Bert Watson CARTWRIGHT
Bert Watson CARTWRIGHT
aka Ben
Late of Lightning Ridge
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # ????
Rank: Constable
Stations: ?, Lightning ( Hill ) Ridge – Death
Service: From ? ? 1916 to 3 December 1919 = 3 years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: ? ? 1892?
Died on: Wednesday 3 December 1919 @ 11pm
Age: 27
Cause: Suicide – Firearm – Committed
Coroner Findings: Suicide while temporarily insane
Event location: near Wombat Rd, 13 miles from Young, NSW
Event date: Wednesday 3 December 1919 @ 11pm
Funeral date: Friday 5 December 1919
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: Church of England, Young
Memorial located at: ?
[alert_yellow]BERT is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal
May they forever Rest In Peace
Lithgow Mercury (NSW : 1898 – 1954), Wednesday 10 December 1919, page 2
A CONSTABLE’S HEALTH.
and his last invitation.
When several men in an hotel ( the Rose & Crown ) at Young were drinking the health of Constable Cartwright, he replied, ” I will bet you £5 I will be dead before any of you. If this gun cartridge will not finish me this revolver will. I invite you all to my funeral.” Later in the night the body of Cartwright was found on the Wombat-road with his brains blown out.
Young Witness (NSW : 1915 – 1923), Tuesday 9 December 1919, page 2
Bert Cartwright’s Death
CORONIAL INQUEST.
The Coroner, Mr. G. S. Whiteman conducted an inquest this morning concerning the death of Bert Watson Cartwright, constable of police, who was found on the Wombat road on the night of December 3rd with his brains blown out, and a double barrelled gun beside him.
Formal evidence of the finding of the body was given by Constable Auld.
George Eastley, a gardener, residing at Spring Creek, said that he had known Bert Cartwright since childhood, and had always been on friendly terms with him. At a few minutes past seven on the evening of December 3rd, deceased had come to his home. He behaved in a peculiar manner, was staring about, and kept looking at his watch. At times he talked quite sensibly. After having a cup of tea he asked for his gun at 7.30 p.m. and announced his intention of going to town alone, but witness insisted on going part of the way with him. Deceased had been shooting rabbits in the locality, and had left the gun in witness’ keeping about three weeks before. Deceased shook hands with Mr. Punt, Mrs. Eastley and Miss Eastley, and as he reached the door said
“THIS IS THE LAST GOODBYE”
As he and witness walked along the road together, deceased said ” I’m going to shoot myself tonight.” Witness replied. ” Don’t talk so foolishly,” but he insisted, ” It must be done tonight.” Both sat down and for an hour witness tried to reason with him, but he repeated, ” It must be done tonight.” When he made an effort to get the gun as they moved off, deceased said, ” You can’t get the gun, and if you did I’ve got a loaded revolver.” After a hundred yards he became excited and looked fierce. He took the gun out and ran into the scrub. Witness could not catch him, so returned home,and went a quarter of a mile for the assistance of his son. Both went to Mr. Bailey’s, and word came through by Mr. W. Eastley that Cartwright had returned to witness’ residence. Witness hurried back and found Bert Cartwright with the loaded gun in his hands and eventually persuaded him to come in and have a cup of coffee and some cake. Again he became restless, would stare, and kept pulling out his watch. At ten thirty witness asked him to stay the night, but he persisted in going. Witness asked him to come tomorrow, but he would not promise. Neither would he promise to go to the pictures next night. Both men walked a few hundred yards along the road when deceased ordered witness to go back. Witness appealed to him to think of his sister and brothers and not to take his life. As they continued, witness asked him for a loan of the gun, but he refused. Then he rushed ahead, put the gun cleaner and the case on a post, stared at witness for a full minute, made a cigarette and lit it. Then he rushed up to witness, and staring at him, said, ” You know nothing. ” He took up the cleaner and case again, shook witness’ right hand, said
” GOOD BYE, OLD FELLOW, GOOD LUCK. “
and rushing away, called out, ” It will all be over before you get home ” Witness could not catch him and walked homewards. Having gone 100 yards, witness heard the report of a gun, and hastening home, got Mr. Punt to accompany him to the place whence the gunshot came.
They found Bert Cartwright dead on the side of the main road, in the shade of a bush. The gun was beside him. Mr. Punt waited while witness went to telephone to the police, who arrived about an hour later, and removed the body. Witness had asked deceased several times to explain his trouble, but the invariable reply would be. ” It is too late. ” Having known deceased all his life, witness believed him to be a temperate, steady young man. Generally speaking, deceased’s actions at ordinary times showed that he was not quite right in his mind. Witness believed that his troubles were imaginary.
Richard Punt, laborer, of Spring Creek, gave evidence of deceased having had one drink on the date of the fatality. He corroborated the evidence of the previous witness.
Mrs. Castledine, proprietress of the Rose and Crown Hotel, said that deceased was having a few drinks at the hotel on the afternoon of December 3rd, and when the other men wished him good luck, he said, ” I’ll bet you £5 I’m dead before any of you. If I don’t do it with this (a cartridge), I’ll do it with this (a revolver). Will you all come to the funeral?” Deceased stayed at the hotel for tea. He said that he was in trouble, but would not explain what the trouble was.
Mr. O. W. Cartwright, father of the deceased, deposed that his son was 27 years of age, and had been a member of the police force for three years. He was a single man stationed at Lightning Ridge, and did not wish to go back. His mother’s death, which took place two and a half years ago, had played on his mind.
Sergeant Wood deposed that he had received communication from the Police Department that the deceased was sober and trustworthy.
A verdict of suicide while temporarily insane wast recorded.
Young Witness (NSW : 1915 – 1923), Friday 5 December 1919, page 2
Shooting Fatality.
CONSTABLE CARTWRIGHT FOUND DEAD.
The report of a gun was heard near the Wombat road, about 13 miles from Young at about 11 o’clock on Wednesday night. Hurrying to the spot, Messrs Geo. Eastley and Potts found the dead body of Bert Watson Cartwright. A sporting gun ( double barrelled ) was near the body. The deceased man’s head was badly mutilated, obviously by a shot from the gun which, on examination, was seen to have just been discharged. Death must have been instantaneous.
Personal troubles had been known to have been a source of much worry to the deceased, who was a constable of police stationed at Lightning Hill, but at the time was visiting his relatives at Young on a holiday.
He had called for the gun, which had been left at Mr. G. Eastley‘s house, and had said that it was his intention to end it all. Mr. Eastley‘s attempts to dissuade him were of no avail.
The profoundest sympathy of many residents who have known Ben Cartwright from boyhood, are expressed for his bereaved relatives.
An inquest into the cause of the death will be held on Tuesday.
The interment was made in the Church of England cemetery to-day,
Rev. S. A. T. Champion officiating at the grave.
http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/122437824
Young Witness (NSW : 1915 – 1923), Tuesday 20 June 1916, page 2
POLICE EXAM.
Mr. Bert Cartwright, son of Mr. O W. Cartwright, J.P., has been successful in passing an examination for entry into the mounted police force. Mr Cartwright was successfully coached by Mr. D. Perks at his evening school. We congratulate both teacher and pupil.
http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/113629153
Owen Timothy HARMS
Owen Timothy HARMS APM
aka Harmsy
Late of ?
Queensland Police Force
Regd. # 6052
Rank: Sergeant ? – Former member
Stations: ?, Mt Isa ( 4 years ), Gladstone Police District, O.I.C. – Miriam Vale ( past 20 years ), Rockhampton
Service: From ? ? ? to 1 August 2017 = 33+ years Service
Awards: Australian Police Medal – APM – granted 14 June 1999
National Medal – granted 27 February 2001
Two Commissioner Certificates
Multiple Citizen of the Year Awards
Born: 19 October 1966
Died on: Tuesday 1 August 2017
Age: 50
Cause: Suicided by ?
Event location: ?
Event date: Tuesday 1 August 2017
Funeral date: 8 August 2017
Funeral location: ? TBA
Buried at: ?
Memorial located at: ?
Owen is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *BUT SHOULD BE
Funeral location: TBA
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal
May they forever Rest In Peace
In memoriam: Sergeant Owen Timothy HARMS APM, Queensland Police Service, died on 1st August 2017
In addition to Australia Police Medal and National Medal, Sergeant Owen Harms received a Certificate of Merit from The Royal Humane Society of Australasia. He was later also presented with an award and recognition for his diligence, ethical conduct and commitment to his community.
His passing is a devastating loss to his family, friends, the community and country he proudly served. We are all intensely desolated by the sting of this bitter grief.
“Step forward now, policeman,
You’ve borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven’s streets,
You’ve done your time in hell.”
Fallen in the line of duty. Gone, but never forgotten and forever in our hearts.
SHOCK: Top cop blows four times the legal limit
AFTER being on the other end of a breathalyser for 34 years, a Gladstone police officer never expected to be looking down the barrel himself.
Sergeant Owen Harms, 50, who has been stationed in Miriam Vale for the past 20 years, faced Gladstone Magistrates Court today on one charge of operating a vehicle under the influence of liquor.
Harms’ emotional plea of guilt came after returning a blood alcohol reading of .224%, more than four times the legal limit during a breath test.
Harms broke down in the courtroom upon having the charge read out to him for the offence on May 25 at Miriam Vale.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Barry Stevens said at about 3.50pm police found Harms along the Bruce Highway, a short distance from the Meadow Hotel.
The court heard Harms had come from the funeral of a close friend and decided to stop in at the pub to have a few drinks.
He left the hotel and got into his car, but upon realising he was not fit to drive, he pulled over and called his wife to come and get him.
However, Sgt Stevens said someone at the hotel alerted police to Harms’ behaviour and intention to get behind the wheel.
The police arrived before Harms’ wife.
Sgt Stevens said it was evident to the attending officers that Harms was intoxicated.
Sgt Stevens said upon the sobering fact that he had blown more than four times the legal limit, Harms became very remorseful and emotional at the scene.
He told officers he knew he was in the wrong to try to drive, but once he realised, he stopped and was waiting for his wife to come and pick him up.
However, the reason for stopping at the hotel was for something else entirely; just hours earlier Harms had been told by his doctor that he was now free of bowel cancer.
The same cancer that for the past three years had forced the officer to give up his duties on the streets, take a significant pay cut and work behind a desk.
That, paired with a heart condition, a crippling case of PTSD and severe depression and anxiety, had caused a huge burden for the sergeant and his family.
The court heard the mental conditions were a direct result of some of the scenes the officer had had to face during his confronting career.
Representing Harms in the courtroom, the Queensland Police Union’s Troy Schmidt said his client was committed to the Gladstone community and throughout his career had done and achieved extraordinary things, both as an officer and a volunteer.
“During his career this man has attended many fatals and suicides, deaths and horrific scenes,” Mr Schmidt said.
Harms again broke down in court when Mr Schmidt recounted a time where the officer was called to a job where a baby needed emergency CPR.
The CPR was unsuccessful and the baby died.
It was a memory that would always haunt the officer, Mr Schmidt said.
Mr Schmidt presented 21 good character references to the courtroom including that of deputy mayor Chris Trevor, the Miriam Vale Lions Club and Gladstone Police Inspector Darren Somerville.
The references described him to be a loving, unquestionably trustworthy and a highly commendable man.
Mr Schmidt said his client was now faced with the likely prospect of demotion and, given his requirement as a police officer to retire at the age of 60, would lose hundreds of thousands in finances.
He said his client’s family was suffering greatly.
The court heard Harms had been stood down from duties at Miriam Vale and had been working in Rockhampton.
Gladstone Magistrate Melanie Ho commended the sergeant on the work he had done for the community, and said it was quite clear the offending was out of character.
Ms Ho also noted that Harms had made the right choice in pulling over on the highway rather than continuing to drive.
He was fined $1500 and disqualified from driving for 12 months, with a conviction recorded.
Harms told The Observer he was deeply regretful for his actions.
“I’m so sorry,” he said.
“I know I have let the Gladstone community down.”
https://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/news/shock-top-cop-blows-four-times-the-legal-limit/3193947/
Council coughs up cash for lights at Gary Larson Oval
THE first rugby league game of the season at Miriam Vale’s Gary Larson Oval will be under new lights.
Gladstone Regional Council has agreed to give last year’s residual sport and recreation funding of $21,000 to caretaker group, Gary Larson Oval Enhancement Group, which was on its knees and threatening to shut the gates.
Oval leaseholder, Owen Harms, is ecstatic about the decision, handed down in council chambers yesterday.
It means Gary Larson Oval will have $44,000 worth of new lights installed by March, allowing the small town to safely host community organisations and sporting groups at the ground.
“This will be a huge boost for our senior rugby league team, the Magpies, who rely on playing at night,” Mr Harms said.
“Now we will have fantastic new lights to play under safely.
“We were on the verge of closing the gates and if this hadn’t come through that’s what we would have been looking to do.”
In November the group, which raised $23,000 towards new lights, made a desperate plea to the council after being rejected twice for funding.
This application also fell on deaf ears, the council having said it would be unfair to other groups.
In the last round of council sport and recreational funding there were five unsuccessful applications and all were invited to vie for the $20,900.
But only the application from the Gary Larson Oval group met the criteria.
Central Queensland Motor sports Complex, Benaraby put in an application but asked for $44,000 – more than double what was on offer.
Lowmead Social Cricket and Sporting Club also made a bid for $4500 of the left over funding, but their application didn’t meet the criteria either.
https://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/news/council-coughs-up-cash-for-lights/2904314/
Gladstone Patrol Group Honours and Awards Ceremony
Last Thursday a total of 30 Officers were recognised for their diligence, ethical conduct and commitment to their community. This represented a total of 330 years served by police in the Gladstone Patrol Group. The ceremony was attended by Assistant Commissioner Michael Condon and the District Officer Superintendent Ron Van Saane. Distinguished guests included Councillor Gail Sellers, Mayor of Gladstone, Captain Dale heimer from the 42nd Battalion of the Australian Army, Members of the Gladstone Branch of the Retired Police Association, family and friends. Assistant Commissioner Condon stated of the officers who received a medal or award were, ‘an asset to the Service and Queensland, and more than deserving.” Congratulations to all recipients your skill and dedication are inspiring.
Brave officers hailed
Photo supplied
POLICE Sergeant Michael Phillips will forever remember the day he tried to save two boys from suffocation in a collapsed sand cave at Anges Water.
Although tragically one of the boys died at the scene, the Central Queensland officer was hailed a hero for his valiant attempt to save them three years ago.
And last week he was honoured with a bravery award.
He and fellow police officer Sergeant Jonathon Edwards were awarded Bronze Medals and Sergeant Owen Harms received a Certificate of Merit from The Royal Humane Society of Australasia at a ceremony at Government House in Brisbane last Wednesday.
Sergeant Phillips said he was very proud to have received the medal, but added that it was a “bittersweet moment”.
“It would have been nice if we were able to save both boys, but things don’t work out the way you want them to unfortunately,” he said. “It is something that I will remember for the rest of my life.”
Sergeant Phillips said when the three officers were called to the beach on August 15, 2006, they did not know what to expect.
“We were just told three boys were buried; we didn’t anticipate it being the way it was,” he said.
The three men used shovels to dig for the boys who had been trying to connect two deep tunnels when the sand collapsed on them.
The men were unable to save one of the boys trapped under almost two metres of sand.
“It took us about two hours to get him out. “We performed CPR on the boy for about 20 minutes but he died. There was nothing else we could do,” he said.
Sergeant Edwards commandeered an excavator to free the other boy, who was still trapped under the sand.
Sergeant Phillips said the boy was buried up to his neck so he did every thing he could to keep him alive.
“I got into the hole with him and held an oxygen mask over his mouth to keep his airway clear,” he said.
“Once the digger could only get so close we had to dig by hand to get him out and managed to free him.”
The youngest of three boys, all brothers holidaying from the Netherlands, managed to free himself earlier and alert two French tourists of his trapped brothers.
Those tourists were also presented with awards in Paris for their rescue efforts.
Sergeant Phillips said the little boy had been very brave and stayed very calm.
“He was excellent; I was speaking to him the whole time and we talked about sports and where he was from; he wasn’t panicking at all,” he said.
Daryl Gough from Woodbury was also presented with an award for going to the rescue of a mother and three children who were saved from drowning at Nine Mile Beach, Yeppoon, on March 23 last year.
AWARDS CQ award recipients:
Bronze Medal:
- Sergeant Michael Phillips
- Sergeant Jonathon Edwards
- Daryl Gough
Certificate of Merit:
• Sergeant Owen Harms
• 22 residents of Qld were presented with bravery awards.
- One Silver Medal, 17 Bronze Medals and 4 Certificates of Merit were presented by Governor of Queensland Penelope Wensley, AO.
https://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/brave-officers-hailed/210591/
Police officer dies:
Community pays tribute to police officer Owen Harms after his shock death
THE community has paid tribute to Miriam Vale police officer Owen Harms, who died yesterday.
Sergeant Harms had been stationed in Miriam Vale for the past 20 years.
True Blue Line – an organisation that posts news stories and information about emergency services, with a focus on Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and the United States, posted a tribute on Facebook today.
“Sergeant Owen Harms, with a big heart and full of compassion for everyone, was everyone’s friend and the Officer in Charge at Miriam Vale Police in Gladstone Police District, Queensland. Highly respected and much loved by many, he dedicated over 30 years of his life to protect, serve and improve the community he cherished so much,” the post reads.
There were no suspicious circumstances around his death, and it came 36 days after he had admitted drink-driving in the Gladstone Magistrates Court.
He was a decorated officer.
“In addition to Australia Police Medal and National Medal, Sergeant Owen Harms received a Certificate of Merit from The Royal Humane Society of Australasia. Described as a true blue Aussie with a heart of gold, ‘Owey’ was also presented with an award and recognition for his diligence, ethical conduct and commitment to his community,’’ the True Blue post said.
“His passing is a devastating loss to his family, friends, the community and country he proudly served. We all feel intensely desolated by the sting of this bitter grief.’’
Others joined the tributes.
“You were there for every one of us… your door was always open for us to pop in and have a cuppa and chat… you never said a bad word about anyone! You knew how to make us laugh… you always gave a hug just when it was needed… you were so dearly loved by your beautiful family and the community in which you so proudly served!” – C.S.
“Your community is broken and lost tonight, this just doesn’t seem real. You were one of the best Owey. The support you’ve shown not only our family but your community over the years will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family tonight RIP Harmsey” – A.H.
“Step forward now, policeman,
“You’ve borne your burdens well.
“Come walk a beat on Heaven’s streets,
“You’ve done your time in hell.
“Fallen in the line of duty. Gone, but never forgotten and forever in our hearts.”
The Miriam Vale Rodeo Association said he was a true hero to all that knew him.
“MV Rodeo Association wishes to extend our heartfelt condolences to Owen’s beloved family and friends during this devastating time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all,” they posted.
“Owey, you will be sorely missed mate!”
Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett took to Facebook to post his own tribute.
“Terrible sad day for the Gladstone Region as we mourn the loss of Sergeant Owen Timothy Harms,” he wrote.
“No words can describe how great a man he was and how devastating this news is. Rest in peace my friend.”
The Miriam Vale Magpies Rugby League Club remembered Sgt Harms on Facebook.
“Owen, our community pillar, our hero, our mate!,” the post reads.
“Forever etched in our hearts and minds are the memories of this tremendous man! May you rest in eternal peace Owey. We love you and will miss you terribly.
“On behalf of the Maggies family we are all holding Lyn, Brendon and Bree very close in our hearts and thoughts at this devastating time. May you draw strength and courage from the outpouring of love and support.”
– If you need help phone Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Small town mourns cop with big heart
Many communities rocked by passing
PHOTO: TOM HUNTLEYTRUE HERO: Family, friends and fellow officers are in shock after the death of Owen Harms.
THE community has paid tribute to Miriam Vale police officer Owen Harms, who died on Monday.
Sergeant Harms was stationed in Miriam Vale for the past 20 years.
True Blue Line, an organisation that posts news and information about emergency services, posted a tribute on Facebook.
“Sergeant Owen Harms, with a big heart and full of compassion for everyone, was everyone’s friend and the Officer in Charge at Miriam Vale Police in Gladstone Police District, Queensland. Highly respected and much loved by many, he dedicated over 30 years of his life to protect, serve and improve the community he cherished so much,” the post read.
There were no suspicious circumstances around his death.
It came 36 days after he admitted in the Gladstone Magistrates Court drink-driving.
He was a decorated officer. Sgt Harms was also beloved in the sporting community, and played an instrumental role in combining the Agnes Water and Miriam Vale teams to form the Northern Force Rugby League Club.
This Sunday a minute of silence will be held when the Northern Force play Avondale before the team run out to Eye of the Tiger – “Owie’s favourite song”, president Kym McIntosh told the NewsMail.
“It’s rocked two clubs, rocked two communities. “It’s just so sad.”
“In addition to Australia Police Medal and National Medal, Sergeant Owen Harms received a Certificate of Merit from The Royal Humane Society of Australasia. Described as a true blue Aussie with a heart of gold, ‘Owey’ was also presented with an award and recognition for his diligence, ethical conduct and commitment to his community,” the True Blue post said.
“His passing is a devastating loss to his family, friends, the community and country he proudly served. We all feel intensely desolated by the sting of this bitter grief.:” Others joined the tributes. “You were there for every one of us … your door was always open for us to pop in and have a cuppa and chat … you never said a bad word about anyone! You knew how to make us laugh… you always gave a hug just when it was needed … you were so dearly loved by your beautiful family and the community in which you so proudly served!” one wrote.
The Miriam Vale Rodeo Association and the Magpies Rugby League Club paid tribute to “a true hero”, while Gladstone Mayor Matt Burnett took to Facebook to post his own tribute.
“Terrible sad day for the Gladstone region as we mourn the loss of Sergeant Owen Timothy Harms.
“No words can describe how great a man he was and how devastating this news is. Rest in peace my friend.” ■ If you or someone you know needs help, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14.
https://www.pressreader.com/australia/newsmail/20170803/281749859436781
Robert Jeffrey Joseph CROXFORD
Robert Jeffrey Joseph CROXFORD
aka Bob
Late of Sunbury
1/ Commonwealth Police
2/ Victoria Police Force Academy Squad 1/74
Regd. # 18267 ( VicPol )
Rank: 1/ Constable 21 August 1972 to 28 January 1974 ( ComPol )
2/ Probationary Constable – appointed 29 January 1974 ( VicPol )
Senior Constable – appointed 14 June 1979
Sergeant – appointed 30 December 1982
Senior Sergeant – appointed 26 March 1989
Stations: Russell St ( 17 June 1974 ), Fitzroy ( 14 May 1975 ), Detective at Russell St, then City West and then Homicide Squad. CIB ( 14 March 1979 ), Broadmeadow, Avondale Hts ( 30 November 1983 ), City West ( 22 April 1987 – 1989 ), Altona North, Crime Courses Unit ( Detective Training School ) 20 February 1995 – Retirement
Service 1: ( ComPol ) From ? ? 1972 to 28 January 1974 = 1 year 161 days years Service with ComPol
Service 2: ( VicPol ) From 29 January 1974 to 23 September 2000 = 26+ years Service
Total Policing Service: 28+ years Service
Awards: Nation Medal – granted 7 September 1990
Service Medal – 2nd Clasp – granted 1 September 1997
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 31 July 1999
Service Medal – 3rd Clasp – granted 1 September 1999
Victoria Police Star – granted 2006
- 1.75 shot whilst on night shift. 2.20am when with Det S/C Kim West – laneway at rear of Cremorne St IRM – 3 shots fired at chest/head height. (Awarded the Victoria Police Star in 2006) . Sick leave 24.1.75 to 11.3.75. Clerical duties in Property Office from 12.3.75 to Retention on 1.4.75.
Born: 3 July 1950 at Euroa Bush Nursing hospital
Died on: 11 September 2010
Age: 60
Cause: Suicide –
Event location: Home
Event date: 11 September 2010
Funeral date: 18 September 2010
Funeral location: Victoria Police Academy Chapel
Buried at: Sunbury Lawn Cemetery, 80A Shields St, Sunbury, Victoria
Memorial:
Grave location:
[codepeople-post-map]
-37.58941978049802 144.73147629682012
Memorial located at: ?
[alert_yellow]BOB is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal
May they forever Rest In Peace
Anthony Joseph SECCULL
Anthony Joseph SECCULL
aka Tony
late of Burrumbuttock, NSW
brother to former member Det. Pat Seccull 18112
New South Wales Police Force
Academy Class 260
Regd. # 29948
Rank: Sergeant – Retired
Stations: Waverley, Maroubra, Nyngan ( early 2000 ), Wagga Wagga ( returned to Uniform to Prosecutors upon his own request ), Albury as a Prosecutor – Retirement
possibly worked as a Prosecutor with DPP after retirement from NSWPF
Service: From ? ? 1994 to 2 February 2012 ( Medical Discharge ) = 19 year Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: 8 August 1975
Died on: Wednesday 1 February 2017
Age: 41
Cause: Suicide – firearm ( not a Police firearm )
Event date: Wednesday 1 February 2017
Funeral location: Burrumbuttock
Funeral date: Wednesday 15 February 2017 @ 11am
Funeral location: St Patricks Catholic Church, 515 Smollett St, Albury
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial at: Tony Seccull Award. Internal Award for Police Prosecutors – commenced in 2017
TONY is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal
May they forever Rest In Peace
It is believed that Tony, by all accounts a really great bloke and colleague to many Police, took his own life by firearm at his property at Burrumbuttock, NSW ( between Henty & Corowa ).
Tony was the youngest of 8 ( 7 boys and 1 girl ) and dearly loved by his family.
He was in Nyngan, GD’s early 2000’s, when he was called to a domestic dispute on a remote rural property. As he and his partner drove up the driveway, with the western sun behind them, the elderly farmer fired shots at the police vehicle with a high calibre rifle. They were pinned down for a time. When back up arrived, and the offender absconded, Tony was put on a road block, late in the night on his own! He told me that that situation ( he would have been in a serious state of shock ), had a very negative impact on him mentally…. he didn’t know where the shooter was!! When the offender was eventually arrested and interviewed – he made admissions to trying to shoot Tony – stating (I am told)…if the sun wasn’t in my eyes I would have got him. Tony saw the transcript. Attempted murder etc charges were not pursued (DPP decision) – discharge firearm recklessly type charges only. That really upset Tony, long term.
With great support from Lola Scott (unbelievable support), we were able to see Tony moved into Prosecuting. All went well for nearly 15years…. until one day at pistol re-accreditation in Albury, (I am told), he became upset and the demons surfaced. He was admitted into hospital – 8 weeks. Reluctantly, he lodged a HOD claim. He nominated me as his proxy/negotiator with NSW Police. That process was very challenging…for all involved. Thanks to great support from Frank Reitano, we were able to negotiate settlement. However, the impact of that battle with the insurance company – ongoing after his discharge (2/2/2012), was debilitating. I watched him struggle over the past 5 years. He told me towards the end, that he ‘just wished he could have been able to retire’. He was tired and exhausted. He now rests in peace.
18 years in the job – the job caused his seriously depressed state of health.
[blockquote]
I do not know this man, but make the following comment:
This is just a small insight into some of the events that Police generally have to deal with and very little thought is given to their overall health or state of mind, during or after such events.
People react differently to the same event. This, from my own experience, stems from their own personal upbringing, other life events, their own mental or coping capabilities, and how much mental effort they put into “the job”. Some see it as just a job, most see it as a career but most, if not all, put their heart and sole into “the job”. What effects one person does not necessarily affect another.
The fear of Police being “victimised” if they speak up about their lack of coping with a situation weights extremely heavy upon the shoulders of those police, for they love “the job” they are doing and don’t want to be removed from that job but hope they can push through their current situation and it will eventually “go away” with no-one noticing any difference in the person. Sometimes it does “go away” but most times, such as in Tony’s situation, it came back many years later at a re-accreditation pistol shoot, which, for this man, was the “trigger” that pushed him over the edge of his personal coping mechanism.
How many Police are still on the front line unaware that an unforeseen “trigger” is about to impact their life, their mental wellbeing?
How many former Police are unaware that an unforeseen “trigger” is about to impact their life, their mental wellbeing and how long is too long for this “trigger” to happen to someone? 5, 10, 20, 30 years after ” the job “? Has your “trigger” already happened?
There needs to be better support for Serving and Former Police ( not forgetting all the other Emergency Services too ).
Those suffering don’t need to feel the “carpet pulled from under them” = disappointment. They need to be understood, positively reassured and the process explained to them in terms they can understand, at that time, because no matter how strong you are ( mentally ), if you have the “carpet pulled from under” you and you can’t understand why, then you ARE going to fall because of your lack of understanding or seeing a positive outcome.
Those suffering from Depression / PTSD need to know that they are still “worthy” for here was a man, on the “front line” doing “the job” he loved who attended an event ( may very well have been more than just this event ) during his “career” only to be left to his own coping devices which were not enough for this man at that time.
Eventually, with the support of his Commander – Lola Scott, he found another niche’ within “the job” he loved or that suited him = and feeling “worthy” of ( prosecuting ); but even though this man was no longer on the “front line”, the demons of the 2002 event resurfaced years later – leaving the man depressed and being forced into a Medical Discharge instead of serving out his “career” and “retiring” at a mandatory age.
The man was 41 years old. He still had another 15 – 20 years of his “career” to look forward to. This was cut short due to one of the many events that Police attend and just to add insult to injury, for a man who dedicated himself to a job where you gather “facts”, present them, they are processed, dealt with and then finally an outcome – this man, like hundreds of other Police – was victimised and belittled by an insurance company trying to save money instead of looking after the man in a timely manner.
Instead of the insurance company following through and supporting those that they insure, they purposely delay the process to the extent that even career criminals don’t have to suffer through the Courts.
The insurance company harasses, intimidate and purposely delay their obligation to the victim.
They do this by surveillance, constantly sending the victim to various doctors ( doctor shopping ) hoping that one doctor will contradict another, asking for various reports ( that have already been done and submitted ) and various other ploys over years in the hope that the victim will finally decide that the process far outweighs the benefit and that the victim will withdraw their claim.
ALL of this has a detrimental effect upon the victim who already feels “worthless”.
Insurance companies and the Police Force ( as an organisation ) need to “lift their game” and ensure that these men and women are treated with the Commitment, Value and Loyalty that they, as Police, gave to our country over so many years.
This man, Tony SECCULL, like so many before him and ( no doubt at this time ) so many after him, should have lived a long, happy life in their community, with their family and friends. He should have died with distinction, of old age, not from fear or persecution leading to depression.
This man deserves his name to be etched in the NSW Police Wall of Remembrance – for he didn’t die instantly at the hand of a criminal but died over many years from two institutions that didn’t look after the man.
He should have been resting in life but May he now and Forever – Rest In Peace.
Cal
[blockquote]
The next award has been recently instituted by the Seccull family in loving memory of former police prosecutor Tony Seccull, who after an 19 year career, tragically took his own life on the 1st February 2017.
Tony was a proud, diligent and committed police officer who joined in 1994. The last 12 years of his career he battled daily with unresolved stress and horrors which had accumulated from a number of traumatic incidents he attended. However, despite this, he went on to become a highly regarded senior prosecutor with 12 years experience, who gained promotion to the rank of Sergeant.
The Seccull family are committed to ensure that positive initiatives arise from his tragic and devastating loss. In Tony’s memory, the family wishes to raise and maintain awareness of the need for each one of us, to be vigilant and be prepared to take steps when a fellow worker appears to be in need of help or support to deal with the challenges of life
Late policeman’s brother vows to help those struggling
THE BROTHER of an Albury policeman who took his own life after a battle with post traumatic stress disorder is helping others in the force who are struggling.
Tony Seccull, 41, followed in the footsteps of his older brother Patrick ( # 18112 ) when he joined NSW Police as a young man.
The father of one lost his battle at his Burrumbuttock property on February 1, leaving a gap in his large family that will always be there.
Patrick, who has also worked as an Albury policeman and has had his own fight with the disorder, said his brother died about five years to the day after his discharge from the force.
By the end of his service, Tony was worn out and just wanted to retire without the grinding stress caused by the police insurance company.
The actions of the police insurer when Tony filed a hurt on duty claim and decided to leave the force were “pretty terrible”, according to his brother.
“He struggled with the pressures, particularly those imposed on him by the police insurance company,” he said.
“The insurance company kept pushing.
“That’s a common theme.”
Despite trying to help, Patrick feels somewhat responsible at the fact the 41-year-old followed his career path.
Tony was one of eight children and grew up in a hard-working family in Mulwala.
“He was 17 years younger than me … he was three years old when I joined the police,” he said
“As a result, all he ever wanted to do was be a police officer.
“He was such a caring, passionate and loving person.
“I think he probably internalised a lot of his work.
“The emergency services are a very, very tough gig and the people who are sensitive, and internalise, are often the ones who can fall foul of this disease.”
Mr Seccull links his brother’s PTSD to an incident early in his career, the full impact of which didn’t surface until a firearms training course on the Border sometime around 2010.
Tony had been stationed at Nyngan in central NSW in the early 2000s and like many times before, he was called to a domestic dispute.
But it was no ordinary call out, with a farmer firing shots from a high-powered rifle at Tony and his partner, leaving them pinned down.
The memory of the incident – coupled with other dangerous and horrific experiences – resurfaced at the shooting range all those years later and resulted in flashbacks, a mental breakdown and eight weeks of intensive therapy in hospital.
Patrick said the police force has some made positive steps towards helping officers suffering as a result of their work.
When he was an officer from the 1970s to 1990s, the advice was usually for members to have a drink and “harden up”, which was changing.
Patrick said often the first sign of trouble was when someone suffering isolated themselves from loved ones.
He noticed that in his brother.
When he died, Patrick vowed to help others.
There are no concrete statistics on the number of Border emergency service personnel who have taken their own lives, but The Border Mail is aware of three current or former Albury police members dying by suicide since late-2012.
While police feature prominently in suicide statistics, paramedics and firefighters, particularly men aged 30 to 49, also die in high numbers.
A National Coronial Information System report found 110 emergency workers took their own lives from July 2000 to the end of 2012.
An Albury officer who was recently medically discharged from the force after about 15 years of service said his life had fallen apart after a fatal incident.
The officer – who knew Mr Seccull and said he was a “top bloke” – said it was important to raise awareness of PTSD and its impact.
He has battled to rebuild his life and said there had been no support from NSW Police.
“Ultimately I lost my family life, health, friends, house and career due to PTSD resulting from this incident,” he said.
“I’ve paid an enormous price for just doing my job.
“Now in the wash up I don’t even have the job anymore.
“The thing is when you are in the grips of PTSD you don’t care about the risks or consequences of your behaviour, so things fall apart very quickly and because people don’t understand why you’re acting the way you are, you lose important relationships and support.”
Patrick stressed the importance of officers seeking help.
While the Reconnect program can help serving officers, groups like Backup for Life and beyondblue can assist those out of the force.
Albury Superintendent Evan Quarmby said support for officers was improving.
“There are lots of options open to police to get help for themselves and for the NSW police force to provide support,” he said.
“I think there’s certainly been an improvement in the way we identify and acknowledge these traumatic events.
“We take the welfare and the support of serving police very seriously.
“We are constantly looking for ways to help them with the difficult things that they’re exposed to and have to see in the course of their duties.”
Patrick joined Reconnect immediately after Tony died in a bid to make a positive out of the tragedy.
“The message is don’t suffer in silence,” he said.
“You’ve got support around you.
“Don’t isolate – that’s the biggest indicator for the family, when someone starts to isolate.
“I saw Tony isolate more and more.”
He believes his brother, who was married and had a young daughter who were supportive of him, mistakenly believed his actions would stop the “burden” he was placing on those around him.
“That perception was so wrong,” Patrick said.
“We, as a family, would like to make people who suffer this condition very aware that you’re not a burden to your family.”
The former Albury prosecutor is missed by many.
A perpetual award in the prosecutions division will carry his name.
“Part of me has gone,” Patrick said.
“He was my little brother, my littlest brother and we were very close.
“We were very, very close and I feel in some ways responsible, because he looked up to me and followed me into an occupation.
“I’ve got to live with that for the rest of my life.”
Despite his own struggles, Patrick can still see the positives.
“I want to make it very clear that life can be good, and life is good if we get the right support, no matter how bad the illness is” he said.
Those seeking help or information can contact Lifeline on 131 114.
http://www.bordermail.com.au/story/4763878/late-policemans-brother-vows-to-help-those-struggling/
Hi Cal.
Never knew his GD rank, only knew him for about 10 years as a prosecutor for the DPP.
We became family friends, shared home time & visits, dinners, drinks, the usual.
Saw him weekly when we operated the Cowra Crest Motel in Cowra NSW during the period 2000 – 1010, when he was a part of the judiciary court circuit servicing that area, and they all stayed with us.
So we were his hosts regularly and a friendship grew.
Tony has been very well and accurately described by others.
To us he was dedicated to his job and his family, taking full responsibility for both.
He was very professional and respected in all areas of social and work life.
Tony was a humble and talented man, hard working, diligent, caring and easy to like and respect.
While a Prosecutor, he requested and returned to GD in uniform in Wagga Wagga for a period in an effort to heal himself.
Unfortunately, he suffered severely with his breakdown, which was medically well documented and beyond doubt, but despite that he was then slowly crucified by the Police Service’s insurance system, which seemed to be designed to weed out malingerers while showing a total disregard for causing subsequent damage to the wellbeing of the genuinely sick or wounded, double victim.
Being the responsible person he was, that he suicided is testament to the damage and injury he suffered, and the inherent dangers of depression.
Long suffering casualties like Tony are no less deserving of the full support and respect of the Police Service as extended to those shot on the job.
Sincerely
Tony Neale
Tony & Lynn Neale
Best Western Ambassador Motor Inn & Apartments,
313 Edward St,
Wagga Wagga. 2650
Phone: (02) 6925 7722
Anthony (Tony) Seccull
(8 Aug 1975 – 1 Feb 2017)
‘Tony’
Dearly loved husband of Shantel. Loved Dad of Ella. Cherished son of Pat and Alicia.
Treasured brother of Patrick, Ann, David, Graham, Bernard (Dec), Philip and Paul.
Loved son in law of Rex and Alma
Forever In Our Hearts
Funeral Prayers for the late Anthony ‘Tony’ Seccull will be offered at St Patricks Catholic Church, 515 Smollett Street, Albury at 11am on Wednesday, February 15, 2017.
Thereafter a private cremation.
wrote
Words cannot express to Shantel, Ella and family the heartfelt pain you must be going through over the loss of Tony. He was such an unassuming, intelligent and humorous gentleman…a guy who both my husband and I enjoyed working with in the NSW Police Force.
Tony often spoke proudly of his beautiful Ella at work and she was certainly his life.
Know Ella, your Daddy now watches over you as your special Angel, as I know he wouldn’t have it any other way…
our hearts go out to you Shantel, Ella and family…
please know Tony’s friends are here for you and we are also feeling his loss greatly…
Lorrae, Paul and Nylah Kovacs
Dearly loved husband of Shantel.
Loved Dad of Ella.
Cherished son of Pat and Alicia.
Treasured brother of Patrick, Ann, David, Graham, Bernard (Dec), Philip and Paul.
Loved son-in-law of Rex and Alma.
‘Forever In Our Heart’
Kate and Paul Stares.
Horse horror: Girl’s pet dies after attack
A GIRL’S pet horse has died after a horrific attack near Lake Hume.
Wodonga Police are hunting for those who fatally maimed Raghtoo, a recent present for 10-year-old Ella Seccull.
The girl’s father, retired Albury police officer Tony Seccull, said it was the worst thing he had seen done to an animal in 17 years of policing.
He offered a $2000 reward for information that leads to fruitful evidence in the case.
Police released this footage of Raghtoo.
Man is charged, appears in court
NORTH Albury man Adam Gilbert Jolly was arrested by police in an early morning raid at his residence yesterday and subsequently charged with four offences relating to a girl’s alleged abduction at Wagga.
The six-year-old girl was allegedly abducted about 11.30am on February 14 and there have been extensive investigations by police since.
Strike Force Shell, comprising police from Wagga and the state’s Sex Crimes Squad, has been involved in the ongoing investigation which culminated in Jolly’s arrest soon after 8am yesterday.
Jolly, 28, appeared in Albury Local Court yesterday afternoon on charges of sexual intercourse with a child under 10 in circumstances of aggravation, assault with intent to have sexual intercourse in circumstances of aggravation, kidnapping and inflicting actual bodily harm and aggravated indecent assault. He was also charged with possessing a prohibited weapon of handcuffs which were found at his home.
Duty solicitor Chris Halburd said there was no application for bail and he sought an adjournment of the charges to Wagga Local Court next Monday.
No facts relating to the accusations against Jolly were tendered in court and his parents sat in the back of the court. Three Corrective Services officers were present in court for Jolly’s short appearance and he was remanded in custody by magistrate Gordon Lerve.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Tony Seccull sought a suppression order for the protection of the alleged victim. But Mr Lerve said legislation prevents the identification of sex assault victims. Mr Lerve asked whether Jolly sought an order to be held in protection, but Mr Halburd said he had no instructions regarding that. “I assume the authorities will take the appropriate action,” Mr Halburd said.
The girl was playing in her front yard when she was allegedly abducted on February 14. A man tucked her under his arm before bundling her into the back seat of a utility. Almost two hours later the girl was returned after the attacker dumped her in a nearby street.
Police initially identified a white Toyota Hilux utility as possibly being used in the abduction and the following weekend put a similar vehicle on display at the Wagga Marketplace in the hope of getting leads.
Police said they were led to Jolly after discovering a white Holden Colorado, a vehicle similar to the description of the car used in the abduction. It will be alleged the man lived in Wren Street, Mount Austin, at the time of the alleged attack.– The Border Mail
http://www.dailyadvertiser.com.au/story/736126/man-is-charged-appears-in-court/
Man pleads guilty to library flash
A MAN who exposed his penis to a young woman in the Albury library last year faces sentence next week after pleading guilty to a charge of committing an indecent act.
Police prosecutor Sgt Tony Seccull said the offence by Vagg was at the high end of the scale.
Sgt Seccull said people should be able to go about their business in public without being subjected to such behaviour.
Vagg, 45, of Albury, pleaded not guilty to charges of committing an act of indecency and wilful and obscene exposure on October 19 last year.
When police spoke to him about the incident, Vagg admitted being at the library, but said: “I had a hernia protruding out. It comes up and I was just trying to push it down”.
Mr Hiatt yesterday heard evidence from police and the statements of three other witnesses were tendered before the victim gave evidence.
The victim, who turned 18 last year, attended the library about 11.30am on October 19 and sat at a table.
Vagg sat close to her and she moved a little, saying: “He was a bit close. I thought I might be in the way”.
He started reading a paper, began mumbling something and turned towards the woman.
The victim said she could see the top of his penis and he had both hands around it.
She said she “freaked out” and turned away after seeing him exposed for three or four seconds.
She grabbed her phone and walked quickly to the librarian’s desk and advised what had happened.
Vagg stood up and walked quickly out of the library, but police later obtained closed circuit footage from staff.
Solicitor Terrence O’Riain sought an adjournment to discuss the case with Vagg after the victim gave evidence.
Mr O’Riain a short time later advised that Vagg would plead guilty to committing an act of indecency.
Mr Hiatt said an options pre-sentence report considering community service and periodic detention would be
sought and sentencing was adjourned until next Tuesday.
Police threatened after chase
Martin Errol Price, 38, was refused bail at Albury Court yesterday after his arrest at Centro Lavington ended a dramatic chase — on foot and behind the wheel — in the crowded shopping precinct and on nearby residential streets.
The officers signalled for Price to pull over, but he accelerated away from them on Resolution Street and a pursuit ensued.
Price reached speeds of 90kmh in a 50kmh zone on Union Road, before police called off the pursuit when he ran a red light at the intersection of Urana and Sanders roads.
Soon after, another officer saw Price driving down Griffith Road, where he collided with another car, the court was told.
Police claim Price continued driving after the crash, which forced the Mitsubishi’s bonnet up, into the Centro Lavington car park.
On the upper level, Price grabbed a black backpack and ran from his car into the shopping centre, where he was chased by police.
An officer yelled for Price to stop when he was near Big W.
The court was told Price turned around and said, “Don’t come near me or I’ll stab you”.
He kept running and was arrested outside the centre.
A police search found he was carrying a Leatherman containing a knife.
A search of the car found a receipt for the vehicle for $400, which Price had paid in Canberra in June.
The number plates had allegedly been reported stolen by an ACT man in the same month.
Defence solicitor Andrea MacDonald said her client had moved to Albury six weeks ago to be closer to his daughter in Wagga.
Ms MacDonald said he had been undergoing counselling for drug and alcohol problems and had recently found work.
Police prosecutor Sgt Tony Seccull opposed bail, saying Price had a lengthy criminal record and was likely to be jailed if convicted of the fresh charges, which include assault police without actual bodily harm, custody of a knife in a public place, negligent driving, not giving particulars to other driver or police, displaying unauthorised number plates, using an uninsured and unregistered motor vehicle, unlicensed driving, driving in a dangerous manner, and dealing with the suspected proceeds of crime.
Price was refused bail and remanded in custody to appear before a magistrate today.
Darren James STEEL
Darren James STEEL
aka Steely
New South Wales Police Force
Academy Class 208
[alert_yellow]Regd. # 21874[/alert_yellow]
Rank: Academy – Training commenced 7 January 1985
Probationary Constable – appointed 22 March 1985
Constable – appointed 22 March 1986
Detective Sergeant
Detective Chief Inspector – Death
Stations: ?, 9 Division, Moree ( Plain Clothes 1988 ), Tamworth, Bingara, SPSU, Duty Officer at Oxley LAC, Duty Officer / Crime Manager at Tweed / Bryon Local Area Command – Death
Service: From 7 January 1985 to 22 March 2017 = 32+ years Service
Awards: National Medal – granted 6 April 2001
Born: 10 October 1963
Died on: Wednesday 22 March 2017 – 32nd Anniversary of being ‘Sworn’ as a Pro Cst
Age: 53
Cause: possible pancreas infection?
Funeral date: Tuesday 28 March 2017 @ 9.30am
Funeral location: Melaleuca Station Crematorium, 9394 Tweed Valley Way, Chinderah, NSW
Buried at: ?
Memorial at: ?
April 2012
[alert_yellow]DARREN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO
Funeral location: [codepeople-post-map]
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal
May they forever Rest In Peace
VALE`
DARREN STEEL
10/10/63 – 22/3/2017
I have the unenviable task of letting you all know of the passing of Darren Steel Blue Liner No: 8 currently not active with the club. However it is of some note that Darren was a founding member of Blue Liners Australia, being present at the initial meeting at North Region with then Commissioner Tony Lauer, A/C Clive McLachlan, C.I. Middleton and past and famous president Ray “Robbo” Robinson.
It is from these humble beginnings that the Blue Liners Tamworth Ride was commenced and we celebrate the 25 Anniversary of that great event this year.
For those that don’t know of Darren Steel he is a a Duty Officer at the Tweed/Byron LAC. I have had the pleasure of knowing Darren since 1988 when he was an aspiring Plain Clothes Constable at Moree and was the sole Plain Clothes Investigator in the office for sometime an immense responsibility for a young police officer. He was designated as a Detective and moved through the ranks to Detective Sergeant and then to the rank of Inspector, Duty Officer at Oxley LAC and later transferred to Tweed/Byron LAC where he is currently stationed.
Darren was a fine and outstanding Policemen, Friend and Blue Liner ,
Darren will be sadly missed but never forgotten.
R.I.P. Brother, Til Valhalla
Harley Willox
President BLA
Founding Member # 8 of the Blue Liners TMCC.
March 28, 2017 | by Darren Coyne
Funeral today for former Tweed/Byron crime manager
A NSW police funeral with full honours will take place today for Detective Chief Inspector Darren Steel, who passed away last Wednesday.
The service is being held at the Melaleuca Station Memorial Gardens at Chinderah this morning.
Insp Steel joined the police academy in 1985 and served as a police officer in Moree, Tamworth and the Tweed/Byron Local Area Command, rising through the ranks to become crime manager.
Superintendent Wayne Starling, Tweed/Byron’s local area commander, said Insp Steel would be sadly missed by all.
‘I think we are all better people for having Detective Chief Inspector Steel in our lives,’ he said.
Insp Steel passed away last Wednesday with his wife and two children present.
Tweed MP Geoff Provest said he was saddened by the event but praised the efforts of an officer who dedicated 33 years of his life to his duties and never once took a sick day.
‘I worked with him for many years and always found him a fine, upstanding officer, deeply committed and dedicated to the wider Tweed community,” MrProvest said.
‘I was very shocked and saddened by what happened and my thoughts and my sympathies go out to his family and friends.’
http://www.echo.net.au/2017/03/funeral-today-former-tweedbyron-crime-manager/
Shock after police officer’s sudden death
THE Tweed has lost one of its heroes and a young family must now continue without a father and husband after police confirmed the sudden death this week of Detective Chief Inspector Darren Steel.
The 53-year-old officer’s death, although not suspicious, was unexpected and has left a community grieving.
Tweed Byron LAC Superintendent Wayne Starling paid tribute to his colleague and friend and said the event had left the command in shock.
“His fellow police will greatly miss Darren,” Supt Starling said.
“He was an outstanding police officer who cared for the welfare of the community he served.”
A NSW police funeral with full honours is planned for next Tuesday at Melaleuca Station Memorial Gardens at Chinderah.
Tweed MP Geoff Provest said he was saddened by the event but praised the efforts of an officer who dedicated 33 years of his life to his duties and never once took a sick day.
“I worked with him for many years and always found him a fine, upstanding officer, deeply committed and dedicated to the wider Tweed community,” Mr Provest said.
“I was very shocked and saddened by what happened and my thoughts and my sympathies go out to his family and friends.”
Det Ch Insp Steel will be remembered and celebrated by his wife and two children.
He served New South Wales Police in regions that include Moree, Tamworth and the Tweed Byron Local Area Command.
Gold Coast R.P.A.
Dear Members,
I am aware that our Secretary has advised you of the pending funeral of Inspector Darren James STEEL of Tweed Heads Police Command – who was merely 53 years of age.
As Secretary KING has indicated Darren, was a man who not only overtly supported retired police, but one who went out of his way, to ensure serving police appreciated that
those who preceded them in the Police Force, were men & women of honour, deserving of the utmost respect, from all serving members.
Darren was a quite outstanding young man who never failed in his support for us ‘older folk’ – he was always there for US …. can we not repay in kind?
Please do make an earnest endeavour to see your way clear, to join with me and other members of your Executive Board, to honour Darren for his sincere advocacy on behalf of all retired NSW Police Officers.
He was never reticent in singing the praise of us ‘older folk’ – can we not now herald, our true appreciation, of this outstanding young man.
Rest in Peace Darren James Steel.
Malcolm Cox
Chairman
Gold Coast RPA Members – Darren was well known to our Branch members. Whilst he was still in the job, he was the one who looked after us on Retired Police Day, cooked the BBQ etc. When I told him that Bryan Kelaher would like one of the badges but couldn’t make it to the Retired Day, Darren went out of his way to personally deliver a badge to him at his home. That was the sort of bloke he was. Leaves a wife and 2 young sons. Very sad – JK
Lisa Ann CANNON
Lisa Ann CANNON
late of Butler, W.A.
Western Australia Police Force
Regd. # 13557
Rank: Senior Constable
Stations: ?
Service: From ? ? 2008? to 27 February 2017 = 9? years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: 20 January 1978 in Scotland
Died on: Monday 27 February 2017
Age: 39
Cause: Depression – Suicide
Funeral date: Friday 10 March 2017 @ 9am
Funeral location: Western Australia Police Academy, 81 Lakeside Dr, Joondalup, W.A.
Buried at: Private Family Cremation will be held at the PINNAROO West Chapel, Whitfords Ave, Padbury at 12 noon
Memorial at: ?
LISA is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * BUT SHOULD BE.
LISA is NOT mentioned on the National Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO ( Still doesn’t appear on the National Police Wall of Remembrance as of 25 August 2022 )
Funeral location: [codepeople-post-map]
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal
May they forever Rest In Peace
The Commissioner of Police and all members of the Western Australia Police regret the passing of our colleague, Lisa Cannon Registered Number 13557. Deepest sympathy to all her loved ones.
– See more at: http://www.westannouncements.com.au/obituaries/thewest-au/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=184391916#sthash.5kJZS2XC.dpuf
Corner Buckingham Drv & Wanneroo Road, Wangara, WA, 6065
Tel: (08) 9409 9119
WA POLICE UNION Members are invited to attend the Funeral Service for our late serving member Lisa Ann CANNON 13557 at the WA Police Academy Chapel on FRIDAY (10.03.2017) at 9.00am.
– See more at: http://www.westannouncements.com.au/obituaries/thewest-au/obituary.aspx?n=lisa-cannon&pid=184404770&fhid=14419&eid=sp_ommatch&eid=sp_ommatch#sthash.NnbTpEbE.dpuf
The Funeral Service to Celebrate the Life of Lisa Ann Cannon of Butler will be held at the Western Australian Police Academy Chapel, Lakeside Dr Joondalup on FRIDAY (10.03.2017) commencing at 9am.A Private Family Cremation will be held at the PINNAROO West Chapel, Whitfords Ave, Padbury at 12 noon.
WANGARA 9409 9119
– See more at: http://www.westannouncements.com.au/obituaries/thewest-au/obituary.aspx?n=lisa-cannon&pid=184391902&fhid=14419&eid=sp_ommatch&eid=sp_ommatch#sthash.BFxt03wR.dpuf
We recently lost a friend and colleague to suicide because of PTSD. She left her son and partner behind because she did not get the help she required. We owe it to her 11 year old son and for all the other partners, children and family members left behind by the officers who can see no Light at the end of the tunnel except by ending their lives. It has to STOP.
For too long, management of Australian Police Forces have silently accepted horrifically high suicide rates amongst our troops – Disproportionately higher than the Australian population.
We demand a national Coronial enquiry, seeking answers in a State by State basis. We want to learn what are the primary stressors amongst our Police, what is/can be done to minimise this, and greater support services for our Police.
“F*** You SA Police” – this was the last social media post of a SA cop who tragically took his own life just days ago.
“Suicide and bullying are rife within the police force. I’ve served as a cop in SA for 11 years now – I’ve battled first hand the toxic “suck it up princess” internal culture. It’s destroying, and costing lives.”
“I’m proud of my job, for keeping our communities safe from crime. We lock up murderers, protect domestic violence victims, and remove kids from horrific abuse. But what I’m sick of is the bureaucratic crap, intimidation and abuse of power that goes on internally.”
“Stop sweeping the fact police are killing themselves under the carpet. This is too important. My colleagues are dying around me. For too long now, management of Australian Police Forces have silently, knowingly, accepted horrifically high suicide rates amongst our troops – disproportionately higher than the Aussie population.”
I am starting this petition on behalf of myself and colleagues who are seeking an enquiry into the cause of suicides by Police in each Australian State.
We need to learn what the primary stressors are among our Police to then decide how to minimise more tragic deaths from happening.
The ‘Thin Blue Line’ is getting thinner – Please help protect those who protect our community by signing and sharing our petition.
This petition will be delivered to:
- Australian State Coroners
- Federal Minister for Justice
Michael Keenan MP - SA Minister for Police
Peter Malinauskas MLP
- Qld Minister for Police
Mark Ryan MP - NSW Minister for Police
Troy Grant MP - Vic Minister for Police
Lisa Neville MP - ACT Minister for Police
Mick Gentleman MLA - Tas Minister for Police
Rene Hidding MP - NT Minister for Police
Michael Gunner MLA - Minister for Police; Road Safety; Training and Workforce Development; Women’s Interests
Hon. Liza Harvey MLA
The Adam Cannon Benefit Fund
Police Officers everywhere, both past and present, are inevitably bound by a common bond. This linkage, this manacle or shackle… this incredibly wonderful thing that ties us all together, is forged in both adversity and success. It manifests itself in both tragedy and triumph, in sadness and elation.
At the commencement of every shift, our goal is to ultimately make it home at the end of the day. To collectively ensure that our colleagues do the same. In achieving this, we go a long way towards providing the comfort and protection that communities around the world so desperately need.
Since the dawn of time, Police Officers everywhere have rested soundly in the knowledge that should some tragedy befall them, their loved ones will forever be looked after. That the bond with their colleagues, forged with blood, sweat and no shortage of tears will in part be passed onto those left behind.
And so it is in this case.
On 27 February 2017, Senior Constable Lisa Cannon of the Western Australian Police sadly left this world, leaving behind a son, Adam.
We are certain that Adam has been surrounded by love… that he is in no doubt that his mother loved him with her entire heart.
As he grows into a man though, it is vitally important that he is made aware of just how highly his mother was regarded on both sides of the world. As Adam’s Police family, our small part in this is to pass on this legacy.
Please assist us in our endeavours to raise as much money as we can for Adam if only to reinforce to him during this journey that he is not alone in his grief, that Lisa’s extended blue family walks beside him every step of the way.
Ashley MEEK
Ashley MEEK
Unknown South Australian Policeman – Suicide
South Australia Police Force
Regd. # 73719
Rank: Brevet Sergeant
Stations: ?, Lock, Cowell – death
Service: From ? ? ? to 5 March 2017 = ? years Service
Awards: ?
Born: ?
Died on: Sunday 5 March 2017 about 9.45pm at Cowell Hospital, S.A.
Age: ?
Cause: Illness – Depression – Suicide
Funeral date: Wednesday 15 March 2017 @ 10am
Funeral location: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 388 Montague Road Para Vista S.A.
Buried at: Kibby Gardens, Enfield Memorial Park, Browning Street Clearview
Memorial at: ?
ASH is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * BUT SHOULD BE
ASH is NOT mentioned on the National Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO ( checked on 25 August 2022 )
Funeral location: [codepeople-post-map]
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal
May they forever Rest In Peace
The funeral for Brevet Sergeant Ashley Meek, South Australia Police will be held at 10.00am on Wednesday 15 March 2017 at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 388 Montague Road Para Vista S.A. and then at Kibby Gardens, Enfield Memorial Park, Browning Street Clearview for a committal service.
Ashley was a decorated veteran, serving proudly with the Royal Australian Army in both East Timor and Iraq, as well as faithfully serving the people of South Australia.
Despite the incredible outpouring of grief following Ashley’s death, what is abundantly clear is that Ashley was dearly loved by all his family and friends. Described as a champion bloke, we intend remembering Ashley the way that he lived, as a true hero.
Rest easy blue brother… your work here is done.
Like This Page · · Edited ·
This is Ashley Meek. Late last night in rural Australia Ashley took his own life. He was the 6th recorded veteran of the last wars on foreign soil to have taken their own life in 2017. Last year 75 Australian veterans took their own lives.
For the last five years, ever since I was taken under the wing of the Australian Defence Force and toured through the war in Afghanistan I have heard one veteran after another, from every tier of Defence, from every part of Australia tell me how difficult receiving help is for them. It is not new news that The Department of Veteran’s Affairs or DVA is a cumbersome and hopelessly ineffective bureaucracy. Young men and women who had served many tours of Afghanistan quietly called them the DVE to me, or Department of Veteran’s Enemies.
For too many years the DVA only counted suicides amongst enrolled Defence Force members as suicides associated with service. The young man I met who was homeless in Sydney last year after serving 5 tours of Afghanistan would not have been counted because he had been discharged in 2012 with PTSD. If Defence had discharged you for psychological illness and you suicided, then your death was not associated officially with your deployment. It was cruel, misleading and wrong.
Now the DVA is pushing for veterans to be administered as welfare recipients under the community services portfolio. I was sitting at my computer last night trying to get my head around what the changes would mean for some of my young friends who suffer from PTSD after their service in Afghanistan. At the same time I was pondering the Legislative Amendment before Parliament Ashley Meek took his own life. DVA is closing the services that they have offered veterans ever since the Vietnam War. Veterans’ Access Network (VAN) offices around Australia have been steadily closing down. Instead of those services veterans will have no option but Centrelink.
Next time a Prime Minister commits tens of thousands of young Australians to war on the other side of the planet I hope that that same Prime Minister assures those young souls that they will be respected, supported and cared for when they return, and that no expense will be spared in their recovery. Otherwise, do not commit our youth to war..
Rest in Peace Ashley Meek
— with Season Bongkoj.
Please sign this petition for the memory of Ashley Meek and for the future well being of the thousands of veterans in our communities https://www.change.org/…/the-honorable-president-and…
Aussie cop takes own life at hospital
By Megan Palin
A South Australia police officer posted “F*** you SA Police” on his Facebook before walking into a local hospital and taking his life in front of medical staff last night.
The man reportedly drove to Cowell, about a 500km drive west of Adelaide, before entering the District Hospital around 9.45pm, news.com.au reported.
It is not known if the officer was on or off duty at the time of his death.
A brief statement issued by SA Police said authorities were “preparing a report for the coroner following the death of a man at Cowell on March 5”.
“No other persons are being sought at this time,” the statement read.
A South Australia Police spokesperson told news.com.au they had “nothing further to add”.
Cowell District Hospital has been contacted for comment.
One of the police officer’s colleagues, who asked to remain anonymous, said the man “posted (a) ‘f*** you‘ msg (sic) to SAPOL” on Facebook moments before he died
“The messages said F*** SAPOL and some other comments,” the source said.
The man, who news.com.au has chosen not to identify, has been described on social media as “a well respected officer, and former ADF member, who will be missed by many”.
“This bloke was and will forever remain a dead set legend,” another person wrote.
“No one saw it coming. We got the watch now brother.”
“We are all better people having known you,” another said.
News.com.au last month reported a lack of welfare support and subsequent mental health crisis within the Australian Federal Police after an agent was believed to take her own life in the Melbourne headquarters on February 7.
The reports prompted several state police officers to also come forward and highlight that a lack of welfare support for work-related mental health issues including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder was also a problem in state policing.
“South Australia has just seen one of their officers (take her own life),” one police officer told news.com.au.
The source was referring to constable Sharryne Grant, South Australia’s longest serving female police officer, who died by suicide in Adelaide in October last year.
“Suicide within the ranks is being ignored state wide,” he said.
“Cops can’t speak out, because they are crucified by management.
“(Instead they) suffer in silence.”
Blue Hope director Mark Kelly told news.com.au the organisation had received “nearly 50 referrals from struggling police since Christmas”.
“We are under the pump trying to meet demand,” he said.
If you have information on issues within the AFP please contact
Where to get help: ( South Australian Numbers )
• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 000.
• Canterbury Support Line: 0800 777 846
http://m.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11812998
We recently lost a friend and colleague to suicide because of PTSD. She left her son and partner behind because she did not get the help she required. We owe it to her 11 year old son and for all the other partners, children and family members left behind by the officers who can see no Light at the end of the tunnel except by ending their lives. It has to STOP.
For too long, management of Australian Police Forces have silently accepted horrifically high suicide rates amongst our troops – Disproportionately higher than the Australian population.
We demand a national Coronial enquiry, seeking answers in a State by State basis. We want to learn what are the primary stressors amongst our Police, what is/can be done to minimise this, and greater support services for our Police.
“F*** You SA Police” – this was the last social media post of a SA cop who tragically took his own life just days ago.
“Suicide and bullying are rife within the police force. I’ve served as a cop in SA for 11 years now – I’ve battled first hand the toxic “suck it up princess” internal culture. It’s destroying, and costing lives.”
“I’m proud of my job, for keeping our communities safe from crime. We lock up murderers, protect domestic violence victims, and remove kids from horrific abuse. But what I’m sick of is the bureaucratic crap, intimidation and abuse of power that goes on internally.”
“Stop sweeping the fact police are killing themselves under the carpet. This is too important. My colleagues are dying around me. For too long now, management of Australian Police Forces have silently, knowingly, accepted horrifically high suicide rates amongst our troops – disproportionately higher than the Aussie population.”
I am starting this petition on behalf of myself and colleagues who are seeking an enquiry into the cause of suicides by Police in each Australian State.
We need to learn what the primary stressors are among our Police to then decide how to minimise more tragic deaths from happening.
The ‘Thin Blue Line’ is getting thinner – Please help protect those who protect our community by signing and sharing our petition.
This petition will be delivered to:
- Australian State Coroners
- Federal Minister for Justice
Michael Keenan MP - SA Minister for Police
Peter Malinauskas MLP
- Qld Minister for Police
Mark Ryan MP - NSW Minister for Police
Troy Grant MP - Vic Minister for Police
Lisa Neville MP - ACT Minister for Police
Mick Gentleman MLA - Tas Minister for Police
Rene Hidding MP - NT Minister for Police
Michael Gunner MLA - Minister for Police; Road Safety; Training and Workforce Development; Women’s Interests
Hon. Liza Harvey MLA
Gawler soldier honoured
20 July 2016
MARCHING in the French National Day Parade and Western Front commemorative services, Sergeant Ashley Meek honoured fourth-generation cousin – and Gawler soldier – Lance Corporal Stewart Grigg last Thursday.
Sgt Meek, who has strong family connections in the Gawler area, serves in the 10th/27th Battalion, Royal South Australia Regiment, and recently embarked on a month-long trip, joining the army contingent for the French National Day Parade.
“The experience was extra special due to having a family history and connection within my unit to the battles in France,” Sgt Meek said.
“Getting to escort the colours, which my family fought for, was the icing on the cake.”
Gawler-born L.Cpl Stewart Grigg was enlisted in the 27th Battalion on February 4, 1915, and was awarded three medals for his service – the 1914-1915 Star, the British War Medal and a Victory Medal.
He served in Egypt, Gallipoli and the Western Front, where he was killed in action during the battle of Agincourt on March 26, 1917.
“Although his remains are yet to be found, his memorial is located at Villers-Bretonneux in France and I intend to visit this site one day,” Sgt Meek said.
He said the trip was a chance to pay his last respects to the late L.Cpl Grigg.
During the Western Front commemorations, he was part of the firing party during the reburial ceremonies.
“It is a very big honour to have been selected as part of the army contingent for French National Day Parade, and, in particular, to go to the Western Front and participate in the commemorative events taking place there,” he said.
In the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Nice, France, Sgt Meek said Australian troops remained “positive”.
“We are here to do a job and pay respect to our forefathers, but France, as a whole, is quite vigilant,” he said.
“The hospitality of the French people and the army has been great.”
Sgt Meek will return home later this month.
150 at Lock Dawn Service
IN sombre silence, more than 150 people gathered in the cold pre-dawn to commemorate Anzac Day at Lock.
After an Anzac Day introduction by Neil Cummins, Noel Siviour shared three short extracts from the 2/48th Battalion records.
Noel’s father, Lindsay Siviour, was in the 2/48th Battalion.
National serviceman Richard Cummins spoke of the charge of the Light Horsemen at Beersheba. His wife’s grandfather, Cliff Cabot, was in the 3rd Light Horse Regiment that served in Palestine.
Local Lone Scout Kendall Meyers beautifully recited the poem For the Fallen.
Mark Siviour, who served in East Timor and the Solomon Islands, spoke of Thomas Currie Derrick, known as Diver Derrick, who received the Victoria Cross for his assault at Sattelburg, New Guinea in 1943.
Brevet Sergeant Ashley Meek shared Ben Roberts-Smith’s heroism in Afghanistan during 2010 for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
Ashley Meek also read out the Ode of Remembrance, which was followed by the haunting bugling of Doug Monks’ Last Post.
There was one minute of silence and then as Reveille was played, Brevet Sergeant James McFarlane raised the flag.
Reverend Sue Ellis of the Lock Uniting Church led the gathering with the Lord’s Prayer.
Before she read the Soldier’s Prayer, she spoke of Martin Andrews, a former priest, who was a stretcher-bearer for the Medical Corps.
Councillor Malcolm Hancock laid a wreath on behalf of the Elliston District Council.
Lone Scouts, Australian military, CWA and family members also laid wreaths and flowers in remembrance of the fallen and the ceremony closed with prayer and the benediction by reverend Sue Ellis.
LADS (Lock and Districts Services) president Wayne Hodge thanked all for attending and then the club provided a cooked breakfast for all.
http://www.eyretribune.com.au/story/3044077/150-at-lock-dawn-service/
Cannabis found on road
A BAG of cannabis was found in the middle of the Eyre Highway at Penong and handed in to the local police station on Tuesday night.
At about 9pm a member of the public took the bag containing one kilogram of cannabis to the Penong Police Station.
They reported they were driving through Penong when they saw a large item sitting in the middle of the highway near the tourist information bay.
They stopped to inspect the object and when they realised what it contained took it straight to the local police station.
Police are investigating where the cannabis came from and ask anyone with information that may assist to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
http://www.westcoastsentinel.com.au/story/3028365/cannabis-found-on-road/
Leonard Roy KELLY
Leonard Roy KELLY
Queensland Police Force
Regd. # ?
Rank: Senior Constable – Retired
Stations: ?, Woolloongabba
Service: From ? ? ? to ? ? 1972 or 1973? = ? years Service ( Medically Discharged )
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: 13 May 1940
Died on: ? ? 1989
Age: ?48 or 49
Cause: Suicide
Funeral date: ?
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial at: ?
[alert_yellow]LEONARD is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO
Funeral location: ?
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal
May they forever Rest In Peace
Susanne Elise JONES nee GOTTSCHALK
Susanne Elise JONES nee GOTTSCHALK
Australian Federal Police Force
Regd. # 3390
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Detective Leading Senior Constable
Detective – 1988
Stations: Joint AFP / VicPol task force, Legal Projects & Planning Section, Drug Operations, Melbourne Airport, Joint Organised Crime Task Force – death
Service: From ? January 1983 to 6 February 2017 = 34 years Service
Awards: National Medal – granted 22 December 1998
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted ?
AFP Service Medal
30 Year Clasp to AFP Service Medal
Australia Day Achievement Medallion
Born: 13 March 1963
Died on: Monday 6 February 2017
Age: 53
Cause: Depression – Suicide – Service firearm – shot
Event Location AFP building, La Trobe St, Melbourne ( bathroom )
Funeral date: Tuesday 21 February 2017 @ 10am
Funeral location: Victoria Police Academy Chapel, 1 View Mount Rd, Glen Waverley, Victoria
Buried at: Springvale Botanical Cemetery, Tuesday 21 February 2017 @ MD
Grave location: Row EC, Grave 58
Memorial at: ?
[alert_red]SUSANNE is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * BUT SHOULD BE
Funeral location: [codepeople-post-map]
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal
May they forever Rest In Peace
Detective Leading Senior Constable Susanne Elise JONES
AFP Service Number: 3390
13 March 1963 – 6 February 2017
As previously advised, Detective Leading Senior Constable Susanne Jones passed away on 6 February 2017.
Susanne Jones (nee GOTTSCHALK) joined the AFP in January 1983 and was initially attached to a joint AFP/VICPOL task force, she then moved to work in Legal-Projects and Planning Section, Drug Operations and at Melbourne Airport gaining a wide range of experience that enabled her to achieve the designation of Detective in 1988.
During her extensive career that continued at the Melbourne Office, her duties covered the full range of investigation operations including Criminal Assets Confiscation and Professional Standards. Her most recent posting was with the Joint Organised Crime Task Force.
During her 34 years of service Detective Leading Senior Constable Jones was awarded the National Police Service Medal, National Medal with clasp, AFP Service Medal with 30-year clasp and an Australia Day Achievement Medallion.
Funeral Details Follow:
Date: Tuesday, 21 February 2017
Time: 10:00am
Location:
Victoria Police Academy Chapel
1 View Mount Road, Glen Waverley, VIC
Dress:
Uniform members – Full Ceremonial uniform with tunic and medals. Plain clothes members – Lounge suit or equivalent with medals.
*****
Spare a moment today to think about Susanne and her family during this time and please share your kind thoughts and messages of support for her family.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by this tragedy please reach out and ask for help. Blue HOPE stands ready.
Date of passing: 06 February, 2017
JONES (nee Gottschalk), Susanne Elise
Detective Leading Senior Constable – AFP 3390
Passed way on Monday Feb 6th, 2017.
Loved daughter of Dorothy and Klaus (both dec),
Sister of Angelica,
Loved mother of Cameron and Christian,
Wife of Terry,
Friend to many.
Always loved and remembered.
Order of Service
A Service to celebrate the life of Susanne Elise Jones will be held at The Victorian Police Academy Chapel, 1 View Mt Rd, Glen Waverley on Tuesday 21st February, 2017 commencing at 10am. At the conclusion of the service, a burial will be held at the Springvale Botanical Cemetery.
In the gentle care of
Greenhaven Funerals
9569 0534
JONES, (GOTTSCHALK)
Supporting Notices
Our family wish to thank the Luther College Community for their love and support through this difficult time.
*
*
http://tributes.heraldsun.com.au/notice/373372030/view
Australian Federal Police officer dies after shooting at Melbourne headquarters
AN AUSTRALIAN Federal Police officer has died after suffering a gunshot wound at the crime-fighting body’s Melbourne headquarters.
The female officer was rushed to hospital in a critical condition after suffering a gunshot wound at the ( 383 ) Latrobe St building at 5.45pm.
She died a short time later.
AFP Commissioner Andrew Colvin said the circumstances around the tragic incident are being investigated by Victoria Police who will prepare a report for the coroner.
“Our colleague’s death is not believed to be suspicious,” he said.
“My thoughts are with her loved ones and the broader AFP family who are dealing with the loss of one of our own today.
“We are offering support to her family and the wider AFP workforce.”
The AFP confirmed this morning that the death was ‘not accidental’.
A Victoria Police statement last night read: “Police are not looking for anyone else connected to the shooting. Police are investigating the incident.”
FOR HELP, INFORMATION AND SUPPORT CALL:
LIFELINE ON 13 11 14
BEYOND BLUE ON 1300 224 636
Originally published as Officer dies after AFP HQ shooting
http://www.news.com.au/national/victoria/australian-federal-police-officer-dies-after-shooting-at-melbourne-headquarters/news-story/2f50ed8b8c7f8e0400a22e2b44996564
Sunrise – Tuesday 7 January 2017
Attention current and former Australian Federal Police members. Please don’t suffer in silence. We stand ready to help you. If you would like to confidentially tell your story or speak with someone who has a first hand understanding of what you are going through please reach out to us. We can get you the help you need. Please contact Mark (former AFP member) at mark@bluehope.org.au
Stuart RawlinsAs a former Qld Police Officer/Det who left due to mental illness (which i kept a secret for fear of the sigma that comes with) it is very disappointing to see this type of thing still going on. I have created a website www.healthymindhealthyfuture.com and a Facebook page Healthy Mind Healthy Future where I now write articles about my mental health journey to help others. I also explore different ways to improve my mental health which is the basis of a lot of my articles. Please feel free to share and/or have a read, if i can help some of my Police family, even just one then it has been worth it. Kind Regards Stu Rawlins Ex Sgt/Det 10909.
Michael James ISLES
Michael James ISLES
aka Mick ISLES
Queensland Police Force
Regd. # 2753
Rank: Senior Sergeant
Stations: ?, Warwick, Allora, Cloncurry, O.I.C. – Ayr – Missing On Duty
Service: From ? ? ? to Wednesday 23 September 2009 ( Missing whilst On Duty since this date ) = 35+ years Service
Awards: National Medal – granted 2 December 1994 ( Sgt )
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 5 May 2000 ( SnrSgt )
Queensland Police Service Lantern Award for his interactions with the youth population in Cloncurry, Qld
Born: ?
Died on: ?
Age: 58
Cause: PTSD – Suicide – Missing whilst On Duty. Body never recovered ( 3 Dec 2022 )
Funeral date: ?
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial Service at: Burdekin PCYC, Ayr, Qld on 5 November 2011 @ 10.30am
[alert_red]MICK is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * BUT SHOULD BE
[alert_yellow]MICK is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO
Funeral location: ?
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal
May they forever Rest In Peace
Queensland Police Senior Sergeant Mick Isles signed on duty on the morning of Wednesday 23 September 2009, went to work in uniform and has never signed off. We are awaiting response from Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart to adding Senior Sergeant Mick Isles to the Police Honours Roll and officially acknowledging his (Mick’s) signing off. How can that be unreasonable?
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1877418772495439/?fref=nf
2 Jan 2017 – Isles to Queensland Police Commissioner: addressing criteria under Queensland Police Honour Roll Policy, responding to AC O’Regan correspondence
A trait of my father’s, an honourable trait through his commitment, belief and passion in people was more-or-less to always look for the good in people, even when I was a child and assaulted by an adult, my father convinced me to look for the good in the assailant, as there was obviously greater reason to why he was like that, an upbringing or similar. I found myself doing precisely that eventually, after the anger had moved on, I looked to for the good in this individual and many years later made peace in speaking with him and seeing that he had grown and changed and was no longer the same person.
As life has progressed even with some of the trials, especially more recently, I have found myself retreating a little over the last couple of years and trying to remove myself from stressful situations.
I guess, now I am finding there needs to be some happy medium and in an ideal world, my father’s trait would be admirable however in a world where many through generations have strayed from strong morals and treating your neighbour as you, yourself, would like to be treated.
For me both physically and mentally, I have softened over recent years in my zest, interest and drive for life. This in part has seen me too readily trust in individuals and some have resulted in individuals using the apparent lack of energy and zest as an avenue to access a perceived vulnerability and to take advantage.
For mine, in approaching 2017, simply applying much of life experience and the honourable person my father was, I can only aim to regain touch with the inner mongrel I had to find to navigate some of the situations that were thrown my and my family’s way.
This coming year, in order the finalize some matters close to my heart that have come so far, I will dance with the devil while maintaining strong morals however only extend a hand of trust, respect or offer of friendship where it is over time earned.
May those close and many that have shared some of this journey with me be able to toast achievements even beyond boundaries that have been set by individuals and bureaucracy.
29 Dec2016 – Isles to Queensland Police Union President Ian Leavers
Daily Mail Australia
‘Weather beaten’ man spotted at remote Queensland creek may be police sergeant Mick Isles missing for five years
- Reports of a man resembling a missing North Queensland policeman
- Senior Sgt Mick Isles of Ayr has been missing since 2009
- A couple saw a ‘weather beaten man’ resembling Isles at a remote creek
- Sgt Isles vanished from his home and has never been found despite extensive searches
- A ‘reluctant’ coroner declared Isles dead at a 2012 inquest
A couple who spotted a ‘weather beaten man’ at a remote creek in northern Queensland have contacted police saying they believe he may be missing Senior Sergeant Mick Isles, who disappeared in mysterious circumstances five years ago.
Graziers, Bill and Elizabeth Tudehope were on a remote road at Landers Creek on the Burdekin River near Millaroo last Sunday when they saw the man who was of the same age and height as the missing police officer, the Townsville Bulletin reported.
Sgt Isles has not been seen since September 23, 2009 after leaving his home in the far northern Queensland town of Ayr for a workshop 80km north in Townsville. He never arrived.
Six days later, his police issue Toyota Aurion was found at Eight Mile Creek, 170km south. The latest sighting of Sgt Isles is at a location between Ayr and Eight Mile Creek.
Following his disappearance, police conducted extensive searches for the 58-year-old, using trackers, the stock squad and the State Emergency Service.
Apart from one alleged sighting by a truck driver soon after his disappearance, Sgt Isles has never been seen again until now.
At the time of his disappearance, Sgt Isles was on only his third day back at work after a lengthy period of sick leave following a Crime and Misconduct Commission investigation which had exonerated him of drug trafficking and money laundering allegations.
His wife, Fiona, reported her husband’s failure to return home after finding an undated note on the last page of a used notebook.
The note read, ‘This is nobody’s fault but mine. I feel old and have lost the will to do anything. I feel a failure and a loser, particularly to my family whom I love so much’. The note was signed ‘Mick + Dad’.
A shot gun and ammunition were found to be missing from the Isle’s family home.
Officers found a police uniform shirt stuffed under the front passenger seat of Sgt isles’ abandoned car and in the boot, along with a hessian bag, was a blanket and a box of ammunition that was missing 16 cartridges, a pair of uniform pants and a belt.
The car keys were on the front driver’s side floor of the vehicle and a set of senior sergeant epaulettes had been placed in the centre drink console.
At a 2012 inquest, Queensland State Coroner Michael Barnes found Senior Sergeant Michael Isles ‘intentionally took his own life‘ on the day he was reported missing. Mr Barnes said: ‘I sincerely regret the distress this will cause his family’.
The Townsville Bulletin reported that on Monday northern Queensland police have sent a team of detectives to the Burdekin river area to interview the couple who made the report.
Mr and Mrs Tudehope said they saw a man walking along a sugar cane train track mid-morning last Sunday and they asked him if he wanted a lift.
‘He wasn’t interested in talking to me and didn’t want any help,’ Mr Tudehope said.
They contacted Sgt isles son Steven, who travelled to the couples’ property and then contacted police.
Memorial for missing officer
Jeremy Sollars | 21st October 2011
THE life of former Warwick and Allora police officer Mick Isles will be remembered at a special memorial service to be held in north Queensland next weekend, his family has announced.
Senior Sergeant Isles – who has been missing since September 2009 – was a popular figure in the region during his service here, which ended in 1989.
Mystery still surrounds his disappearance and his family suspect foul play, but the Queensland Coroner last month issued an interim death certificate ahead of an inquest set down for next March.
Snr Sgt Isles (pictured) was on duty and driving from Ayr to Townsville for training when he vanished, but his family still hold out hope his remains at least will be found, if not the people they believe may be responsible for his death.
Son Steven Isles yesterday released details of the memorial service to the Daily News, saying he and his mother and sisters had been deeply moved by the support they had received from locals who remembered their beloved Mick.
“We still think at times that by some magic he might walk through the door tomorrow,” an emotional Steven said.
“But we are realists and we have little choice other than to accept the coroner’s ruling, but it’s an interim and an open ruling and we don’t yet know what may come out of the inquest.”
Mr Isles said the death certificate meant his mother, Fiona, could finalise matters relating to the estate after being forced lean on her children for financial support.
The Isles family has been critical of the hierarchy of Queensland Police, which they say failed to fully investigate Mick’s disappearance and repeatedly gave them the cold shoulder and little respect.
Snr Sgt Isles was police officer-in-charge at Ayr and was reported missing on October 2, 2009. Five days later his police-issued Toyota Aurion was found on a rough track near Ravenswood, 120km southwest of Townsville.
Steven Isles believes that people involved in his disappearance drove the vehicle there as a diversion.
Snr Sgt Isles had been cleared of corruption allegations the previous July and had been struggling to deal with the aftermath, but Steven Isles said his father had shown no signs of being suicidal in the days before his disappearance.
The memorial service will be held at the Burdekin PCYC in Ayr on November 5, at 10.30am.
http://www.warwickdailynews.com.au/news/memorial-service-for-missing-police-officer/1145260/
Burdekin PCYC facility named after missing policeman
Part of the new Ayr PCYC building has been named after missing officer Mick Isles. His wife Fiona Isles says the dedication is an honour but feels the family have been let down by the QPS.
The family of missing Burdekin police officer Mick Isles has spoken out at the opening of a new PCYC facility in Ayr today.
The PCYC’s function room has been named after the Senior Sergeant who disappeared in September 2009.
Mick Isles’ wife Fiona feels proud that the work of her husband has been recognised by the community and believes he would have been humbled by the honour.
“Mick would be very proud in fact he’s such a humble person he’d be standing there saying ‘there must be someone more deserving than me’ he’d be that sort of guy”.
Senior Sergeant Isles was last seen driving an unmarked police car, his clothes and the vehicle were later found at a property in Ravenswood, south of Townsville.
Looking back on the past 18 months Mrs Isles feels she was let down by the police service and says the family was not offered any help or counselling until her son insisted they provide it.
“It was rather pathetic They did do it only because he forced their hand.
My family weren’t offered any sort of counselling, my daughters whatever, they had to go looking for their own”.
Eighteen months on the family of Senior Sergeant Isles remain hopeful that he will be found.
“Our family would never give up hope. We keep looking we keep looking, I keep going out to the spot where he disappeared and hope there’s something that may materialise” says Mrs Isles.
A pre-inquest hearing into the case will be held later this year.
http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2011/04/13/3190657.htm
Search resumes for missing policeman Mick Isles
JOHN ANDERSEN | October 2nd, 2010
A SEARCH by police of rugged bushland where missing policeman Senior Sergeant Mick Isles‘ abandoned car was found has failed to find any trace of the man last seen alive on September 23 last year.
Police wound up the two-day search around noon yesterday. A police spokesperson said the search focused on an area about two kilometres out from where Sen-Sgt Isles‘ unbadged, police-issued Toyota Aurion was found at the end of a little-used bush track at a spot called Eight Mile Creek on Hillsborough Station.
This week’s search involved police cadets, veteran officers and the horseback mounted stock investigation squad from Charters Towers.
A police spokesperson said the search for Sen-Sgt Isles would be ongoing.
“The QPS will never stop looking for Sen-Sgt Isles. The QPS is also helping the coroner with his investigation. As this investigation is ongoing, further searches may be conducted in the future,” she said.
The spokeswoman said the Forward Commander for the search was assisted by 10 police officers from general duties and specialist areas, and 28 police recruits from the North Queensland Academy.
The two-day search was conducted in hot and trying conditions. One police officer told the Townsville Bulletin that conditions for recruits and officers walking the hilly countryside on foot were extremely hot.
“They’ll be pretty knocked up,” she said.
“This was a routine search which had originally been planned for July.
“We had some rain back then and it threw things out a bit, so we’re here now seeing if we can find anything,” she said.
Sen-Sgt Isles‘ car was found at Hillsborough Station on September 28, five days after he was last seen alive. Nothing has been heard of him since.
TownsvilleBulletin.com.au
Sacked cop claims victimisation
The Sydney Morning Herald
Evan Schwarten
September 10, 2010 – 11:20AM
AAP
A sacked Northern Territory cop has launched action against two police forces, claiming he’s been victimised since the apparent suicide of his father.
Steven Isles, a constable with NT police since 2003, has lodged an unfair dismissal claim with Fair Work Australia over his sacking by NT Police Commissioner John McRoberts in July.
Mr Isles was on sick leave for almost three years before his dismissal following a dispute with superiors over police procedures.
However, he said he was ready and willing to come back to work in 2008 but NT police refused a request to institute a return-to-work program, similar to those offered in other jurisdictions, to support him during the transition.
Mr Isles has also made a formal complaint to Queensland’s Crime and Misconduct Commission, alleging he’s been targeted and slandered by senior police since speaking out over the treatment of his father, Senior Sergeant Mick Isles, who disappeared in north Queensland last September.
He alleges senior officers in Queensland and the NT colluded to discredit him in both jurisdictions in order to pave the way for his dismissal.
This included officers making unsubstantiated claims he was suffering from a mental illness and spreading rumours of his involvement in his father’s death, he alleges.
“I personally have been victimised and targeted and the subject of slanderous action taken by senior staff and personnel,” Steven Isles told AAP.
A CMC spokeswoman confirmed a complaint had been received on August 31 and was currently under assessment.
Both NT and Queensland police declined to comment on the matters.
Sen Sgt Isles went missing three days after returning to work at Ayr police station, south of Townsville, following a year-long absence while he was under investigation over allegations of corruption.
His vehicle was found abandoned in bushland west of Townsville but his body has not been located and Queensland’s coroner is investigating the apparent suicide.
Steven Isles has been critical of his father’s treatment, including the length of time it took to clear him of the allegations and the lack of support from within QPS.
He claims senior police responded to his stand by spreading rumours and false allegations about him.
In March this year the QPS notified Mr Isles his weapons licence would be revoked after several officers filed affidavits stating they believed he was suffering from a mental illness and that he’d made threats to knee-cap Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson.
The loss of the weapons licence would have been grounds for his dismissal in the NT.
However, Queensland’s Civil and Administrative Tribunal last month reinstated the licence after police were unable to produce sufficient evidence to support the claims.
Mr Isles then voluntarily surrendered his weapons licence.
http://www.smh.com.au//breaking-news-national/sacked-cop-claims-victimisation-20100910-1541t.html
The Workers Compensation Act of 1987 and 1998 clearly states that an action by an employer that is unreasonable is an offence.
An Investigation that is dragged out for three years is clearly unreasonable when they are supposed to be completed in 90 days. The Ombudsman can give an extension, but it also must be reasonable. Murders are usually solved within three months. If any of us as investigators take too long to complete a matter, then we face serious managerial actions so why not the investigators of internal matters?
Has there ever been a 173 or 181 issued to an investigator of an internal matter that has failed or not been successful? I’ll bet not, but then again old Reg has been wrong before. Fact is allegations can hurt a person, but more so hurt a good honest hard working officer because of the pride that comes with sound integrity. To be put through such an ordeal for such a long period with such a minor and disproportionate outcome, is plain disgusting and I hope in the end an enquiry into the matter of the good Sergeant reveals this.
This sort of delay in an internal investigation, also does damage to the family unit, especially the wife who like for most of us has to endure watching their husbands become withdrawn and gutted even after the allegations are proven untrue.
https://www.australianpolice.com.au/tbl
Parliamentary Crime and Misconduct Committee : Report No. 81 – A report on a review by the Parliamentary Crime and Misconduct Commissioner of the actions and holdings of the Crime and Misconduct Commission in relation to the investigation of Senior Sergeant Michael Isles. http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/view/committees/documents/PCMC/reports/PCMC81.pdf approx. 246KB
It would be an interesting read for those of you without an investigators background and I recommend it to anyone with a genuine interest in this matter. For those of you not bothered to read the report here is the full wording of the conclusion, on page 29 of the report.
CONCLUSION
p29
My review of the actions and holdings of the CMC in relation to the investigation of Sen Sgt Isles revealed that, in regards to the concerns raised by Mr Steven Isles, Senior Sergeant Michael Isles and Mr Terry O’Gorman, the investigation was conducted appropriately but not in a timely manner.
My conclusions in relation to the major issues of concern identified in Mr O’Gorman’s letter to the Committee of 18 May 2009 are as follows:
As to whether there was a proper basis for the issue of a search warrant against Sen Sgt Isles – the CMC received information which suggested that an unidentified Queensland Transport or QPS officer had issued driver’s licences to associates of the principal target for $4000 per licence. The CMC made appropriate enquiries before seeking the search warrants from the Magistrate. Those enquiries established that all testing and issuing of driver’s licences in the area was conducted by
QPS officers at the Ayr Police Station. The CMC ascertained that four of the principal target’s associates had obtained HR licence upgrades in the relatively recent past and that those tests had been conducted and the four licences upgraded by Sen Sgt Isles.
The CMC considered that comments made by the principal target suggested that the person of interest may have been involved as the conduit for the communication and flow of funds and information between the principal target and the subject police officer. Telephone billing and call charge records established a high frequency of telephone contact between the person of interest and Snr Sgt Isles and a fair amount of contact between the person of interest and the principal target.
I do not consider the CMC’s actions in seeking search warrants based upon this information, to be inappropriate. In my view the CMC did consider all relevant and available facts and materials before seeking the search warrants from the Magistrate.
Certain matters which might be regarded as adverse to the issuing of the warrants sought were disclosed in the applications for the search warrants. Other matters were not disclosed in the applications for the search warrants but I do not consider it to have been inappropriate that these matters were not disclosed.
As to concerns about the public manner of the execution of the search warrant – I have concluded that Snr Sgt Isles was not detained in an extremely public manner. It was in his own office at the Ayr Police Station that Sen Sgt Isles was detained and the warrant executed upon him.
The search warrant was not executed at a time and manner where unnecessary embarrassment was occasioned to Senior Sergeant Isles. If anything, it appears that steps were taken to avoid causing unnecessary embarrassment to Sen Sgt Isles. Further, in my view it would not have been operationally appropriate for the CMC to delay executing the search warrants on Snr Sgt Isles.
As to concerns about the return of property seized at the time of the execution of the warrants – the CMC obtained an Order in Relation to Thing Seized under the provisions of section 696 of the PPRA permitting the property to be retained. Therefore, notwithstanding the initial indications by CMC officers that the mobile telephone would be returned within three or four working days, in light of the order obtained by the CMC and Sen Sgt Isles’s written consent to the CMC keeping the property until the conclusion of any investigation or proceeding involving the property, it is difficult to conclude that the CMC’s retention of the telephone was inappropriate.
Conclusion
Page 30
The CMC’s retention of the mobile telephone for a further eight days after 29 April 2009 when Sen Sgt Isles was advised that the investigation regarding matters concerning him had been completed, may be regarded as inappropriate.
I have concluded that the CMC’s investigation of Snr Sgt Isles was not conducted in a timely manner. The time it took to prepare the draft investigation report, make the determination as to whether there was evidence capable of supporting any action in respect of Snr Sgt Isles, and to advise him of that decision, was excessive.
Steven Isles, in his letter to the Committee of 1 April 2009 advises that the continued and tardy investigation at the hands of the CMC has and continues to have a very marked impact on the health of my father, Michael Isles, mother, Fiona Isles, and also a number of other family members who were present at the time of executing the search warrant and the like.
It is not surprising that an unduly protracted investigation of allegations as serious as these would have such an effect.
Mr O’Gorman’s letter refers to previous complaints concerning the time taken over such investigations involving serving police officers. The CMC is well aware of such criticisms in the past and should have made a greater effort to complete this investigation within a reasonable time frame.
However it should be noted that I have no adverse comments in terms of the quality of the investigation itself it was appropriately thorough and professionally carried out with suitable recognition of the seriousness of the allegations against Sen Sgt Isles and the QPS more generally.
Petition calls for resignation of Qld police commissioner
Updated
The son of a missing police officer has launched a petition calling for the resignation of Queensland’s police commissioner Bob Atkinson.
Senior Sergeant Mick Isles has not been seen since September when he went missing from Ayr in north Queensland.
Steven Isles believes his father was bullied by the Queensland Police Service and says an overhaul is needed.
“I’m actually in the process of starting a 5,000 kilometre trip throughout Queensland, rallying for support to move a no-confidence motion in commissioner Atkinson’s continued service as the chief executive officer of the Queensland Police Service,” he said.
The ABC has approached the Commissioner’s office for comment.
The Police Union is not commenting.
Family of missing police officer Mick Isles turns to witchdoctor
news.com.au 1 November 2009
AFTER exhausting all conventional options, the family of Mick Isles has turned to an Aboriginal tracker and self-professed witchdoctor to find the missing Queensland police officer.
Arnhem Land-based tracker and witchdoctor Victor Huddleston and his son Victor Nathaniel Huddleston have arrived in Queensland and tomorrow will begin searching bushland around Ravenswood, where Senior Sergeant Isles‘ abandoned car was found in late September.
An exhaustive search involving police, army and SES personnel was launched shortly after Snr Sgt Isles‘ disappearance on September 23 but failed to find any trace of the missing policeman.
However, Mr Huddleston believes he and his son will find Snr Sgt Isles within two or three days, even though any footprints left by him a month ago will have disappeared.
“I will know where he is because I will see his spirit,” Mr Huddleston told AAP.
Mr Huddleston has been involved in a number of searches in the Northern Territory and says he has never failed to find the person he’s looking for.
“When I get close to the place I will see the clear picture,”he said.
“It always works, whenever I am serious about it.”
Senior Sergeant Isles‘ son Steven travelled to Mr Huddleston’s community last week to seek his help after learning of his reputation through a police contact in the Northern Territory.
He said having spent time with Mr Huddleston in his community at Ngukurr in Arnhem Land, he was confident in the witchdoctor’s abilities.
“We have no expectations, but we are approaching with open arms,” he said.
“We’re here to establish whatever we can, to identify what has happened and potentially even finding my father, if he is there to be found.”
Search for missing policeman Mick Isles scaled back
By David Barbeler
AAP News.com.au
October 05, 2009 08:20am
*
THE search for a missing senior police officer in north Queensland has moved into a scaled down third phase, with police to visit property owners in the Ravenswood area.
Senior Sergeant Mick Isles, 58, who is stationed at Ayr in north Queensland, was last seen leaving his home in an unmarked police car at 7.30am (AEST) on September 23.
The car was found near Ravenswood several days later, but an extensive air and ground search, which included 45 Australian Defence Force Personnel, has not been able to locate him in the past 12 days.
A police media spokeswoman said, contrary to some media reports, police were not suspending their search but instead were focusing their attention on property owners.
“Police will visit all neighbouring stations in the area, providing property owners and workers with pictures of Sen Sgt Isles and checking all water holes and water courses for signs of unexplained human activity,” the spokeswoman said.
Yesterday, police said temperatures in excess of 30 degrees Celsius in rocky terrain with lots of steep inclines and gorges had left many searchers exhausted and had had an effect on numbers.
The matter is now in the hands of the state coroner.
Acting Commissioner Ian Stewart said the state coroner had become involved along with the northern coroner and they were now directing the investigation.
Sen Sgt Isles‘ son Steven Isles, a police officer in the Northern Territory, said the family was deeply worried about his father’s welfare.
“Our family is obviously quite distraught. We wake up every morning hoping we are going to hear some good news,” Mr Isles said.
He said his father suffered from severe depression brought on by a delay in the joint Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) and police investigation into allegations made against him.
The CMC investigated Sen Sgt Isles over allegations of receiving payments for improperly issuing driver’s licences and money laundering.
The investigation exonerated Sen Sgt Isles on September 18, but took more than a year.
“The delay in the joint CMC and police investigation certainly impacted on my father,” Mr Isles said.
A Facebook site called Help Find Mick Isles, set up by the family, has attracted the support of more than 4700 well wishers.
Coroner directing search for missing policeman
Updated
The investigation into the disappearance of a North Queensland policeman is now in the hands of the state coroner.
Senior Sergeant Mick Isles, 58, left his home at Ayr, south of Townsville, to attend a police training session on September 23.
His unmarked police car was found near Ravenswood several days later, but an extensive air and ground search has not been able to locate him.
Police and SES volunteers will continue scouring the area today and will review search efforts this afternoon.
Acting Commissioner Ian Stewart says police are no longer in charge.
“The state coroner has become involved [with] the northern coroner and they are now directing the investigation,” Acting Commissioner Stewart said.
The Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) says it has investigated allegations against the missing officer but they could not be substantiated.
Police Minister Neil Roberts says he will not comment on reports the officer’s family is pursuing legal action after he was cleared by the CMC.
“I can understand the family is going through a very traumatic time at the moment and I don’t want to make any comment on any proposed legal action or not,” Mr Roberts said.
“In the end, individuals have a right to pursue whatever action they feel is appropriate.
“At the moment though, the Queensland Police Service is obviously very concerned, just as the family is, for the welfare of Sergeant Isles, and a lot of resources and effort is going into trying to locate him.”
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2009-10-04/coroner-directing-search-for-missing-policeman/1090024
Isles family to sue State Government
Townsville Bulletin
EMILY MACDONALD
October 2nd, 2009
THE family of missing Ayr police officer Senior Sergeant Mick Isles has set up a trust fund to finance a legal fight.
Sen-Sgt Isles disappeared on Wednesday last week, just two days after he returned to work following an exhausting nine month Crime and Misconduct Commission investigation from which he was cleared.
The move comes as police phase out the search and rescue component of their response and instead launch a missing person investigation.
Police have also confirmed they are investigating why Sen-Sgt Isles disappearance wasn’t reported when he failed to turn up at a planned training session in Townsville.
Son Steve Isles would not elaborate on the exact nature of the legal action, but said his father was suffering depression at the time of his disappearance as a result of the events which had played out over the past year.
”It’s a trust fund which has been established for legal action which is pending,” he said.
”It’s certainly a fund which has been established in the pursuit of justice which the family feels will prevail no matter what the outcome of the search.
”The fund has been established due to the overwhelming requests from the public.
”The family has been humbled and warmed by the compassion of people who have come forward and will do so much in our time of need.”
* ISLES TOOK A GUN WITH HIM
* SOLDIERS JOIN SEARCH FOR MICK ISLES
* AYR COP CLEARED OVER MISCONDUCT ALLEGATIONS
Mr Isles said the family was grateful for the support of those conducting the search, including the police service.
”They are our best hope of getting him home safe at the moment,” Mr Isles said.
However, he urged all organisations to review their procedures when dealing with an employee suffering from a mental illness.
Sen-Sgt Isles left Ayr to attend a training course in Townsville on the Wednesday morning, but it wasn’t until 7pm that evening that his wife, Fiona, raised the alarm despite his non-attendance at the course.
”It is certainly alarming when the police make arrangements for that person to attend training and no one follows up on seeing where that person is or touching base to make sure if they are okay,” Mr Isles said.
Northern Police Region operations co-ordinator Chief Superintendent Mike Keating said the circumstances surrounding Sen-Sgt Isles‘ disappearance would be fully investigated.
”That’s part of the inquiry that we have to go through,” he said. ”The full circumstances of when he left Ayr, where he was going to and discovering where he went to and why he didn’t get to where he was expected to be. So that clearly will be a matter of some interest in that investigation.”
Supt Keating said police were still hoping for the safe return of their colleague but were preparing for the potential of a coronial investigation.
An extra 40 people will be tasked to the search and rescue efforts at Ravenswood today where the car driven by Sen-Sgt Isle’s was found abandoned on Monday.
The 100-strong team will search the less likely areas in the 63km square radius from where the vehicle was found but in the absence of further evidence, efforts will be scaled back in that particular area.
The Sydney Morning Herald 2 October 2009
From community pillar to recluse: missing cop’s downward spiral
Two weeks before his father vanished, Steven Isles travelled from his home in the Northern Territory to the family home in Ayr.
A fellow policeman, Steven knew his dad, Senior Sergeant Mick Isles, was suffering.
For 13 long months Senior Sergeant Isles, a seasoned general duties officer and pillar of the local north Queensland community, had carried a terrible shame.
Mistakenly caught up in a corruption inquiry linked to drug trafficking and the fraudulent issue of driver’s licenses, he had not recovered from the humiliation of being arrested in front of members of his local Lions Club.
A 35-year veteran of the force, he had been planting trees in July last year when senior police acting on behalf of the Crime and Misconduct Commission detained him for questioning. His house and his workplace were also raided.
He was officially cleared on September 18, but family say few in the town or the confines of Ayr police station ever believed he had done anything wrong in the first place.
And yet the damage was done, Steven Isles said yesterday, eight days after Senior Sergeant Isles, 58, removed his uniform, dumped his police car and took off into rugged bush 80 kilometres from home.
“Over the past 10 months I’ve watched him age in the face five years. He became reclusive, he was too embarrassed to show his face in public,” Steven Isles said.
“My father is a very proud, very strong, very humble man. He did not ever want to be the centre of attention.
“It was like taking a senior public servant or a politician and arresting them at a press conference. Everyone is entitled to a presumption of innocence.
“Even after he was cleared people would come up to him in the street to congratulate him and he hated that. He would say to me, ‘Why are people congratulating me? I didn’t do anything.’
“I have no doubt the police process and the CMC process is behind these recent developments.”
The family, represented by outspoken civil libertarian Terry O’Gorman, is taking legal action against the CMC and has set up a fighting trust – The Justice Fund.
Wife Fiona, daughters Lisa, 31, Nicole, 24, and son Steven, 29, have traversed the state with Senior Sergeant Isles during his lengthy police career serving in Brisbane, the Darling Downs, Cloncurry, Bowen and the Gulf of Carpentaria.
He had returned to work after a period of stress leave just two days before he vanished.
On September 23, as Sydney awoke to an eerie red sky and dust storms tracked north towards Brisbane, Senior Sergeant Isles pulled out of the driveway of his Young Street house about 7.30am in a silver police-issue Toyota Aurion sedan.
Having just returned to the job, he was being retrained in defensive skills and had been due to attend a course at Townsville police station that morning.
Instead, he drove 80 kilometres in the opposite direction, to the remote Hillsborough cattle station.
His car was found abandoned – ignition keys on the passenger side floor – about half a kilometre off a dirt track six days later. His uniform had been removed, leaving him in just a singlet and boots, and investigators say he was carrying no mobile phone.
“Certainly there were no signs that something like this was about to unfold,” Steven Isles said.
“He had had a difficult time but he was not someone who would ask for help.
“He was two years from retirement. I think the way [the CMC investigation was handled] bewildered him but this is completely out of character for him.”
Police on Wednesday called in the army and State Emergency Service to help scour 63 square kilometres of bushland near to where Senior Sergeant Isles‘ car was found.
Northern Region Chief Superintendent Michael Keating said if no new information came to light today, it was likely the land search would be suspended and police would move into “an investigation phase with the view to providing a report for the coroner.”
That is not something Steven Isles or his family is ready to consider. A Facebook page set up by Nicole Isles this week imploring people to “please keep your eyes peeled for my dad” has attracted 3200 members and growing.
“We are absolutely lost but we will not give up hope. We are doing everything we can,” Steven Isles said.
“Members of the community have come to us with dreams they’ve had. We’ve consulted a clairvoyant. We are open to absolutely anything at this point, anything that will lead us to our father.
“He could be disoriented, he’s probably hungry and sunburnt… [but]I would certainly hope he might feel compelled to find someone close by to bring him to a place of safety.
“Once he’s found, getting him better can take as long as it needs to.”
Senior Sergeant Isles is about 180 centimetres tall, of a medium build, with brown wavy hair and hazel eyes. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
If you or someone you know needs help with depression, contact SANE Australia on 1800 187 263.