Patrick HEARN

10/01/2017

Patrick HEARN

Victoria Police Force

Regd. #   10387

Rank:  Superintendent – retired

Stations:  spent most of his Service with the Fingerprint Unit, O.I.C. Doncaster, Kew, Prahran, Supt: Essendon, Acting Chief Superintendent for District of Ivanhoe

Service:  From  5 August 1948  to  26 May 1987 = 40 years Service

Served in Cyprus from May 1969 – May 1970

Awards:  National Medal – granted 10 September 1986

Police Overseas Service Medal – Clasp CYPRUS – granted 8 July 1992

Born:  25 May 1927 in U.K., Brackley, Northants

Missing:  Since Wednesday  6 June 2007  ( Anniversary of Pat meeting his wife – Sally )

Body located:   3 March 2010 – High St, Lower Templestowe, Victoria

Died on:  it is assumed that Pat may have died on Wednesday 6 June 2007

Age:  80

Cause:  Suicide – most probably medication overdose

Memorial ceremony :  25 May 2008

Funeral date:  16 March 2010

Funeral location:  ?

Buried at:  Cremated

 Memorial at:  Pat’s Ashes were sprinkled in the surf at Separation Creek where he regularly body surfed on the 6 June 2010 – being the Anniversary of his disappearance


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

 

  

 

 

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

 

 

Closure for family – Doncaster man Patrick Hearn’s remains found

Missing Doncaster resident Patrick Hearn has been identified as the man whose remains were found behind bushes next to High St in Lower Templestowe.

Mr Hearn, a former Doncaster police superintendent and United Nations peace-keeper, went missing after leaving his Doncaster home on Wednesday, June 6, 2007, leaving his family baffled.

http://www.dwdnsw.org.au/limg-style-float-left-border-0-margin-top-0px-margin-bottom-0px-margin-left-5px-margin-right-5px-src-images-patrickhearn-jpg-alt-patrick-hearn-width-163-height-123-gclosure-for-family-doncaster-man-pa/

 

 

 

Heraldsun.com.au     23 March 2010

The skeletal remains of Patrick Hearn, 80, a 40 year veteran of Victoria Police, was discovered this month under shrubs next to busy Hight St.

Family claim Patrick Hearn left home to die because euthanasia is illegal.

A FORMER police superintendent missing for almost three years wandered off from his family and lay under a bush in suburban Melbourne to die because euthanasia is illegal, his family claims.

The skeletal remains of Patrick Hearn, 80, a 40-year veteran of Victoria Police, was discovered this month under shrubs next to busy High St in Lower Templestowe.

The discovery shocked residents and officials in the heavily populated area.

Mr Hearn, who suffered depression and had told his family he didn’t want to burden them or end up in a retirement home, disappeared on June 6, 2007, the 38th anniversary of the day he met his wife Sally.

Mr Hearn left his home in the early hours of the morning with some medication and never returned.

Sally Hearn said Patrick died a cold and lonely death because of the illness he suffered and his decision not to break the law.

“We all say if voluntary euthanasia had been legal we could have all been with him and he could have gone peacefully, not exhausted, lonely, cold and wet on that awful night of rain and frost,” Mrs Hearn told the Manningham Leader last week.

Son Royden Hearn said his father was an “old school” man who chose not to tell his family or say a final goodbye because he would have been prevented from leaving.

“He decided to write his own chapter and he did … if euthanasia wasn’t such a huge crime he probably would have been able to sit in his favourite armchair and say goodbye,” he said.

 

 

 

 

 



Alexander J. MUIR

10/01/2017

Alexander J. MUIR

aka  Alex

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. #   ?

Rank:  Inspector – death

Stations:  ?, Katoomba, Lismore, Wagga Wagga, ( Regent St – 2 Division ) – death

Service:  From  ? ? ?  to  ? August 1939 = ? years Service

Awards:  No find on It’s An Honour

Born:  ? ? ?

Died on:  Sunday  13 August 1939

Age:  59

Event location:  Entrance to Brisbane Water, Hawkesbury River, Woy Woy

Cause:  Drowning

Funeral date:  Tuesday  15 August 1939

Funeral location:  St. Stephen’s Presbyterian Church, Macquarie St, Sydney

Buried at:  Cremated at the Eastern Suburbs Crematorium, and interred at Rookwood cemetery ( other articles mention the ashes being interred at Botany Cemetery )

 Memorial at:  ?

 

the Sydney Morning Herald Wed 16 August 1939 p18 Mounted and foot police led the funeral cortege of Inspector A. C. Muir, who was bured with full police honours at the Eastern Suburbs crematorium yesterday. Inspector Muir was drowned in Brisbane Water on Sunday.
the Sydney Morning Herald Wed 16 August 1939 p18 Mounted and foot police led the funeral cortege of Inspector A. C. Muir, who was buried with full police honours at the Eastern Suburbs crematorium yesterday. Inspector Muir was drowned in Brisbane Water on Sunday.

 

 

MUIR is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * NOT JOB RELATED

  

 

 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

 

 

.

FURTHER INFORMATION NEEDED.

 

 

 

 

Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954), Wednesday 16 August 1939, page 16

FUNERAL OF INSPECTOR MUIR.

The late Inspector A J Muir who was to have taken up duty at Regent Street Police Station but who was drowned at Brisbane Waters near Woy Woy on Sunday while fishing, was given a police funeral yesterday.

After a service at St Stephens Church Macquarie Street which was attended by the Commissioner of Police, Mr W. J. McKay, and most of the police officers stationed in Sydney, the cortege moved to the Eastern Suburbs Crematorium.

Headed by the police band, mounted police and the police motor cycle squad about 80 members of all ranks marched with the cortege from the church to Stanley Street.

Many residents of Katoomba, where the late Inspector Muir was for many years in charge of the police station came to Sydney to attend the funeral.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/rendition/nla.news-article17605957.txt

 

 

Northern Star (Lismore, NSW : 1876 – 1954), Wednesday 16 August 1939, page 8

MANY AT FUNERAL OF INSPECTOR

SYDNEY. Tuesday.

Policemen from many country centres attended the funeral today of the late Inspector Alexander Muir, who was drowned at Gosford last Sunday.

The cortege, headed by a police band, passed in dignified procession through the city streets, and was followed by many civilians anxious to pay their respects to a well-known police identity.

The Commissioner of Police (Mr. McKay) and the assistant Metropolitan Superintendent (Mr. Collings) were members of the funeral cortege.

CHURCH SERVICE

The Rev. A. J. Parker, formerly of Lismore, and a lifelong friend of the deceased, who officiated at the church service at St. Stephen’s Presbyterian Church, paid a high tribute to the qualities and character of the late Inspector Muir.

“He was a man who was always willing to give a helping hand to those in need,” declared the Rev. Parker.

Inspector Muir was a church elder at Lismore for a considerable time.

The remains were cremated at the Eastern Suburbs Crematorium, and interred at Rookwood cemetery.

The chief mourners were his widow, Mrs. Madge Muir, son, Alister, and daughters, Mrs. Ruth Campbell and Misses Jean and Biddie Muir, daughters.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/rendition/nla.news-article98583912.txt

 

 

 

Richmond River Herald and Northern Districts Advertiser (NSW : 1886 – 1942), Friday 18 August 1939, page 2

Police Inspector Muir, 59, who was drowned when a 16ft. launch overturned at the entrance to Brisbane Water on Sunday night, was formerly stationed at Lismore, and was on two months’ leave when the tragic occurrence took place. The widow, one son and three daughters survive.
http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/rendition/nla.news-article125947993.txt

 

 

 

Narandera Argus and Riverina Advertiser (NSW : 1893 – 1953), Friday 18 August 1939, page 2

INSPECTOR MUIR DROWNED

Police Inspector Muir, who had only left Wagga on Friday last, was drowned, and two companions, Archibald C. Fowler, of Katoomba, and Leslie Roy Whatley, of Woy Woy, were rescued after a sixteen foot launch had overturned on the bar at the entrance to Brisbane Water early on Sunday night.

The party had been on a fishing excursion and rough weather caused the launch to capsize. The men clung to the overturned launch, but Inspector Muir was washed upwards of 100 yards away by a strong current.

Inspector Muir, who was on two months’ leave, was staying at Ettalong before beginning duty in Sydney. He had been transferred from Wagga, where be bad been a very popular officer.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/rendition/nla.news-article130470876.txt

 

 

 

Northern Herald (Cairns, Qld. : 1913 – 1939), Saturday 19 August 1939, page 35

TRAGEDY ON BAR.

FATAL FISHING TRIP. SYDNEY, August 14.

Inspector Muir, of Regent-street Station, was drowned in Brisbane Water when a 16ft launch capsized in the heavy surf on Sunday. Muir was spending a holiday at Woy Woy, and, with two other men, Leslie Whaley and A. Fowler, spent the day fishing.

They were returning to Woy Woy and while crossing the sand bar were caught in a heavy swell. The surf broke over the boat and while the men were bailing out a wave overturned the boat. Whaley and Fowler clung to the upturned boat, but Muir decided to try to swim ashore, using the pine flooring board to assist him, but an hour later the plight of Whaley and Fowler was noticed and a ferry picked them up.

Muir was found 100 yards from the overturned launch unconscious. Attempts to restore animation were unsuccessful.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/rendition/nla.news-article150817186.txt

 

 

 

Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 – 1954), Monday 14 August 1939, page 1

DROWNED

Police Inspector SYDNEY, Monday

Police Inspector Muir was drowned at Woy Woy during the week end. He was spending a short holiday in that neighborhood before taking up an important position at Regent Street Station, Sydney.

Deceased formerly had control of Katoomba, Lismore and Wagga districts. He left Wagga last week for his new position in Sydney.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/rendition/nla.news-article162221989.txt

 

 



Frederick John HANSON

10/01/2017

Frederick John HANSON  QPM CBE(C)

aka  ‘ Slippery ‘

( late of Terrigal )

 

Penrith Police Academy Class # ??

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. #   3958

 

Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 7 September 1936 ( aged 22 years, 3 months, 12 days )

Constable 1st Class ( during the War whilst with RAAF )

Sergeant 3rd Class – about 1947

Sergeant 2nd Class – 1952

Sergeant 1st Class – 1955

Inspector 3rd Class – appointed 26 September 1959

Inspector 2nd Class – appointed 16 April 1961

Inspector 1st Class – appointed 28 August 1962

Superintendent 3rd Class – appointed 31 October 1964

Superintendent 2nd Class – appointed 22 June 1966

Superintendent 1st Class – appointed 14 August 1967

Assistant Metropolitan Superintendent – 1967

Assistant Commissioner – appointed 25 September 1968

Acting Commissioner – appointed from 11 June 1970 to 22 July 1970, inclusive, during Commissioner ALLEN‘s recreation leave.

Acting Commissioner – appointed from 1 March 1971 to 28 March 1971, inclusive, during Commissioner ALLEN’s recreation leave.

Acting Commissioner – appointed 5 June 1971 ( due to illness of Norm ALLEN )

Deputy Commissioner – appointed 14 January 1972

Commissioner – appointed 15 November 1972

Resigned – December 1976

 

Stations:  4 Division – ( Pedestrian / Traffic Duties ),

Broken Hill GD’s ( September 1936 – 1940 ) & Plain clothes ( 1940 – 1942 ), 

RAAF during the War years 31 January 1942 – 30 January 1946, 

Vice Squad ( September 1946 – 1946 ),

Police Air Wing as Sgt 3/C ( 1946 – 1950 ),

21 Mobile Division – ( 1950 – 1953 ) Sgt 2/C

Broken Hill GD’s – ( 1953 – 1959 ) ( Sgt 2/c – Sgt 1/c )

Bega – ( 15 October 1959 – 17 April 1962 ) Inspector 3/C & O.I.C. (succeeded Insp. 3/C C. M. Lark, retired ).

Wollongong – ( 20 April 1962 – 16 June 1964 ) ( succeeded Insp. 1/C Allan Glenville Wild

Attended Australian Police College, Manly, 1963

Whilst at Police HQ, Phillip St and then College St, Sydney ( 22 June 1964 – 1976 ) he was the:

Metropolitan Police District – Superintendent 3rd Class

Superintendent 1st Class, Assistant Metropolitan Superintendent, Assistant Commissioner, Commissioner.

 

Service:  From  7 September 1936  to 31 December 1976 = 40 years Service

 

[blockquote]

World War II

Australian Imperial             Force Royal Australian Air Force

Regiment:  ?

Enlisted:  ?

Service #                                  407958

Rank:                                        Flying Officer ( Lieutenant )

Embarkation:  ?

Next of kin:  ?

Religion:  ?

Single / Married:                  Married

Returned to Australia:  ?

Awards:                                   M.I.D. ( Mentioned in Despatches) NCA ( No Citation Available ) Commonwealth of Australia Gazette  21 June 1945  Page 1353, position 54

[/blockquote]

Awards:  King’s Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air – granted 1 January 1945

Queen’s Police Medal ( QPM ) – granted 11 June 1966

The Order of the British Empire – Commander ( Civil ) ( CBE(C)) – granted 1 January 1974

 

Born:  Tuesday  26 May 1914 in Orange, NSW

Died on:  Sunday  26 October 1980 in Terrigal, NSW ( his home )

Age:  66 years, 5 months, 0 days

Cause:  Suicide – Carbon Monoxide poisoning

 

Funeral date:  ?

Funeral location:  ?

 

Buried at:  Cremated

 

 Memorial at:  Police Rugby League competition ( 1970 ) Fred Hanson Shield.

 

Former NSW Police Commissioner, Fred Hanson, gives an address in Sydney. Picture published 9 July 1986. SMH Picture by Staff
Former NSW Police Commissioner, Fred Hanson, gives an address in Sydney. Picture published 9 July 1986. SMH Picture by Staff

Our photograph shows Sgt Ellis Noack presenting the 1972 premiership Trophy to the then patron of the club, NSW Police Commissioner, Fred Hanson.
Our photograph shows Sgt Ellis Noack presenting the 1972 premiership Trophy to the then patron of the club, NSW Police Commissioner, Fred Hanson.

 

The Original 1946 NSW Police Flight or "Flying Squad" with the Avro "Nemesis". Two future NSW Police Commissioners are here: (from left to right) Senior Constable M.T. Wood (Commissioner 1977-79), Constables H.D.Johnson and D.Paul. Flight Commander, Sgt. F.J. Hanson (Commissioner 1972-1976), Detective S/C V.Murphy and Constables E.D. Baldwin and F.E. Hyland.
The Original 1946 NSW Police Flight or “Flying Squad” with the Avro “Nemesis”. Two future NSW Police Commissioners are here: (from left to right) Senior Constable M.T. Wood (Commissioner 1977-79), Constables H.D.Johnson and D.Paul. Flight Commander, Sgt. F.J. Hanson (Commissioner 1972-1976), Detective S/C V.Murphy and Constables E.D. Baldwin and F.E. Hyland.

FRED is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance  *NEED MORE INFO

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

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

May they forever Rest In Peace

Frederick John Hanson CBE (26 May 1914 at Orange, New South Wales – 26 October 1980 at Terrigal, New South Wales), was the Commissioner of the New South Wales Police from 15 November 1972 until his retirement in 1976.

Early life and career

Frederick Hanson was born the eldest of four children to Ernest Frederick Hanson and Vera Marie Hanson. He did not remain in Orange for long before moving to Burwood where he was educated at the Christian Brother’s Saint Mary’s Boy’s School. He became a jeweller’s assistant before being hired as a porter with the New South Wales Government Railways. Hanson joined the New South Wales Police on 7 September 1936 at the age of 22 and the next year was posted to Broken Hill where, in the Sacred Heart Cathedral, he married Carole Louise Whitehall with Catholic rites on 9 November 1938. In 1940 Hanson was transferred to plain clothes duties.[1]

Military service

Hanson served in the Citizen Air Force from 1932 to 1936 and obtained a private pilot licence in 1939. On 31 January 1942 he was transferred to the Royal Australian Air Force. Commissioned on 14 January 1943, Hanson served as a pilot in Britain, the Middle East and Ceylon (Sri Lanka), and was mentioned in despatches. On 30 January 1946 he was demobilized as acting squadron leader and returned to the police.[1]

Policing career

Hanson was promoted to the rank of Constable (first class) while on active service and briefly posted to the vice squad before being transferred to the police air wing as Sergeant (third class).

Such rapid advancement in an organization which was committed to seniority based promotion resulted in a number of appeals. The first appeal was rejected and the remainder were withdrawn which allowed Hanson to overtake more than a thousand other police on the seniority list. After this he became known as ‘Slippery’.

The air wing was disbanded in 1950 and Hanson then moved to the new Number 21 Mobile Division.

He returned to Broken Hill in 1953 and was promoted to Sergeant (first class) in 1955.

Hanson served as an Inspector (third class) and also officer in charge at Bega (1959–62) and Wollongong (1962–64) before moving to the Metropolitan Police District as a Superintendent (third class).

After attendance at the Australian Police College in 1963, Hanson rose to Superintendent (first class) and Assistant Metropolitan Superintendent in 1967.[1]

Hanson was appointed Assistant Commissioner in 1968, Deputy Commissioner on 14 January 1972 and Commissioner on 15 November 1972.

That year he also attended the general assembly of the International Criminal Police Organization at Frankfurt, Germany.

In 1974 he visited the Australian police contingent at Cyprus.

While Commissioner Hanson introduced merit rating, abolished seniority in executive promotions and also established the crime intelligence unit.

By objecting to New South Wales Police Association attempts to gain greater access to the Industrial Commission of New South Wales he sparked contention.

Hanson gained widespread support in 1975 when he initiated aggressive street patrols to counter hoodlum activity, however he failed to control illegal gambling which was to become a major public issue.

In 1976 Hanson sued the then Australian Broadcasting Commission for defamation when it had been suggested that he had a financial interest in an illegal casino situated at Gosford; the case was later settled out of court.[1]

Retirement

Pressured to resign after adverse publicity, he delayed doing so until he was replaced in 1976 by his preferred successor and air wing colleague Mervyn Wood.

Further allegations of corruption were made against Hanson in the 1980s.

Hanson was a modest however humorous man, he kept his family life extremely private. He was a noted practical joker and esteemed by his subordinates for his genuine interest in their welfare, his readiness to delegate responsibility and his unwillingness to be hindered by red tape.

Survived by his wife, Hanson died from carbon monoxide poisoning by inhalation on the night of 25 to 26 October 1980 at his Terrigal home; the Coroner dispensed with an inquest and Hanson was cremated.[1]

Corruption allegations

There were persistent allegations about Hanson’s involvement in organised crime, and was repeatedly claimed that he corruptly received payments from criminals and that he was the part-owner of an illegal casino at Gosford, in which former detective Ray “Gunner” Kelly is also alleged to have had an interest.

Hanson featured prominently in The Prince and the Premier, the 1985 book by investigative journalist David Hickie, which canvassed allegations of corruption against senior NSW government officials, including Premier Robert Askin and senior police including Norman Allan, Hanson and Merv Wood.

Hickie specifically named both Allan and Hanson as corrupt, stating that they knowingly allowed illegal casinos and illegal SP (off-track) betting to flourish in NSW. Citing an “impeccable” and highly placed source within the illegal gaming empire established by Perc Galea, Hickie alleged that Askin and his police commissioners, Allan and Hanson, were paid bribes amounting to A$100,000 per year from 1967 until Askin’s retirement.[2]

Another of Hickie’s informants, a former croupier at Galea’s Double Bay Bridge Club, claimed that A$5000 per week from the club was paid in bribes to Hanson and Askin.[3] Hickie also notes that Hanson was among the mourners at Galea’s funeral in 1976.[4]

In 1979 John Hatton, an independent politician claimed in the New South Wales Parliament that Askin and Hanson knew of and may have even encouraged the penetration of Australian crime by “overseas mobsters, gangsters and the Mafia“.[citation needed]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Hanson

 

 



Parliamentary Inquiry into Workers Compensation now accepting submissions

10/01/2017

Parliamentary Inquiry into Workers Compensation now accepting submissions

 

Dear friends,

The Law and Justice committee, of which David is a member, has just commenced a Parliamentary Inquiry into the operation of the workers compensation scheme.

The terms of this inquiry very much allow for an investigation of oppressive surveillance, the tactical and unethical use of so-called “independent medical examiners” and organisational responses to workplace injuries.

All of these matters are of very real concern to injured police and it is my intention to be seeking some time gets set aside specifically to deal with injured police in the course of this inquiry.

This can only be done if we have the submissions, material and evidence that supports this as systemic issue. We would strongly encourage you to make a submission about your experience: https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/inquiries/Pages/inquiry-details.aspx?pk=2414

The inquiry will be accepting submissions until the 25th September, please don’t hesitate to contact our office if you have any questions.

Kind regards,

David

Parliament House
Macquarie Street
Sydney NSW 2000
(02) 9230 3030
davidshoebridge.org.au

 

Placed on www.AustralianPolice.com.au on Wednesday  31 August 2016

 

 

 



Leighton John McQUADE

10/01/2017

Leighton John McQUADE

( Late of Boro formerly of Blackbutt, NSW )

aka  Leigh

 

New South Wales Police Force

Academy Class  DPP 5

Regd. #   33903

 

Rank:  Senior Constable – Medical Discharge HOD – PTSD

 

Stations:  ?, Warilla ( Lake Illawarra / Oak Flats ) TAG Unit,

 

Service:  From  12 May 2000  to  6 January 2011 ( Medically retired 2013 ) = 13+ years Service

 

Awards:  Local Area Command Commendation – Lake Illawarra – 2008

No find on It’s An Honour

 

Born:  30 May 1973

Died on:  Thursday  18 August 2016

Cause:  PTSD – Suicide – overdose

Age:  43

 

Funeral date:  Monday  29 August 2016 @ 10am

Funeral location:  Hansen & Cole Funerals, 634 Northcliffe Dve, Kembla Grange ( cnr F6 )

 

Buried at:  Lakeside Memorial Park,  230 Kanahooka Rd, Kanahooka

 

 Memorial at:  ?

https://www.australianpolice.com.au/leigh-mcquade/ Leigh McQUADE New South Wales Police Force Regd. # ? Rank: Senior Constable Stations: ?, Warilla ( Lake Illawarra ) Service: From ? ? ? to ? ? ? = ? years Service Awards: Local Area Command Commendation – Lake Illawarra – 2008 No find on It’s An Honour Born: ? Died on: Thursday 18 August 2016 Cause: Suicide – overdose Age: ? Funeral date: ?TBA Funeral location: ?TBA Photo from Rob McMahon: From left to right Greg Dillow , Claire Larkin , frank weir , Leigh Mcquade and Rob McMahon ... Leigh was my best mate
From left to right Greg Dillow , Claire Larkin , Frank Weir , Leigh McQuade and Rob McMahon …

 

Push video to full screen to remove the side marks of the website.

LEIGH is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance  *NEED MORE INFO

 

 Funeral location:  [codepeople-post-map]

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

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

 

Leigh, prior to joining NSW Police, worked at Appin Mine and later became a Senior Constable at Lake Illawarra ( Oak Flats ) Police Station for many years.

On the morning of Thursday 18 August 2016, he was found deceased at his property at Boro near Braidwood, NSW, resulting from an overdose.

Leigh had recently ‘sold up’ in the Illawarra and moved to his property to make a fresh start in life – but, sadly, the demons continued to follow him after a previous suicide attempt some years earlier.

May you forever Rest In Peace mate.  You were a good bloke.

McQUADE Leighton John (Leigh)
Passed away on 18th August, 2016.
Late of Boro formerly of Blackbutt.
Dearly beloved Dad of Taylah and Maddison.
Loving and thoughtful Son of Tom & Lyn.
Much loved Brother of Shane and Dan.
Loved Grandson of Jack & Ellie (both dec) and Arthur & Sarah (both dec).

Will be sadly missed by his many Aunties, Uncles, Cousins and Friends.

Aged 43 Years

Your Memory Is Our Greatest Treasure

To Have And To Hold In Our Hearts Forever

The relatives and friends of Leigh are invited to attend his Funeral Service to be held at the Northcliffe Chapel of Hansen & Cole, 634 Northcliffe Drive, Kembla Grange on Monday 29th August, 2016 commencing at 10am. At the conclusion of the Chapel Service the funeral will proceed to Lakeside Cemetery for burial.

In lieu of flowers donations are invited to Beyond Blue. A bowl will be provided at the Chapel door.

http://tributes.illawarramercury.com.au/obituaries/illawarramercury-au/obituary.aspx?n=leighton-john-mcquade-leigh&pid=181173428

 

Leighton John McQuade – Funeral pamphlet

Illawarra sisters speak out after cop dad’s suicide

Cydonee Mardon

Sisters Maddison and Taylah McQuade with a picture of their father Leigh McQuade who recently committed suicide. Picture: Georgia Matts
Sisters Maddison and Taylah McQuade with a picture of their father Leigh McQuade who recently committed suicide.   Picture: Georgia Matts

Leigh McQuade had no trouble staring down the hardest of criminals and never thought twice about throwing himself in the line of fire.

His police academy training supplied him with the tools necessary to bring down the toughest of crooks and soothe the hearts of the most broken victims.

But no one taught Senior Constable McQuade how to tackle the black dog that terrorised him. The wild beast that has brought down far too many NSW cops, got him too.

Maddison and Taylah McQuade are now left wondering why no one could help their dad – the brave Illawarra cop who took his own life, aged 43.

‘’When dad began to get sick, I was quite young so I wasn’t entirely aware of what was going on but as I grew up I learnt what the basics were … his anxiety affected the daily things that he used to be able to do so carefreely,’’ Maddison said.

‘’It wasn’t until after his death that I actually researched what PTSD actually entails, and it just blew me away to believe how an individual can suffer so much.’’

Maddison said police officers entering the force should be better supported for the mental struggles they could face.

‘’They should sit them down and say ‘hey you might have to learn to fire this gun but you also need to learn how to mentally deal with seeing deceased bodies, by being able to save people and all the horrific things that are on the cards’.

‘’It’s pretty evident that there’s not much of that.’’

The McQuade girls are angry their family was ‘’kept in the dark’’ with no support or education on how to help their dad during his six year-struggle before he was medically retired in 2013.

Taylah and Maddison don't want their dad Leigh McQuade's death to be in vain. Picture: Georgia Matts
Taylah and Maddison don’t want their dad Leigh McQuade’s death to be in vain. Picture: Georgia Matts

‘’Everyone puts so much crap on cops … but they put up with some inhumane sights, they are suffering,’’ Maddison said.

‘’There is minimal awareness, support and education about PTSD and these types of diseases.

’’If any good can come of Dad’s death it would have to be to try and help those suffering before it’s too late because I could never wish this pain on anyone.

‘’It’s too horrific to lose someone you love to a disease that they didn’t deserve. There could be so much more support.’’

As the McQuade family struggles to move on without Leigh, they still feel the support is lacklustre.

‘’Even now we haven’t been provided much help, we were assisted with NSW Police Association counselling with only three appointments and as I’ve been  going through my HSC they ‘couldn’t’ help me with paperwork to explain why I need privileges,’’ Maddison said.

‘’It was horrible, all the stuffing around and telling stories to people who claimed they were there to help but never did.’’

 

Brave cop ill-equipped to battle his demons

Lake Illawarra Senior Constable Leigh McQuade
Lake Illawarra Senior Constable Leigh McQuade

The death of an Illawarra police officer has again highlighted the dire need for better support for emergency service workers suffering mental health issues, Greens Justice Spokesperson David Shoebridge said.

The MP is taking their fight to Parliament on Monday.

Lake Illawarra Senior Constable Leigh McQuade took his own life in August after years of battling debilitating symptoms of PTSD. He went from a loving, happy dad with a close-knit group of friends, to an isolated, withdrawn man who drank excessively to ‘’coat the pain’’.

His daughters Maddison and Taylah remember feeling helpless and on ‘’high alert’’ for a trigger that could end in a bad episode for their dad.

‘’I understand in the job there’s tragedies of deaths with accidents, murders, drug busts … but criminals get assistance and the opportunity to rehabilitate,’’ Maddison said.

‘’No assistance is given to these police officers that suffer PTSD and other mental illnesses and diseases. Their only escape from it is to end it, usually with suicide.’’

Mr Shoebridge said the story was all too familiar. ‘’First responders, whether police, firefighters or paramedics, see things and deal with trauma that is almost unthinkable for most of us, and it happens to them on a daily basis’’.

“For police in particular the lack of organisational support while they are in the force is then magnified by the complete absence of support once a psychologically injured officer leaves the force,’’ Mr Shoebridge said. “The fact is once an injured officer leaves it is their family, their spouse and children, who take on the burden and suffer the impacts of the injury. Theirs is an often unspoken need and it is well past time it was addressed.’’

Berrick Boland, a former police officer who runs a support page for injured police officers and the families of those who have died, says the issue of suicide is hidden from public view.’’

In NSW you are better positioned if you are a dead greyhound than an injured or deceased policeman or emergency services government employee,’’ Mr Bolland, the administrator of the Forgotten 000s Facebook page says.

A NSW Police Association spokeswoman said a new Police Legacy program was available to officers and families called BACKUP for Life. The Government has committed $500,000 annually over the next four years for the program to ‘’design, implement and manage post service support strategies for former NSW police officers and immediate families’’.

The Association runs a CARE Program and promotes Beyondblue’s ‘‘Good Practice Framework for Mental Health and Wellbeing in First Responder Organisations’’.

Illawarra cops pay tribute to struggling friend

The NSW Police Force can hold themselves responsible for Leigh’s death, an unnamed colleague said.

‘’He left there with a messed-up head and not any kind of support. He had so much anger and hurt in his heart, this wouldn’t have come as no surprise to anyone who knew him. And as a police officer he managed to have care and respect for the people he was forced to arrest.

‘’More than any police officer EVER he cared for the families and genuinely wanted to see positive change in people and always done his absolute best to give people a second chance.

‘’No police officer will ever live up to his standards. R.I.P mate save that beer for us when we see you again.’’

Another colleague said:  ‘’Leigh worked in the Lake Illawarra TAG Unit, now it’s called the proactive crime unit. It was very busy, non stop.

‘’Work involved drug raids, DNA hits targeting high-risk offenders … ,’’ the officer said.

‘’He was in the face of crooks, searching people, brawls … he was a great bloke with a good heart.’’

Anyone needing support can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 224 636.

http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/4273677/no-one-was-there-for-him-illawarra-sisters-speak-out-after-cop-dads-suicide/?cs=12

 

 

 



Raymond John McNISH

10/01/2017

Raymond John McNISH ( Jnr )

aka  Ray

Original heading:  Unknown MALE VicPol member – suicide 1

VicPol Academy Squad 7 of 2004

Victoria Police Force

Regd. #   34557

Rank:  Commenced at Victorian Police Academy on 14 June 2004

Probationary Constable – appointed 29 October 2004

Leading Senior Constable

 

Stations:  ?, Campaspe region, Swan Hill, Echuca – death

 

Service:  From  14 June 2004  to  8 February 2016 = 11 years Service

 

Awards:  No find on It’s An Honour

 

Born:  5 May 1965

Died on:  8 February 2016 @ home in Moama, NSW

Cause:  Depression – Suicide – firearm to head ( non police issue )

( Ray was struggling with his Depression & had an appointment arranged for the day after his suicide )

Age:  50

 

Funeral date:  Friday  19 February 2016 @ 10am

Funeral location:  Dungula Events Centre, 69 Dungula Way, Echuca – Moama

Buried at:  Cremated

 

Wake:  Dungula Function Centre

 

 Memorial at:  ?

Senior Constable Raymond John McNISH

About 1000 people attended the funeral of policeman Ray McNish in Echuca – Moama on Friday. A huge cortege started outside the Echuca police station in Dickson St, led by mounted police, a lone piper and with Victorian police chief commissioner Graham Ashton taking the salute as the hearse passed through an honour guard of uniformed and plain clothes officers. The service was held at Dungula Function Centre to accommodate the massive crowd. Full story on pages 4 and 5.
About 1000 people attended the funeral of policeman Ray McNish in Echuca – Moama on Friday. A huge cortege started outside the Echuca police station in Dickson St, led by mounted police, a lone piper and with Victorian police chief commissioner Graham Ashton taking the salute as the hearse passed through an honour guard of uniformed and plain clothes officers. The service was held at Dungula Function Centre to accommodate the massive crowd. Full story on pages 4 and 5.

RAY is NOT mentioned on the National Police Wall of Remembrance  *NEED MORE INFO

 

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

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

 

Advocates want more of a conversation on the mental health impact on frontline police

 

 

Grieving widow says her policeman husband’s death was work-related,

takes Victoria Police to court

ABC Central Victoria

By Stephanie Corsetti

Posted

Photo: Married couple Wendy and Raymond McNish (Supplied: Wendy McNish)
Photo: Married couple Wendy and Raymond McNish (Supplied: Wendy McNish)

 

A grieving Victorian widow has taken the state’s police to court in an attempt to prove her husband’s suicide was work-related.

Wendy McNish has spoken out for the first-time about the suicide of her husband Raymond McNish at Moama early last year.

The New South Wales Coroner has been examining the case but Mrs McNish has also taken legal action against Victoria Police.

Her lawyer Travis Fewster from Maurice Blackburn said his client was trying to prove Mr McNish’s psychological disturbance came about because of employment stress.

“We will be saying that at the time he took his life, he just did not know where to turn, what to do,” Mr Fewster said.

“It was absolutely work-related,” he said.

Mr Fewster said a medical report from a GP suggested Mr McNish had lost faith in society and was disenchanted.

“We have also got a suicide note that said he could no longer have any fun, he could not laugh and he was not smiling anymore,” he said.

“So we have got those things put together as well as the trauma he saw day and in day out and what we consider is a lack of support from some of the parties involved,” Mr Fewster said.

A country copper

Photo: Senior Constable Ray McNish spent almost 12 years as a police officer. (Supplied: Wendy McNish)
Photo: Senior Constable Ray McNish spent almost 12 years as a police officer. (Supplied: Wendy McNish)

A great country copper was how Wendy McNish described her late husband.

“He was a very diligent, thorough worker and he found he had put his hand up for help and that was not there,” she said.

He took his own life in February last year aged 50.

He was a senior constable based at Echuca in northern Victoria.

Victoria Police rejected Mrs McNish’s initial application for compensation, denying liability in December last year.  Now she has taken on the force and hopes it can make changes to better support staff and their families.

“He felt alone and unsupported within his job,” Mrs McNish said.

She said she wanted the force to be more open-minded about mental health measures it could implement.

“Anything that helps them to cope with what they are seeing every-time they close their eyes has got to be a benefit and help them be more balanced,” she said.

“I’m not the only one out there that this is happening too,” she said.

“If I can help in any way I can then I will,” she said.

She said Mr McNish was affected by what he saw during his almost 12 years in the force.

Police tackle mental health issues

Victoria Police unveiled its three-year mental health strategy in August, which included a cultural leadership program.

Commissioner Graham Ashton said he wanted the force to do everything to protect, promote and preserve employees’ wellbeing.

Mr Ashton announced last month he was suffering from a fatigue-related illness and was taking sick leave.

At that time, he said he had always encouraged staff to speak up if they were struggling and to seek support as early as possible.

The Police Association, the union representing Victorian officers, said it was looking at how to encourage members facing a stigma to speak up. The secretary Wayne Gatt said he wanted to break down culture that stopped police from seeking help.

[code]”The stress that builds up over a long and challenging career makes for the perfect environment for mental health injuries to take hold,” he said.[/code]

“The Victorian Police has also been strengthening its support services that are available to our members and has the Police Association in terms of physical resources and people we can send out to assist members when they need help.

Wayne Gatt said some members had taken their own lives this year.

“I’ve been to two funerals this year of members who have lost their lives,” he said.

“It’s so critically important that we have adequate ways of providing appropriate diagnosis, delivering appropriate support services and getting help to members as soon as they put their hand up,” he said.

Mrs McNish acknowledged Victoria Police had some focus on mental health but she said she was unsure if it was on the right path.

Photo: Wendy McNish and her lawyer Travis Fewster are taking legal action. (ABC Central Victoria: Stephanie Corsetti)
Photo: Wendy McNish and her lawyer Travis Fewster are taking legal action. ( ABC Central Victoria: Stephanie Corsetti )

“For me, I don’t think counselling and psychology is the only answer,” she said.

“I think there is more than one avenue that can be taken with regard to mental health,” Mrs McNish said.

“I look at natural therapies because that’s where I’ve got the main healing and benefits for me,” she said.

She said she just wanted acknowledgement from Victoria Police.

“I think they need to speak with widows and families who have lost and find if there are some common threads in there that we can pull together … so changes can be made in the right direction because like I said, it’s not a one-size-fits-all scenario,” she said. Mrs McNish also said treatment options could go further.

“The counselling side of things and the support that is there, is really only just ticking the boxes,” she said.

She said conversations about suicide were becoming more widespread but there was still work to be done.

“I’ve seen people shy away from me,” Mrs McNish said.

“Even friends of 10 years have crossed the street who are work colleagues of Ray’s, you know that’s disappointing,” she said.

“I don’t want to normalise it, I just want to open the doors so that the conversations can flow and people can be understood,” she said.

“That’s been a real difficult thing for me to understand that people don’t want to or are not prepared to talk about it,” Mrs McNish.

“The more we get it out there, it just makes it easier for people,” she said.

“Sadly I’m not going to be the last one that goes through this,” Mrs McNish said.

“If you can’t open up to people and for them to at least hear you out, it makes it really difficult to move forward,” she said.

Victoria Police said in recent years, it had completed an organisation-wide mental health review and done significant work to improve the culture and support services around mental health.

If you or anyone you know needs help:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-13/widow-of-cop-speaks-out-about-suicide/9249808?pfmredir=sm

 

Echuca police officer’s widow sues force

by

Riverine Herald
January 18, 2017

THE widow of an Echuca policeman who took his own life a year ago is suing the Victoria Police.

In a writ lodged in the Country Court Wendy McNish is claiming her husband “sustained personal injury and death” throughout his career, which was caused or contributed to by the force’s breach of duty to him.

Leading Senior Constable McNish had always wanted to be a policeman but did not actually begin his career until he was 39.

Eleven years later he was dead after a career which saw him work in stations around the Campaspe region, in undercover and had been the key investigator in recovering more than $1 million in stolen farming machinery.

The issue of mental health among officers made headlines in February last year after three Victoria Police members committed suicide in the first six weeks of 2016, including Ray McNish.

Now his widow is seeking compensation under the Accident Compensation Act, claiming she was dependent on her husband’s earnings at the time he died.

Mrs McNish is seeking unspecified damages.

The Herald Sun reports today that since 2000 five officers have died in the line of duty – but 19 more have died at their own hand.

In 2006, while based at Swan Hill, Ray McNish was awarded for his efforts in dealing with family violence through “exceptional listening skills, an empathetic approach and thorough investigation of family violence incidents.

The paper said between July 2010 and June 2015 WorkCover accepted 482 mental injury claims from Victoria Police and rejected 500.

It might have been a late start in blue but Dissa was a born copper. He worked in uniform, he worked undercover, even got to mix police work with his other great passion – farming – in a case which saw him help recover more than $1 million worth of stolen agricultural machinery.

But in the end it was most likely the job he loved that in part had failed him — to what extent no-one will ever really know.

Ground down by a depression so dark and so insidious that in the end it would all be more than he could live with.

At the time of his death the Riverine Herald reported Ray McNish was the tangible tip of an unseen iceberg paralysing many of those on our emergency services frontline.

Police, fire fighters, ambulance crews, search and rescue – they’re all vulnerable to the horrors and tragedy to which they are so frequently exposed on our behalf.

And they are committing suicide, or attempting to, in greater numbers, frightening numbers.

Or broken by post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, or crushing variations of either/or, baling out of careers they love before they checked out of life – for good.

The ripple effect on families, friends and colleagues spans generations – from victim to their parents, their partners and their children.

These men and women give their all in careers where they are frequently all that stands between society and social chaos.

Yet are forced to haggle, sometimes for years, for the most meagre financial recognition of the load they carry.

Governments of all persuasions are prepared to see them as numbers on a spreadsheet rather than the increasingly irreplaceable assets they are; real people whose very wellbeing – mentally and physically – is being eroded on a daily basis.

And in the end Ray McNish joined a line that sadly is already too long, and threatening to become much longer.

A human tragedy, which in Ray McNish’s case, was played out in tributes and tears at Dungula Function Centre last February.

http://www.riverineherald.com.au/2017/01/18/5484/echuca-police-officers-widow-sues-force

Wife of Echuca cop who died in tragic circumstances sues Victoria Police

PETER MICKEL BUROUGH, Herald Sun

Ray McNish's funeral. Picture Lana Murphy/Riverine Herald
Ray McNish’s funeral. Picture Lana Murphy/Riverine Herald

THE wife of a well-loved country cop who died in tragic circumstances a year ago is suing Victoria Police.

Wendy McNish, whose “soulmate”, Leading Senior Constable Ray McNish, 50, died on February 8 last year, accuses the force of breaching its duty to her husband, who took his own life.

In a writ lodged in the County Court, Ms McNish claims her husband “sustained personal injury and death throughout” his career which was caused or contributed to by the force’s breach of duty to him.

Ms McNish is claiming compensation under the Accident Compensation Act, saying she was dependant on her husband’s earnings at the time of his death.

Ms McNish and her lawyer declined to comment on Tuesday. The action is the latest by grieving families of dead police, with the Herald Sun revealing last April that the fiancée of another officer ( Robert John SMITH ) was suing after her partner shot himself at Boronia Police Station with his service firearm after complaining of being bullied and harassed.

Since 2000, five Victoria Police officers have died in the line of duty, but 19 more have died by their own hand.

It is understood Leading Senior Constable McNish’s death did not occur at work or involve a police firearm.

Based at Echuca, he was a popular officer on both sides of the Murray River and was farewelled with a police guard of honour in the presence of Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton.

“No farewells were spoken. No time to say goodbye. You were gone before we knew it. And only God knows why. Forever in our hearts, love you always. Until we meet again. Your suffering is now over”, a family death notice read.

 

Victoria Police officers form a guard of honour at Ray McNish's funeral. Picture Lana Murphy /Riverine Herald
Victoria Police officers form a guard of honour at Ray McNish’s funeral. Picture Lana Murphy /Riverine Herald

In 2006, while based at Swan Hill, then-Senior Constable McNish was awarded for his efforts in dealing with the complex issue of family violence, through his “exceptional listening skills, an empathetic approach and thorough investigation of family violence incidents”.

A colleague from NSW paid tribute to “not only a fellow police officer but a mate & a true loving caring person”.

He posted: “To my very close friend Wendy my heart breaks for you, you & Ray have been true friends to me helping me with my PTSD I just wish I could have known Ray’s pain so I could have been there for Ray.”

Ms McNish is seeking unspecified damages.

A police spokeswoman said the force took the welfare of its employees seriously and had made a priority of addressing mental health issues, including adopting all 39 recommendations from a mental health review last year.

Between July, 2010 and June, 2015 WorkCover accepted 482 mental injury claims from Victoria Police and rejected 500, including 241 resulting from harassment and bullying, 252 for work pressure, 167 sparked by traumatic events and 54 due to occupational violence.

A WorkSafe spokesman said: “WorkSafe is continuing its inquiries into the death of Mr McNish. As such it would be inappropriate to comment further.”

Over the past five years, 1037 mental injury claims have been made by Victoria Police members.

A National Coronial Information System report on Intentional self-harm among emergency service personnel in 2015 found that of the of the 62 police suicides in Australia between July 1, 2000, and December 2012, 25 shot themselves — 23 with their service-issued firearm.

A 2015 Victorian Coroners Prevention Unit report into suicide rates among workers in key professions found the annual suicide rate among Victoria police was 10 per 100,000.

If this article causes you distress or if you require help or information, police employees can call Welfare Services confidentially 24 hours 7 days a week on (03) 9247 3344, and other members of the community can call Lifeline on 131 114 or Beyondblue on 1300 224 636

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/wife-of-echuca-cop-who-died-in-tragic-circumstances-sues-victoria-police/news-story/b41ddde6e45ff3a7e6693d491b9f72f2

Echuca police pause

The Riverine Herald

22 February 2016

 

Ray McNish waited until he was 39 to fulfil a childhood dream – and become a policeman.

Barely 11 years later about 1000 people, many of them police and former police, alongside family and friends, gathered in Echuca – Moama to attend his funeral.

The man affectionately dubbed Dissa ( as in disarray ) had taken his own life.

He had lived the dream, and he loved the job.  Everyone said so, and they all meant it.

It might have been a late start in blue but Dissa was born copper.  he worked in uniform, he worked undercover, even got to mix police work with his other great passion – farming – in a case which saw him help recover more than $1 million worth of stolen agricultural machinery.

But in the end it was most likely the job he loved that in part had failed him – to what extent no-one will ever really know.

Ground down by a depression so dark and so insidious that in the end it would all be more than he could live with.

A state which, in true Dissa style, he largely kept from those who knew him best, those who loved him most.

Ray McNish is the tangible tip of an unseen iceberg paralysing many of those on our emergency service frontline.

Police, fire fighters, ambulance crews, search and rescue – they’re all vulnerable to the horrors and tragedy to which they are so frequently exposed on hour behalf.

And they are committing suicide, or attempting to, in greater numbers, frightening numbers.

Or broken by post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, or crushing variations of either / or, bailing out of careers they love before they check out of life – for good.

The ripple effect on families, friends and colleagues spans generations – from victim to their parents, their partners and their children.

These men and women give their all in careers where they are frequently all that stands between society and social chaos.

Yet are force to haggle, sometimes for years, for the most meagre financial recognition of the load they carry.

Governments of all persuasions are prepared to see them as numbers on a spreadsheet rather than the increasingly irreplaceable assets they are; real people whose very wellbeing – mentally and physically – is being eroded on a daily basis.

And in the end Ray McNish joined a line that sadly is already too long, and threatening to become much longer.

A human tragedy finally played out in tributes and tears at Dungula Function Centre on Friday – and the ripples keep on spreading.

Riverineherald.com .au

Man to front court accused of farm thefts

Updated

A 55-year-old man has been charged with stealing farm machinery from properties in northern Victoria.

Detectives say they found about $500,000 worth of stolen equipment when they searched five properties in the Bamawm region, south of Echuca, on Tuesday.

Senior Constable Ray McNish says the investigation has been a focus for local police.

“It certainly has. It’s been probably well over 12 months now and it’s still an ongoing investigation at this stage,” he said.

A Bamawm man was arrested and charged with theft and handling stolen goods.

He was released on bail and is due to face the Echuca Magistrates Court in April.

Victorian police have increased their focus on farm thefts in recent months, with the establishment of rural crime taskforce.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-02-23/man-to-front-court-accused-of-farm-thefts/3846800

 

Echuca assault accused bailed

ELISE SNASHALL-WOODHAMS

A MELBOURNE man who police allege drove to Echuca, bound his father’s partner with duct tape, assaulted her and robbed the house, was granted bail yesterday.Mustafa Hadis, 20, of Meadow Heights, faced the Bendigo Magistrates Court on several charges, including intentionally causing serious injury and theft yesterday.

The court heard Hadis had been estranged from his father since the age of two and had recent attempts at contact rebuffed.

Detective Senior Constable Ray McNish said Hadis had attended his father’s house twice in the week leading up to the attack. The first time he was told his father wished to have no further contact with him, the second his father was not home.  Detective McNish said two days later, on January 18, Hadis and two co-accused attached stolen number plates to a car and again drove to Echuca, parking some distance from the victim’s address. “The victim was home alone in bed and at about 7am was awoken to see Hadis standing outside her bedroom window,” he said. Detective McNish said when the 58-year-old victim went outside to confront Hadis, he grabbed her and tried to pull her back inside, causing her to fall to the ground. He said Hadis then called out for help from his co-accused and they dragged the victim inside where they struck her face and arms with a rubber mallet. “Once inside, the victim’s hands were bound with packing tape, she also had her mouth and head covered to quell her screaming,” Detective McNish said.  He said Hadis and the two co-accused then stole a large amount of jewellery and two mobile phones.  He said the victim feared for her life, especially when one of Hadis’ co-accused took a knife from the kitchen.  “The victim was taken to hospital with injuries to her head requiring stitches, severe swelling to her hand and bruising to her arms and legs,” he said.  Detective McNish said the attack was a “premeditated act” with the men pre-packing the tape, mallet, screwdrivers and gloves. The court heard Hadis made full admissions when later arrested and interviewed by police, saying he felt hurt by his father and “emotionally rejected”.  Hadis’ bail application was opposed by police, but his defence counsel said it was important her client was released as he was the sole carer of his mother.  Hadis was bailed, with strict conditions, to appear at the Bendigo Magistrates Court for a committal mention on April 4.

http://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/story/74482/echuca-assault-accused-bailed/

Police honoured for work in combating family violence

Release date: Sat 28 October 2006

Last updated: Wed 1 November 2006

Five police members were honoured on Friday for their efforts in dealing with the complex issue of family violence.

The 2006 Excellence in Policing Family Violence Awards were presented by Assistant Commissioner (Region 3) Ken Lay.

The awards are the result of a recommendation from the Region 3 Family Violence Reference Group that police members who excel in their approach in responding to family violence should be recognised.  The Family Violence Reference Group comprises police members and representatives from other government departments and family violence services.

The awards were divided into two categories: Leadership and Practise.

Leadership awards are for members displaying outstanding initiative and leadership, which have positively motivated and influenced others in response to family violence.

Winners of the 2006 Excellence in Policing Family Violence – Leadership awards are:
• Sergeant Phil Nash from Broadmeadows police station for excellence in managing Family Violence Liaison Officer portfolio in an area of high numbers of family violence incidents.
• Constable Donna Rundle from Kyneton police station for outstanding leadership in addressing Family Violence within Macedon Ranges.

Practise awards are for members exhibiting exemplary characteristics that have added significant value to the manner in which police act when responding to family violence.

Winners of the 2006 Excellence in Policing Family Violence – Practise awards are:
• Senior Constable Frank Scopelliti from Tatura police station for a consistently high level of response, outstanding victim support and negotiation skills.
• Senior Constable John Lal from Epping police station for a highly professional and ethical approach, adhering to the principles and policies of the Victoria Police Code of Practice for Investigating Family Violence and consistent referrals to NARTT.
• Senior Constable Ray McNish from Swan Hill police station for exceptional listening skills, an empathetic approach and thorough investigation of family violence incidents.

Assistant Commissioner Ken Lay told forum attendees that family violence affects all communities.

“The unfortunate and stark reality of family violence is that it affects all of our communities”, Mr Lay said.

Assistant Commissioner Ken Lay said that police attendance at incidents of family violence had decreased in Region 3 in the 2005/2006 financial year compared to the 2004/2005 financial year.

He said that in the 2005/2006 financial year police in Region 3 attended 5955 incidents of family violence, compared to the 2004/2005 financial year where police in Region 3 attended 6367 incidents.

“Reporting incidents to the police is the crucial step needed to ensure that victims of family violence are supported and the crime attached to family violence is addressed,” Mr Lay said.

“Although the figures suggest that family violence incidents have decreased, it is still possible that incidents go unreported.  I hope that the example set by all police members in Region 3 nominated for the ‘Excellence in Policing Family Violence’ awards encourages more victims of family violence to seek support.”

Police response to family violence can mean the difference between life and death; about half the homicides in Victoria over recent years have been the result of family violence.

New Victims’ legislation, the ‘Victims’ Charter Act 2006’ comes into effect on Wednesday 1 November.  This legislation will further ensure that all police members deliver a quality service to victims of crime, treating victims with courtesy, respect and dignity.  As part of the Act, police will distribute a new booklet ‘A Victim’s Guide to Support Services and the Criminal Justice System’ to all victims of crime.

Sara McMillan

Media Officer

http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?Document_ID=8992

Unnamed male who suicided the week pre 11 February 2016.

This officer who died this week was from Echuca police station, but ended his life at a house in Tocumwal, a small town in NSW about 110 kilometres to the north-east.

 

 

Two Victoria Police officers take their own lives in a week

  • Nino Bucci and Cameron Houston

Victoria Police is grappling with the suicides of two officers in a week, as it awaits a high-level review of mental health issues within the force that is expected to recommend an overhaul of support services.

As Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton described the challenge of mental health issues among police as “one of the most important issues” he had to face, the families of the two officers were mourning the sudden losses.

In 41 days this year, two officers and a police employee have taken their lives. It has been almost 10 years since a Victoria Police officer died on duty, according to the Police Association honour roll.

The first officer who died this week was from Echuca police station, but ended his life at a house in Tocumwal, a small town in NSW about 110 kilometres to the north-east.

The other officer( SenCon Paul Anthony BRENNAN ) was from Mordialloc station, and is understood to have taken his own life after being involved in a minor traffic incident in the bayside suburbs on Wednesday night.

Neither officer was on duty at the time of their deaths.

“The death by suicide of a police member is always cause for enormous concern at Victoria Police. Looking after our people is one of our highest priorities,” police spokeswoman Acting Sergeant Melissa Seach said.

“We are heavily committed to improving the mental health support available to all our staff.

“We know that anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress can all be triggered by the stressful situations our people can find themselves in.”

Acting Sergeant Seach said the Victoria Police Mental Health Review would be completed in late March. Mental health experts have been consulted as part of the review.

“Suicide has long been a problem for Victoria Police as it has been across the population in general.

“Victoria Police understands that with improvements in recognising and addressing mental health issues, the incidence of suicide can be reduced and we are committed to doing this.

“The organisation will continue to work … [with] partners such as the Police Association, beyondblue and independent universities to improve our services and ability to break down barriers and help those at risk.”

In October, The Age reported that an officer had taken her own life at a police station, soon after she was deemed fit to carry a service firearm, despite suffering from mental illness.

The leading senior constable( Simone CARROLL ) was a mother of three.

It was also reported that a senior police officer who was charged with murder suffered mental health issues for almost a decade before he allegedly shot and killed a man during a routine intercept in Windsor in 2013.

Senior Constable Tim Baker, 44, allegedly shot Vlado Micetic three times in the chest during the intercept, and claimed he acted in self-defence.

He is believed to have an extensive history of psychiatric problems, raising further concerns about Victoria Police’s handling of mental illness and its policies surrounding access to firearms.

Mr Baker took extended leave on several occasions because of his illness, and was only allowed to resume work after approval from a Victoria Police psychiatrist.

But less than a year before the shooting, it is believed Mr Baker was involved in a serious altercation with another officer that should have set off alarms, according to colleagues of the accused man.

The coroner is also set to investigate the death of a sergeant( Sergeant Martin James VEAL ) who took his own life last June.

It is believed at least five officer deaths are before the coroner. More than 40Victoria Police officers have reportedly committed suicide since 1990.

The force said they would not comment on the circumstances of the officers’ deaths while they were the subject of coronial investigations, including whether they were reviewing access to service weapons.

For support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 224 636.

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/two-victoria-police-officers-take-their-own-lives-in-a-week-20160210-gmr0yu.html

 

McNISH Raymond John Jnr
VP34557 Age 50 years Of Echuca.
Tragically taken on February 8, 2016.
Dearly loved husband and soulmate to Wendy.
Adored father to Matthew,
father-in-law to Sarah and loving Bop (Pop) to Halle.
Loving only son of Ray and Dot,
brother to Susan and Karen,
brother-in-law to Barry,
uncle to Maddison, Alisha, Laura, Sarsha, Brandan and Danielle.
No farewells were spoken. No time to say goodbye. You were gone before we knew it And only God knows why.
Forever in our hearts, love you always.
Until we meet again.
Your suffering is now over.
Now at Peace
Funeral to be advised.

See later edition of Herald Sun for details.

logo

 

“Thinking of the McNish and extended families at this sad time. RIP Ray.
Stuart & Wendy Jennings,…”

-Wendy Jennings

Greg Callander posted a condolence
Today  ( 19 January 2017 )

May you forever be Resting In Peace https://www.australianpolice.com.au/raymond-john-mcnish/

Maddison, Alisha and Laura Cook lit a candle
Sunday, August 14, 2016

Missing you every day Gar xxx

Roger Cotton posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Dear Wendy , Matt & family, it it with the deepest sadness that we write our condolences to you on the tragic passing of a dear and wonderful person – our friend Ray. It has been some years since we have caught up, but he was always in our mind and hearts and we just picked up where we left off – true friend ! We have fond memories of our friendship and wish you and Matt the strength to carry on. Please if you are in the area, call in and see us, we will miss him dearly – Love from Rene and Roger xoxo

Kirsten Kruse posted a condolence
Thursday, February 18, 2016

Sue, Dot and Ray and families, my arms are wrapped around you at this impossibly difficult time. You are in my thoughts and heart. I immediately remember Raymond’s warm, infectious smile. Hold each other tight. Love to you, Kruse xxx

Michelle Wilton posted a condolence
Thursday, February 18, 2016

Be strong today. Was truly shocked and devestated to hear about Ray. Deepest condolences Michelle I hope your at peace now cous. Xo

Bill Casey posted a condolence
Thursday, February 18, 2016

Dear Ray, Dot, Susan and Karen, My sincerest condolences for the passing of Ray. A great bloke who made growing up in Gippsland all the more worthwhile. regards, Bill

jenny casey posted a condolence
Thursday, February 18, 2016

Dear Ray, Dot, Susan and Karen, and your families, I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Ray’s death. What a bloody waste. My thoughts and mental hugs go out to you at a time when every thing must seem so senseless. If I can’t make it tomorrow, I will be thinking of you all with much love. Regards, Jenny

Simon pearson posted a condolence
Sunday, February 14, 2016

A very good man and a great loss

http://tobinbrothers.com.au/tribute/details/3621/Raymond-McNish-Jnr/condolences.html#content-start


Austin William MANN

10/01/2017

Austin William MANN

aka  Aussie / Ozzy
( late of Eltham )

Victoria Police Force

Academy Squad 21 of 2005

Regd. #   35360

Rank:  Senior Constable

Stations:  ?, Diamond Creek, NWM Division 5 HQ, Heidelberg Police Station, Diamond Creek SOCIT

Service:  From  3 October 2005  to  19 July 2016 = 10+ years Service

Awards:  No find on It’s An Honour

Born:  ?

Died on:  Tuesday  19 July 2016

Cause:  ? Possible Suicide ?

Age:  34

Funeral date:  Monday  1 August 2016 @ 10.30am

Funeral location:  Victorian Police Academy Chapel, View Mount Road, Glen Waverley

Buried at:  Cremated

 Memorial at:  ?


[alert_yellow]AUSTIN 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

 

 

MANN
A Service celebrating the life of Senior Constable Austin William Mann will be held in the Chapel of the Victoria Police Academy, View Mount Rd, Glen Waverley on MONDAY (August 1st, 2016) at 10.30 am.
A Private Cremation will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Beyondblue in memory of Austin. Envelopes at the service.

POLICE HONOURS

logo

Published in The Age on July 25, 2016

http://tributes.theage.com.au/obituaries/theage-au/obituary.aspx?n=austin-william-mann&pid=180767709&fhid=8027

 

 
MANN, Austin William
Aged 34 years
Loved and loving son of Paul and Janis. Brother of Alastair, Jarrod and Peter.
With us always

Tuesday, 26 July 2016

Love you Ozzie – part of my extended family.
Tomorrow is promised to no one.
~
Eunice Lee,
Launceston, Tasmania
 
Published in The Age on July 25, 2016
 

 

MANN, Austin William

MANN. Austin William. Aged 34 years Loved and loving son of Paul and Janis and brother of Alastair, Jarrod and Peter. With us always
Obituaries
Published in Herald Sun on 25/07/2016