC and my only teammates left from the 1st XVIII of 86 were AP and Marty. I was blessed to play that year with the great MV, sweeping across half back like a quarterback controlling the ground as if it were his own…..and it was! He was so proud of his boys and our hearts ache for them and the rest of the Veal family who are in our thoughts. Rest peacefully MV!
John William Stevens I loved playing with you because you had a calming influence over the team. If it was a tight game I always felt safe when you were there and knew we’d win and most of the time we did. You were a fantastic player and a wonderful clubman. You bled brown and white and the brown and white community is feeling your pain tonight. My thoughts and love go out to the whole Veal family who have given so much to our great club. I will always picture you sweeping across half back and pushing forward to kick one of your legendary goals in front of the pavilion. We will honour you at our 20 year reunion, a year in which you won the B and F and dominated in the GF. Here’s a picture of 2 of our greats sharing a beer with you tonight from the other side of the world. The third beer is for you mate. RIP
Our thoughts and condolences to the Veal Family.
RIP Marty .
Steve Chalkley Martin …
My team mate. My committee mate. My confidant. My friend.
I can’t understand why and you, you strong stubborn headstrong bastard can’t explain it to me now.
A great man who we both know always told me there is a reason for the mad world we live in but I’m struggling to believe that right now.
You were more than a mate. More than a friend. You shed light when there was sometimes only dark.
You shook my hand on a wing one day (playing for Banyule) and told me I wouldn’t see you again. And your 35 possessions and 4 goals summed that up. I was banished to the seconds at OI almost never to return
I shared so many moments. Watched you determined to conquer what the world put before you. I am at a loss to figure this one.
I love you. I pay my respects to your family. I will always be indebted to you for how you made my life better.
I’m not religious but I trust you are at peace with yourself.
Always
Steve
Rest now .. Thoughts and love to all the family xxx
https://www.facebook.com/OIGFC/
Richard Evans (Former VAFA President)
On Tuesday night I attended a gathering at Chelsworth Park, home of the Old Ivanhoe Grammarians’ Football Club.
It was an impromptu gathering called by the President Kevin McLean. At very short notice, the Club came together to honour a former Captain and leader of the club, Martin (Marty) Veal.
Married for some fourteen years, with two young sons, Martin, a Policemen, his life ended tragically on Monday morning, the first day of a very cold winter.
Upon hearing this tragic news, the Club decided to invite all associated with it to meet at Chelsworth Park; come together and try to work out how such a tragedy could occur and how best to deal with the human emotions. A committee man, Dan Bodycoat, himself a Police officer and grief/trauma counsellor addressed all present.
Why you might ask am I relating this sad event to you?
For many years whilst privileged to be part of the VAFA Board I stressed on many occasions our Association was more than a football competition. We are a mixture of clubs; men and women, who by their association are uniquely placed to embrace each other in circumstances that I have described where we can support, console, show concern, and offer our help and love to those most in need of it.
I know Management and Board are across many of the issues, such as depression, confronting people in our clubs . In your position you are able to “strengthen our arm” in dealing with such issues and showing leadership.
Last evenings’ experience whilst sad was uplifting, to see over ninety young men and women embrace each other and share a sad burden that had befallen them and their club and to find comfort in each other’s company. I urge you all Management and Board, players and supporters, as you steer the future, to even further cement links and ties with everyone in the VAFA; embrace them, hear their story and always be there for them.
If you or anyone you know need to talk, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14. The VAFA and the player led initiative Thick and Thin encourage all in the VAFA community to #StartTheConvo if you or anyone in your circle need to talk.
http://www.vafa.com.au/featured/old-ivanhoe-starttheconvo-in-wake-of-tragedy/
Two Victoria Police officers take their own lives in a week
-
Nino Bucci and Cameron Houston
Victoria Police is grappling with the suicides of two officers in a week, as it awaits a high-level review of mental health issues within the force that is expected to recommend an overhaul of support services.
As Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton described the challenge of mental health issues among police as “one of the most important issues” he had to face, the families of the two officers were mourning the sudden losses.
In 41 days this year, two officers and a police employee have taken their lives. It has been almost 10 years since a Victoria Police officer died on duty, according to the Police Association honour roll.
The first officer who died this week was from Echuca police station, but ended his life at a house in Tocumwal, a small town in NSW about 110 kilometres to the north-east.
The other officer ( SenCon Paul Anthony BRENNAN ) was from Mordialloc station, and is understood to have taken his own life after being involved in a minor traffic incident in the bayside suburbs on Wednesday night.
Neither officer was on duty at the time of their deaths.
“The death by suicide of a police member is always cause for enormous concern at Victoria Police. Looking after our people is one of our highest priorities,” police spokeswoman Acting Sergeant Melissa Seach said.
“We are heavily committed to improving the mental health support available to all our staff.
“We know that anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress can all be triggered by the stressful situations our people can find themselves in.”
Acting Sergeant Seach said the Victoria Police Mental Health Review would be completed in late March. Mental health experts have been consulted as part of the review.
“Suicide has long been a problem for Victoria Police as it has been across the population in general.
“Victoria Police understands that with improvements in recognising and addressing mental health issues, the incidence of suicide can be reduced and we are committed to doing this.
“The organisation will continue to work … [with] partners such as the Police Association, beyondblue and independent universities to improve our services and ability to break down barriers and help those at risk.”
In October, The Age reported that an officer had taken her own life at a police station, soon after she was deemed fit to carry a service firearm, despite suffering from mental illness.
The leading senior constable ( Simone CARROLL ) was a mother of three.
It was also reported that a senior police officer who was charged with murder suffered mental health issues for almost a decade before he allegedly shot and killed a man during a routine intercept in Windsor in 2013.
Senior Constable Tim Baker, 44, allegedly shot Vlado Micetic three times in the chest during the intercept, and claimed he acted in self-defence.
He is believed to have an extensive history of psychiatric problems, raising further concerns about Victoria Police’s handling of mental illness and its policies surrounding access to firearms.
Mr Baker took extended leave on several occasions because of his illness, and was only allowed to resume work after approval from a Victoria Police psychiatrist.
But less than a year before the shooting, it is believed Mr Baker was involved in a serious altercation with another officer that should have set off alarms, according to colleagues of the accused man.
The coroner is also set to investigate the death of a sergeant ( Sergeant Martin James VEAL ) who took his own life last June.
It is believed at least five officer deaths are before the coroner. More than 40 Victoria Police officers have reportedly committed suicide since 1990.
The force said they would not comment on the circumstances of the officers’ deaths while they were the subject of coronial investigations, including whether they were reviewing access to service weapons.
For support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 224 636.
Murray John GARDEN
Murray John GARDEN
aka Joe
Joined NSW Police Force via NSW Police Cadet system on Monday 2 February 1976
Cadet # 3221
Redfern Police Academy Class 157
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 17762
Rank: NSW Police Cadet – commence 2 February 1976 ( aged 17 years, 2 months, 9 days )
Probationary Constable – appointed 24 November 1977 ( aged 19 years, 0 months, 0 days )
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Detective – appointed ? ? ? ( YES )
Detective Constable 1st Class – appointed 24 November 1982
Senior Constable – appointed 24 November 1986
Final Rank: ?
Stations: ?, Mossman, Mudgee ( G.D’s then ‘ A ‘ List Detectives), Dubbo – death
Service: From 2 February 1976 to ? ? ( 1990’s )
Awards: ? National Medal – granted 15 January 1996 ( can’t verify this is the same person )
Born: Monday 24 November 1958
Died on: Saturday 24 May 1997
Cause: Suicide – (1) Attempted – unsuccessful Drug over dose ( 2 ) Committed – Police revolver
Age: 38 years, 6 months, 0 days
Event location: Dubbo – at home
Funeral date: ?
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: plaque in a rose garden at Western Districts Memorial Park, Boothenba Rd, Dubbo, NSW
Memorial at: ?
JOE is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance, nor the Remembrance Wall, Sydney Police Centre, Surry Hills ( last checked Oct 2022 ) * BUT SHOULD BE
Funeral location: ?
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal
From K.O. Medway
Colin James YOUNG
Colin James YOUNG
aka Youngy
( late of Merimbula )
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 28490
Rank: Commenced Training at Goulburn Police Academy with PREP Class 251 on Sunday 26 April 1992 ( aged ? )
Probationary Constable – appointed Friday 23 October 1992 ( aged ? )
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank: Senior Constable – retirement – HOD Injuries
Stations: ? , North Sydney ( 6 Division ), Manly ( 14 Division ), Tactical Operations Unit ( T.O.U. – Operator # 90 ) – Retirement
Service: From 26 April 1992 to 11 December 2009 = *15 years Service
Awards: ? – No find on It’s an Honour
Born: ? ? 1968
Died on: Thursday 12 May 2016 at Merimbula, NSW
Location: Greigs Flats, NSW
Cause: Suicide brought on by PTSD
Age: 47
Funeral date: Friday 27 May 2016 @ 11am
Funeral location: Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church, 79 Main Street, Merimbula, NSW
The wake will follow at Rockpool – Club Sapphire Merimbula, NSW.
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial at: ?
COLIN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *BUT SHOULD BE
First published on 16 May 2016.
Updated 25 March 2026.
Olly ISAAC
Olly ISAAC
Queensland Police Force – Public Servant
Regd. # ?
Rank: Public Servant
Stations: ?
Service: From ? to 16 March 2016 = ? years Service
Awards: ?
Born: ? ? ?, New Zealand
Died on: Wednesday 16 March 2016
Cause: Depression – Suicide
Age: ?
Funeral date: Wednesday 23 March 2016 @ 10am
Funeral location: Broadwater Road Uniting Church
481 Broadwater Road Mansfield, Qld, 4122
Buried at: ?
Memorial at: ?
OLLY is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
Funeral location: [codepeople-post-map]
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal
Elliott Peter WATT
Elliott Peter WATT
Western Australia Police Force
Regd. # ?
Rank: Sergeant
Stations: ?, Kondinin, Collie ( acting OIC ) – death
Service: From ? ? ? to 22 December 2008 = 15 years Service
Awards: No Find on Australian Honours system
Born: Monday 31 July 1972
Died on: Monday 22 December 2008
Cause: Suicide – Service firearm – in the Station Armoury
Age: 36 years, 4 months, 21 days
Funeral date: ?
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial at: ?
Date of Inquest: 13 – 16 February 2012
Date of Inquest finding: Tuesday 20 March 2012
ELLIOTT is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * BUT SHOULD BE
Funeral location: ?
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal
https://www.facebook.com/groups/320276904754129/search/?q=watt
Police officer’s death not suspicious: police
Updated
Police from the internal affairs unit are investigating the death of an officer at the Collie Police Station, south of Perth.
Sergeant Elliott Watt was found dead in the armoury room of the station yesterday.
Police say he shot himself with a police issued firearm.
Speaking outside the station this morning, Commissioner Karl O’Callaghan said local officers were shocked.
“This has affected all of the police officers and their families,” he said.
“It’s a very a tragic situation that’s occurred at a difficult time of the year when we’re moving up to Christmas.”
Sergeant Watt was the second in charge at the station and had been in Collie for 12 months.
He leaves behind a wife and four children, aged 11, five, three and 18 months.
His death is not been treated as suspicious, and his fellow officers are being offered counselling.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2008-12-23/police-officers-death-not-suspicious-police/248500
Coronial inquiry into police officer’s suicide
Updated
The Perth Coroner’s Court has heard that exposure to a number of critical incidents, including fatalities, could have contributed to a police officer’s suicide.
The Coroner has begun an inquiry into the death of Elliot Peter Watt, 36, at the Collie police station in 2008.
Sergeant Watt, who was the acting officer-in-charge of the station, had four sons.
His body was discovered in the station’s armoury alongside his police-issue firearm.
The Coroner is investigating what impact the daily access to firearms had on the sergeant and whether WA police had adequate mental health safety checks in place.
His wife, Emma Watt, told the court her husband was deeply affected by his work.
Mrs Watt told the inquiry her husband’s mental health started to deteriorate when he was stationed in Kondinin and he had to attend a number of critical incidents with limited or no back up.
She said these included a serious car accident involving children, a farmer’s suicide and an unsuccessful attempt to resuscitate a footballer.
Mrs Watt said he was never offered counselling by WA Police and bottled up his emotions.
Earlier today, the court was told Internal Affairs investigated Sergeant Watt’s death and found there was no single work related incident that triggered his death.
The family’s lawyer said the critical incidents were just as likely to contribute to the suicide as any family problems.
The inquiry also heard Sergeant Watt was depressed in the the years leading up to his death and was looking for another job.
The inquest continues tomorrow.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-02-13/coronial-inquiry-into-police-officer27s-suicide/3827158
COUNTRY policeman Elliott Watt cleaned up after a farmer’s suicide, tried unsuccessfully to resuscitate a young footballer and was brought to tears by a child’s injuries from a car crash in the months before he told his wife he did not want to go to work anymore.
The senior sergeant shot himself at the Collie police station in Western Australia’s southwest after telling his wife everything was getting to him.
In an inquest that is throwing a spotlight on the difficult work of police in isolated rural stations, Watt’s widow, Emma, said her husband killed himself because he did not want his moods affecting their three children. He took his life three days before Christmas 2008.
The night before, Watt broke down and told his wife everything was getting to him and he had had enough of work.
Giving evidence yesterday, Mrs Watt said she had to get her husband out of bed each morning, make sure he had a shower and make him get dressed and go to the station.
She had earlier told the court about three critical incidents her husband had been involved in while he was the officer in charge at Kondinin, a town of 300 people 275km southeast of Perth.
She said she had found her husband crying after attending a car accident in which a child was injured. He had tried unsuccessfully to resuscitate a young football player, and he had to clean the ute of a farmer who had killed himself in it with a shotgun.
She said her husband had become withdrawn after the transfer to Collie.
She said he had expressed feelings of “nothingness”, played less with the children and could not sleep or concentrate.
The next morning, Watt showered and dressed himself. “That’s why the day he died was so unusual,” she said.
Later that day, he took a gun from the station’s armoury and shot himself.
If you are depressed or contemplating suicide, help is available at Lifeline on 131 114.
Coroner calls for police wellness checks
Posted
The Police Union says it is unfortunate the suicide of a police officer had to be the catalyst for reform in WA’s police service.
The coronial inquest into the death of Acting Senior Sergeant Elliott Watt concluded yesterday.
Sergeant Watt shot himself at the Collie Police Station in 2008.
Coroner Alistair Hope has recommended WA police conduct annual health and wellness reviews on every police officer in the State.
The President of the Police Union Russell Armstrong says more resources are needed.
“Not enough staff within health and welfare, four clinical psychologists for nearly 6000 people and we’re dealing with 24/7 critical incidents,” he said.
“And that is not enough staff, so it’ll have to be resourced and resourced very quickly.
“It’s long overdue and should have been put in place a long time ago,” he said.
WA police are yet to review the recommendations.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-10/mental-health-checks-for-police/3881424
Office of the State Coroner, Western Australia – Annual report – 2011 – 2012
Elliott Peter WATT
The State Coroner conducted an inquest into the death of Elliott Peter Watt (the deceased) with an Inquest held at Perth Coroner’s Court on 13‐16 February 2012. The State Coroner found that death occurred on 22 December 2008 at Collie Police Station, Collie, as a result of gunshot wound to the head in the following circumstances ‐
The deceased was an acting Senior Sergeant of police with Western Australian Police (WA Police) at the time of his death on 22 December 2008. The deceased was born on 31 July 1972 and so was 36 years of age at the time of his death.
The deceased died at the Collie Police Station as a result of a self inflicted gunshot wound. At the time he was the relieving Officer in Charge of the Collie Police Station, the day of his death
was his first day back at work after a period of three weeks long service leave.
On the day of his death the deceased worked from 8am and had been conducting his normal duties as the Officer in Charge of the Police Station throughout the day. It appears that he was last seen at about 3:45pm.
The deceased was discovered in the armoury at 4:25pm having died of a gunshot wound to the head.
The deceased used the Glock pistol which had been allocated for his own use to shoot himself while alone in the armoury of the Collie Police Station.
None of the police officers on duty at the Collie Police Station heard the shot being fired and none were alert to the possibility that the deceased might be about to take his own life prior to his doing so.
The State Coroner found that the death arose by way of Suicide.
The State Coroner observed that it was important that families of serving members are alert to the available services as it is often family members who are most aware of changes in a person suffering from mental health problems.
In that context the State Coroner made the following recommendation –
I recommend that WA Police take action to better promote information in relation to available services to families of serving members.
The State Coroner observed that the deceased’s colleagues were not alert to his deteriorating mental condition. This was in large part because the deceased concealed his condition from them, but it is also clear that they had received little training in the management or identification of persons suffering from depression.
Evidence at the inquest revealed that for officers taking on senior management roles, while training in respect of these issues is available, it is at present not a mandatory requirement.
The State Coroner made the following recommendation –
I recommend that training in respect of the identification and management of officers suffering from stress or depression should form part of the training for police officers entering management roles.
The State Coroner made the following recommendation in respect to improving the recording of conversation with the Health and Welfare Branch of WA Police in the context of evidence relating to contacts which had not been recorded or filed –
I recommend that WA Police ensure that there is in place appropriate computer software which will enable the recording of all contacts to the Health and Welfare Branch relating to individual officers where concerns have been expressed as to the welfare of those officers.
The State Coroner observed that the evidence in this case has highlighted the fact that policing can be a demanding and stressful occupation.
The deceased was described as a very good officer who was generally highly regarded and yet none of his work colleagues had any real appreciation of his deteriorating mental health.
In the State Coroner’s view there needs to be some form of regular health review or wellness review of every police officer in WA Police.
In this context the State Coroner made the following recommendation –
I recommend that WA Police put in place a system which would ensure that in respect of every member there is some form of wellness review conducted or at least offered each year which will identify significant changes in physical and mental health.
A letter dated 20 March 2012 addressed to the Minister for Police invited the Minister to respond to the State Coroner’s recommendations. At the time of publishing the annual report a response had not been received from the Minister’s office.
http://www.coronerscourt.wa.gov.au/_files/Coroners_Court_Annual_report_12.pdf
I remember my husband spending 3 nearly whole days in 45*C + heat scrubbing a farmers ute to give back to his widow. It had sat in full sun for nearly a week and as the OIC in a country town you do it yourself – and he wouldn’t let me help, he always wanted to protect me from the nasty side of the job. 3 days stressing it was pristine, immaculate; nothing left to distress the farmers family further. He didn’t realise the toll it took on himself. He was Beginning to realise he was battling inside his own mind with these thoughts….I still remember him saying to me ” Everyday. Everyday I get kitted up and think how easy it would be. ”
It will be 8 years this year. And still no closer to acknowledging those already lost, and helping, saving, those suffering.
So sad….Everyday I think, how easy it would be. Easy it would be to stop talking and start doing. Helping. Acknowledging. Remembering. Sharing. Supporting. And stop this waste!
Retired WA policewoman seeks compensation
https://www.wapu.org.au/images/ReportsSubmissions/WAPU_ProjectRecompense_Compiled.pdf
Barry Stuart EDGECOMBE
Barry Stuart EDGECOMBE
Late of Dubbo, NSW
Son of Harry EDGECOMBE, NSWPF # 9191
New South Wales Police Force
NSW Police Academy – Redfern Class # 139
Regd. # 16307
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy on ? ? ?
Probationary Constable – appointed 8 April 1974
Constable – appointed 8 April 1975
Final Rank: Senior Constable ?
Stations: ?, possibly Blacktown & Parramatta HWP, Wilcannia ( early 1980s ), Wanaaring, Dubbo
Service: From ??pre April 1974? to 6 February 1992 = 18? years Service
Awards: National Medal – granted 27 November 1990 ( SenCon )
Born: Thursday 22 June 1950
Died on: Thursday 6 February 1992
Location of death: Maitland, NSW
Cause: Suicide – Drug overdose
Age: 41 years, 7 months, 15 days
Funeral date: ?
Funeral location: Newcastle Memorial Park, Beresfield, NSW
Buried at: Cremated
BARRY is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
Funeral location: ?
It is believed that Barry EDGECOMBE is the son of Harry EDGECOMBE.
FURTHER DETAILS ARE NEEDED ABOUT BOTH OF THESE MEN