Robert John SMITH

Robert John SMITH

Victoria Police Force

Regd. #   ?

Rank?

Stations?, Boronia – death

ServiceFrom  ? ? ?  to  29 June 2013 = ? years Service

Awards?

Born:  28 September 1981

Died on:  Saturday  29 June 2013

Cause:  Suicide – Service Firearm to head at Boronia Police Station

after complaining about bullying & harassment at work

Age:  32

Funeral date?

Funeral location?

Buried at?

 Memorial at?

 

 [alert_red]ROBERT 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

 


 

Robert John Smith (1981 – 2013)

 

Born 28/9/1981 – died 29/6/2013.


A sweet, decent and honourable man who achieved so much, had so much to be proud of and so much more to look forward to. Robert, you were a shining star, your life extinguished way too soon.

Our love and heartfelt sympathy to partner Sarah, mum Caroyn, dad Gary, sister Elisa, brother Perry, Granny Iris and Nana Dor.

Your death leaves a huge hole in our lives, you will be forever in our hearts – Linda, Niall and Damon.

Published in The Age on July 2, 2013
  • “Sleep forever peacefully”
  • Mel
    – Melinda Riches

 


 

May you forever Rest In Peace.

 


 

Fiancee of bullied police officer who took his own life sues the state

EXCLUSIVE: THE fiancee of a bullied police officer who shot himself with his service firearm is suing the state.

Sarah Fleming, 32, says that prior to his suicide, her fiance, Robert John Smith, was in “emotional turmoil” and had made a complaint of workplace bullying, harassment and other stressors.

Ms Fleming says Mr Smith’s decision to take his life was due to the negligence of the force, which was responsible for the training and action of its employees.

Mr Smith died of a gunshot wound to the head while on duty at the Boronia Police station on June 29, 2013.

In a writ filed in the County Court Ms Fleming claims unspecified damages for the injuries she suffered as a result of Mr Smith’s death.

Since 2000, five Victoria Police officers have died in the line of duty, but 16 more have died by their own hand.

Last October, a policewoman and mother of three, who had previously been on mental health leave and had reported her struggles to Victoria Police, turned her police-issued gun on herself while she was on duty at the Seaford Multi-Disciplinary Centre.

That suicide prompted Police Association boss Ron Iddles — who had previously criticised the force’s efforts to tackle bullying — to call for more to be done to improve welfare of police.

Mr Iddles called for early identification programs in police training programs and at the workplace and for more police to talk about problems and show their colleagues help is available.

The association declined to comment yesterday on what progress was being made or whether there needed to be, or had been, a review of the provision of weapons to officers who have lodged mental health claims.

Ms Fleming’s legal action comes as police and ambulance unions campaign to change how mental health claims are treated, and in the case of post-traumatic stress disorder claims, reverse the onus on emergency workers to prove their condition was caused by work, which can sometimes delay much-needed treatment for years.

Between July 2010 and June last year, 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.

And police were hit harder by bullying than stress and trauma, according to members’ claims in 2014-15.

A National Coronial Information System report on Intentional self-harm among emergency service personnel last year revealed that of the 62 police suicides in Australia between July 1, 2000, and December 2012, 25 shot themselves23 with their service-issued firearm.

A Victorian Coroners Prevention Unit report into suicide rates among workers in key professions last year found the annual suicide rate among Victoria police was 10 per 100,000.

Police spokeswoman Sophie Jennings said in the past year the force had improved its complaints handling and completely reformed the way it responds to conflict, claims of bullying and harassment.

DO YOU NEED HELP? If this article causes you distress or if you require more information, police employees can call Welfare Services confidentially 24 hours 7 days a week on 9247 3344, and other members of the community can call Lifeline 13 11 14 or Beyondblue 1300 224 636

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/fiancee-of-bullied-police-officer-who-took-his-own-life-sues-the-state/news-story/c1c4511877a9c84580d1d2c4ee787c6d

 


 

 

 




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

 

ServiceFrom  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


Joe GARDEN was at Mudgee Police Station around 1987-88 in uniform. Not sure where he was prior to that.
Joe started in the Detectives office as an ‘A’ lister around that time. He was left high and dry after the designated detectives moved on and he was forced to run the detectives office ‘one out’.
Apparently Joe hit the bottle quite badly and finished up banging up a police vehicle ‘on duty’ whilst intoxicated.
Had some major fights with ‘senior officers’ and was forced onto sick leave.
Joe was ‘Force transferred’ to Dubbo Intelligence Office and worked there for a year or two before he drew his service revolver, went home and shot himself.
It is believed that Joe was aged in his late 20’s or early 30’s, married with young kids at the time.
( 2019 ) Information is that Joe had attempted a drug over dose and had been admitted to Dubbo Base Hospital where, apart from other methods, he was orally administered ‘charcoal’ to absorb the poison.
He was seen, in Hospital, by a Mental Health worker who asked how he was.  Joe’s forceful reply was ” I’m FINE !! ” and Joe repeated that statement.
Later, that morning, Joe was discharged home.
Joe attended Dubbo Police Station where he picked up his Police issued revolver and went home where he placed a pillow slip over his head before fatally shooting himself, in the head, whilst on the lawn.
May you forever be at Peace Joe.
Further information is sought about this man, his life and his death.

Internet searches have failed to find anything further as of this date – 1 June 2016 or 5 June 2019 – on this man.
Further information is sought.

Update:
31 October 2022 

From K.O. Medway

Greg Callander, Murray John GARDEN died on 24 May 1997 (aged 38). He was survived by his wife Debra and children Matthew, Grace and Alexander.
There is a plaque in a rose garden at Western Districts Memorial Park, Dubbo, NSW.




Joseph NASH

Joseph NASH

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. # ?

Rank:  Constable

Stations?, North Guyra

ServiceFrom  to  23 November 1903

Awards?

Born?

Died on:  Monday  23 November 1903

Cause:  Suicide – firearm

Event location:  North Guyra Police Station

Age?

Funeral date?

Funeral location?

Buried at?

 Memorial at?

 

 [alert_red]JOSEPH 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

 


 

Sydney Morning Herald    Tuesday  24 November 1903

SUDDEN DEATH OF A CONSTABLE NORTH GUYRA

Monday.

Constable Joseph Nash, who was in charge of the local police station, was found dead in the barrack-room at noon today.

The police authorities in Sydney have received a telegram stating that Constable Nash had been found dead with a bullet wound in the head, the circumstances of the case pointing to suicide.

An officer at Armidale has been sent to North Guyra to make full inquiries.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/14581722

 


 

 

 




Elliott Peter WATT

Elliott Peter WATT

 

Western Australia Police Force

 

Regd. # ?

 

Rank:  Sergeant

 

Stations?, Kondinin, Collie ( acting OIC ) – death

 

ServiceFrom  ? ? ?  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


Elliott Peter WATT

Elliott Peter WATT

Elliott Peter WATT


14 February 2016
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!

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

Perth Police headquarters
Perth Police headquarters

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


 

The wife of a policeman who shot himself while on duty at a WA country police station has described how he broke down the night before crying and said he had enough of work but didn’t know what was wrong.

Elliott Peter Watt, 36, took his own life with a police pistol in the armoury of Collie police station on December 22, 2008his first day back after a three week break.

An inquest is now examining the tragedy and whether strategies can be used to avoid a repeat of the police suicide.

Today, Emma Watt described how her husband, a father of four, had displayed a dramatic change in his behaviour in the days leading up to his return to work, showing feelings of agitation, withdrawal, and finding a lack of pleasure in the things he used to enjoy.

She said his dislike of going to work had reached the point where she had to wake him up for work, prompt him to shower and lay out his uniform with the belt through the loops and items in his pockets so that he would attend.

The night before he killed himself, she had asked him what was wrong, she told the inquest today.

“He just looked at me and said ‘I just don’t know’,” she said.

“He said that just everything was getting to him… he said he had enough as far as work went…. (but) he didn’t want to leave us financially with no income.”

Mrs Watt said he had eventually withdrawn from her again, prompting her to call Lifeline in hysterics.

The inquest has heard earlier evidence that Acting Sen. Sgt Watt had dealt with “critical incidents” during one stint at a country police station including the failed resuscitation of a young man.

He had also attended a serious car crash in which a child was badly injured and the suicide of a farmer in his car after which he had to clean the blood-stained ute and return it to the farmer’s wife.

The inquest heard Acting Sen. Sgt Watt, who had 15 years experience in the police force, worked by himself for extended periods while stationed at country towns and had $35,000 worth of annual leave owing when he died – the equivalent of about five months’ leave.

Mrs Watt today said she had believed her husband was depressed. But she rejected suggestions his state could have been solely due to the domestic pressures of having young children and a relatively new and senior job.

She said she had not called a doctor because her husband, who she described as quiet and private, had been angry when she once suggested he could be depressed.

However, after her call to Lifeline on December 21, 2008 she had made plans to visit a GP with her concerns – a visit she had unfortunately scheduled for two days after her husband shot himself.

Mrs Watt said she had assumed the police force looked after its officers and that annual checks would be conducted on their mental health.

She told the inquest she would have contacted the police force’s health and welfare division earlier in the year with her concerns about his increasing mood swings but that she had been unaware of the division.

Mrs Watt said her husband was unlikely to ask for assistance from within the police force, but she believed information about the health and welfare division should also be provided to partners of police officers.

The inquest has heard an internal police investigation found there was “no one specific incident” that seemed to prompt Acting Sen. Sgt Watt’s suicide, though the investigator agreed his involvement in critical incidents could have affected him.

The report instead suggested non-work issues could be to blame.

The inquest heard training and education about stress management was required for police but they were also expected to ask for assistance.

Det-Sgt Judith Seivwright, who conducted the internal police report on the suicide, denied suggestions that officers feared asking for counselling or assistance would be viewed negatively by senior officers.

The inquest continues.

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14

https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/wa/a/12904977/cop-broke-down-night-before-suicide/


Burden too much to bear for policeman Elliot Watt who shot himself

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.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/burden-too-much-to-bear-for-policeman-who-shot-himself/story-e6frg6nf-1226271242316

 


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


Emma McLaren‎ to Thin Blue Line – Australia
Sunday  14 February 2016

FURTHER INFORMATION SOUGHT FROM EMMA.

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

 

Project Recompense
Prepared by the WA Police Union
November 2014
p 32
The Watt Inquest
An inquest into the death of Sergeant Elliott Peter Watt (who, at the time of his death in December 2008, was a serving WA police officer) was undertaken in February 2012. The Watt Inquest outlined that Sergeant Watt had deteriorating mental health, characterised by:
Irritable moods, generally quite snappy and grumpy;
Pushing his wife away, threatening separation;
Expressing unhappiness in areas of his work and life;
Isolation;
No motivation;
Being short-tempered and moody; and
Becoming completely absorbed in computer games
109
.
It was noted that Sergeant Watt had experienced three specific traumatic incidents in his career, being: the attendance at a car accident that had involved young children; the attendance at a suicide by a farmer in which Sergeant Watt had to clean the utility involved before returning it to the family; and the prolonged, attempted resuscitation of a young footballer, who later died
110
.
It appeared that as Sergeant Watt’s job responsibilities increased, his stress levels increased and his mental health declined. Despite an informal mental health assessment by his senior management
111
,
none of Sergeant Watt’s colleagues “had any real appreciation of his deteriorating mental health”
112
.
The coroner made several very important comments regarding police officer health and safety as it was noted that “serving police officers can be
vulnerable to serious mental health problems as a result of their work”
113
. The coroner noted that:
Being transferred to certain locations can place pressures on police officers;
Police officers “face regular exposure to stressful situations including violence inflicted on them and others, trauma and death scenes”
114
;
109
Coroner’s Court of Western Australia,
Inquest into the death of Elliott Peter Watt
, Government of Western
Australia, Perth, 2012.
110
Ibid, p. 10.
111
Ibid, p. 17.
112
Ibid, p. 36.
113
Ibid, p. 29.
114
Ibid.
33
“The health and welfare of serving police officers requires ongoing monitoring and support”
115
;
“It is the responsibility of the Health and Welfare Services of WA Police to educate and train personnel in the management of stress, and in particular, post-trauma stress”
116
;
“Officers involved in critical incidents may suffer problems months or even years after those incidents and so there is an ongoing need to monitor [police officer] health and wellbeing”
117
; and
It is vital 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”
118
.
The inquest outlined four recommendations:
1.
WA Police must take action to better promote information in relation to available [mental health] services to families of serving Members
119
;
2.
Training for police officers entering management roles should include identification and management of officers suffering from stress or depression
120
;
3.
WA Police is to ensure that appropriate computer software is in place to enable the recording of all contacts to the Health and Welfare Services relating to individual officers where concerns have been expressed about the welfare of those officers
121
; and
4.
WA Police must put in place a system which would ensure a wellness review be conducted (or at least offered) to every member, in order to identify significant changes in physical and mental health
122
.
The coroner was adamant that there needed to be some mechanism within WA Police to regularly review the mental and physical health and wellbeing of every WA Police officer
123
. Significant changes such as “an increase or decrease of over 10kg in weight over a 12 month period, significant deterioration in fitness, unexplained mood changes or an officer becoming more isolated from his or her colleagues” were flagged as being important to note within these welfare checks
124
. The coroner also acknowledged, to some extent, the stigma associated with admitting to suffering from stress or from mental health problems and the likelihood this declaration has on promotional opportunities.
The recommendations outlined in the Watt Inquest were also referred to within the Toll of Trauma Inquiry
125
.

https://www.wapu.org.au/images/ReportsSubmissions/WAPU_ProjectRecompense_Compiled.pdf


 

 

 




Richard JOHNSTON

 Richard JOHNSTON

Victoria Police Force

Regd. # ?

Rank:  Constable

Stations?

ServiceFrom  to  ?

Awards?

Born? ? 1866

Died on:  Sunday  12 October 1902

Cause:  Murdered – shot

Event location:  Milton St, Elwood

Age?

Funeral date?

Funeral location?

Buried at?

 Memorial at?

 

Richard JOHNSTON - VICPOL photo - Murdered 12 Oct 1902

[alert_green]RICHARD IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green]


  


 

 Funeral location ?

 


 

FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

 


 

Details of Death:

About 11 a.m. Sunday 12 October 1902 Constable Johnston was off duty at his home at Elwood. He responded to a complaint that a man had tried to abduct a neighbour’s 8 year old daughter. Johnston immediately set off in pursuit and located the man in Milton Street Elwood. The suspect George Shaw had a lengthy criminal record. Unbeknown to Johnston Shaw was also the prime suspect for the murder of Constable Guilfoyle in Redfern New South Wales some months previously. When Johnston approached him Shaw produced a revolver and fired. Fatally wounded Johnston died within minutes. Shaw committed suicide at the intersection of Chapel Street and Rosamond Street a short time later.

 


 

 Richard JOHNSTON - VICPOL - Murdered 12 Oct 1902

[divider]

About 11am on 12 October, 1902 Constable Richard Johnston was off duty at his home at Elwood (Victoria) when a neighbour informed him that a man had attempted to abduct her eight year-old daughter. The constable quickly set off on his bicycle after the suspect and located him a short distance away. When the suspect saw the approaching policeman the offender drew a revolver and shot Constable Johnston, inflicting fatal wounds. The offender then left the scene, only to commit suicide a short time later when confronted by other police.

It was later found that the man who had murdered Constable Johnson was the same offender (Shaw) who had murdered Constable Guilfoyle at Redfern (NSW) three months earlier.

Constable Guilfoyle was shot by an offender named Shaw at Redfern whilst attempting to arrest him and another man for passing counterfeit coins. Following an incident involving a storekeeper, Constable Guilfoyle had sought the assistance of an off-duty member, Constable Michael Maher, and after checking several shops the offenders had been in they located them in Shepherd Street. As the two constables approached the offenders, one produced a revolver and shot Constable Maher three times. Shaw then also produced a pistol and shot Constable Guilfoyle twice. Constable Maher later recovered, however Constable Guilfoyle’s wounds proved to be fatal. Shaw then made good his escape, making his way to Victoria.

 


 

 

A MURDERED CONSTABLE.

THE JOHNSTON MEMORIAL.   “PAMPERED CRIMINALS” AND PENAL REFORM.

At the St. Kilda Cemetery on Sunday afternoon the Chief Commissioner of Police (Mr O’Callaghan) performed the ceremony of unveiling a marble monument erected by members of the police force over the grave of Constable Richard Johnston, who on 12th October last was shot dead by a notorious criminal named Shaw. The mayor of St. Kilda (Cr O’Donnell) presided, and amongst those present were Mr. McCutcheon, M.L.A. ; Inspector Hillard (officer in ohargd of the district), Inspector Crampton, Sergeant Davidson, the widow, with her children and her mother, many members of the force and a large gathering of the public.

Mr O’Callaghan retold the story of Constable Johnston’s death. On Sunday morning, when off duty, he was told that a ruffian had just been tampering with a child. He mounted his bicycle, and rode after the man who, when overtaken, turned and shot him through the heart. Remaining erect on his machine he rode nearly 100 yards, then his muscles relaxed, and he dropped dead. No more tragic   occurrence saddened the records of the Victorian police force. Constable Johnston had upheld the best traditions of the force and taught a lesson that every member should lay to his heart. The event gave rise to the question why the State should go on feeding and pampering human tigers like the murderer of Constable Johnston, and letting them free again to prey upon the public. Why had a penal system been tolerated for so many years, under which such brutes,   instead of being kept in confinement, were allowed to march at large to the detriment of all respectable people? In 1881 he had arrested the murderer of Constable Johnston. He was then known as a   man who would “shoot at sight,” and though taken by surprise, had found time to grasp a pistol. A few years later he was set at large in the community. It was high time the public raised a protest against the liberation of such blood thirsty brutes. Drastic legislation should be introduced, and introduced quickly, to amend our penal system. Through the action of a generous public and a just Government the widow and children have had their material wants provided for.

Mr McCutcheon said he quite agreed with the remarks that had been made as to the manner in which criminals were pampered by the State. It was time some change was made in the law. The Government permitted criminals to multiply, and placed them in comfortable buildings, where they were well fed and well kept, and lacked only the company of their former friends to make them happy. He considered that every member of the force in both town and country should be armed with a revolver.

Inspector Hillard said that as far as he had been able to ascertain not a single instance could be recalled in which a member of the Victorian police force had played the part of a coward.

Several hymns, including one specially written for the occasion, were sung before and after the ceremony. – “Age”

Geelong Advertiser ( Vic. )  Tuesday  24 March 1903  page 4 of 4

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/150723337?searchTerm=constable%20crampton&searchLimits=l-category=Article|||l-australian=y#pstart17952461

 




Simone CARROLL

Simone CARROLL

Victoria Police Force

Academy Class # ???

Regd. # 33923

RankLeading Senior Constable

Stations?, Chelsea Police Stn, Seaford Multi-Disciplinary Centre ( Frankston, Vic. )

ServiceFrom  ? ? 2003?  to  Monday  12 October 2015 = 12+ years Service

Awards:  No find on It’s An Honour

Born:  25 April 1979

Died on:  Monday  12 October 2015 about 3pm

Cause:  Suicide – service firearm

Age35

Funeral dateTuesday  20 October 2015 @ 10.30am

Funeral locationPolice Academy ( Main Chapel ), 1 View Mt Rd, Glen Waverley, Victoria

Buried at:  Cremated

SIMONE is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance  * BUT SHOULD BE

as of 14 August 2018 – Simone still does not rate a mention on the P.W.R.

As of 12 October 2019 – Simone still does NOT rate a mention on the National P.W.R.

Simone CARROLL - in happier times
Simone CARROLL – in happier times

Simone Carroll 2 - VicPol - suicided 12 October 2015


FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

 


 

May she forever Rest In Peace

 

 

 

 


Police officer takes her own life at work

Date  
Neelima Choahan

Victoria Police is reeling after a police officer took her own life at a station in Melbourne’s south.

The leading senior constable died at the Seaford Multi-Disciplinary Centre about 3pm on Monday.

Victoria Police spokesman Leading Senior Constable Adam West would not confirm a report that she shot herself with her service weapon. He said there were no suspicious circumstances regarding the incident.

As this incident is before the coroner, it would be inappropriate for us to say any further,” he said.
The leading senior constable’s death is the latest in a series of police suicides, with the coroner already investigating four deaths in recent years. More than 40 Victoria Police officers have reportedly committed suicide since 1990.

The latest comes after Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton last month ordered a comprehensive investigation into how to improve the mental health of officers.

According to the Victorian Department of Human Services, Seaford is one of the four centres across the state which provides support and services for adults and children who have experienced sexual assault.

Police Association secretary Ron Iddles told radio station 3AW that, on top of everyday pressures, officers had to deal with confronting work issues.

One in five of the general community will suffer depression, and if you overlay police work, which has got relatively harder and more stressing over the last couple of years . . . the statistics are in excess of 200 members in the last 12 months are going off sick with mental illness.”

For help or information on mental health issues call Lifeline 131 114

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/police-officer-takes-her-own-life-at-work-20151012-gk7e9y.html


 

October 13, 2015

Force to review police suicides after death of Victorian officer

Victoria Police will review police suicides around Australia after an officer used her gun to take her own life at work.

The incident occurred at 3:00pm on Monday at the Seaford Multi-Disciplinary Centre, a facility providing support for victims of sexual assault in Melbourne’s south-east.

Officers at the centre have been offered counselling, Police Association secretary Ron Iddles said.

Any incident like this that takes place likes this amongst work colleagues is very traumatic for them,” he said.

Those also who are suffering, might be depression or anxiety, need to reach out to your friends and get professional help.

It is believed four officers took their lives last year.

Mr Iddles said the force was looking at ways to try to prevent any more deaths.

I know it’s of concern to the current Chief Commissioner and he’s going to do a review of police suicides around Australia,” he said.

Then [we’ll] see if we can do something to develop a strategy that will hopefully prevent it.”

An investigation will look at the circumstances surrounding the death of the leading senior constable.

Professor Sam Harvey from the Black Dog Institute said the death was a reminder of the mental health consequences of emergency service work.

With the police I guess there’s a particular problem, while a lot of them are having mental health problems, they’re also carrying a weapon around,” he told 774 ABC Melbourne.

This is thankfully still a relatively rare end point.”

About one in 10 emergency services workers show symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Prof Harvey said.

He said that meant there were lessons to be learnt from the 90 per cent of workers in the field who are more resilient to mental health issues.

So we’re trying to learn from that and trying to test whether we can train all new emergency workers to learn new resilience techniques,Professor Harvey said.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-10-13/force-to-review-police-suicides-after-death-of-victorian-officer/6849018


 

The Australian

Shock death of police officer at Seaford Multi-Disciplinary centre


 

ABC News

Victorian police officer’s suicide casts spotlight on mental health toll in force

The suicide of a Victorian policewoman has highlighted the heavy toll emergency services work takes on officers and prompted calls for better suicide prevention measures.

The senior constable took her own life while on duty at a centre which helps victims of sexual assault in Melbourne’s south-east, on Monday.

She was a mother in her mid-30s and had been a policewoman for more than 12 years.

Her colleagues have been offered counselling, Police Association secretary Ron Iddles said.

“I think it’s always sad when we actually lose a member, but when a member takes their own life I think it’s far, far more tragic,” he said.

Mr Iddles said 220 police officers had taken sick leave for psychological problems like depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress in the last year.

A Police Association survey of 3,500 members found 77 per cent had trouble sleeping because of their work, and 8 per cent had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder over the past three years.

Mr Iddles said the policewoman’s death demonstrated the importance of cultural change, so people could seek help without fearing the consequences.

“I think in the past there has been a stigma in relation to putting your hand up and saying, ‘I’m not coping’, for fear that you might lose your job,” he said.

Four police suicides in recent years prompted Victoria Police to launched a nationwide review.

It is also working on a smartphone app to help officers suffering from mental illness.

Police suicide ‘relatively rare end point’

An investigation will look at the circumstances surrounding the death of the leading senior constable.

Professor Sam Harvey from the Black Dog Institute said the death was a reminder of the mental health consequences of emergency service work.

“With the police I guess there’s a particular problem, while a lot of them are having mental health problems, they’re also carrying a weapon around,” he told 774 ABC Melbourne.

“This is thankfully still a relatively rare end point.”

About one in 10 emergency services workers show symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Professor Harvey said.

He said that meant there were lessons to be learnt from the 90 per cent of workers in the field who are more resilient to mental health issues.

“So we’re trying to learn from that and trying to test whether we can train all new emergency workers to learn new resilience techniques,” Professor Harvey said.

Victoria’s Mental Health Minister Martin Foley said the State Government would work closely with police to examine how the mental health of officers could be improved.

“We look forward to working with police command about understanding what it is that drives our frontline emergency services workers to take such a sad step,” he said.

24-hour telephone counselling


 

 

Simone Carroll 3 - VicPol - suicided 12 October 2015


 

CARROLL. Simone Maree. Leading Senior Constable Victoria Police
25.4.1979 – 12.10.2015
Treasured and devoted mother of 3 wonderful boys; Luke, Max and Ned.
Adored daughter of Jan and the late Peter Twining.
Loving sister of Ingrid, Angela, Peter (dec. ), Rita and Will.
Loved stepdaughter of John.
Simone will always be Loved and Honoured May she enjoy Everlasting Peace

CARROLL. Simone.
Leading Senior Constable 33923
Acting Superintendent Drew Morgan, Officers and employees of the Southern Metro Region Division 4 sincerely regret the tragic passing of our friend and colleague; we stand together to offer our deepest sympathy to her family and friends.
Obituaries
Published in Herald Sun on 16/10/2015
CARROLL. Simone.
Leading Senior Constable 33923
Station Command, Sergeants and all Members at Frankston Police Station mourn the tragic loss of our workmate and friend. Our sincerest sympathy is extended to Simone’s family and friends.
Obituaries
Published in Herald Sun on 16/10/2015
CARROLL. Simone.
The President, Executive and Members of The Police Association mourn the passing of Senior Constable Carroll and extend their deepest sympathy to her family. At Rest
Obituaries
Published in Herald Sun on 16/10/2015
CARROLL. Simone.
Leading Senior Constable 33923
Members of the Frankston SOCIT and Frankston SOR are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our friend and colleague. You will always be in our hearts and never forgotten
Obituaries
Published in Herald Sun on 16/10/2015
CARROLL. Simone.
Dear friend will be sadly missed and fondly remembered. Mallory, Mike, Julie, Brian, Carol, John and families.
Obituaries
Published in Herald Sun on 16/10/2015
CARROLL. Simone.
Leading Senior Constable
The Assistant Commissioner and Staff of Crime Command express their heartfelt condolences to Simone’s family, friends and colleagues on her tragic passing.
Obituaries
Published in Herald Sun on 16/10/2015
CARROLL. Simone.
Leading Senior Constable 33923
Assistant Commissioner Robert Hill, Commander Dean Stevenson, Officers and employees of the Southern Metro Region sincerely regret the untimely and tragic passing of our colleague and offer our deepest sympathy to her family and friends.
Obituaries
Published in Herald Sun on 16/10/2015
CARROLL. Simone Maree.
Leading Senior Constable 33923
The Chief Commissioner, Officers and Employees of the Victoria Police Force regret the sudden passing of their colleague and offer their deepest sympathy to her family.
Obituaries
Published in Herald Sun on 16/10/2015
Obituaries
Published in Herald Sun on 16/10/2015

http://tributes.heraldsun.com.au/notice/209682014


Fiancee of bullied police officer who took his own life sues the state

EXCLUSIVE: THE fiancée of a bullied police officer who shot himself with his service firearm is suing the state.

Sarah Fleming, 32, says that prior to his suicide, her fiance, Robert John Smith, was in “emotional turmoil” and had made a complaint of workplace bullying, harassment and other stressors.

Ms Fleming says Mr Smith’s decision to take his life was due to the negligence of the force, which was responsible for the training and action of its employees.

Mr Smith died of a gunshot wound to the head while on duty at the Boronia Police station on June 29, 2013.

In a writ filed in the County Court Ms Fleming claims unspecified damages for the injuries she suffered as a result of Mr Smith’s death.

Since 2000, five Victoria Police officers have died in the line of duty, but 16 more have died by their own hand.

Last October, a policewoman ( Simone CARROLL ) and mother of three, who had previously been on mental health leave and had reported her struggles to Victoria Police, turned her police-issued gun on herself while she was on duty at the Seaford Multi-Disciplinary Centre.

That suicide prompted Police Association boss Ron Iddles — who had previously criticised the force’s efforts to tackle bullying — to call for more to be done to improve welfare of police.

Mr Iddles called for early identification programs in police training programs and at the workplace and for more police to talk about problems and show their colleagues help is available.

The association declined to comment yesterday on what progress was being made or whether there needed to be, or had been, a review of the provision of weapons to officers who have lodged mental health claims.

Ms Fleming’s legal action comes as police and ambulance unions campaign to change how mental health claims are treated, and in the case of post-traumatic stress disorder claims, reverse the onus on emergency workers to prove their condition was caused by work, which can sometimes delay much-needed treatment for years.

Between July 2010 and June last year, 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.

And police were hit harder by bullying than stress and trauma, according to members’ claims in 2014-15.

A National Coronial Information System report on Intentional self-harm among emergency service personnel last year revealed that of the 62 police suicides in Australia between July 1, 2000, and December 2012, 25 shot themselves23 with their service-issued firearm.

A Victorian Coroners Prevention Unit report into suicide rates among workers in key professions last year found the annual suicide rate among Victoria police was 10 per 100,000.

Police spokeswoman Sophie Jennings said in the past year the force had improved its complaints handling and completely reformed the way it responds to conflict, claims of bullying and harassment.

DO YOU NEED HELP? If this article causes you distress or if you require more information, police employees can call Welfare Services confidentially 24 hours 7 days a week on 9247 3344, and other members of the community can call Lifeline 13 11 14 or Beyondblue 1300 224 636

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/fiancee-of-bullied-police-officer-who-took-his-own-life-sues-the-state/news-story/c1c4511877a9c84580d1d2c4ee787c6d


 

 




John GILLANDERS

John GILLANDERS

Victorian Police Force

Regd. # ?

Rank:  Constable

Stations?, South Melbourne, Warrnambool, St Kilda

Service:  From  ? ? 1888  to  19 June 1914 = 26 years Service

Awards?

Born?

Died on:  Friday  19 June 1914

Cause:  Suicide – gunshot to head about 4.50pm

Location of event:  Outhouse ( toilet ) at his quarters at the police station

Death location:  Alfred Hospital about 2 hours after the cause

Inquest held:  Sunday 21 June 1914

Age:  55

Funeral date?

Funeral location?

Buried at?

 [alert_red]GILLANDERS is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance   * BUT SHOULD BE

 

  


 

 Funeral location:

 


 

Daily Telegraph ( Launceston, Tas. )        Saturday 20 June 1914     page 6 of 12

HIS LAST CHARGE

CONSTABLE SHOOTS HIMSELF  

MELBOURNE, Friday – At St Kilda today, Constable John Gillander, aged 55, who has been in the force since 1888, shot himself with a revolver.

Deceased left a widow and family of four.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/152713880

 


 

Weekly Times ( Melbourne, Vic. )         Saturday  27 June 1914   page 33 of 56

CLUE TO SUICIDE      CONSTABLE’S WORRY

” All of a’work with the nerves, ” as a comrade phrased it, as the result of the escape of a prisoner under his charge, Constable J. Gillanders, St. Kilda watchhousekeeper, shot himself in the head at the inquest which was held on June 20 at the Alfred Hospital.

Mr T. Allen, J.P., returned a finding that Gillanders died from a gunshot wound in the head, self-inflicted.

“In my opinion,” he added, “it was caused through mental worry. There is no evidence to show the state of Gillanders’ mind at the time.”

Sergeant D. Kennedy stated that at 4 p.m. on June 18 Constable Gillanders reported to him that a prisoner named Arthur Waghorn had escaped from the lock-up. The prisoner was re-arrested shortly afterwards. On the same evening witness requested Constable Gillanders to furnish a report regarding the escape.

At 8.45a.m. next day Gillanders did not report for duty, and witness sent Senior-constable Hore to ascertain why he was absent. Hore subsequently informed him that Gillanders complained of nervous prostration, and that he would probably come on duty later in the day.

At about 2 p.m. that day witness requested Constable Matthews to inform Gillanders that he would have to go to the depot hospital, as he had not furnished a medical certificate.   Matthews returned, and said Gillanders was not prepared to go to the hospital just then. Gillanders decided to go to the hospital at about 3.30 p.m.

Sergeant Kennedy, continuing, said that when he entered his office on June 19 he found the resignation of Gillanders on the table. He did not know who put it there.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/121132095

 


 

 

It was also reported that his daughter saw him with the revolver but before she could run to him, he put the weapon to his temple and fired, dying tow hours later in Alfred Hospital.

 


 




Scott Andrew BLANCHARD

Scott Andrew BLANCHARD

Previous article called: Unnamed policeman

late of Bayswater, W.A.

Western Australia Police Force

Regd. #  9360

Rank:  Detective Sergeant

Stations?, Gang Crime

ServiceFrom  ? ? ?  to  24 July 2015 = ? years of Service

Awards: Police Medal – 20 years

No find on It’s An Honour

Born?

Died on:  Friday  24 July 2015  @ p.m. at 6kms south of Kalgoorlie, W.A.

Cause:  PTSD – Suicide – self inflicted gunshot wound – service weapon

Age:  45

Funeral date:  Thursday  6 August 2015 @ 2.30pm

Funeral location:  Karrakatta Cemetery, W.A.

Buried at:  Cremated

Memorial location:  ?

the Thin Blue Line Rose
the Thin Blue Line Rose

 

[alert_yellow]SCOTT is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow]  *NEED MORE INFO

  


 

Policeman dies of gunshot wound on the outskirts of Goldfields city

July 25, 2015 1:13AM

AN on-duty police officer has died of a gunshot wound in Kalgoorlie but his death is not being treated as suspicious.

Police confirmed the fatal incident happened on Friday night on the outskirts of the Goldfields city.

The Major Crime Squad is investigating, but the officer’s death is not being treated as suspicious.

“The circumstances of the firearm incident will be investigated on behalf of the Coroner,” police said in a statement.

Police counselling and chaplaincy services will be offered to the officer’s family and colleagues.

The officer’s name, age and rank has not yet been released.

In a statement released on Saturday morning the WA Police Union said it was “deeply saddened by the tragic death”.

“WAPU is providing support to our members during this difficult time and we have representatives on the ground in Kalgoorlie,” the union said.

“We will continue to work with WA Police to ensure the best possible outcome for all involved, given the circumstances.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the member’s family, friends and colleagues.”

http://www.news.com.au/national/policeman-dies-of-gunshot-wound-on-the-outskirts-of-goldfields-city/story-fncynjr2-1227456289601

 


 

The West Australian police union is supporting the friends and family of a police officer who died after a firearms incident.
Source:
AAP
25 Jul 2015 – 4:15 AM  UPDATED 25 Jul 2015 – 12:20 PM

The WA Police Union has extended its deepest condolences to the family of an officer who died of a gunshot wound.

The union is supporting family and friends of the officer, who died after a firearms incident while he was on duty on Kalgoorlie’s outskirts on Friday evening.

“We will continue to work with WA Police to ensure the best possible outcome for all involved, given the circumstances.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the member’s family, friends and colleagues,” union president George Tilbury said in a statement on Saturday.

Investigators said earlier the incident was not being treated as suspicious.

* For support and information about suicide prevention, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78)

http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2015/07/25/union-saddened-wa-cops-death

 


 

WAPOLThursday  6 August 2015

Today our hero from Western Australia police will be laid to rest.

Our condolences and thoughts go out to his family, friends and the thin blue line at this difficult time.

Thank you for your service and dedication sir. We will keep you and your family in our hearts, never forgotten.

Rest easy Detective Sergeant.

”As the sun surely sets,
dawn will see it arise.

For service above self,
demands it’s own prize.

You have fought the good fight,
life’s race has been run,
and peace, your reward,
for eternity begun.

And we that are left,
shall never forget,
rest in peace friend and colleague,
for sun has now set.

We will remember, We will remember ,
hasten the dawn.”

 


 

BLANCHARD:
WA POLICE UNION Members are invited to attend the Funeral Service for our late serving member Scott Andrew Blanchard 9360 at Karrakatta Cemetery on THURSDAY (6.8.2015) at 2.30pm.
Published in The West Australian on Aug. 5, 2015

http://www.westannouncements.com.au/obituaries/thewest-au/obituary.aspx?n=scott-blanchard&pid=175431030

 


 

Scott BLANCHARD

Obituary

BLANCHARD (Scott):
Our hearts once beat together, my Scotty, but now mine beats alone. I know we’ll be together one day. Until then, I continue alone. My soul mate, my lover, my best friend and rock. Scotty, you meant the world to me and will be forever in my heart.
Love you babe, Jussy.

BLANCHARD (Scott):
Dad, we love you more than life itself and we will miss you every single day. Forever you’ll be in our hearts and we’ll see you in our dreams.
Jarrod, Ayden, Miranda

logo
logo
logo
Published in The West Australian on July 28, 2015
41 entries | 20 photos
  • “Deepest sympathies to Rod, Susan, Dale, Lee and families on…”
The Guest Book is expired.

http://www.westannouncements.com.au/obituaries/thewest-au/obituary.aspx?n=scott-blanchard&pid=175373949

  


 

Man survives night in croc-infested waters

Posted

A 50-year-old Derby man has survived a night at sea in crocodile infested waters after being washed off his boat and having to swim ashore.

Police say the man was sleeping alone on his boat about two nautical miles north of Point Torment.

Large waves washed him overboard and sank the boat before he could activate an EPIRB.

The next morning a fisherman spotted the empty dinghy and called police, sparking a land and sea search.

The missing man was spotted in mangroves, exhausted and dehydrated but able to cry out to authorities.

Acting Senior Sergeant Scott Blanchard says the man is lucky to get away unharmed.

“One of the police cars that was up there searching the land actually just saw a crocodile that was estimated to be about four metres in the blue holes,” he said.

“So my advice would be just not to go out on your own overnight and just always be checking your boats before you go away.

“On a boat make sure all your EPIRB gear and your life jackets are working correctly.

“Going out to those areas is not the best idea on your own, especially overnight.

“You know you’re talking about areas where the tides can range up to 11 metres, so one minute you’re on sand or in water and the next minute you’re off the water on a rock or something worse might happen like … what happened overnight.”

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-10-15/man-survives-night-in-croc-infested-waters/4313582

 


 

WA Police officer dead from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound at Cockburn station

Updated

WA Police are investigating the death of an officer at a police station in Perth’s southern suburbs.

Key points:

  • Officer apparently shot himself at Cockburn Police Station with his police-issue firearm
  • WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson said the force was in shock at the news
  • Death comes after state coroner calls for more support services

It is understood First Class Constable Darren Igglesden, 50, died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound at Cockburn Police Station on Monday morning.

In a statement, WA Police said support services were being offered to other officers.

The station has been temporarily closed, and the public has been asked not to attend the station until further notice. They have instead been redirected to nearby Fremantle or Mandurah stations, both of which operate 24 hours a day.

‘Popular member of the force’

Police Commissioner Chris Dawson extended his condolences to the family of Constable Igglesden and colleagues at Cockburn Police Station.

“It appears Darren has drawn his service-issued pistol from the police armoury this morning (Monday), shortly after 6:00am,” he said.

“He was found deceased by colleagues within the Cockburn police building.

“Darren’s death has come as a complete shock to his family, to his friends, and indeed the entire police force.

“At this difficult time I extend my condolences to Darren’s family, his friends, his work colleagues and everyone who knew him.

“A coronial investigation is now underway and so we should let that full investigation be completed, but there does not appear to be any other persons present at the time Darren lost his life.”

Commissioner Dawson said Constable Igglesden was a popular member of the police force.

Constable Igglesden has been with the WA Police Force for six-and-a-half years, he joined us at about 44 years of age, he has had a varied career in the private sector prior to joining police,” he said.

“Well liked, well respected, a very popular member of the police force.”

Coroner called for more police support

The tragedy comes nearly a month after WA Deputy Coroner Evelyn Vicker released her findings into the suicide of police officer Scott Blanchard, who shot himself while on duty at Kalgoorlie in July 2015.

Ms Vicker found that while Detective Sergeant Blanchard appeared to be coping well with his job as a police officer, he had become “obsessed” that health problems he had were undiagnosable and “consequently took matters into his own hands …”

The inquest into Sergeant Blanchard‘s death heard details of the WA Police Service’s Health and Safety Division, which provides services such as confidential psychological counselling, peer support programs and chaplaincy services to officers and their families, to try to help them manage stress or issues that may arise as a result of their employment.

“At this difficult time I extend my condolences to Darren’s family, his friends, his work colleagues and everyone who knew him.

“A coronial investigation is now underway and so we should let that full investigation be completed, but there does not appear to be any other persons present at the time Darren lost his life.”

Commissioner Dawson said Constable Igglesden was a popular member of the police force.

Constable Igglesden has been with the WA Police Force for six-and-a-half years, he joined us at about 44 years of age, he has had a varied career in the private sector prior to joining police,” he said.

“Well liked, well respected, a very popular member of the police force.”

Coroner called for more police support

The tragedy comes nearly a month after WA Deputy Coroner Evelyn Vicker released her findings into the suicide of police officer Scott Blanchard, who shot himself while on duty at Kalgoorlie in July 2015.

Ms Vicker found that while Detective Sergeant Blanchard appeared to be coping well with his job as a police officer, he had become “obsessed” that health problems he had were undiagnosable and “consequently took matters into his own hands …”

The inquest into Sergeant Blanchard‘s death heard details of the WA Police Service’s Health and Safety Division, which provides services such as confidential psychological counselling, peer support programs and chaplaincy services to officers and their families, to try to help them manage stress or issues that may arise as a result of their employment.

Police Minister Michelle Roberts said she believed the culture within the organisation was changing.

“I think the police force has changed dramatically over the last 10 years or so, in terms of encouraging officers to come forward and to show some additional care for themselves and their fellow officers,” she said.

“It used to certainly be the case that the attitude was ‘toughen up’ and to show any emotional vulnerability was seen as some kind of weakness. That’s not the attitude that’s been taken by police in recent years.

“We have had some shocking and tragic incidents in recent times where officers have had to turn out to shocking scenes, and sometimes they go to road crashes where they see shocking scenes, so we need to know that they have got the support there.

“And I have certainly received assurances from the Commissioner of Police and others that we have got good supports in place. Sometimes, though, people need to avail themselves of that support.”

Topics: police, suicide, wa, perth-6000

First posted

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-10-15/wa-police-officer-dead-from-self-inflicted-gunshot-in-cockburn/10378676

 


 




Glen Anthony HUITSON

Glen Anthony HUITSON, BM VA

aka  Japalyi

 

Northern Territory Police Force

Regd. # 1520

 

Rank:  Brevet Sergeant

 

Stations?, O.I.C. – Adelaide River Police Stn

 

ServiceFrom  ? January 1987 to  3 August 2000 = 13+ years Service

 

Awards:  National Medal – granted 6 August 1999

Bravery Medal – BM – granted 14 February 2000

Valour Award & bar – VA for act performed in February 1999

 

Born:  20 November 1961, Bridgetown, W.A.

Died on:  3 August 2000

Cause:  Murdered – shot

Location:  Stuart Hwy & Old Bynoe Rd, Livingstone, N.T.

Age:  37

 

Funeral date:  Saturday  7 August 1999

Funeral location:  St Mary’s Cathedral, Darwin

 

Buried at:  Cremated.  Ashes scattered at Daly River Crossing, N.T.

 

Memorial Service:  Saturday  3 August 2019 ( 20th Anniversary ) 10.30am –

Glen Huitson Memorial, cnr Stuart Hwy & Old Bynoe Rd, Livingstone, N.T.

Glen HUITSON - NTPolice

 

Brevet Sergeant Glen HUITSON
Brevet Sergeant Glen HUITSON

GLEN IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green]


 

Brevet Sergeant Glen Huitson memorial, 3 August 2015


 

GLEN HUITSON MEMORIAL

TWENTY YEAR REMEMBRANCE SERVICE

Saturday 3rd August 2019 will mark the 20th anniversary of the death of Brevet Sergeant Glen Huitson who was killed in the line of duty in 1999 whilst stationed at Adelaide River.

We will honour Glen with a gathering on Saturday 3rd August 2019 from 10.30am at the Glen Huitson Memorial, located at the corner of the Stuart Highway and Old Bynoe Road, Livingstone, N.T.

All current and former members are invited to join Glen’s family in remembering a husband, father, son, and workmate who was tragically taken from his family 20 years ago.


 

Glen Anthony HUITSON – Inquest document

 


 

Glen HUITSON joined the Northern Territory in January 1987.  He served in both Southern and Northern districts of the Northern Territory.

During his service in the Northern Territory Police, Glen Huitson received a Commendation from the Commissioner of Police on 17 March 1994 when he attended a disturbance at a Community near Alice Springs.  He disarmed a drunken person who was armed with a knife star picket and was threatening another person with a billy of boiling water.

In February of 1999 in Litchfield Park, Glen Huitson disarmed an armed man who was threatening the driver and passengers of a bus.  He received a Valour Award over this incident.

On 3 August 1999 Glen Huitson was on duty at a road block on the Stuart Highway, 60 kms south of Darwin, in bushland.

There were on watch for an armed offender who had already shot and wounded two other persons several kilometres away during the previous night.

The armed offender had managed to come through bush on one side of the road block where he opened fire with a .30/30 calibre rifle.  He fired the first round into the back of a civilian then a second shot at Huitson which struck him and was fatal.

For this incident he received the Australian Bravery Medal and a bar to his Valour Medal.

http://www.npm.org.au/huitson


 

Glen Huitson Park

Front Inscription Glen Huitson Park This park was named in memory of the late Sgt. Glen Anthony Huitson BM,VA, Service No. 1520 on 3 August 2000. Sgt. Huitson was the officer in charge of the Adelaide River Police Station. He died on 3rd August 1999 as a result of gun shot wounds received in the execution of his duties whilst manning a roadblock on the corner of the Stuart Highway and Old Bynoe Road. Twice Decorated as a serving Police Officer, Glen Huitson lived his personal life with the same intensity, and was an integral part of community life in Adelaide River. His untimely death has a left a gap in this community which will never be filled. Glen is survived by his Widow Lisa and children Joey & Ruby. Citizens of the Coomalie Region joined with serving Members of the Northern Territory Police Force at this site on 3rd August 2001 to dedicate this memorial stone on the occasion of the second anniversary of Sgt. Huitson`s death. We honour the life and the achievements of a remarkable citizen. May He Rest In Peace
Glen HUITSON park – memorial plaque

This park was named in memory of the late Sgt. Glen Anthony Huitson BM, VA, Service No. 1520 on 3 August 2000.

Sgt. Huitson was the officer in charge of the Adelaide River Police Station.  He died on 3rd August 1999 as a result of gun shot wounds received in the execution of his duties whilst manning a roadblock on the corner of the Stuart Highway and Old Bynoe Road.

Twice Decorated as a serving Police Officer, Glen Huitson lived his personal life with the same intensity, and was an integral part of community life in Adelaide River.  His untimely death has left a gap in this community which will never be filled.  Glen is survived by his Widow Lisa and children Joey & Ruby.

Citizens of the Coomalie Region joined with serving Members of the Northern Territory Police Force at this site on 3rd August 2001 to dedicate this memorial stone on the occasion of the second anniversary of Sgt. Huitson’s death.

We honour the life and the achievements of a remarkable citizen.

May He Rest In Peace

http://www.gdaustralia.com/july2015photos.html/content/IMG_8914_large.html


 

Huitson Shooting

“On 3rd August 1999, at about 10:45 am, there was a shooting incident on the Stuart Highway at the corner of Old Bynoe Road in the Darwin rural district. In the course of the incident, two persons were shot dead. One, Glen Anthony Huitson, was a Sergeant of police on duty at the time he was killed.” (Coroner’s Findings)

Glen was performing duties on a roadblock with his partner in Livingstone at the Old Bynoe Road Turn off on the Stuart Highway, 55 Kilometres south of Darwin. They were stopping traffic entering the police cordon following a shooting incident the previous evening when the offender Rodney Ansell ambushed the roadblock shooting Huitson fataly and wounding a civilian in the back with his 30/30 rifle. For this incident he received the Australia Bravery Medal and a bar to his Valour Medal posthumously.

On the night of the 2nd of August 1999 Rodney William Ansell and Cherrie Ann Hewson went to a property on Kentish Road. Ansell fired 6 shots at a caravan occupied by Stephen Robertson and Lee-Anne Musgrave who were minding the property. A neighbour, David Hobden, drove his truck over to see what was happening and Ansell fired through the windscreen blinding him. He ran to his residence and another occupant, Brian Williams, ran over to stop Ansell who was trying to steal Hobden’s truck. Ansell shot Williams in the hand. He lost an index finger and shots were fired at his house. Ansell appeared to be yelling about child abduction which was a delusion that had manifested itself during his amphetamine addiction. He fled into scrubland with a 30/30 rifle and Hobden’s shotgun.

Police responded and set up a forward command post in the area. Roadblocks were set up on the Stuart Highway and other roads. Sergeant Glen Huitson and Senior Constable James O’Brien manned the roadblock on the corner of Old Bynoe Road and the Stuart Highway armed with their Glock Pistols a shotgun and a .308 rifle. It appears that during the night Ansell had escaped the cordon but for some reason chose to sneak up on the roadblock at Old Bynoe Road. Hewson had left the area.

At about 10.45 am on the 3rd of August 1999 the roadblock at Old Bynoe Road was still in place. A local man had approached the road block to talk to the police members and was leaning on the police vehicle when suddenly he was shot in the pelvis from behind a large water pipe in nearby scrub. Huitson used the shotgun from the police car and O’Brien returned fire with his Glock pistol. Huitson was hit by a 30/30 round and fell to the ground. O’Brien reloaded the shotgun and returned fire. He called on Ansell to put his weapons down but he called back “Your all dead”.

In response to the gun battle two Territory Response Group vehicles raced to the scene. Just prior to the roadblock the first vehicle swerved and braked and was struck by the second vehicle causing it to roll over. As police exited both vehicles and began to take up positions Ansell got up on one knee to position himself to fire at the arriving police members. This left him exposed to fire from O’Brien and the shotgun fire finally stopped him. As the Coroner, Mr Wallace, said “There is little doubt his (O’Brien’s) bravery prevented further loss of life”.

It was later determined that there were seven entry wounds on his body from return fire from Huitson and O’Brien and numerous grazes. His covered position behind the water pipe and a small tree had protected Ansell from more serious injury until he was forced to change position.

Background – Glen Huitson

Glen Huitson joined the Northern Territory Police in January 1987, served in both Southern and Northern districts and was stationed at Adelaide River Police Station.

He received a Commendation from the Commissioner of Police on 17 March 1944 when he attended a disturbance at a Community near Alice Springs. He disarmed a drunken person who was armed with a knife star picket and was threatening another person with a billy of boiling water.

In February of 1999 in Litchfield Park Glen Huitson disarmed an armed man who was threatening the driver and passengers of a bus. He received a Valour Award over this incident.

Glen was survived by his wife Lisa and young children Joseph (2) and Ruby (6 months).


HUITSON, Glen

This page only contains a eulogy.  If you have material that can be added contact the webmaster.
FUNERAL SERVICE FOR SERGEANT GLEN ANTHONY HUITSON
ST MARY’S CATHEDRAL, DARWIN, NORTHERN TERRITORY
SATURDAY 7 AUGUST 1999
EULOGY GIVEN BY COMMISSIONER BRIAN BATESSERGEANT GLEN HUITSON WAS A DEVOTED AND LOVING HUSBAND AND FATHER OF LISA, JOSEPH AND RUBY. I CAN ONLY CONVEY THE HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES AND SYMPATHY OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY POLICE FORCE AND INDEED THE COMMUNITY OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY TO GLEN’S WIFE, CHILDREN AND BOTH THEIR FAMILIES. WE WILL DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO HELP THEM, NOT ONLY THROUGH THIS TIME BUT IN THE TIME TO COME.IN HIS LETTER OF APPLICATION TO JOIN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY POLICE FORCE, SERGEANT GLEN HUITSON SAID, AND I QUOTE:“I WAS BORN ON 20 NOVEMBER 1961 IN BRIDGETOWN, WESTERN AUSTRALIA, THE OLDEST SON IN A FAMILY OF THREE. MY PARENTS OWNED AND OPERATED A SMALL TIN MINE ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF GREENBUSHES WHERE I LIVED FOR 12 YEARS. GREEN BUSHES WAS A GREAT ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH TO GROW UP AS A CHILD, BEING A SMALL TOWN SURROUNDED BY BUSH. WE SPENT MANY HOURS EXPLORING AND DISCOVERING NATURE.LOOKING BACK ON MY CHILDHOOD I AM GRATEFUL TO MY PARENTS FOR THE STRICT BUT FAIR METHOD OF INSTILLING IN ME A SET OF MORAL STANDARDS AND PRINCIPLES IN KEEPING WITH COMMUNITY IDEALS. THIS GUIDANCE WAS TO BENEFIT ME LATER IN LIFE.”GLEN GOES ON TO TALK ABOUT HIS GROWING UP YEARS AND HIS EARLY EMPLOYMENT, PARTICULARLY WHEN THE FAMILY MOVED IN 1978 TO BUSSLETON WHERE HE WAS INVOLVED IN THE LOCAL FOOTBALL CLUB AS A PLAYER AND AN ADMINISTRATOR, AS A COACH AND UMPIRE AND FOR THREE YEARS AS A FIREMAN IN THE VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE AND WITH THE LOCAL ROSTRUM CLUB. TOWARDS THE END OF THIS LETTER OF APPLICATION GLEN SAYS, AND I AGAIN QUOTE:

“APPROXIMATELY FIVE YEARS AGO I DECIDED THAT IF AT THE AGE OF 25 I WAS STILL DISAPPOINTED WITH THE WAY MY CAREER WAS HEADING, THIS WOULD BE THE TIME TO MAKE A START IN A POSITION IN LIFE THAT I WOULD ENJOY. THE MOST HONEST WAY I FOUND TO FIND A CAREER I WANTED WAS TO SIT DOWN WITH A PEN AND PAPER AND WRITE DOWN JOBS IN WHICH I WOULD WORK FOR NO FINANCIAL REWARD. MY LIST CONTAINED THE FOLLOWING: FISHERIES INSPECTOR, CUSTOMS OFFICER, AMBULANCE OFFICER, WELFARE WORKER AND A POLICE OFFICER.

SINCE WRITING DOWN THAT LIST I HAVE WORKED TOWARDS EQUIPPING MYSELF FOR ONE OF THOSE POSITIONS. THIS HAS INCLUDED THE FOLLOWING: BEING A FIREMAN WITH OUR LOCAL VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE, ACHIEVING A FIRST AID CERTIFICATE WITH A ST JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE, INVOLVING MYSELF HEAVILY IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, MAINLY THROUGH SPORT, AND INVOLVING MYSELF IN PUBLIC SPEAKING. AFTER READING ABOUT THE POSITION OF POLICE OFFICER FOR THE NORTHERN TERRITORY I DECIDED THAT THIS WOULD INDEED OFFER ME THE CAREER I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR. AS A POLICE OFFICER IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY I WOULD BE ABLE TO MAKE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION IN MAKING THE NORTHERN TERRITORY A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE IN, THEREBY ACHIEVING MY GOAL OF JOB SATISFACTION.”

ALL OF US WITHIN THE POLICE FORCE AND INDEED THE DEPARTMENT OF POLICE, FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES, ARE EXTREMELY SHOCKED BY THE DEATH OF SERGEANT GLEN HUITSON. HIS LOSS IS A TRAGEDY FOR THE POLICE SERVICE AND THERE ARE SIMPLY NO WORDS TO DESCRIBE THAT SENSE OF LOSS, THE WASTE AND THE TRAGEDY THAT THE WHOLE POLICE FAMILY FEELS TODAY.

I WOULD ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PRESENCE HERE TODAY OF SERVING POLICE OFFICERS FROM ALL STATES AND TERRITORIES OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND.

IT IS TRITE TO SAY THAT ALL POLICE FAMILIES KNOW THE DANGERS OF POLICE WORK, BUT NOTHING CAN EVER PREPARE US FOR SOMETHING LIKE GLEN’S DEATH.

NO POLICE FORCE COULD BE MORE PROUD THAN TO HAVE IN ITS RANKS AN OFFICER OF THE CALIBRE OF GLEN HUITSON. HE TOUCHED AND AFFECTED SO MANY PEOPLE’S LIVES, NOT ONLY WITHIN THE POLICE FORCE BUT WITHIN THE COMMUNITY OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY THAT HE SWORE TO SERVE AND PROTECT.

AND HE DID MORE THAN THAT – BECAUSE ON NO LESS THAN THREE OCCASIONS, THE THIRD TRAGICALLY RESULTING IN HIS DEATH, HE WAS CONFRONTED WITH LIFE-THREATENING SITUATIONS.

GLEN RECEIVED MY COMMENDATION FOR AN INCIDENT ON 17 MARCH 1994 WHEN HE ATTENDED A DISTURBANCE AT A COMMUNITY NEAR ALICE SPRINGS.

HE DISARMED A DRUNKEN PERSON WHO WAS ARMED WITH A KNIFE, STEEL BAR, NULLA NULLA AND A STAR PICKET. THE PERSON WAS THREATENING ANOTHER COMMUNITY MEMBER WITH A BILLY OF BOILING WATER. WITHOUT REGARD FOR HIS OWN SAFETY SERGEANT HUITSON PREVENTED THIS PERSON THROWING THE BOILING WATER BUT IN FACT WAS STRUCK AND COVERED IN BOILING WATER HIMSELF OVER HIS UPPER BACK, RIGHT UPPER ARM AND LEFT FOREARM. HIS QUICK ACTIONS ALLOWED OTHER POLICE OFFICERS TO RESTRAIN THE OFFENDER AND REMOVE HIM AS A THREAT TO THE COMMUNITY. THE BURNS GLEN RECEIVED CAUSED HIM CONSIDERABLE PAIN AND SUFFERING AND HE REQUIRED HOSPITAL TREATMENT.

AND THEN THERE WAS THE INCIDENT IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR WHEN SERGEANT HUITSON DISARMED AN ARMED MAN WHO HAD JUMPED ON THE BULLBAR OF A TOURIST BUS IN LITCHFIELD PARK.

THE MAN WAS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS AND ARMED WITH A LOADED .22 RIFLE AND WAS THREATENING THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS OF THE BUS ON BATCHELOR ROAD.

GLEN KNEW THAT HELP WAS ABOUT 15 MINUTES AWAY AND WAS DEEPLY CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF THE DRIVER, PASSENGERS AND PASSING MOTORISTS. HE SINGLE-HANDEDLY ATTEMPTED TO DIRECT TRAFFIC, ENGAGE THE MAN IN CONVERSATION AND KEEP POLICE COMMUNICATIONS ADVISED OF THE SITUATION. HE THEN APPROACHED THE MAN TO DISTRACT HIS ATTENTION FROM THE BUS AND PASSENGERS, PLACING HIMSELF AT CONSIDERABLE RISK.

GLEN ENGAGED THE MAN IN CONVERSATION FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES AND EVENTUALLY CONVINCED HIM TO PLACE THE FIREARM ON THE BULLBAR OF THE BUS AND WALK A SHORT DISTANCE AWAY WHERE GLEN TACKLED HIM TO THE GROUND AND WAS THEN HELPED BY OTHER POLICE WHO HAD JUST ARRIVED. THIS WAS WITHOUT DOUBT AN OUTSTANDING EXAMPLE OF PERSONAL COURAGE, AND SERGEANT HUITSON WAS IN FACT DUE TO RECEIVE A VALOUR AWARD OVER THAT INCIDENT.

IN SERGEANT GLEN HUITSON THE NORTHERN TERRITORY POLICE HAD A TRUE BUSH COPPER AND AN IDEAL ROLE MODEL FOR OTHER POLICE.

HE WAS A TOTAL PROFESSIONAL WHO GOT ALONG WITH COLLEAGUES AND THE PUBLIC ALIKE AND WAS EXTREMELY POPULAR WITH ABORIGINAL PEOPLE HE WORKED WITH, IN THE COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE TERRITORY. WHAT A TREMENDOUS LOSS HE IS, NOT ONLY TO THIS POLICE FORCE BUT TO THE TERRITORY.

IN CLOSING THERE IS PERHAPS NO BETTER WAY TO TALK ABOUT THIS OUTSTANDING AND COMPASSIONATE POLICE OFFICER THAN BY TELLING YOU ABOUT A REPORT HE RECENTLY SUBMITTED, AND I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT I SHARE THIS WITH YOU ALL.

GLEN HAD RESEARCHED THE HISTORY OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY POLICE SERVICE AND HE FOUND MANY EXAMPLES OF UNRECOGNISED SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY BY FORMER MEMBERS, AND PARTICULARLY POLICE TRACKERS. HE SAID IN HIS MEMO THAT THIS UNRECOGNISED WORK WAS, AT THE TIME, NO DOUBT CONSIDERED TO BE JUST PART OF THE JOB, AND UNLESS YOU HAPPENED TO DIE ON DUTY OR REACHED A HIGH RANK, VERY LITTLE WAS DONE TO PRESERVE THE MEMORY OF THOSE MANY FORMER MEMBERS.

GLEN APPRECIATED THE SERENITY AND BEAUTY OF THE ADELAIDE RIVER WAR CEMETERY WHERE HE ALSO NOTICED SEVERAL PLAQUES DEDICATED TO MILITARY MEMBERS. HE HAD SEVERAL IDEAS TO HONOUR THE MEMORY OF POLICE MEMBERS, INCLUDING PLANTING TREES WITH PLAQUES DEDICATED TO MEMBERS AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A MEMORIAL AVENUE IN OUR POLICE COMPLEX, THE PETER McAULAY CENTRE. HE SUGGESTED NEW PLAQUES COULD BE DEDICATED ANNUALLY ON A SIGNIFICANT DAY, FOR EXAMPLE, POLICE REMEMBRANCE DAY. THERE TOO, HE EMPHASISED THE WHOLE COMMUNITY SHOULD BE INVITED AND INVOLVED.

IT IS MY INTENTION TO HONOUR GLEN’S SUGGESTIONS IN THAT REPORT, AND ALSO PAY TRIBUTE TO HIM, IN A WAY I FEEL SURE HE AND YOU WOULD APPROVE OF.

FINALLY, IN THE WORDS OF THE 13TH CHAPTER OF CORINTHIANS:

“THERE REMAINS THEN, FAITH, HOPE, LOVE, THESE THREE; BUT THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE.”


 

ABC News: Aboriginal communities to send reps to police officer’s funeral

Trudy and Rod Bray Fri, 6 Aug 1999 00:26:27 -0700

Fri, 6 Aug 1999 11:41 AEST
Aboriginal communities to send reps to police officer's
funeral.

The Gurindji Aboriginal people, from two communities south-west of Darwin, are sending
representatives to the funeral of a Northern Territory police officer.

Sergeant Glen Huitson was killed by Rodney William Ansell on Tuesday.

The sergeant's partner, Constable Jamie O'Brien, returned the fire, killing Ansell.

A Gurindji representative, Roslyn Frith, says the sergeant was given the skin name, Japalyi,
because of the community's respect and love for him.

She says he will be missed greatly.

"To the community he wasn't just a policeman, he was just another person who belonged to
the community," Ms Frith said.

"He got involved - like if there were ceremonies he'd go down and make sure everything was
alright.

"With the younger generation, he took them out. Like he was with the emergency services out
here, he went out fishing and hunting with them," she said.

� 1999 Australian Broadcasting Corporation

https://www.mail-archive.com/recoznet2@paradigm4.com.au/msg01295.html

 

NT: Aborigines planning funeral for Ansell in Arnhem Land

AAP General News (Australia)
08-09-1999
NT: Aborigines planning funeral for Ansell in Arnhem Land

By Catharine Munro

DARWIN, Aug 9 AAP – Rod Ansell, the original Crocodile Dundee who shot dead a policeman last week, is expected be given an Aboriginal funeral in Arnhem Land.

Ansell, 44, was killed in a shootout with police after fatally wounding Sergeant Glen Huitson, 37, about 50km south of Darwin last Tuesday.

The violent deaths followed a 12-hour search for Ansell, who had shot at two houses in the area the previous night.

His motives remain a mystery and the case is being investigated by the coroner.

The events shocked Darwin, where Ansell was known as a buffalo hunter and a bushman who had been living on an Aboriginal-owned property in Arnhem Land, about 600km south-east of Darwin.

Ansell’s two sons, Shaun and Callum, are believed to have requested that an Aboriginal community at Mt Catt, near Bulman in central Arnhem Land, allow a funeral to be held on their grounds.

“The two boys said they want to have the funeral at Mt Catt,” said Lorna Martin, who works at the clinic at Bulman.

Ansell spent some time in the area in the 1980s as a buffalo catcher and continued to make frequent visits.

The service will interrupt an important ceremony being held at Mt Catt but arrangements were being made for the proceedings to be halted for one day for the funeral on Thursday, Mrs Martin said.

“Everybody said it’s okay,” she said.

Ansell’s parents, George and Eva, both in their 70s, are understood to have journeyed to the Northern Territory from their home in Murgon, 260km north-west of Brisbane, to say goodbye to their son.

Meanwhile, the widow of the slain policeman, Lisa, said she had just returned from Daly River Crossing, where she had scattered her husband’s ashes.

Mrs Huitson told reporters she had spent three happy years there with Sgt Huitson and they had taken their son, Joseph, two and Ruby, six months, back there to be baptised.

“It was just a special place for us,” Mrs Huitson said.

Sgt Huitson‘s brother Bevan, sister Julie and parents Carole and John attended a press conference to thank the police and the people of the NT for their support.

“We are absolutely amazed at your generosity, the funds raised, the flowers sent and the well wishes and toys for Joseph and Ruby,” Bevan Huitson said.
http://crownfd.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/nt-aborigines-planning-funeral-for.html


Rod Ansell - The inspiration behind Crocodile Dundee
Rod Ansell – The inspiration behind Crocodile Dundee

 

 

 

The day the real Crocodile Dundee Rod Ansell was shot dead

Rod Ansell in the Outback in 1987.
Rod Ansell in the Outback in 1987.

ROD Ansell’s amazing story of Outback survival is one many Australians know – although they’ve probably never heard of his name.

As strong as an ox and as brave as a lion, the blond haired, barefoot bushman survived for more than seven weeks on a small island at the mouth of a crocodile-infested river in the remote Northern Territory, sleeping up a tree with a brown snake at night to avoid the salties lurking below.

His story was the inspiration for the 1986 film Crocodile Dundee. But the film only tells part of the story of Ansell’s wild life.

More than a decade after his tale of survival brought fame and fortune to actor Paul Hogan, the real Crocodile Dundee was shot dead by police after a drug-crazed rampage that saw a police officer killed and three other men wounded.

***

STRONG men in uniform broke down on the side of the Stuart Highway the day Territory police officer Glen Huitson was shot dead in a gun battle with Rod Ansell.

It was like a scene from a cops and robbers movie.

But nobody won.

Sergeant Huitson was gunned down at a roadblock in bushland 60km south of Darwin by Ansell, who had been on the run from police.

Ansell was shot in the chest as Senior Constable James O’Brien returned fire.

“The only verbal communication I had with the gunman was when I was reloading the shotgun for the first time,” the surviving officer, who has never spoken openly about the ordeal, said in a statement almost 15 years ago.

“I called out to him to put his weapons down. He called back, ‘You’re all dead‘.”

Ansell was deranged and wired on speed, more than 20 years after he emerged from the wild, a handsome young hunter armed only with a knife, a gun and a story to tell, his boat having capsized on the remote Victoria River.

His crazed life came to an end on August 3, 1999, but not before he had gunned down a police officer, leaving two young children to grow up without a father.

Northern Territory police say they lost “an all-round good bloke” that day.

Sgt Huitson’s family was robbed of much more.

In 1994, Sgt Huitson had been commended for bravery after arresting a knife-wielding drunk man – who was also armed with a star picket and a billy of boiling water in a bid to harm another person – at a community near Alice Springs.

He received a Valour Award after he talked delusional man Wayne Costan – who had tried to hijack a tourist coach with a sawn-off .22 rifle – into dropping the weapon, before tackling him to the ground at Litchfield Park in February 1999.

Six months later Sgt Huitson was killed, aged 37.

His then-infant daughter, Ruby, and five-year-old son, Joseph, grew up without their dad.

His widow, Lisa, took home her husband’s posthumous Australia Bravery Medal and a broken heart.

Former NT Police assistant commissioner John Daulby was among those who raced out to the double killing.

“Everyone was stunned,” he said. “It was just a tragedy.”

 Darwin police officer Glen Huitson was one of two policemen shot by gunman Rod Ansell.

“The grief at the scene is something that sticks with me – grown men in tears.”

Ansell had wounded two men on a shooting spree in Darwin and fled into the bush, raving mad, on the night of August 2, 1999.

He was convinced members of the Freemasons had kidnapped his sons – Callum, then aged 20, and Shawn, 18.

His girlfriend, Cherie Ann Hewson, had told him that as a child she had witnessed the sacrifice of young girls that her family – members of the secret medieval fraternity – “brought out of the woods”. They were bound, raped and slaughtered, she said.

The shared paranoia came to a head when Ms Hewson claimed she spotted three bow hunters, dressed in camouflage with night vision goggles, near their bush camp.

NT Coroner Dick Wallace would later say the “wretched drivel” was at the root of Ansell‘s madness, after the couple visited mates Steven Robinson and his partner, Lee-Anne Musgrave, on a property at Noonamah, about 50km south of Darwin.

Ansell fired six shots at their caravan on Kentish Rd.

Resident David Hobden jumped in his truck, armed with his double-barrel shotty, and went to investigate the shootings. He lost an eye when Ansell put a bullet through the windscreen of his truck.

He ran to alert his neighbour, Brian Williams, who “waxed wrath” at the state of his mate’s face and grabbed a baseball bat.

He charged at Ansell, who was trying to steal Mr Hobden’s truck.

 “I smacked him straight down the forehead, and that’s when he blew my hand off,” Mr Williams told police.

“He was going on about stealing his children, and Freemasons, and being a baby killer … oh, just, he was mad, mate.”

Ansell fired shots at the Williams‘ house.

Then he ran away, his rifle in one hand and Mr Hobden‘s shotgun in the other.

Ms Hewson disappeared before the police shootout. Some feared she had committed suicide.

About 11pm, Territory Response Group sent two troop carriers with six cops in each to set up a command post. They manned the north roadblock.

Adelaide River police station boss Sgt Huitson and his second-in-charge, Sen-Const O’Brien, guarded the south cordon – at the corner of Old Bynoe Rd – with a pistol each, a 12-gauge shotgun and standard police issue .308 rifle.

About 10.30am the next day, a removals worker named Jonathan Anthonysz was leaning on the cop car, chatting to the officers when a bullet blew a hole “the size of a baseball” in his pelvis.

He was flung forward, screaming, on to the ground.

Mr Anthonysz’s colleague – David Hobden‘s brother, Anthony – dragged him out of view as Snr-Const. O’Brien covered them.

The shots were coming from light scrub behind a roadside water pipe.

The cunning fugitive had sneaked through the bush and was hidden by dappled tree shadows.

In his statement, Snr-Const O’Brien said: “I heard Glen shout out, ‘Get on the ground’.

I swung round to look over the boot of the car with my Glock drawn …

“I saw my shots hit the ground close to where (Ansell) was,” he said.

Sgt Huitson called TRG for help and grabbed a 12-gauge shotgun.

He fired a shot through the windows of the police car and two shots over the roof.

But a bullet from Ansell‘s .30-30 lever-action rifle ricocheted off the top of the metal door and struck him in the abdomen.

His bulletproof vest hadn’t been properly fastened. The bullet tore through a velcro strap that should have been covered by a Kevlar panel.

Sgt Huitson fell, landing on top of the shotgun.

Snr-Const O’Brien, who wasn’t wearing a vest, dodged a bullet and rolled his bleeding colleague off the shotgun, reloaded it and returned fire.

“I realised unless TRG arrived I could run out of ammunition, in which case I would have to retreat with the others,” he said.

“I loaded two more rounds, looked up and saw the gunman wriggling forward.

“I heard a sound like a match being struck just past the right side of my head.”

Then the TRG troop carriers came hurtling down the highway.

The first driver hit the brakes and swerved as he heard gun fire – the 4WD rolled when the second car crashed into it, unable to stop in time.

Ansell got up on one knee and began lining up the cops, who were crawling out of the vehicle.

Snr-Const O’Brien got a clear shot.

The autopsy showed 33 bullet wounds and grazes to Ansell‘s body.

Two were fatal. One shot had ripped through his aorta.

He fell face down in the dirt.

Sgt Huitson was declared dead after being rushed to Royal Darwin Hospital.

Snr-Const O’Brien was scrutinised and cleared of any wrongdoing after a rigorous police investigation.

His actions were praised as “simply outstanding” when Magistrate Wallace handed down his coronial findings in September 2000.

“If he felt any fear, it seems to have been submerged by his concern for his wounded colleague and others,” he said. “There can be little doubt his bravery prevented further loss of life.”

Ms Hewson handed herself in to Queensland police four days later.

Evidence that Ansell clung to the back of a road train and escaped the roadblocks fuelled a question that would never be answered – why would a skilled bushman give up his ticket to freedom and return to gun down police when he could have slipped away?

IT was no secret the 44-year-old buffalo hunter and grazier was bitter.

Writer Robert Milliken, who spent time with Ansell while working on projects in the NT, said Ansell never saw a penny for the myth surrounding his tangled life, despite being the inspiration for the main character in Crocodile Dundee, which propelled actor Paul Hogan to fame in 1986.

Ansell blamed his troubles on a Federal Government program to wipe out wild buffalo, his livelihood, to eradicate tuberculosis from the cattle industry. He had told reporters he was living on unemployment benefits and “bush tucker”.

Magistrate Wallace heard Ansell believed police and the government were against him.

He had moved to the Territory aged 15 from the small town of Murgon, 270km north of Brisbane, in country Queensland.

The ordeal that brought him fame happened when he took a fishing trip in a motorboat on the Victoria River in May 1977.

When the boat sank, he jumped in a dinghy and salvaged his two eight-week-old bull terriers, a rifle, a knife, some canned food and bedding. The tinny drifted out to sea, washing up on a small island at the mouth of the Fitzmaurice River.

He slept in the fork of a tree, out of reach of crocodiles, at night, but shared the branches with a brown tree snake.

Ansell never counted on being rescued. He roamed for seven weeks before stumbling on two Aboriginal stockmen and their boss.

But he kept the adventure under his hat – fearing his recklessness would upset his mother – until media got hold of the yarn.

Dubbed the “modern day Robinson Crusoe”, Ansell said: “I think if you come through in one piece, then nothing else really matters.

“It’s like going out to shoot a kangaroo.

“You don’t come back and say you missed by half an inch – you either got him or you didn’t.”

Mr Milliken described Ansell as “strikingly handsome with blond hair, blue eyes and bare feet” when he met him in 1988. It was the year Ansell was named Territorian of the Year for his role in putting the Top End on the map.

At the time, he lived with his wife, Joanne van Os, and their two small sons on their buffalo farm at Melaleuca, between Darwin and Kakadu.

“He was charming,” Mr Milliken said.

“He seems never to have worn shoes, even when travelling on aircraft and staying in city hotels at the height of his fame.

“The press went mad over his story and no one seemed to mind if the details grew ever more incredible.

“A hero had been born.”

He said Ansell once told British TV personality Michael Parkinson he preferred to sleep on the floor of his five-star Sydney hotel in his swag rather than in the kingsize bed.

Ansell’s Parkinson interview sparked the interest of Hogan and led to the creation of Mick “Crocodile” Dundee.

But the fame took its toll on Ansell’s personal life. His marriage disintegrated.

In 1992, he was convicted of cattle rustling and assaulting the owner of a cattle station in Arnhem Land.

Police raided Melaleuca. He eventually lost the property.

For more than a year before his death, Ansell had been living with Ms Hewson, a former tour guide, on a billabong at the Aboriginal outstation Urapunga, on the Roper River, about 480km south of Darwin.

He was initiated as a white member of local Aboriginal clan and got on well with the Ngukkur community. But the spiral into a drug-induced psychosis continued as Ansell smoked cannabis and injected amphetamines with vengeance.

“I didn’t know Ansell really well, but I’d met him a few times,” long-time Territorian and former reporter Chips Mackinolty said.

“He was tough as nails, the sort of person that could do what he said he did, and did do it when he was working as a stockman, as a wrangler and that stuff.

“He was an extraordinary person at that level, but it ended up in tears.”

Mr Mackinolty was heading to Katherine and had been allowed through the roadblock earlier on the day the killing happened.

“It was one of those ‘goose steps on your own grave’ sort of feelings – you were very close to what ended up being a very awful thing.

“It’s always sad when the threat of poverty and frustrated ambition get mixed up and send people off the edge, big time,” Mr Mackinolty said.

“I was completely shocked, as were a lot of people who knew him in the earlier years.”

In his coronial ruling, Magistrate Wallace said the contrast between the “original Crocodile Dundee who appeared on television” and the emaciated drug addict – who weighed just 53kg when he opened fire on police – could hardly be more marked.

“His drug abuse rendered his mind so addled he believed fantasies that a child would dismiss with contempt,” he said.

“His pointless and destructive actions caused immediate agony and suffering to the men he wounded.”

The infamous rampage means Ansell is remembered in Darwin not as a knockabout bushman, but as the man who murdered a heroic cop.


 

Sergeant Glen Huitson

Glen Huitson - roadside crossAlong the side of the Stuart Highway, heading to Batchelor and points south, there’s a turnoff at Old Bynoe Road. On this corner there’s a simple cross like far too many you see on Australian roads.  This one is the same in that it marks the point where a loved one lost his or her life. The ever-present, neatly-arrayed booze bottles testify to the fact that his friends have not forgotten him.

However this site is also different. It doesn’t mark a road fatality, but rather the death of a police officer on duty, Sergeant Glen Anthony Huitson, killed protecting the community from a man who had gone on an overnight shooting spree.  The further tragedy is that this death, left a young widow and two little children who will never know their father: the risks that police face daily in doing their duty.

The Policeman from the bush
The Policeman from the bush

By all accounts Glen Huitson was a quietly impressive young man and an excellent policeman who was soon to receive the Police Valour medal, given posthumously to his wife, Lisa. Huitson had worked out bush and was well respected by the communities he’d worked in. Stationed at Adelaide River at the time of the shooting, Huitson is also remembered by a memorial there.

Across the new railway track on the Old Bynoe Road, there’s a different kind of memorial from the simple cross with beer bottles. It’s the official memorial in Glen Huitson Park. It has an impressively large stone brought from a distance and plaques to honour the man and the police officer.

Roadside memorial stone
Roadside memorial stone

I recognise that another family lost a person they’d loved that day. No doubt as they pass Huitson’s memorial they think of their own loved one. However for me this is about the loss of a man doing his duty. As you go about your routines today, please remember all those police officers who daily risk their lives to protect us.

I leave you with Glen Huitson’s eulogy, testifying to his concern for others and his true community spirit. Rest in Peace, Sergeant Glen Huitson, you did your duty well.

 

On the Darwin Esplanade, near the Cenotaph, there’s is a memorial to all Northern Territory Police and Emergency Services workers who gave their lives in service to the community.
On the Darwin Esplanade, near the Cenotaph, there’s is a memorial to all Northern Territory Police and Emergency Services workers who gave their lives in service to the community.

4 thoughts on “Sergeant Glen Huitson”

  1. What a wonderful tribute …thank you for bringing us this introduction to a man without whom the world is a poorer place.

    • Thanks Chris. It happened a couple of years after we got here and was a great tragedy. I really feel for his family and the loss of a good man.

  2. I stumbled across this post today… For some reason Glen came to my mind, and I did a search. Maybe this all came about as I saw a photo of his gorgeous sister and his 2 beautiful children.
    Glen was a friend and I know his family well. He was a great man and it was an extremely sad day the day he left this life.

    • hi Vicki, sorry I hadn’t realised I’d omitted to reply. Thanks for sharing…it was indeed a tragic day for all concerned…we have a connection through the other officer that day though we didn’t know him at the time.

https://troppont.wordpress.com/2012/05/24/sergeant-glen-huitson/


 

Family and friends pay tribute to brave officer

IT was 15 years on Sunday since one of NT Police’s darkest days.

On August 3, 1999 Brevet Sergeant Glen Anthony Huitson was manning a roadblock on the Stuart Highway at Livingstone when he was shot and killed by “Crocodile Dundee” Rod Ansell.

Ansell was then hit with fatal return fire by Sgt Huitson’s partner, Senior Constable Jamie O’Brien.

He was the first policeman to be murdered on duty in the Territory for 47 years, and to this date he remains the last.

Sgt Huitson’s wife Lisa said the anniversary was always emotional.

“But he’s always with us and it’s good to see his colleagues and friends return,” she said.

“It’s nice to come back.”

The couple’s children Joe and Ruby were just 2 and 10 months old when their father was killed.

Police Commissioner John McRoberts said the memorial was a sobering reminder of the dangers of policing.

“It’s really good to pay our respects to a man who died doing what he loved and wanted to do – which was serve and protect,” he said.

Sgt Huitson joined the NT Police in January 1987. He served in both Southern and Northern districts.

During his service, he received a Commendation from the Commissioner of Police in March 1994 when he attended a disturbance at a community near Alice Springs. He disarmed a drunk armed with a knife and star picket, and was threatening another person with a billy of boiling water.

Then in February of 1999 in Litchfield Park, he disarmed an armed man who was threatening the driver and passengers of a bus. He received a Valour Award over this incident.

For the incident which cost him his life, he was awarded the Australia Bravery Medal, and a bar to his Valour Medal.

http://www.ntnews.com.au/news/northern-territory/family-and-friends-pay-tribute-to-brave-officer/story-fnk0b1zt-1227012766662


 

 

 

 

 




Bernard Louis CAMPBELL

Bernard Louis CAMPBELL

aka ‘ Bernie ‘

NSW Redfern Police Academy Class # 137

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. # 16091

Rank:  Probationary Constable – appointed 17 December 1973

Constable 1st Class – appointed 17 December 1978

Final Rank:  Constable 1st Class

Stations?, Central ( 1975/76 ) 1 Division, Collaroy – Death

ServiceFrom  ? ? pre Dec 1973?  to  22 July 1981 = 7+ years Service

Awards:  No find on It’s An Honour

Born:  Sunday  17 January 1954

Died on:  Wednesday  22 July 1981

Cause:  Suicide – Service revolver

Event Location:  at Collaroy Police Station

Age:  27 yrs  6 mths  5 days

Funeral date:  Friday  24 July 1981

Funeral location?

Buried at:  Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium, Plassey Rd, Macquarie Park, 2113

Grave Location: Roman Catholic Lawn, Block 14, Grave 0142

GPS: Longitude: 151.142190 Latitude: -33.789459

 Bernard Louis CAMPBELL: INSCRIPTION:BERNARD LOUIS CAMPBELLDIED 22nd JULY, 1981AGED 27 YEARSLOVED AND HONOURED BY HIS PARENTS GERALD AND JOAN, SISTER MARGARET, BROTHER MICHAEL AND ALL HIS RELATIVES AND FRIENDS. R.I.P.

 

BERNARD is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *BUT SHOULD BE


Bernie was apparently being ‘interviewed’ inside Collaroy Police Station and when he was left alone in the room, with a loaded gun in a drawer, Bernie has committed suicide with the use of the Service weapon.

FURTHER INFORMATION IS REQUIRED ABOUT THIS MAN AND INCIDENT AT THE COLLAROY POLICE STATION