NSW Goulburn Police Academy – Class # 283 ( DPP 09 )( Class 3 )
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 35666
Rank: Commenced Training at Goulburn Police Academy on Monday 7 May 2001 ( aged 28 years, 8 months, 1 day )
Probationary Constable- appointed Friday 31 August 2001 ( aged 28 years, 11 months, 25 days )
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Detective – appointed ? ? ?
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank: = Senior Constable
Stations: ?, Eastern Suburbs, Bondi, Waverley, ?, Sutherland PCYC ( 2020 ), ?, Wollongong, loan to Lake Illawarra PCYC ( was Off on Stress Leave ) – Death
Service: From 7 May 2001to28 October 2022 = 21 years, 5 months, 21 days Service
Retirement / Leaving age: = 50 years, 1 month, 22 days
Time in Retirement from Police: 0
Awards: No Find on Australian Honours system
Born: Wednesday 6 September 1972
Died on: Friday 28 October 2022
Age: 50 years, 1 month, 22 days
Organ Donor: Y / N / ?
Cause: Depression – Suicide
Event location: Home
Event date: Friday 28 October 2022 mid morning
Funeral date: Thursday 10 November 2022 @ 10am
Funeral location: St Mary’s Catholic Church, Park St, Orange, NSW
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Loved by all her aunts, uncle, cousins and friends.
“The One We Love and Will Never Forget”
Aged 50 years
The family and friends of Audra are kindly invited to attend her Funeral Service to be held at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Park Street, Orange on Thursday November 10, 2022 commencing at 10.00 am.
At the conclusion of the service the cortege will proceed to the Orange Lawn Cemetery.
Our deepest condolences to Audra’s two teenage daughters, family and friends.
May Audra Forever Rest In Peace.
Cops Against Cancer team members Chris Swaby, Audra Jaeger and Dean Simpson are ready to take part in the Sunsuper Ride to Conquer Cancer event on October 11-12 to raise funds for the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse. Picture: GREG TOTMAN Illawarra Mercury 10/10/2014
FIT FOR WORK: Max Wilcox with Senior Constable Audra Jaeger, PCYC NSW chief executive Dominic Teakle, Superintendent Mark Wall, Assistant Commissioner Joe Cassar and Superintendent Dean Smith. Picture: Robert Peet Illawarra Mercury 20/12/2019
EXCLUSIVE:
Tragedy as a dedicated cop and mother of two 12-year-old twin girls ends her own life sending shockwaves through police ranks
Much-loved senior female officer Audra Jaeger died at home on October 28
Understood the senior constable was on stress leave from Wollongong posting
50-year-old was a mother of two 12-year-old twin girls and was found at home
Her sudden death is the second suicide by a NSW police officer in two months
A ‘dedicated’ policewoman and mother of twin girls has ended her own life, rocking the New South Police force just two months after another officer also suicided.
Senior Constable Audra Jaeger, 50, who died on October 28, leaves behind 12-year-old twin girls, Harper and Evie.
Daily Mail Australia understands Ms Jaeger, who served in Sydney‘s eastern suburbs and at Wollongong, was on stress leave and died at home.
Ms Jaeger joined the police service at 28 and served for 21 years, working at Bondi and Waverley stations, before moving to Wollongong, south of Sydney.
She also worked at PCYCs in Sutherland and Lake Illawarra and took part in cancer charity work as part of a Cops Against Cancer cycle team.
A former colleague, Dianna Mackay, has started an official fundraiser to raise money for Ms Jaeger’s two daughters.
She shared a heartbreaking photo of the twins in front of a giant love heart drawn in the sand.
‘Senior Constable Audra Jaeger sadly passed away on 28 October 2022. She is survived by her twin daughters, Harper and Evie, who are both just twelve years old,’ Ms Mackay wrote.
‘Audra was an amazing person, friend, work colleague, partner, mumma and daughter.’
Ms Jaeger was ‘much loved by everyone who knew her’ Ms Mackay said.
‘Audra lit up the room no matter where she was; at work, at home or at play.
‘[She] was a massive beacon of light and burst of positive energy and even with her passing, her shining light will never be extinguished.’
One donor wrote ‘Such a beautiful person gone too soon, rest easy Aud.’
Tributes poured in from colleagues and loved ones, many through the charity, NSW Police Legacy.
It shared the tragic news on its social media pages on Wednesday: ‘We’re sorry, family, but we have more heartbreaking news.’
A NSW paramedic who had a chance encounter with her a week before her death said Ms Jaeger was ‘dedicated’ and friendly.
‘[She was a] dedicated Emergency Services colleague, our paths crossed many times for many different reasons and Audra always greeted me with a smile followed by a quick chat, we even had a chat at a restaurant the week before her passing, if only we knew, now it’s another sad loss that may have been prevented,’ he wrote.
‘RIP sister in blue,’ a former sergeant wrote.
‘Audra was always a pleasure to work with at the PCYC,’ a Sydney mum posted.
‘So so sad… a truly lovely person’ another woman wrote.
The tragedy comes less than two months after the body of off-duty male officer, Tanzeel Iftikhar Bashir, 23, was found in the Royal National Park.
Constable Bashir was found in the Royal National Park, south of Sydney, at about 12.40am on Saturday September 3 ( 2022 ).
Police had launched a search for the young off-duty officer at about 10.30pm on September 2 after concerns were raised for his welfare.
His colleagues found the Bankstown Police Area Command officer the following morning.
All funds raised for Audra Jaeger’s twins will be put into a trust for Harper and Evie Jaeger, and will be given to the girls when they turn 21.
The fundraiser has the modest target of $10,000 and had raised $2,655 by Wednesday evening.
If you or anyone you know needs help or confidential support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
Senior Constable Audra Jaeger sadly passed away on 28 October 2022. She is survived by her twin daughters, Harper and Evie, who are both just twelve years old.
Make a donation here today to support Harper and Evie’s future.
Audra with daughters Harper and Evie.
“Audra was an amazing person, friend, work colleague, partner, mumma and daughter. She was much loved by everyone who knew her. Audra lit up the room no matter where she was; at work, at home or at play. Audra was a massive beacon of light and burst of positive energy and even with her passing, her shining light will never be extinguished.” ~ Sergeant Dianna Mackay (retired)
This is a Community Fundraising initiative organised by a third party. All funds raised will be put into trust for Harper and Evie, and will be accessible by the girls when they turn 21.
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.
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Tragic scenes at funeral of Sydney cop Tanzeel Iftikhar Bashir found dead at the Royal National Park
EXCLUSIVE: ‘He wouldn’t hurt a fly. But he hurt himself’: Tragic scenes at Islamic funeral of constable, 23, who took his own life – as cops break down in tears and form a final guard of honour
Tanzeel Iftikhar Bashir, 23, was found dead in Royal National Park south of Sydney early on Saturday morning
Concerns had been raised for the 23-year-old Bankstown police area command cop’s welfare last Friday night
Tributes have flowed for the cricket, football and animal-loving officer with an Islamic funeral held on Tuesday
Hundreds of mourners including scores of uniformed officers attended the mosque and Narellan Cemetery
Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 if you need support
There were no formal eulogies for Constable Tanzeel Bashir but everyone who gathered for his funeral on Tuesday knew what the community had lost.
Constable Bashir, who took his own life last weekend, was farewelled with Islamic rites at Lakemba Mosque in Sydney‘s south-west in a service attended by family, friends and colleagues.
The 23-year-old was remembered as a loving son and brother and widely respected police officer.
Constable Berkay Tustas graduated from the New South Wales Police Academy with Constable Bashir in 2019 and could not fathom his friend was gone.
‘He wouldn’t hurt a fly,’ Constable Tustas said outside the mosque. ‘But he hurt himself.’
Constable Bashir, 23, was found dead in the Royal National Park, south of Sydney, about 12.40am on Saturday.
Police had commenced a search about 10.30pm on Friday after concerns were raised for the off-duty Bankstown Police Area Command officer’s welfare.
Constable Berkay Tustas (above) was inconsolable at the service. He had graduated from the NSW Police Academy with Constable Bashir in 2019.
There were no formal eulogies for Constable Tanzeel Bashir but everyone who gathered for his funeral on Tuesday knew what the community had lost. Constable Berkay Tustas (above) was inconsolable at the service. He had graduated from the NSW Police Academy with Constable Bashir in 2019
Constables are pictured saluting as the coffin was carried out.
Constable Bashir, who took his own life last weekend, was farewelled with Islamic rites at Lakemba Mosque in Sydney’s south-west in a service attended by family, friends and colleagues. Constables are pictured saluting as the coffin was carried out
Constable Tanzeel Bashir’s mother Rani (left and right) was comforted by her son’s grief-stricken colleagues at the funeral and burial.
Constable Tanzeel Bashir’s mother Rani (left and right) was comforted by her son’s grief-stricken colleagues at the funeral and burial.
A large contingent of shocked police officers gathered at Narellan Cemetery to salute their late colleague.
Constable Bashir’s body was washed, covered in a shroud and placed in a coffin before being carried up the steep steps of the mosque.
Police officers consoled and comforted each other and mourners at the funeral of Constable Tanzeel Bashir.
Constable Charlene Challita was among those hardest hit by her colleague’s death. ‘He was my best mate,’ she said after the service.
One friend who preferred not to be named said he had grown up with Constable Bashir in the Belmore-Lakemba area and had last seen him three weeks ago.
‘I’m simply shocked,’ he said. ‘We never saw it coming.
‘He was kind-hearted, down-to-earth and just a charming personality.’
Canterbury Bankstown deputy mayor Bilal El-Hayek said the local community was mourning a fine young policeman and his family was trying to understand why he was gone.
‘He was a loving son and brother and proud officer, gone too soon,’ Mr El-Hayek said.
‘It’s a timely reminder of the human face of the men and women who serve our community.’
Cousin Momin Ali said his cousin had loved being a police officer from the start. ‘Tanzeel was very dedicated to his job,’ he said. ‘He wore his uniform with a lot of pride.’
Iftikhar Bashir (right) was consoled by his son’s police colleagues who formed a line to offer their condolences at Narellan Cemetery.
The 23-year-old was remembered as widely respected police officer by shattered colleagues.
Constable Tustas, who was rostered on duty, waited outside while prayers were said for his dead friend. He was inconsolable but workmates tried to offer comfort.
‘I had to make my way here,’ he said. ‘I came to pay my respects to him because I owe him that much.
‘Tanzeel had the purest heart of all. Purer than crystal. There’s no words. I can’t register anything. I just can’t believe it.’
Constable Tustas spoke of a young man who loved his cricket, football and animals – often sending him unsolicited pictures of his cats.
‘The way Tanzeel was if you needed anything done at the academy or in general he wouldn’t even ask why,’ he’d just do it,’ Constable Tustas said. ‘He was always there for me.’
‘I feel so sorry for the family. If I’m feeling like this, how do they cope? May he rest in peace. I loved the kid.’
Colleagues unable to attend the funeral later paid their respects at Narellan Cemetery, where they watched his burial.
A line of mourners formed to greet Constable Bashir’s father Iftikhar to express their condolences with hugs and handshakes.
Momin Ali said the suicide of a friend’s girlfriend several years ago had been part of the reason his cousin had chosen to join the police force.
‘He just felt he wanted to help people,’ Mr Ali said. ‘To reassure people that there is help out there for those who need it. It was his dream to help people.’
Mr Ali said his cousin had loved being a police officer from the start.
‘Tanzeel was very dedicated to his job,’ he said. ‘He wore his uniform with a lot of pride.
‘He never hurt anyone. All he wanted to do was to put smiles on people’s faces. It was just the type of person he was.’
As for what had driven his cousin to despair, Mr Ali had no idea.
‘I guess everyone goes through their own battles,’ he said. ‘He seemed really happy.
‘He’d seen some things but every time when I asked him how he was going he’d say “I love the job”.’
Constable Berkay Tustas (above) said his friend and fellow 2019 graduate loved his cricket, football and animals. ‘Tanzeel had the purest heart of all. Purer than crystal. There’s no words. I can’t register anything. I just can’t believe it’
Momin Ali (pictured being hugged by an officer) said his cousin loved being in the police force. ‘He just felt he wanted to help people,’ Mr Ali said. ‘To reassure people that there is help out there for those who need it. It was his dream to help people’
One of Constable Bashir’s relatives had appealed on Facebook for family and friends to attend his funeral and hundreds came to the service.
‘It is with a heavy heart I announce our beloved Tanzeel Iftikhar Bashir, 23 years old, a loving son, brother and friend has returned to his Lord,’ the relative wrote.
‘Please spread the word so that we can have as many people attend my cousin’s janazah as possible.’
Loved ones used social media to remember Constable Bashir, who had two younger sisters, as a ‘loving son, brother and friend’.
‘Rest in peace to an absolute legend,’ one said. Others remembered a ‘fun guy’ and ‘great man’.
A funeral notice asked Allah to bestow comfort upon Constable Bashir’s family and loved ones.
‘O Allah, forgive him and have mercy on him and grant him peace and pardon him,’ the notice stated.
‘Receive him with honour and make his place of entry spacious. Admit him into Paradise and protect him from the torment of the grave and the torment of the Fire.’
Constable Tustas (right, near red car) stood alone on the road and raised one last salute as Constable Tanzeel Bashir’s hearse passed by
One of Constable Bashir’s relatives had appealed on Facebook for family and friends to attend his funeral and hundreds came to the service
Constable Tustas was one of four constables and a dozen commissioned officers to form a guard of honour as his friend’s casket was carried back down the mosque’s steps to a waiting hearse.
Three police motorcyclists led the 45km cortege to Narellan Cemetery for the burial.
As the hearse passed Constable Tustas he stood alone on the road and raised one last salute.
Further prayers were held at the cemetery where scores of uniformed police who had not been at the mosque paid their last respects.
A line of mourners formed to greet Constable Bashir’s father Iftikhar and Mr Ali and pay their condolences with hugs and handshakes.
Support services have been offered to Constable Bashir’s family, colleagues and the entire NSW Police force.
Constable Charlene Challita (centre) was among those hardest hit by her colleague’s death. ‘He was my best mate,’ she said
Constable Charlene Challita (centre) was among those hardest hit by her colleague’s death. ‘He was my best mate,’ she said
A critical incident investigation was launched by detectives from the Homicide Squad who will prepare a report for the Coroner.
The investigation will be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command with independent oversight by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC).
Last month police gathered to farewell Detective Sergeant Adam Child, a 46-year-old father-of-two and long-serving member of the Homicide Squad.
Detective Sergeant Child was found dead from a gunshot wound at Ermington police station on August 1. He was remembered as ‘one of the finest humans and detectives.
If you or anyone you know needs help or confidential support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
It is with heavy heart I announce Our beloved Tanzeel Iftikhar Bashir, 23 years old, a loving son, brother, and friend has returned to his Lord. May Allah SWT have mercy on him and grant him the highest level of Jannah.
O Allah, forgive him and have mercy on him and grant him peace and pardon him. Receive him with honour and make his place of entry (in grave) spacious. Admit him into Paradise and protect him from the torment of the grave and the torment of the Fire.
May Allah give strength and patience to his family Ameen
Janazah ( Prayers ) will be at Lakemba Mosque 65-67 Wangee Road Lakemba, NSW
Please spread the word so that we can have as many people attend my cousins janazah as possible inshallah.
*** Time 11am (Janazah will be after Dhuhr Prayer) on the 06/09/22 ***
Lakemba Mosque (65-67 Wangee Road Lakemba)
RIP Constable Tanzeel Iftikhar Bashir
Thank you for your service
A young Sydney policeman who died at a national park over the weekend has been described as a “loving son, brother and friend”.
The body of 23-year-old Tanzeel Iftikhar Bashir was discovered about 12.40am on Saturday at Royal National Park.
The off-duty constable from Bankstown Police Area Command was found by his colleagues, who had been searching for him since concerns for his welfare were first raised a night earlier.
“There appears to be no suspicious circumstances,” police said at the time.
He will be farewelled at Lakemba Mosque on Tuesday.
“It is with a heavy heart I announce our beloved Tanzeel Iftikhar Bashir, 23 years old, a loving son, brother and friend has returned to his Lord,” the officer’s cousin posted on social media.
“Please spread the word so that we can have as many people attend my cousin’s janazah (funeral) as possible.”
Tributes have described the constable as a “good man” and “an absolute legend”.
“You were a fun guy and a great man,” one person wrote.
A critical incident investigation was launched by detectives from the homicide squad, who will prepare a report for the coroner.
The investigation will also be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command and independently oversighted by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.
Support services have been made available to his family, colleagues and to all NSW Police Force staff.
The death comes just weeks after that of homicide squad detective Adam Child.
Critical incident declared following death of police officer
Saturday, 03 September 2022 11:45:37 AM
A critical incident investigation has been launched to investigate the death of a police officer in Sydney’s south.
Police commenced inquiries about 10.30pm yesterday (Friday 2 September 2022), after concerns were raised for the welfare of an off-duty police officer.
Following inquiries, the officer’s body was located in the Royal National Park about 12.40am today (Saturday 3 September 2022).
There appears to be no suspicious circumstances.
A critical incident investigation has been launched by detectives from the Homicide Squad, who will prepare a report for the Coroner.
The investigation will also be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command and independently oversighted by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC).
The 23-year-old constable was serving the community from Bankstown Police Area Command.
Support services have been made available to his family, colleagues and to all NSW Police Force staff.
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.
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( August 2022 )
AARON is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * BUT PROBABLY SHOULD BE
AARON 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.
Cafe Locked Out: (Interview starts at 6m 30s and goes for 1 hour).
Below is a very honest and raw interview with a grieving Father whose son recently committed suicide (August 2022).
His son Aaron Dalla Costa was fired from his dream job as a NSW policeman for not towing the line by handing his body over to the Government and big pharma.
Unfortunately, Aaron’s family and children will never get to see his smile or hear his laugh again because of this evil agenda our bureaucrats have thrown us into.
A photo of Aaron is in the comments.. look at him and try to understand that he was real, he was loved, and he spent years building his life to where he got it before it was all cut short
Thank you Michael Dalla Costa for sharing your story!
On Sunday 7th August our world was turned upside down when we tragically lost Azz.
A truly kind and caring husband to my sister Crystal, son to Jenny and Mino, brother to Bianca, grandson, uncle, brother in law, and friend to so many. And most importantly, an AMAZING father to Kobain & Ainsley.
No words can express the pain and loss his family and friends are feeling. There is going to be a hole in our lives and hearts forever.
This page is to raise funds to support Crystal and the kids.
If you would like to support them, please donate using the ‘Donate Now’ button. All funds will be collected by Evie Spice, Crystal’s sister and transferred to Crystal.
Updates (1)
Yesterday by Evie Spice, Organiser
For those who would like to attend the funeral it will be held Friday 19th August at Wyong Anglican Church on Byron Rd, Wyong. Time will be confirmed tomorrow. Please pass the details on to anyone who would like to attend.
Crystal has received and appreciates all of your messages of love and support.
Thank you from my the bottom of my heart.
My number is 0415 146 648 if anyone needs to contact me.
Evie x
M1 Pacific Motorway closure: pedestrian struck by truck, diversions in place at Warnervale
Updated August 8 2022 – 7:03am, first published August 7 2022 – 3:48pm
A SECTION of the M1 Pacific Motorway at Warnervale is expected to remain closed for some time after a pedestrian was hit by a truck.
The incident occurred just after 2.30pm on Sunday near Sparks Road. Emergency services, including police and paramedics, were called to the scene and quickly closed several lanes to traffic. The northbound lanes will remain closed while officers conduct investigations into the incident.
Northbound motorists are being diverted off the motorway at Sparks Road to rejoin the motorway using the on-ramp. Heavy traffic conditions have already been reported in the area and drivers should expect significant delays.
By all reports, Aaron was known as a Top Bloke and Good Copper.
During the height of the Covid19 Pandemic ( around 2020 – 2021 ), NSW Police members ( all staff – unless exempt ) were Directed to be vaccinated against the disease ( Mandated ). All Serving members who failed ( by a certain period ) to comply with this Mandate or otherwise failed to supply an Exemption were Served with a 181D ( Show Cause why your Employment should not be Terminated ).
‘ Not having ” the jab ” doesn’t necessarily make a person an ” anti vaxer ” ‘ but, allegedly, Aaron was Served with a 181D and eventually left the employ of NSWPF.
Whether the Mental Trauma & ramifications of a 181D was a causation factor in Aaron’s mind is unknown to me – although, had I been in his shoes ( and I have suffered a 181D ), I have no doubt how the man was feeling – having forfeited ” the job ” that he no doubt loved because of the Pandemic.
Aaron stepped in front of an oncoming B Double semi upon the M1, Warnervale, NSW.
May Aaron Forever Rest In Peace.
May his family find Peace and may the innocent B Double driver, and his family, also find Peace.
As stated to me, by another member on the original Post:
” It’s important during these challenging times for all of us to look out for each other and not to wait for someone who ‘knows him/her better’ to make contact and make sure they are ok.”
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.
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( AUGUST 2022 )
ADAM is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * BUT SHOULD BE
ADAM 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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Police officer found dead at Sydney’s Ermington Police Station
An investigation has been launched after a police officer was found dead at a Sydney police station on Monday.
less than 2 min read
August 1, 2022 – 8:12PM
A detective has been found dead at a Sydney police station.
The body of a male police officer was found at Ermington Police Station in the city’s southwest at around 12.30pm on Monday, NSW Police said.
He is believed to have been shot with his police issue gun, the Daily Telegraph reported.
The 46-year-old detective sergeant from a specialist command was on-duty at the time and initial inquiries suggest there are no suspicious circumstances. A critical incident investigation has been launched by detectives from South West Metropolitan Region, who will prepare a report for the Coroner.
NSW Police says support services have been made available to the man’s colleagues and the officers at the station.
The death of a detective sergeant in Sydney’s northwest exposes a sad reality gripping some of the police force’s most vulnerable victims.
On Monday, the body of a 46-year-old Detective Sergeant was found at Ermington Police Station at around 12.30pm.
It’s understood he was on-duty at the time. Authorities are not investigating his death as suspicious and support services have been offered to his colleagues, and other staff and officers at the station.
Police are not investigating the death as suspicious. Supplied
A critical incident has since been declared, as is standard procedure after the death of an officer. The investigation will be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command and independently oversighted by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC), a statement from NSW Police said.
A report is also currently being prepared for the Coroner.
The death comes two years after the suicide of Sergeant Matthew Theoklis in November 2020. The father-of-two took his own life at the Sydney Police Centre building in Surry Hills.
He had joined the NSW Police in 2005 and was promoted to the rank of sergeant in December 2019.
Sergeant Matthew Theoklis was found dead in an office at the Sydney Police Centre in Surry Hills. Picture: NSW Police.
Mr Theoklis was survived by his two twin daughters, Brooke and Sophie, as well as his fiancee Rebekah, who was also a member of the NSW Police Force.
At the time Police Legacy chairperson Detective Superintendent Gary Merryweather said the pandemic and recurring natural disasters had added extra pressures to the job.
“It can become very taxing emotionally and physically being a police officer and this year has been particularly hard,” he told 2GB’s Drive host Jim Wilson.
“As we know policing can be so difficult. You can go from tragedy to a job where you’ve helped someone and feel very satisfying.
“In circumstances where it’s not foreseen by anyone, it just makes it a little bit harder, and I’m sure the family just think it’s all very surreal at the moment.
“There’s just no other way to explain it.”
The father-of-two was survived by his two twin daughters. Picture: NSW Police
According to an ABC report from January 2019, four Australian Federal Police officers died by suicide at their workplace between 2017 to 2019.
The deaths prompted the introduction of stricter firearm rules, which required officers to provide sufficient reason before drawing their weapons.
At the time, AFP Commissioner Andrew Colvin described the organisation’s former measures of addressing mental health as a “culture issue” within the force. However, he hoped that “through tragedy comes opportunities for us to learn,” adding that he hoped officers would feel better equipped to talk about and share their experiences.
“The old adage that police run towards the problem when everyone else runs away, that’s in our DNA, that’s what we do,” he said.
“So the idea that we should stop and take a break because we’re tired, because we’re fatigued, because we’re having trouble, is so foreign to police.”
In 2004, high-profile officer Steve Leach, 51, took his own life in a soundproof weapons storage room at Parramatta police station. As reported by The Sydney Morning Herald, he was on sick leave when he entered the building and was discovered by another officer.
Detective Senior Sergeant Steve Leach died in 2004. Picture: Jeff Herbert
Detective Senior Sergeant Leach was celebrated as the prominent homicide detective who arrested serial killer Ivan Milat in 1994. He was also involved in the investigation into the 1986 disappearance of Bondi schoolgirl Samantha Knight.
Prior to his death, he had applied for his pension after he was hurt on duty while seconded to the European War Crimes Tribunal in The Hague.
According to his colleagues, his death was not expected, The Age reports.
The then NSW Police Commissioner Ken Moroney described his death as a “terrible tragedy”.
“Detective Sergeant Leach was a highly respected officer with 35 years experience and had been involved in some of the state’s most high-profile homicide investigations,” he said.
Detective Steve Leach pictured here with Shirley Soire, the sister of Ivan Milat. Picture: Troy Bendeich
More than a decade onwards, the suicide of former police officer Ashley Bryant triggered a coronial inquest in 2017 which found that a post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and alcoholism brought on by the extreme stresses of his work were key factors in his death.
In December 2013, the 44-year-old drove to a national park in the Byron Bay hinterlands where he ultimately died. Prior to his death, the father-of-three had made a triple-zero call where told the operator that he was “about to take my own life”.
“I suffer post traumatic stress disorder … I can no longer live with the pain. I want this to go to the coroner,” he said in the record call that was played a this inquest,” he said.
“There needs to be more done, more things put in place for what happens.”
Ashley Bryant made a triple-zero call in the moments before his death. Picture: Supplied
His death came a year after he was discharged from the police on medical grounds. Attempts to apply for a ‘hurt on duty pension’ also forced Mr Bryant to relive his traumas, before he was denied a full pension.
This was after two psychiatrists under the Police Superannuation Scheme determined that he could still work again, if he retrained for less stressful work, The Daily Telegraph reported.
During the inquest, his widow Deborah Bryant said the pressure of trying to apply for the pension exacerbated his PTSD, that led him to drink.
“It was the pressure of all the assessments that he had to undergo that made it too stressful for him that, unfortunately, led him back to alcohol. He never recovered from it,” she told reporters.
Ashley Bryant’s wife Deborah Bryant said the stress of reliving his traumas while attempting to apply for a pension drove him to excessive drinking. Picture: Richard Dobson
Startling research from Beyond Blue in 2018 also found that a first responder dies by suicide every six weeks. The mental health and wellbeing support organisation found that police and emergency services workers are more than twice as likely to experience high or very high rates of psychological distress compared to the general population.
Those who had spent more than 10 years in their jobs were also more than twice as likely to experience psychological distress and were six times more likely to experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Hardened detective who was shot dead inside a police station is from a highly respected cop family and he cracked one of Australia’s biggest murder cases: ‘A steely determination for justice’
Colleagues found Detective Sergeant Adam Child dead at Ermington station
The accomplished cop has been remembered for his kindness in the role
He was part of the Homicide Squad and had a hand in solving tough murders
For confidential crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14
A top detective found dead inside his police station is from a highly regarded law enforcement family and solved some of Sydney‘s toughest cases in a two-decade career with the homicide squad.
Shocked colleagues discovered Detective Sergeant Adam Child dead from a gunshot wound inside a room at Ermington police station, in Sydney’s west, about 12.30pm on Monday.
The 46-year-old father, who worked in the force alongside his wife, has been remembered as ‘one of the finest humans and detectives’ by relatives of murder victims whose cases he helped solve.
Police do not believe Mr Child’s death was suspicious. He was on duty at the time and a police-issued firearm was used in the incident.
Friends and former colleagues have expressed horror at learning of the father-of-two’s untimely death and questioned what support services were in place.
‘I am just heartbroken. [Adam] was one of the finest humans and detectives,’ said one woman, who met Mr Child when he was assigned to the case of her loved one.
She added Mr Child would be remembered for his ‘compassion and steely determination for justice’.
He was publicly involved in the investigation into murdered mother Jody Galante, and was praised by her relatives for his kindness and dogged search for the truth.
The case was the subject of an Australian Story episode in 2008 which featured Mr Child, as he explained the steps he took to solve the murder and put Mrs Galante’s husband, Mark, behind bars for 27 years.
‘Adam Child and Anthony Agnew were so caring, they knew they were asking us to do hard things,’ Mrs Galante’s mother Julie-Anne Hand said at the time.
Mr Child had suspicions Mrs Galante’s husband was responsible for her death but did not have enough evidence to make an arrest.
He asked her family to continue publicly supporting him while the investigation was ongoing to lull him into a false sense of security.
Almost two months later, he asked them to help clear out Mrs Galante’s daughter’s belongings from the house, noting ‘she wouldn’t be going back there’.
Following Galante’s arrest, the 27-year-old pleaded guilty to his wife’s murder and was sentenced to 27 years imprisonment, with a non-parole period of 20 years.
Mrs Galante’s family could not praise Mr Child enough for his work on the case.
The homicide squad in NSW leads the response to major criminal investigations, including murders, suspicious deaths, critical incidents and coronial inquiries.
Mr Child has been commended for his role in countless investigations over his 20-year career.
‘I’m so sick at heart right now, the ripple affect of the loss of Adam will be felt by many families today, his own family and the his family in Blue,’ one friend said.
‘It’s a very sad day. Adam was a good man and detective… Rest well brother.’
Mr Child was usually based at the Parramatta head office but was stationed at Ermington while working on an active investigation in the region.
A critical incident has been declared as part of standard procedures within NSW Police when an employee dies in the vicinity of other officers.
NSW Police said in a statement Mr Child’s colleagues and all officers at Ermington station will be offered support to deal with the grief and shock.
Mr Child’s death is the latest in a string of tragic police deaths in recent years.
Just two years ago in November 2020, Sergeant Matthew Theoklis died by suicide at the Sydney Police Centre in Surry Hills.
Between 2017 and 2019, a further five Australian Federal Police officers took their own lives on the job.
A 24-hour trauma response hotline was established in NSW and 1,200 officers were trained as part of a state-wide peer support program.
RIP, sorry you couldn’t stick around mate! Sounds like you did a lot of good in your life! Thanks for being a good man, copper and Aussie! Thoughts are with family and friends in this extremely sad time!
It reads to me Adam was there to help many people but unfortunate no one was able to help Adam. May Adam Rest In Peace and Adam’s family find comfort and understanding within. My thoughts are with you
Why do we always lose the good people too early ? I wish he had spoken to someone because he clearly is a man of ethics and hard work and a champion of the victims. He is the kind of policeman we always want to have in the force. So sad for his family of police, wife and children. We need to honour police more than we do, in a public way.
Spate of deaths in police forces across Australia
Steps have been taken within police forces across the nation to improve mental health support services for serving officers following a spate of suicides among serving and former cops.
In the span of two years, five Australian Federal Police officers tragically died by suicide in the workplace, prompting overhauls to firearm rules.
Previously, officers were able to check out their guns even while they were off duty, but the new restrictions meant they would need a reason to take their weapons.
Last year, two serving West Australian police officers died in the span of a fortnight.
Just two years ago in November 2020, Sergeant Matthew Theoklis died by suicide at the Sydney Police Centre in Surry Hills.
A 24-hour trauma response hotline was established in NSW and 1,200 officers were trained as part of a state-wide peer support program.
‘It’s not uncommon, and that’s the scary thing,’ a serving police officer told Daily Mail Australia.
‘At the end of the day, it’s a high pressure job and when you combine that with stresses that aren’t work related, it can really add up.’
A detective has been found dead inside a police station in Sydney’s north-west.
The 46-year-old detective sergeant was on duty when he was found dead by colleagues inside a room at Ermington Police Station about 12:30pm on Monday.
NSW Police revealed initial inquiries suggest there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.
The Daily Telegraph has reported the man died after a “shooting incident” and early investigations suggest the officer was shot with a police-issued firearm.
Detectives have launched a critical incident investigation into the man’s death.
“The 46-year-old detective sergeant from a specialist command was on-duty at the time and initial inquiries suggest there are no suspicious circumstances,” a statement from NSW Police read.
“A critical incident investigation has been launched by detectives from South West Metropolitan Region, who will prepare a report for the Coroner.
“The investigation will also be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command and independently oversighted by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC).”
Support services have been made available to the man’s colleagues, the officers who found him and those who were in the station at the time.
The death comes less than two years after another police officer took his own life at the Sydney Police Centre in Surry Hills.
he killed himself because he was applying for and likely to get an inspector job at homicide squad whilst his wife was applying for inspector jobs at internal affairs
Adam suspected she was cheating on him (with the man she eventually married after his death, didn’t know until recently he sat right behind me at his state funeral )
yes Adam downloaded illegal tracking software on her phone and saw messages between the two of them, him telling her he could still smell her in the shared car ( mind you a man who recently worked alongside Adam as a detective Sgt in Homicide Squad )
was he wrong to illegally download this software on his wife’s phone probably
but mind you his wife’s father was a former drug squad Detective Superintendent who left NSW police on a very good pension to set up John Howard’s Border Force
of course i was never ok with my brother doing what he did … but learning that his father in law told him he will never get an Inspector job as long as he lived because…. his cheating daughter had her phone compromised … … seriously
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.
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( April 2022 )
HEATH is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * BUT SHOULD BE
Heath is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance – Canberra *NEED MORE INFO ( Last checked: 26 April 2022 )
HEATH is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance – Victoria Police ( which was last reviewed by VicPol on 7 Sept. 2021
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Policeman Heath Martin remembered with honour guard
29 April 2020
An honour guard in front of Horsham Police Station paid tribute to Horsham police officer Heath Martin.
Leading Senior Constable Martin, of Horsham, stationed with Horsham Highway Patrol, was found dead in the Grampians on April 15.
Mr Martin was a prominent volunteer, life-member and premiership player of Kalkee Football Netball Club and had been club secretary for the past 11 years.
Senior officers saluted the funeral procession as it briefly stopped in front of the station.
Strict social distancing protocols were in place.
• Anyone experiencing mental-health issues can call Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636, Lifeline, 131 114, or Kids Helpline, 1800 551 800.
Police form a guard of honour for colleague Heath Martin in front of Horsham Police Station.
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.
“possible” relation in ‘the job’: His brother: Supt. Antony Deutrom, NT Police
Northern Territory Police Class # ? ? ?
Northern Territory Police Force
Regd. # ?????
Rank: Commenced Training at NT Police Academy on Monday ? ? ?
Probationary Constable- appointed ? ? ?
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ? ( YES )
Detective – appointed ? ? ?
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Inspector – appointed ? ? ?
Chief Inspector – appointed ? ? ?
Superintendent – appointed ? ? ?
Chief Superintendent – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank: = ?
Stations: Katherine ( early – mid 2000s ), Alice Springs, Yulara, Darwin, Commander’s Tactical Team – Darwin, Metropolitan Social Order & Engagement Unit, ?
July 2006 – December 2006 – Dili – East Timor on secondment to AFP
Service: From? October 1998 to15 April 2022 = 23+ years Service
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( April 2022 )
Micky D is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * BUT SHOULD BE
Micky D 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.
This evening ( 16 April 2022 @ 11.36pm Central Australia Time ) we learnt of the tragic passing of a very special and down right awesome Northern Territory Police Officer.
A highly respected and valued member of the Blue Family. Micky D, you will be sorely missed. Almost everyone that every worked with you will have an amazing story to share.
Micky dedicated approximately 20 years of his life to the force. Like many of us, he had seen his fair share of what this job throws at us.
Devastatingly he lost the battle but will be remembered by many as one of the good guys.
We extend our sincerest condolences to the friends, family and colleagues for this tremendous loss.
If you or anybody you know are experiencing difficulties there are resources and support services available. Struggling to cope with everyday life doesn’t look or feel the same for everyone.
These services are there to listen and talk it through with you to help you get the support you need. Help is available.
To the blue family, keep an eye on your mates, notice when they start experiencing signs of depression or anxiety. Ask them if they are ok, turn up at their house, check on them, refer them to our well-being teams.
The Drum. NT Police, Fire & Emergency Services magazine. December 2008
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
19 April 2022
Bradley James EDWARDS
31/10/2022
Bradley James EDWARDS
AKA Brad EDWARDS
Late of Wellington, NSW
“possible” relation in ‘the job’: ?
NSW Goulburn Police Academy – Class # 243
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 26909
Rank: Commenced Training at Goulburn Police Academy on Sunday 29 October 1989 ( aged 19 years, 4 months, 3 days )
Probationary Constable- appointed Friday 27 April 1990 ( aged 19 years, 10 months, 1 day )
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Detective – appointed ? ? ? ( YES )
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank: = Sergeant 2nd Class
Stations: ?, Parkes ( 1992 / 1995 ), ?, Dubbo ( 2012 )( Sgt ), ?, Wellington ( Orana-Mid Western Police District ) – Death
Service: From 29 October 1989to 5 June 2021 = 31 years, 7 months, 7 days Service
Retirement / Leaving age: = 50 years, 11 months, 10 days
Time in Retirement from Police: 0
Awards: No Find on Australian Honours system
Born: Friday 26 June 1970
Died on: Saturday 5 June 2021
Age: 50 years, 11 months, 10 days
Organ Donor: Y / N / ?
Cause: PTSD – SUICIDE ( method ? )
Event location: ? , Wellington, NSW
Event date: Saturday 5 June 2021
Funeral date: Friday 18 June 2021 @ 11.30am
Funeral location: Wellington Civic Centre, Swift St, Wellington, NSW
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
A man, with a heart of gold, a thoroughly good bloke, who served his community with distinction and with honour, ended his suffering and torment and took his own life recently.
I always thought highly of you mate.
I have just been advised that my Academy Class Mate of Class 243 and fellow brother in blue recently succumbed to the black dog.
Gutted.
Tonight old mate, I most certainly will shed a tear or two, a beer or two and share a laugh or two…in honour of you and in honour of your legacy
Rest in eternal peace SGT Brad Edwards, you are forever missed.
A DUBBO woman has spoken out on White Ribbon Day and encouraged others not to tolerate domestic violence as she did for 32 years.
Mary (not her real name) spoke with the Daily Liberal yesterday about her three decades of violence she suffered at the hands of her partner before she went to the police.
She had noticed police wearing white ribbons outside the Dubbo Police Station and decided to share her story.
“Women have to start standing up for themselves,” she said.
Mary said some of the injuries she had suffered in her abusive relationship had been fractures to her nose, jaw, arm and ribs.
“Domestic violence is in the community but women are not coming forward and letting the police know,” she said.
“They need to come forward now, not wait like I waited for 32 years.”
Mary said she believed White Ribbon Day was a good initiative to bring public attention to the issue of domestic violence.
Recently she has begun working to help others affected.
“I have worked with domestic violence victims for the last two years,” she said.
“I have seen both sides.”
White ribbons were worn on the shirts of every Dubbo police officer yesterday as they took a stance against domestic violence.
Orana Local Area Command (LAC) duty officer Inspector Brad Edwards said Dubbo police had handed out many white ribbons to raise awareness of the day and answered questions about the day from members of the public.
“I think it is very important that society realises there is no excuse for violence against women,” he said.
“The fact that it still happens today is pathetic.”
“We know the statistics from on the job experience.”
Dubbo police and their colleagues across NSW all took a pledge against violence against women and wore white ribbons in a show of solidarity across the state.
Dubbo police wearing white ribbons in support of an end to domestic and family violence against women yesterday. Pictured are Senior Constable Jason Pollack ( # 38631 ), Constable Michael Dawn, Inspector Brad Edwards, Constable Tofazzal Ali. Photo: LISA MINNER
Would your parents like their property damaged,” Senior sergeant tells children
Wellington police sergeant Brad Edwards has told children at Wellington Public School he and his officers are pushing up the ante on young children aged from nine to 13 throwing rocks.
“I am very upset children in the town are throwing rocks.
“A lot of people have had their car windows smashed. It has cost them more than $50,000,” he said.
“These are parked cars near the railway line, people’s roofs, their houses and they are upset their property is being damaged. Would your parents like their property damaged,” he asked the children.
“I want to get them, take them to the magistrate and lock them up.
“We have cameras now everywhere, hidden from view, monitoring these children. We will lock up these people.” he added.
He warned the children police were answering the community’s plea for the rock throwing incidents to stop.
“Tell your parents, tell your teachers when you see them doing these things,” he said.
Children in the crowd at the school said their parents had been victims of the latest outbreak of vandalism.
“My mum had the back window of her car smashed by a rock,” one child told the class.
“It was so badly damaged mum had to buy a new car.
“There is a hole in our window from people throwing rocks,” another said.
Children said slingshots with rocks were being aimed at people and cars.
“A slingshot is no different to a gun, it injures people and they may die.
“It’s an illegal weapon,” Sgt Edwards said.
The officer also told children social media site Facebook was an ineffective measure in countering the rock throwers and other incidents.
“Don’t go on Facebook and bully people. Turn it off. Don’t gossip and target people,” he said.
The sergeant also said children seen on school grounds during holidays will be prosecuted.
“I went to this primary school but I didn’t want to come back during the holidays,” he said.
“I don’t want you on the grounds of this school in the holidays.”
Our club is special and it was great to see all our teams and even the Refs getting behind raising awareness for Bowel Cancer Australia. This month is Bowel Cancer month and our teams wore the Apple Red socks and trainers wore the bare bums to let everyone know how important this awareness is.
We also Took a Knee for Ackers for James Ackerman who six years ago on this day, was tragically killed in a football match.
Our teams also observed a minute silence for Sergeant Brad Edwards a local Wellington man who was much loved and respected by many. His death has devastated our community.
Much love to the Ackerman Family. James will always be remembered and our heart felt condolences to Brad Edwards family. A man of diligence and loyalty like no other.
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
12 April 2022
Stephen Francis OSWALD
31/10/2022
Stephen Francis OSWALD
AKA Steve OSWALD, Ozzie
Late of ?
Son of Robert ( Bob ) E. OSWALD, NSWPF # 10366
“possible” relation in ‘the job’ to:
Phil T. OSWALD, NSWPF # 16785
S. M. OSWALD (F), NSWPF # 229022
NSW Police Training Centre – Redfern – Class # 171 D
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 19666
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy on Monday 13 April 1981 ( aged 19 years, 7 months, 8 days )
Probationary Constable- appointed 26 June 1981 ( 19 years, 9 months, 21 days )
Constable – appointed 26 June 1982
Constable 1st Class – appointed 26 June 1986
Detective – appointed ? ? ? ( YES )
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ? ( N/A )
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Inspector – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank: = Detective Inspector – Retired ( Medical )
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( March 2022 )
STEVE 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.
Our deepest condolences to Steve’s wife, Monika, family and friends.
OSWALD, Stephen Francis
Passed away on March 4th, 2022, aged 60 years. Formerly of Wilberforce.
Retired and distinguished NSW Police Officer.
Much loved husband of Monika.Son, brother, dear and loyal friend and trusted colleague of many.
Dearly loved son-in-law, brother-in-law and uncle.
Will be desperately missed.
Forever in our heart.
A Funeral Service celebrating Steve’s life will be held in The Camellia Chapel, Macquarie Park Crematorium, Corner Plassey and Delhi Roads, North Ryde, on Thursday, March 24th, 2022, commencing at 10.30am.
Afterwards, you are invited to a function at North Ryde RSL Club.
The Sydney Morning Herald – 19 March 2022
Adult emu stolen from Featherdale Wildlife Park after being thrown over two electrified fences
AN adult emu weighing close to 50kg was thrown over two electrified fences during a brazen theft at a wildlife park in Sydney’s west
Ben McClellan
2 min read
February 13, 2013 – 12:38PM
Blacktown Advocate
AN adult emu weighing close to 50kg was thrown over two electrified fences during a brazen theft at Featherdale Wildlife Park on Monday night.
Park curators and police have been left perplexed by the theft with senior curator Chad Staples saying the five-year-old female emu, born and raised at the Doonside park, had no monetary value.
Blacktown police believe a group scaled a two-metre high exterior fence at the back of the park, next to a railway line, before midnight and attempted to steal both of the two emus in the large enclosure which is also home for three eastern grey kangaroos.
Keepers discovered one of the kangaroos out of the enclosure at 7.20am on Tuesday. Mr Staples said while it wasn’t uncommon for the emus to escape their enclosure they realised the birds absence was more serious when they saw visible signs of struggle on the remaining male emu and feathers strewn throughout the enclosure.
More feathers were found less than a 1km up the railway line where the thieves are believed to have exited.
Police said residents reported several dogs barking in the area before midnight but haven’t confirmed if anyone saw the stolen emu and her captors.
Blacktown police Inspector Stephen Oswald said doctors should report anyone presenting with scratch or abrasion injures that may have been sustained during the struggle with the emu.
Blacktown’s top tourist attraction spends more than $200,000 on security patrols a year, along with CCTV and fencing. The one guard on duty apparently heard nothing during the break-in.
Inspector Oswald said reports the theft may have been an orientation week university prank was “news to us” and detectives were looking at several lines of enquiry.
Mr Staples said if the theft was a prank it wasn’t very funny.
“You would think potential university graduates would have more sense than this,” he said.
“They came into this park for an emu, we cannot understand the reason for this. All we can do is hope they realise this is complete folly and we ask for it to be returned.
“It’s unbelievable, bemusing to be honest. You can understand the monetary value with birds in the past but this is a strange one. Emus at best of times can be quite skittish and erratic.”
Monday’s theft comes six weeks after 10 birds, including two exotic macaws, were stolen on Christmas Eve.
The macaws, worth $12,000, were recovered a few days later an Auburn home but two red-tailed cockatoos, worth $4000, and six ground breasted doves remain missing.
Blacktown detectives again interviewed the Auburn residents about where they got the macaws from today but no charges have been laid.
Blacktown crime manager Senior Sergeant Adam Wilson said other than the link of birds being stolen from the same park police hadn’t established any connection between the two break-ins.
Anyone who sees the emu on the road or wandering the street is urged not to approach or attempt to restrain the animal as it may behave erratically and run into traffic.
They should contact police via Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Sightings can also be reported to Featherdale Wildlife Park on 9622 1644.
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
5 March 2022
Justin SCHREMMER
31/10/2022
Justin SCHREMMER
AKA Jay Schremmer
Late of ?, Northern Territory,
Northern Territory Berrimah Police College – Squad 73/2003
Northern Territory Police Force
Regd. # 2331
Rank: Commenced Training at N.T. Berrimah Police Academy with Squad 73/2003 on Monday ? ? ?
Probationary Constable- appointed ? ? ?
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Detective – appointed ? ? ?
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank: = ?
Stations: ?,
Service: From? ? ? to 21 February 2022 = ? years Service
Retirement / Leaving age: = ?
Time in Retirement from Police: 0
Awards: No Find on Australian Honours system – although:
National Medal – granted ? ? ? ( SenCon )
Northern Territory Police Service Medal ( 2013 – 2014 )
Born: ? ? ?
Died on: Monday 21 February 2022
Age: ?
Cause: Depression – Suicide
Event location: ? , N.T.
Event date: Monday 21 February 2022
Funeral date: ? ? ? TBA
Funeral location: ? TBA
any Future Wake location: ??? TBA
any Future Wake date: ??? TBA
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( February 2022 )
Zoe Schremmer & Justin Schremmer ( Daughter & Father )
Zoe Schremmer & Justin Schremmer ( Daughter & Father )
Justin 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.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
**********
Cal
23 February 2022
James Liam O’TOOLE
31/10/2022
James Liam O’TOOLE
AKA Jimmy O’TOOLE
Late of Sutherland, NSW
NSW Goulburn Police Academy – Class # 335
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 53092
Rank: Commenced Training at Goulburn Police Academy as a Student Police Officer ( SPO ) on Sunday 29 April 2018 ( aged 19 years, 9 months, 5 days )
Probationary Constable- appointed 7 December 2018 ( aged 20 years, 4 months, 13 days )
Constable – appointed 7 December 2019
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Senior Constable – appointed – NO
Final Rank: = Constable 1st Class
Stations: Sutherland GDs ( 24 Division )( 7 December 2018 – August 2021 ), Seconded to Operation ‘ Wick ‘ in 2020 – July 2020 – Street Policing Team – City of Sydney Police Area Command, Project ‘ Servatore ‘, Deployed to Albury re Operation Boarder Closure ( July 2020 ), Central Metropolitan Region HVP ( High Visibility Policing ) Unit – The Rocks ( 15 August 2021 – Death )
Service: From? ? 2018 to 14 February 2022 = 3 years, 9 months, 16 days Service
Retirement / Leaving age: = N/A
Time in Retirement from Police: 0
Awards: No Find on Australian Honours system – however:
NSW Premiers Bushfire Emergency citation for Service in the 2019 – 2020 fires
NSW Police Force Commissioners Emergency Commendation in recognition of the extraordinary commitment to duty and professionalism demonstrated during disasters and emergency deployments from 1 July 2019 – 31 December 2020
Born: Friday 24 July 1998
Died on: Monday 14 February 2022
Age: 23 years, 6 months, 21 days
Cause: Depression – Suicide
Event location: Home
Event date: Monday 14 February 2021
Funeral date: Wednesday 2 March 2022 @ 11am
Funeral location: South Chapel, Woronora Memorial Park, 121 Linden St, Sutherland, NSW
For those in the Bankstown area: See below Note re funeral service.
any Future Wake location: ??? TBA
any Future Wake date: ??? TBA
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
This afternoon, in a quiet and deeply-felt ceremony at the Sydney Police Centre, another thirteen names were added, and the memories of another thirteen dedicated NSW Police Force employees were honoured, at the NSW Police Force Service Memorial:
It is with the deepest regret that I inform those Retired, Former, Serving Police and friends that James O’TOOLE succumbed to the ‘ Black Dog ‘ at the very young age of 23 whilst Serving with NSW Police Force.
May you Forever Rest In Peace mate and may your parents and brother know that you were respected and loved by those who Served alongside of you.
Bruins would like extend a warm welcome to all community members who would like gather to celebrate and share memories in remembrance of James O’Toole.
The Bruins family will live stream the service, at the stadium with doors opening from 10.30am, followed by light refreshments.
Over the coming days, we please ask members to send an email to caitlin@bruinsbasketball.com.au and please RSVP if you would like to attend the service as well as any photos and memories of James to be shared at the service.
It is with a very heavy heart that Bankstown Basketball Association mourns the loss of referee James O’Toole.
James has long been part of the Bruins family, and has represented the Bruins as an exceptional referee, supervisor, and player. He is known for his cheeky smile, witty conversations, and extraordinary dedication and passion for the education, support and ongoing development of Bruins Junior referees.
Over James’s many years of basketball service, James was awarded numerous prestigious Steve Well’s Junior Referee of the Year Awards as recognition for his hard work to his craft. James represented Bankstown Bruins at both New South Wales State Championships and Senior Finals Weekends, his efforts also took him interstate as a referee for New South Wales at many Australian Junior Championships, at which he always did the association proud.
In more recent years James sought out a professional career as part of the New South Wales Police Force, however, always continued to find time to be part of and support the Bruins family.
We are honoured to have had such an exceptional gentleman as part of the Bruins Family and James’s legacy will continue to live on in the people who he inspired and worked so closely with.
As a tribute to James, we invite the entire Bruins community to wear a blue ribbon on their uniform to signify the amazing life that he lived.
Rest In Peace James, we will continue to honor you with Bruins Pride and Dignity.
Never did I expect to say a funeral was beautiful but yours certainly was, James.
You were so obviously loved and cared about by so many including our family.
You certainly made a huge impression during your short life.
With you all today in my thoughts and prayers.
Aunty Kathy and Kevin. ????
Genevieve Mole
9 hours ago
Such a beautiful touching ceremony, celebrating James.
Loved by so many.
You were all in thoughts and prayers today.
Forever in our hearts.
Love the Mole and Lynch families.
Jill Kerr
10 hours ago
Rest in peace James
Helen & George
11 hours ago
“Only the good die young” our hearts are heavy ????
Jenny Chisholm (Dao)
12 hours ago
Thinking of you and your family today.
I was fortunate enough to have James in my Year 6 class and recall how helpful he was with computers and how he brought so much laughter to our class.
May you Rest in Peace James, you will be dearly missed.
Pat minz
12 hours ago
Rest in peace James. Beautiful farewell service
Joanne Mellars
12 hours ago
We remember you fondly James… rest easy.
Joanne & Jessie Mellars
Richard Bai
12 hours ago
Your smile will be in our hearts forever, Jimmy.
Virginia Pedler
12 hours ago
Rest east James. You will be missed x
Alex V
12 hours ago
RIP James! You were loved by many. I also remember from 5 years of age, always having some keys around your neck. You will be missed. Big love to Darcy.
Michelle Hutchinson
12 hours ago
Hope you have found peace James. May your light shine brightly in the night sky.
Paul Edward Cooper
12 hours ago
Rest in peace brother, prayers to you and your family. Hope you are now in peace and we will see you behind heavens golden gates in time.
Tisharna Eckford
12 hours ago
Rest In Peace Jimmy. You will be forever greatly missed by all your family, friends, colleagues and all of #335. Gone far too soon ????
Jodie Bergan
13 hours ago
RIP James, may you fly high!
Matt Hall
13 hours ago
Rest in peace James. My heart goes out to family and friends, it is heartwarming to see and hear their outpouring of love for you.
Leanne Peryman
13 hours ago
What an outstanding young man and a great loss to all who knew him. May he now be at peace and his family know that the strength of the community is behind them xxx
Kerry McGall
14 hours ago
Thinking of you guys Terry, Kylie and Darcy xx
Emily Kate Adams
14 hours ago
Rest In Peace James ????
Trish Murray
14 hours ago
From my heart to yours James , rest well in the arms of those who love you unconditionally. I was lucky to have you as my neighbour next door, sharing lots of chats about all sorts, inviting me in as we met at our unit doors to see your new lounge etc that you had purchased and was so proud of having.
Missing you
Trish
Maria Pace (Pelle)
14 hours ago
Rest in Peace beautiful boy. I will always remember your gorgeous smile and how much you loved holding your dad’s keys.
Lynda Sexton
14 hours ago
Rest In Peace young man. I enjoyed being your baseball coach all those years ago. On behalf of your school mates Erin, Morgan and older brother Liam. Lynda.
Richard Dee leon
14 hours ago
Rest In Peace my good friend.Will sadly miss all of the chats we had.
Chris Shade
14 hours ago
Rest In Peace James, I will miss your smile.
Diane Lowe
14 hours ago
RIP Mate, you will always been remembered. You are at peace now.
Belinda Peters & family
15 hours ago
May James Rest In Peace.
Zarif, Violet & family
a day ago
We will miss you James but rest in peace with Joy in heaven with the Lord .
Greg Callander
7 days ago
May Jimmy O’Toole ( NSWPF # 53092 ) Forever Rest In Peace.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this young man at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
**********
Cal
17 February 2022
Updated 13 November 2024 – Age at Attestation, Memorial Plaque
Updated 14 November 2024 – Academy Class commencement date and location of Jimmy’s Ashes.
Supremegsus, Hobart, Australia, 8 hours ago
RIP, sorry you couldn’t stick around mate! Sounds like you did a lot of good in your life! Thanks for being a good man, copper and Aussie! Thoughts are with family and friends in this extremely sad time!