Allan James FULLER
Allan James FULLER
Late of Tamworth
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # ????
Rank: Constable
Stations: ?, Warialda, Tamworth – death
Service: From ? ? 1945 to 2 July 1950 = 5 years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: ? ? 1923?
Died on: Sunday 2 July 1950
Age: 27
Cause: Motor Vehicle Accident – Motor Cycle Rider – Off Duty – At fault
Event location: New England Hwy near the intersection of Gurnsey St, Scone, NSW
Event date: Sunday 2 July 1950
Funeral date: Tuesday 4 July 1950
Funeral location: Bede’s Church of England, Scone, NSW @ 3.30pm
Buried at: Church of England portion, Werris Creek Cemetery, Werris Creek Rd
Memorial located at: ?
ALLAN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NOT JOB RELATED
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
Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate (NSW : 1876 – 1954), Monday 3 July 1950, page 1
Eight Killed In Road Accidents Eight people were killed i road accidents in New South Wales and Victoria at the weekend.
Constable Allan James Fuller, 27, of Tamworth, was fatally injured yesterday when his motor-cycle and a lorry collided on the New England Highway, Scone. Fuller, a married man with one child ( daughter ), was on week-end leave and was riding his own machine.
He joined the Police Force in 1945.
Scone Advocate (NSW : 1887 – 1954), Tuesday 11 July 1950, page 2
FUNERAL OF POLICE CONSTABLE
There was a large attendance at the police funeral at Werris Creek on Tuesday of Constable Allan James Fuller, who was killed when his motor cycle collided head on with a motor truck near Scone on Sunday week.
The service. held at St. Bede’s Church of England, was conducted by the Rev. W. J. Pritchard.
The coffin was draped with the Australian flag, on which deceased’s cap had been placed.
After the service at the church, a squad of police led by three police cyclists, marched ahead of the hearse through the main business section of the town.
From there the marchers went by car, and with the cyclists still in the lead the cortege moved on to the Church of England portion of the Werris Creek Cemetery.
At the graveside the Werris Creek Band played the hymn, ‘Abide With Me.’
There was a large attendance of police officers from all parts of the North and North-West.
They included the Inspector-in-Charge of Tamworth sub-district ( Mr. G. Smith ), who deputised for the Superintendent of the Northern Police Administrative District ( Mr. C. J. Delaney ), Sergeant E. Lambert and Constable W. Matheson ( Quirindi ), Constable W. Brett ( Willow Tree ), Constable R. Gibson ( Murrurundi ) , and Sergeant H. Jerome and Constable B. .Shannon and Constable R. Paff ( Werris Creek ). Tamworth District Ambulance Service was represented .by Messrs H. J. Rowland and H. W. Kearns.
Werris Creek sporting bodies and business houses were represented.
The police cyclists were Constables Lawler, Aldred and Elliott. Pall-bearers were Constables Nicholson, Ralph, Holmes and Watkins.
— ‘Quirindi Advocate.’
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/162726403
Scone Advocate (NSW : 1887 – 1954), Friday 21 July 1950, page 1
POLICEMAN’S DEATH IN MOTOR COLLISION
Coroner Holds Inquest at Scone
The District Coroner, Mr. N. Hunt, held an inquiry into the death of Allan James Fuller (27), of Tamworth Police, who was killed almost instantly on 2nd July last, when his motor cycle crashed into a truck being driven by Athol Hope, carrier, of 9 Barber-street, Gunnedah.
Evidence revealed that the deceased’s cycle had struck a bump in the highway near the intersection of Gurnsey-street, causing the cycle to veer over on to the other side of the road.
Sergeant T. Newell, of Muswellbrook Police, assisted the Coroner at the inquiry, while Mr. R. S. Watson represented Mr. Hope and the Government Insurance Office. Mr. A. A. McLellan, solicitor, of Scone, appeared to watch the interests of the Scone Municipal Council. The widow of the deceased and members of his family were also present in Court throughout the proceedings.
CONSTABLE’S EVIDENCE
Constable William Charles Black told the Coroner he went to the scene of an accident on the New England Highway near the intersection of Guernsey-street on the afternoon of 2nd July, at about 2.45 p.m. Saw a Harley Davidson motor-cycle lying on its side on the bitumen, five feet in and about 14ft. 8ins. from the kerb. At the rear and near side of the motor cycle was a pool of blood. The deceased had been removed prior to witness’s arrival. Also saw a motor lorry, heavily loaded with beer, drawn over to the side of the highway. The driver gave his name as Athol Hope, of Gunnedah.
Noticed some marks on the right mudguard and right hand side of the bumper bar, as well as other marks on the body of the lorry and driver’s cabin.
Constable Black said he inspected the road and found several depressions right at the bend of the road and on the north-eastern side, extending on to the edge of the bitumen. There were also marks resembling skids on the northern side from the blood.
Later, in company with the deceased’s brother and the Coroner, visited the Scott Memorial Hospital, where deceased was identified.
Answering Sergt. Newell, Constable Black stated the marks on the motor lorry could have been caused by the vehicle coming into collision with the cycle on the roadway.
Sergt. Newell: What was the condition of the roadway? — At the point of impact the road surface was level, but for a distance of 8 or 10 feet from this point the road north of the impact and extending further north to the curve on the north-eastern side, that is right on the inside of the bend, the road surface is very uneven.
Witness marked several identification spots on photographs of the scene of the accident, and these were later tendered as exhibits.
Answering Mr. Watson, Constable Black stated the cycle was the private property of the deceased. The point of impact would be on Hope’s side of the road. It is possible that the deceased did not know there was a curve in the road ? — Yes, it is possible he did not know, much about the locality. I don’t know, and I had never met him. He was stationed at Tamworth. As an experienced traffic constable, is there anything that makes this roadway abnormal or dangerous? — Only that it is very deceptive upon approach from the north. It is actually a worse bend than it appears from 100 or 200 yards away. Do the depressions you referred to add to the danger of the curve? — Yes, considerably with a motor cycle, but I don’t know about a four-wheeled vehicle. Is there any warning of this curve approaching it from the North? – No. Do you consider it a curve which should have the normal traffic warning ? — It would be a benefit to have such a warning.
Constable Black, through Mr. Watson‘s examination, stated there was a 30-miles-per-hour sign about 40 yards away from the scene of the accident. Most motorists slowed down after passing such a warning, and witness was of the opinion the sign would be placed to better advantage if moved further north in order to give motorists time to slow down before reaching the curve in the highway. Answering Mr. McLellan, Constable Black stated it was a fact that a good deal of traffic went straight down Guernsey-street from the main road, due to the closing of traffic from the highway at certain times by the railway crossing gates. Replying to Sergeant Newell, witness stated the brakes on the truck involved in the collision had been tested and found to be in perfect condition. They conformed with the standards required.
BROTHER’S EVIDENCE
George Fuller, of Werris Creek, brother of the deceased, stated he had identified the body of the deceased on July 3 last. Had not seen the deceased for a fortnight prior to the accident, but at that time his late brother had been in good health and spirits. The deceased had been in the Police Force for five years, was 27 years of age, and at the time of the accident was going to visit his wife’s mother at Branxton. Could not say whether he had passed through Scone before, or whether his life was insured. Could not say whether the deceased had known the roadway through previously travelling over it.
LORRY DRIVER’S STORY
Athol Hope, carrier, residing at 9 Barber-street, Gunnedah, told the Coroner that at about 2 p.m. on July 2 he was travelling in his lorry with a load of beer on board. Passing through Scone, he had travelled from Swansea that day. Went over the railway crossing and was proceeding to go around a curve in the highway when he heard and saw a motor cycle coming. ” It was roughly a hundred yards away when I first saw it, before I approached the turn. I was travelling slowly — about 10 miles an hour— and the cycle was coming towards the curve. ”
Sergt. Newell: Did you form any opinion as to the position of yours and the other vehicle as to approached the curve? — When I was approaching the carve, I saw the cycle would have difficulty in getting around the curve. As the cycle came on to the curve it hit a rut in the road and the front wheel went up in the air. I saw it happen distinctly and it then came straight towards my truck. The way I saw it, the front wheel seemed to jump straight towards me. The bike hit the front portion of my truck. Would say the rider had no control over the machine. I stopped my truck after the impact.
Sergt. Newell: Did the rider of the cycle try to do anything to avoid the collision? — No. There was no way of getting the cycle under control. When he hit the rut he came straight towards me. It all happened so suddenly I had no time to do anything. I walked back to where the deceased was lying, but he did not speak.
Answering Mr. McLellan, witness said it would be hard to estimate how far away the cycle was when witness first saw it. It would be hard to estimate the cycle’s speed, but thought it would be travelling at about 50 miles an hour.
Replying to Mr. Watson, witness said he agreed with Constable Black that the deceased was travelling on the wrong side of the road at the point of impact. Witness’s vehicle was on its correct side, with the off-wheels off the bitumen. Thought there should be a ‘Curve’ sign to the north of the bend in the road.
PHOTOGRAPHER’S EVIDENCE
John Arthur Smith, engraver and photographer, residing at 100 Main-street, Scone, gave evidence of having taken certain photographs of the road at the scene of the accident. These photographs were then tendered and marked as exhibits one to four.
MEDICAL EVIDENCE
Dr. A. B. Cuthbert, fully qualified medical practitioner and resident of Scone, gave evidence of having made an examination of deceased at the Scott Memorial Scone Hospital on the afternoon of July 2. The deceased had died a short time before and found extensive lacerations of the right hand side of the jaw bone and down under the neck and to the sternum. The lacerations involved injury to the main vessels of the neck, the bleeding from which was the cause of death. Death had not been instantaneous, but within a few minutes of receiving the injuries. It was quite probable the deceased had been unconscious from the time of receiving the injuries.
ADDRESSES
Mr. McLellan and Mr. Watson addressed the bench at length as to their views on how the accident occurred.
Mr. McLellan stated there was evidence which pointed to the fact the deceased was travelling at a speed in excess of the safe speed he might have travelled at, taking into account the condition of the roads. It was a fact that roads were not in the first-class order they were in some years ago. The deceased, travelling at an excess speed, plus the fact of his cycle striking a rut at this speed, was sufficient to cause the accident.
Mr. Watson was also of the opinion that the deceased was travelling at an excess speed — probably that of 50 miles an hour. Had the road been in good order, that speed, when slowed down to the 30-miles-an-hour limit past the speed sign, would have been quite all right, but for the fact of hitting a rut caused the cycle to deviate off the correct side. The other fact pointed out by Mr. Watson was the driver of the lorry was on his correct side and travelling at a slow speed. His client, Mr. Hope, was in no way to blame for the occurrence.
CORONER’S REMARKS AND FINDING
From the Bench, the Coroner stated that he accepted the evidence of Mr. Hope, the only witness to the tragic happening, as being a truthful version of the accident. ” His evidence, with that of Constable Black, and the very helpful photographs, for which the Court is indebted to Mr. Smith, complete with inspections of the location of the accident, appears to me to make it clear that the front wheel of the motor cycle, driven by the deceased, struck an uneven patch on the roadway, obviously the result of necessary repair work thereon. This apparently caused the cycle to come into contact with the lorry driven by Mr. Hope.
I am satisfied that this lorry was being driven in a lawful manner on the correct side of the road, in accordance with the traffic laws, and at a most reasonable speed, having regard to the locus. There can be no blame attached to the driver of the lorry.
‘It is always difficult to speculate on the speed of a moving vehicle, particularly one which is moving towards you, but the balance of probabilities lead me to infer that the deceased was travelling at a speed somewhat greater than the 30 miles an hour, having regard to the results.
In considering the speed, one must have in mind the fact that the evidence discloses that the deceased was an experienced and efficient driver of motor cycles, both in his private capacity and as a police officer. I lean to the hypothesis submitted by Mr. Watson that the deceased was travelling at a speed which would ordinarily be perfectly safe under normal circumstances, but which by reason of the deceptive nature of the turn and the condition of the roadway, formed a combination of factors which occasioned the accident. ” It is the considered opinion of this Court that a recommendation should be conveyed to the appropriate authorities that all possible expedition be given to the eradication of the uneven patches on the roadway surface in the immediate vicinity of the intersection. I may say that I am mindful of the difficulties which present-day conditions place on such a proposition. I would further recommend that consideration be given by the appropriate authority to the removal of the existing 30 miles an hour sign to a position some distance further on the northern side of the curve ; that the yellow line be repainted and that if found possible, a ” Curve ” sign be placed adjacent to the turning. While the existing warnings are adequate for normal circumstances, I feel that if this were done, it would make an efficient contribution to the road safety which every member of the public desires, ” concluded the Coroner.
The Coroner then read his finding, that the deceased had met his death as a result of haemorrhage, due to injuries he accidentally received when the cycle he was riding collided with a motor lorry.
Mr. Hunt extended his thanks to the Police, counsel, and also the sympathy of the Court to the relatives of the deceased, as also did Sergeant Newell, Mr. McLellan and Mr. Watson.
Albert Stanley HAMMOND
Albert Stanley HAMMOND
AKA Bert
Late of Kiama, NSW
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 7443
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 22 October 1952
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 1 April 1968
Sgt 2nd Class – appointed 1 March 1976
Inspector – appointed 4 June 1982
Stations: ?, Wollongong Police Stn ( 1965 – 1976 on GD’s and was OIC of BAS Section, The Rocks – Retirement
Service: From ? ? pre October 1952? to 29 June 1986 = 34 years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: Wednesday 11 April 1928
Died on: Thursday 23 November 2017
Age: 89 years, 11 months & 21 days
Cause: Injuries sustained in an MVA – driver
Event location: Jervis Bay Rd, South Nowra. Died in Nowra Hospital about 3pm
Event date: Thursday 23 November 2017
Funeral date: Monday 4 December 2017 @ 10am
Funeral location: Parsons Funerals, 34 Belmore St, Wollongong
Buried at: TBA
Memorial located at: ?
BERT is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance*NOT JOB RELATED
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
Bert attended the 1st ever BAS Course in Melbourne in 19?? with Dick Brook, Les Austen, Wally Dent & Max Ebrill., Wollongong BAS – ( Breath Analysis Section )
James COADY
James COADY
Late of ?
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # ‘ Q ‘ 1801
For the purposes of this website ‘Q‘ represents those Police joining between 1862 ( commencement of NSWPF ) – 23 February 1915 ( Commencement of NSWPF current numbering system )
Rank: Constable – Trooper
Stations: ?, Cooma ( about 2 years ), Braidwood from 11 April 1870 – Death
Service: From 21 June 1867 to 10 June 1870 = 3 years Service
Awards: ?
Born: ? ? 1842 in Ireland
Died on: Saturday 11 June 1870 @ 3am
Age: 32
Cause: Horse riding accident – Fell and crushed under horse. Coronial Inquest found that the deceased “was accidentally killed by a fall from his horse while in the execution of his duty”
Event location: 3 miles from Braidwood – between Jembaicumbene ( Bell’s Paddock ) & Braidwood
Event date: Thursday 9 June 1870 just before 5pm
Funeral date: Sunday 12 June 1870 – during the afternoon
Funeral location: Roman Catholic Cemetery, Braidwood Cemetery
Buried at: Braidwood Cemetery in unmarked grave. Wallace & Cowper St’s, Braidwood
He was buried “close to the graves of the special constable who were murdered at Jinden”
Memorial located at: ?
[alert_red]JAMES is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *BUT SHOULD BE
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
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Coady, James (Trooper) 1870
The Sydney Morning Herald Saturday 11th June, 1870 – Braidwood, Friday – Trooper Coady, yesterday met with an accident, which, it is feared, will prove fatal. When returning from Bell’s paddock, on duty, his horse fell and rolled over him, seriously injuring his spine. He is now lying in hospital. Coady is a single man.
Evening News Monday 13th June, 1870 – Braidwood, Saturday – Constable Coady, died last night from the effects of injuries sustained by his horse falling and rolling over him. Herald
The Goulburn Herald and Chronicle Wednesday 17th June, 1870 – Dreadful Accident – A very serious and distressing accident occurred to Constable James Coady, stationed at Braidwood, who was riding home from Jembaicumbene on Thursday last with Senior Constable Walsh, when his horse fell with him to the ground and rolled over him. It is supposed that the animal put his foot in a hole. Coady was so severely injured as to be left utterly insensible.
Senior Constable Walsh caught Coady’s horse and rode into town (a distance of about three miles), when Senior Constable Duffy sent out a horse and cart, and Coady was brought into town about eight o’clock in the evening.
DR Gentle was immediately called to attend upon him, but has very little hope of his recovery; his spine being broken in several places. Coady has not been long in Braidwood – about three months. He was formerly stationed at Cooma for about two years. The only relative he has in the colony is a brother stationed at Grafton, we are informed. On Friday the unfortunate young man showed no signs of improvement, and his recovery is considered almost impossible – Braidwood Despatch
(A telegram to SM Herald, dated Saturday, says: Constable Coady died last night from the effects of injuries sustained by his horse falling and rolling over him.)
NSW BDM – 1870/3052 – James Cody, aged 32 years, Died Braidwood, NSW; buried in unmarked grave Braidwood Cemetery.
State Records – Registers of Police – Regd # 1801 – James Coady, Date of birth 1842, Ireland, Appointed 21st June, 1867
Manaro Mercury, and Cooma and Bombala Advertiser (NSW : 1862 – 1931), Saturday 25 June 1870, page 3
DEATH OF CONSTABLE COADY.
The accident reported in our ( Braidwood Dispatch ) last issue as having happened to constable Coady on Thursday last, terminated fatally on Saturday morning. The poor young man expired at about 3 o’clock that morning, he having been in a sinking state from the time he was brought home. As we said before, he has only been about three months stationed in Braidwood, having previously been stationed at Cooma for two years. He has no relations in the colony but one brother, who is also in the police force and stationed in the Clarence district ( Grafton ). Deceased during his short sojourn in Braidwood was much respected by the other members of the police force and other persons with whom he had become acquainted. His remains were buried in the Roman Catholic Cemetery on Sunday afternoon, the funeral being attended by the members of the force and a considerable number of the townspeople. His body was interred close to the graves of the special constables who were murdered at Jinden.
An inquest was held upon the body at the Police Station on Saturday afternoon, before the Coroner and a jury of twelve, when the following evidence was taken :-
Francis Duffy deposed :- I am senior- sergeant of police Stationed at Braidwood. I knew the deceased, James Coady. He was a foot constable, stationed here since the 11th April last. On the 8th instant I directed him, with senior constable Walsh, to proceed the following morning in the execution of warrants. I told him he could either ride my horse or that of constable Bragg, as we would both be engaged at the Police Court next day. Constable Bragg, who was present, said, ” Yes, Coady, you can take my horse if you wish. ” Coady replied, ” I will take the sergeant’s. ”
On the morning of the 9th senior constable Walsh and deceased left here about 9 o’clock. Both were mounted. The deceased was riding my horse. A little after 5 p.m. senior constable Walsh returned to the station and informed me that constable Coady‘s horse ran away with him, fell, and rolled over him, and that he was lying by the side of the road between here and Jembaicumbene. I at once proceeded on foot, and found deceased lying a little way off the road, about four miles from here on the road to Bellevue. Deceased was lying on his back. He was moaning very much. There appeared to be some vomited matter about his head and face, and he smelt very strongly of spirits. At first I thought he was lying in a very drunken fit. On raising him to a sitting posture, he moaned and said, ” Oh, my back ” I spoke to him. He knew me and mentioned my name. His face was cut and bleeding, and I then knew that he was seriously hurt.
Before leaving Braidwood I had given directions for the police dray to follow me. It arrived while I was there, and we had deceased conveyed to the Police Station without delay, where Dr. Gentle attended him the same evening, I believe about 4 o’clock.
James O’Brien deposed :- I am a storekeeper, residing at Bellevue. I saw deceased, James Coady, on Thursday last, about 3 p.m. I saw him first at my store, and we went across the road to Mrs. McManus’ public-house, which is directly opposite. Mrs. McManus is a connection of mine, and I act for her when she is away. On this occasion I went behind the bar and shouted for deceased. He had a nobbler of whiskey. He stopped some little time talking, and then went away. He appeared to me to be sober when he came and seemed sober when he went away. Senior constable Walsh was with him. He could have had some grog before he came over to my store. He came there to get change of a cheque, I think it was a £10 cheque. He wanted me to change it, and take out of it the price of some refreshments he and constable Walsh had had previous to coming over to me. He had nothing after he had the whiskey. The day was a very cold one. The deceased was dressed in the ordinary police uniform, and had no over coat. He left at a canter.
Constable Walsh was about one hundred and fifty yards before deceased, whose horse was very restive while he was mounting. He did not seem a first class rider, and Walsh‘s horse having gone on made his hone restive. He had a revolver in his belt when he went away. It was about ten minutes after I treated the constables that they started.
By the Jury:- They both tried to mount at the same time, but Walsh mounted and rode off quicker than the other. I did not see the constables arrive.
William Walsh deposed :- I am a senior constable of police stationed at Braidwood. I went out to execute some warrants on Thursday, 9th instant. We went to the Chinese Camp, at Jombaicumbene, and arrived there about 10 a.m. We remained at the Camp about five minutes, and then proceeded to a locality known as Moreing’s Flat, where the Chinamen we were in search of were supposed to be. When we got there they had left. We searched the claims and the hut, as I was informed they had been there a short time previous. We then went back to Bell’s Paddock, to a Chinamen’s camp there. I waited there while a Chinaman went to look for those we were in search of. He could not find them. I then wrote a note to Senior constable Stapylton, informing him that there were warrants out for these men, and that they were supposed to be at Major’s Creek. After that, hearing that the men were back in the house we first searched; we went back, but could not find them, as they were not there. We then went towards Braidwood.
We stopped at Mrs. McManus’s public-house at Bellevue, as constable Coady wished to see Mr. O’Brien. Mrs. O’Brien asked us if we would have some dinner. We had some bread and cheese and a glass of ale each. We then went across the street to the store. Constable Coady had some conversation there. I was then going away when Mr. O’Brien asked us to have a drink before we went, as it was very cold. We each had a glass of whiskey, and started for Braidwood.
About a mile and a half this side of Mr. O’Brien’s, constable Coady’s horse went into a gallop. I pulled up, and he pulled in in three or four hundred yards. About three miles and a half this side of Mr. O’Brien’s we went to have a trot. I was trotting, and he was cantering. He kept on the old road, and I went down a new track. The roads are about forty or fifty yards apart. I looked across and saw the horse rising up and Constable Coady on the ground in the middle of the road. I followed and caught the horse and brought him back. I asked the deceased if be was hurt. He did not speak. I bathed his head with water which was close by. I again asked him if he was hurt. He said ‘Yes.’ I asked him where; he said his back. I lifted him on his feet and found he could not stand. He did not try to stand. I laid him down, and kept bathing him. With the assistance of some teamsters who came up I put him on the horse, but he said he could not ride, that his back was broken. I took him down, and carried him about thirty yards off the road to a small ridge. I rode into Braidwood as quickly as possible for assistance, and he was brought in in the police dray.
Cross-examined by the jury :- We had had a glass of grog about five hours before we went to O’Brien‘s. It was at Miller‘s, close to the Chinese Camp to which we first went. There was no appearance on the deceased as if he was at all affected by grog before we began to trot. He was a very poor rider. The horse did hot appear as if it had bolted with him at the time he was thrown. It had bolted with him the previous time. He had trotted with me in the morning when we first went out. All we drank at McManus‘s was a glass of ale and a glass of whiskey each. The road was very rough where the horse appeared to have fallen on deceased. I came to the conclusion that the horse must have rolled over deceased when I saw the saddle marked with the earth. The bar of the bit was bent on the near side, as if the horse had fallen with his head on the ground. There was earth on the bit. The bit produced is the one I speak of. It is bent on the off side. There was some red earth on the horse’s head, on both sides, when I caught him, as if he had rolled over. There were some men breaking stones about a mile or a mile and a half from where the accident occurred. I saw no men nearer. I was not riding with deceased when we passed the men breaking stones. As we passed the men the horse bolted a second time. Deceased appeared to be trying to pull him in. I pulled up, and called to deceased to do the same. The horse galloped pretty smartly when he bolted, but was not at full gallop. He rode with a double-bridle, but I think he used the check rein. When the horse bolted in the morning I was in front. This was before we called at Miller‘s. He did not fall off any of these times, although the horse was galloping quick. I do not think he was rider enough to manage that horse. He waited for me when he pulled up after passing the stone breakers. We went a mile before we again commenced to canter. I was abreast of deceased when his horse fell. I only saw deceased have one glass at Miller‘s; he could have had another glass without me seeing him. I only saw deceased take one glass of ale and one glass of whiskey at McManus‘s. I now recollect that Mrs. O’Brien served him with a glass of brandy or something else before the ale. I saw not the slightest effect of grog upon him after we left McManus‘s. Deceased said that his horse was so lively that he almost jumped from under him. I consider the horse a quiet one. When I went with deceased I told him to bring his revolver and handcuffs with him. When I searched about deceased I found the handcuffs and ammunition pouch, but not the revolver. Deceased told me yesterday morning that he must have dropped the revolver where he fell. I found two belts on deceased when I searched him, but no revolver.
Dr. Gentle deposed that be believed the cause of death was the fracture of the spine. He had no hope of the recovery of the deceased from the time he first saw him. A fall from a horse would cause such a fracture, which might make man vomit.
The jury returned a verdict that deceased was accidentally killed by a fall from his horse while in the execution of his duty.
http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/113961112
Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser (NSW : 1843 – 1893), Thursday 1 July 1869, page 2
MANNING RIVER.
( From the Manning River News, June 26. )
ACCIDENT AT TAREE:- A rumour has been current for some days past that *Senior Constable John Coady was thrown suddenly to the ground a few nights since by coming in contact with a clothes-line stretched across the Court-yard. He was much bruised by the fall, but is again in the discharge of his ordinary duties.
http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/18738035
*It is probable, that SenCon COADY ( in this article ) is the brother of Constable James COADY
Cal
Henry James FETHERSTON
Henry James FETHERSTON
Late of ?
Queensland Police Force
Regd. # ????
Rank: Senior Constable
Stations: ?, Maryborough ( from 1879 )
Service: From ? ? 1878 to 23 February 1885 = 7 years Service
Awards: ?
Born: ? ? 1859 in Ireland
Died on: 23 February 1885 @ 7am
Age: 26
Cause: Thrown from bolting Police horse which then fell upon him
Event location: the Police Paddocks in Tinana
Event date: 22 February 1885
Funeral date: ? ? ?
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: Maryborough Cemetery, Walker St, Maryborough, Qld
Memorial located at: ?
[alert_green]HENRY IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green]
Approximate Grave location: [codepeople-post-map]
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
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May they forever Rest In Peace
Ceremony to unveil restored monument to fallen officer
WHEN Noel Sparks stumbled across the dilapidated grave of a young policeman who died in 1885, he did not know he was starting a journey that would result in the official recognition of the officer’s sacrifice.
Mr Sparks, himself a retired police officer, and his wife Denise visited Maryborough Cemetery in 2012 to check on Denise’s great-grandmother’s grave after the floods.
With a reading from Psalms and verses by Shakespeare on the side of the monument, Mr Sparks knew immediately that Senior Constable Henry James Fetheston ( misspelt – should be Fetherston ), who was just 26 when he died, had been a well-respected member of the community.
He would spend the next five years working towards honouring Snr Const Fetheston‘s sacrifice and helping to ensure the monument marking the young man’s grave would be completely restored to its former glory.
Yesterday ( 11 August 2017 ) a crowd of about 50 police officers, the restoration team, dignitaries and the public gathered to unveil the monument.
Snr Const Fetheston was born in Ireland and was sworn into the the Queensland Police Force in 1878 after migrating to Australia.
In 1879 he was posted to Maryborough.
Snr Const Fetheston was riding through the Police Paddocks in Tinana on February 23, 1885 when his horse bolted.
As he tried to calm him, he was thrown off, landing on a log before being crushed by the falling horse.
He was found at 5am and died at 7am the next day from internal injuries. ( this sentence is poorly worded. He died on 23rd, so either this sentence is wrong or the accident happened at 5am on the 22nd February and died at 7am the next day = 23rd )
Just prior to Police Remembrance Day last year ( 2016 ), his name was added to the Queensland Police Honour Roll and the national police Memorial in Canberra, acknowledging the officer had died while on duty.
After his death the community funded the monument that stands over his grave.
It was estimated that the monument would cost at least $70,000 to build if it was made today.
The well respected young man attended Maryborough’s Anglican church regularly and was a member of the rowing club and a local cricket club.
They sought the help of Warren Harland of Wide Bay Memorials.
“We worked under his direction and Warren was responsible for the restoration of the stone works including the marble and sandstone on the monument,” Noel said.
Senior Constable Henry James Fetherston Grave
Senior Constable Henry James Fetherston died from injuries sustained from a horse-riding incident in Maryborough in 22 February 1885. He was 26 years of age and was subsequently buried in the Maryborough Cemetery.
A substantial monument commemorates his death and appears to be in a reasonable state of repair.
The FQPM propose to examine the monument in detail with a view to arranging the cleaning and restoration of the headstone and surrounds.
The President and Secretary were fortunate to meet with retired QPS representatives who have an interest in the restoration of police graves, in particular in the Maryborough area. We spoke with retired QPS member Noel Sparks and his wife, who were keen to coordinate the necessary work on the Fetherston’ grave.
Noel has made a preliminary assessment of the work required and is of the view that the monument has been slightly undermined and requires additional support. The remaining work would include cleaning the monument, painting the iron fence and cleaning the grave surface and perhaps covering with weed mat and decorative stones.
It is believed that much of the restoration can be achieved with volunteer labour and any other work necessary quotes obtained. FQPM would consider any submissions for financial support.
http://www.friendsqpmuseum.com.au/projects/
Brett FORTE
Brett Andrew FORTE
Husband of Serving QPS Member – Susan
Son of Retired QPS Member – Stuart
Late of ?
Queensland Police Service
Regd. # ?????
Rank: Senior Constable
Stations: ?, Toowoomba Tactical Crime Squad – Death
Service: From ? ? ? to 29 May 2017 = ? years Service
Awards: Commendation for Brave Conduct (posthumous), granted on 14th of March, 2018
Born: ? ? ?
Died on: Monday 29 May 2017
Age: ?
Cause: Shot – Murdered – Semi Auto gun fire – Violent Traffic Offender Stop
Event location: Seventeen Mile, Lockyer Valley region, near Toowoomba
Event date: Monday 29 May 2017
Funeral date: Wednesday 7 June 2017
Funeral location: University of Southern Queensland campus, Toowoomba
Buried at: ?
Memorial located at: ?
[alert_green]BRETT IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green]
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
The wife of slain policeman Brett Forte has been tormented outside Toowoomba police station
- Courage under fire: Cop’s brave act
- Family’s brave tribute to hero
- Killer’s family release statement
QUEENSLAND’S police union has labelled the torment of Brett Forte’s wife today as “nothing short of a disgrace”.
Widow and fellow senior constable Susan Forte built the courage to make a midday public appearance, after spending the morning surrounded by family, friends and colleagues inside the Toowoomba police station.
About 10.45am, Susan emerged from the station with tears streaming down her face and a large bouquet of flowers in her hand.
She walked slowly towards the makeshift memorial that had been made in her husband’s honour.
But as she laid the bouquet down — inconsolable and barely able to stand on her own accord — Rick Maddison’s supporters saw an opportunity to let their voice be heard.
One person in a full car yelled “What about Rick?” as the Forte family huddled together, hunched over Susan in the floral sea of colours.
A gasp could be heard, but the family did not retaliate as the station wagon continued down Neil St.
Union president Ian Leavers lambasted the culprit.
“It is nothing short of a disgrace that associates of a career criminal and murderer would dare heckle a grieving widow while she pays tribute to her husband,” he said.
“Police and their families deserve better than to be treated like this.”
Despite the shock, Brett’s father Stuart turned and smiled as the family walked away — Susan arm-in-arm with her daughter Emma Morris.
Stuart confirmed yesterday that Brett’s funeral would be held in Toowoomba next Wednesday at the University of Southern Queensland campus.
Stuart said the family was doing its best to cope with the tragedy and the subsequent attention it had received.
Early morning visits to the Brett’s shrine outside the station have formed part of the grieving process for the family over the last two days.
Via a lawyer yesterday, Maddison’s family also spoke of their pain.
A card left by Brett Fortes in-laws. Picture: Darren England
A statement — read out by Alroe and Sullivan’s Solicitors practice manager Michele Alroe -claimed the murderer was more than just a career criminal.
“To us he was not the one-dimensional career criminal which the media are now portraying but rather a loved son, brother, nephew, uncle, grandson, friend and mate to many and as such will be sadly mourned,” the statement read.
The statement went on to say that Maddison’s actions may never be fully understood, but it expressed condolences to the police force and the Forte family.
The streets of Toowoomba are rife with anecdotes about Maddison’s self-destructive behaviour.
Friend Anthony Hogan said Maddison was “banned from more licenced venues than he was allowed into”, but said he would never hesitate to help out a mate.
“His name can strike fear into people. He was notorious … I’ve known Rick for many years and I’m not ashamed to say,” Mr Hogan said.
“I loved the guy and I will miss him.
“I’m not defending his actions or his criminal side, nor would he want me to defend him, but those who truly know him, well there was a caring and fiercely loyal side to the man too.”
Stuart acknowledged that the Forte’s were not the only family grieving and maintained that he felt no ill-will towards Maddison for his actions.
Brett Forte’s funeral is expected to be held in Toowoomba next Wednesday.
The Courier-Mail reported today on the heroic actions of Senior Constable Forte’s partner the moments after he was shot.
Constable Forte was shot by Maddison as he gave chase to the criminal in bushland on Monday.
It is understood Constable Forte and his partner were in one of three police cars that followed known criminal Maddison down a dirt road in a “low speed chase” around 2pm on Monday at Seventeen Mile, near Toowoomba.
His colleague used her bare hands to tear a hole in the windscreen of their upturned car so she and others could drag him to safety — all while under fire from a crazed gunman with an automatic weapon.
The Courier-Mail understands Constable Forte and his partner were in one of three police cars that followed known criminal Maddison down a dirt road in a “low speed chase” around 2pm on Monday at Seventeen Mile, near Toowoomba.
His vehicle and the other vehicles tried to reverse, but his rolled on the rough terrain, trapping him and his partner inside. With Maddison still firing, several officers from the second vehicle ran back to try to get their badly injured colleague out.
Donations for Brett Forte Remembrance Fund
QBANK
BSB: 704 052
AccNo: 100 179 875
Westpac
BSB: 034 838
Acc No: 263281
Family of cop killer Rick Maddison releases statement
THE FAMILY of a gunman who shot dead Senior Constable Brett Forte have called his actions inexcusable but deny he was a “one dimensional career criminal”.
In a statement released through lawyers this morning, the family of Toowoomba man Rick Maddison expressed their condolences to the family and friends of Senior Constable Brett Forte.
“The Maddison family wishes to express our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the late Senior Constable Brett Forte for their tragic loss,” the statement read.
Senior Constable Forte’s funeral is expected to be held in Toowoomba next Wednesday.
They said Rick’s actions could not be excused, “nor is it likely they will be ever fully understood”.
“To us he was not the one- dimensional career criminal which the media are now portraying but rather a loved son, brother, nephew, uncle, grandson, friend and mate to many and as such will be sadly mourned,” the statement read.
The family also expressed their support for QPS and thanked negotiators for their attempts to resolve the situation peacefully.
“We express our support for the Queensland Police Service and the often difficult and dangerous work its officers are required to undertake. We particularly wish to thank the police negotiators for their attempts to resolve a very difficult situation peacefully.
“The Maddison family thank the many people who have expressed to them their overwhelming support, sympathy, love and prayers,
Rick Maddison was shot dead by specialist police officers after a tense 20-hour standoff at his barricaded rural property in Adare, east of Toowoomba on Tuesday
Constable grew up to passionately follow in his father’s policing footsteps
Chris Clarke, The Courier
AN OLD police hat will be placed in Senior Constable Brett Forte’s hands when he is laid to rest in the coming days.
It was the hat his father Stuart wore during his more than 42 years with Queensland Police.
More than a decade ago – soon after Brett had married the love of his life and fellow officer Susan – the respected Toowoomba officer had found the hat sitting in the laundry of his father’s home.
He claimed it and wore it as his own until his final day on Monday when he was shot and killed by a cop-fearing gunman.
The hat is a symbol of the Forte family’s affinity for policing, Stuart told The Courier-Mail yesterday.
A treasured possession that will forever remind him of the boy who would sneak out of home to turn on his old man’s police radio.
The boy who would grow up to passionately follow in his father’s policing footsteps – like Stuart had done himself years earlier.
“He’s just a hero,” Stuart said. “He was a great bloke and he needs to be remembered,” he said.
Brett – known for his humour at home and at work – wasn’t afraid to do the hard yards and he rose through the ranks by doing his time in the regions around Brisbane.
His career had him sent to Cunnamulla, west of Brisbane, before going to Toowoomba, then Caboolture and settling down in Toowoomba again.
Brett leaves behind two sons, Brodie, 9, and Samuel, 3, and stepdaughter Emma, 16.
Similarly, Brett grew up in a family of three, but it wasn’t until early adulthood that he informed his father of his desire to join the force.
While Stuart’s father had some reservations about his own son joining the force around 1970, Stuart himself was never reluctant to see his son sign up.
“(Brett) was always that way (passionate about policing),” he said.
“I wouldn’t say he was gungho, but he wanted to get in there and do the job and do the job right.
“I’ve been told that he was the guy who had the knowledge of the guidelines and how you’re supposed to do things.
“If anyone wanted any advice, he’d tell them that you do it this way.
“He knew what he was doing and he was very smart in that area.”
Brett’s heartbroken stepdaughter Emma Morris yesterday laid flowers outside Toowoomba Police Station in memory of her father figure.
She echoed her grandfather’s sentiments, calling Brett a hero.
But Emma wept at the thought of her brothers growing up without the guidance she had received from him.
“Brett was just a true hero to everybody he knew … a true family man that would put his life on the line for anybody,” she said.
“Especially because I have younger siblings and they’re never going to remember him.”
Brett is expected to be laid to rest in coming days with his faded police hat.
But Stuart expects his son’s legacy to live forever within Queensland police ranks.
It remains to be seen whether Brodie and Samuel will follow in their father’s footsteps and continue the family tradition.
One thing Stuart will ensure is that they will grow up knowing their dad was a hero.
Arrangements for Brett’s funeral are still being discussed by his family, who gathered at the home he and Susan shared at Highlands, a suburb of Toowoomba, yesterday. The funeral will be held in Toowoomba next Wednesday in Toowoomba but the location of the ceremony is yet to be determined.
While some in the Forte family have expressed anger towards the slain officer’s killer, Stuart says he has no ill will.
“I don’t hate anybody,” he said. “Funnily enough I thought I would, but there’s no hatred there.”
EXCLUSIVE: Harrowing video shows the frantic moment police race to save the life of a fellow officer and married father-of-two ‘shot dead by a wanted man armed with a machine gun’
- Video has emerged of the moment police tried to save an injured officer’s life
- Snr Const Brett Forte was shot and killed in the Lockyer Valley, west of Brisbane
- Mr Forte was shot by a wanted man during the incident west of Brisbane
- Harrowing footage shows police frantically performing CPR on Snr Const Forte
- Local residents have reported hearing ‘non-stop automatic machine gunfire’
- The gunman is believed to currently be holed up in a rural farmhouse nearby
Harrowing video has emerged of the frantic moment police officers bravely tried to save the life of a hero Queensland senior constable who was shot dead allegedly by a wanted man on Monday.
Daily Mail Australia has obtained video from a Lockyer Valley resident who watched with her heart in her mouth as cops worked frantically to save the life of a married father-of-two.
A known offender, Rick Charles Maddison, 41, allegedly shot Senior Constable Brett Forte at about 1.40pm during a police chase in the regional area near Toowoomba, an hour west of Brisbane.
‘A hero lost his life today,’ state police minister Mark Ryan said in a statement.
In the video, filmed on a mobile phone from the window of a nearby home, officers sprint up the road, sirens wail and police can be seen performing CPR on Snr Const Forte.
‘Jesus Christ!’ the woman could be heard exclaiming.
Police later bellowed for her to step away from the windows due to the active shooter, sources said.
Maddison, who was believed to be armed with a machine gun, abruptly stopped and got out of his car during the chase involving two police vehicles and four officers and allegedly shot Snr Const Forte.
Maddison, from Toowoomba, then drove down a dirt road at Seventeen Mile, just northwest of Gatton.
It was understood the police vehicle Snr Const Forte had been travelling in rolled over after the chase resumed and Maddison also allegedly fired at a police helicopter while fleeing into bushland before entering a farm house.
The husband of the woman who filmed the video told Daily Mail Australia she was frightened and ‘freaking out a bit’ after gunfire rang out through the area.
Police officers would later carry the wounded officer off the paddy wagon onto her front lawn and ‘keep him alive’, he said.
Several locals were forced to watch helplessly behind a barricade for hours while their wives were stuck in their homes behind police lines.
Truck driver Peter Hills had been stuck outside on Adare Road for six hours when he spoke to Daily Mail Australia.
Mr Hills, who drives fresh produce for a living, said his wife called him on Monday afternoon asked: ‘Do you know if they’re shooting a movie or something?’
His partner witnessed streams of police cars, including black specialist vehicles and detective vehicles zooming down her street and then changing direction.
‘There’s a black paddy wagon, there’s another police car, now there’s an unmarked D-car… and then there was a little bit more – and then more went!’ he recounted her telling him.
‘And then all of a sudden they’ve all gone back the other way.’
Fatally wounded as he pursued the offender through the Lockyer Valley Region, Snr Const Forte was remembered as a hero by the Queensland police minister.
‘My thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of the Queensland Police Service officer who was tragically killed this afternoon while doing his job selflessly serving the people of Queensland,’ Mr Ryan said.
‘Along with millions of Queenslanders, I pay tribute to his service. He will never be forgotten. With honour, he served.’
TIMELINE OF EVENTS
Police are now negotiating with Maddison who is holed up in a farm house inside a locked-down area.
‘We have a person contained and at my last advice we were negotiating with that person,’ Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said at a press conference on Monday night.
Police had warned locals to stay indoors while negotiations were underway.
Local resident Kyal Pennell, 23, who was trapped in his home due to the exclusion zone, said he could hear ‘non-stop bursts of automatic gunfire’ and police sirens.
‘Every five minutes there’s gunfire. There’s been handgun shots, machine gun shots, and shotgun shots from what I can tell,’ he told Daily Mail Australia on Monday afternoon.
At 4.30pm, Mr Pennell said police holding semi-machine guns arrived at the front gate of his home to evacuate him and his neighbours from the area. Gunshot bursts were still echoing through the valley.
‘As far as I know, a couple of guys broke out of a jail and they’ve shot a police officer on the front lawn,’ one man told 9 News.
I had to go pick up the kids because the wife couldn’t get out, I was at work.’
Snr Const Forte was airlifted to Brisbane Hospital but was confirmed to have died by 4pm.
He had served in the force for 15 years and was a member of Toowoomba’s Tactical Crime Squad.
His wife, Susan, is also a police officer.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said in a statement her thoughts and prayers were with Snr Const Forte’s family and friends.
‘Every day, the brave officers of the Queensland Police Service put their lives on the line when they go to work,’ Ms Palaszczuk said.
‘Each of us should be immensely grateful for the work they do.’
In a tragic coincidence, Snr Const Forte’s death comes on the anniversary of slain Gold Coast detective Damian Leeding‘s shooting after he responded to an armed robbery at the Pacific Pines Tavern in 2011.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4552100/Queensland-police-race-save-life-shot-officer.html
A DESPERATE attempt to save a dying policeman shot by a gunman in Queensland has been caught on camera.
Senior Constable Brett Forte, a father of two, was shot in Queensland’s Lockyer Valley on Monday afternoon when a man got out of his vehicle and opened fire on a number of police cars with an automatic weapon.
Now, new video has emerged of fellow officers attempting to resuscitate Snr Const Forte after the shooting.
The heartbreaking footage, obtained by the Daily Mail, shows cops performing mouth-to-mouth and heart massage in a ditch beside a police car.
When officers notice the woman shooting the video, they yell at her to “get inside” and “get away from the window” because the shooter was still at large.
Queensland Police confirmed that Snr Const Forte had died in a statement on Monday night.
“A hero lost his life today,” Queensland Police Minister Mark Ryan said.
The gunman, who The Courier-Mail identified as “career criminal” Rick Maddison, is in a stand-off with police in an area near Gatton in southeast Queensland.
The incident began about 2pm when police attempted to stop a vehicle being driven by a “person of interest” on Wellers Rd at Seventeen Mile, near Toowoomba.
Snr Const Forte’s fellow officers were able to move him away and extract themselves from the scene.
Police are in negotiations with the gunman, who fled the vehicle into nearby bushland.
While neighbours reported hearing what sounded like machine-gun fire, police did not confirm details about the weapon.
Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart described the situation as an “active scene” and said the gunman was considered to be “at large”.
“Obviously we want to resolve this situation as peacefully as humanly possible,” he said.
Officers from the Special Emergency Response Team have arrived at the scene and a huge area has been locked down around Seventeen Mile, 115km west of Brisbane.
Gatton resident Kyal Pennell told news.com.au that he heard the first shots, which sounded like machine-gun fire, about 2.30pm and then a police siren for about 15 minutes.
“Then there was basically gunfire every 10 to 15 minutes from about 2.45pm through to 4.30pm,” he said.
“It was pretty scary, I wasn’t sure what to think, I wasn’t sure what was going on and I couldn’t see anything. I was only hoping it wasn’t getting any closer.”
Mr Pennell said he was eventually evacuated about 5.30pm and was now staying at a hotel with his family as police continued to hunt for the shooter.
Snr Const Forte was part of Toowoomba’s Tactical Crime Squad and worked with Queensland Police for about 15 years.
“My thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues … along with millions of Queenslanders, I pay tribute to his service,” Mr Ryan said in his tribute.
“He will never be forgotten.
“With honour, he served.”
There were also unconfirmed reports shots were fired at a police helicopter, which was forced to land for its own safety.
Police have urged nearby residents to remain inside as they try to locate the gunman.
A Queensland Ambulance Service spokesman earlier confirmed paramedics had been called to the scene to treat two people, one with critical injuries, however only one was transported to hospital.
One person was taken to nearby Toowoomba Hospital with shortness of breath.
Cop shot dead as he tried to escape crashed police car
Shortly after the officer was killed, police engaged in a shoot-out with the fugitive as residents reported hearing a volley of gunshots.
On a country road in the rural Locker Valley is where a police pursuit came to a bloody and abrupt end.
Some residents have recorded the moment a gunman opened fire on police with a semi-automatic weapon.
It’s understood Senior Constable Brett Forte and his partner had pulled over wanted man Rick Maddison on Waller Street just after 2pm on Monday when the fugitive began shooting their patrol car.
It’s believed it rolled down an embankment during the gunfire.
The Toowoomba tactical crime officer was critically injured.
Details aren’t clear but it’s understood police had tried to return fire.
Those nearby attempted CPR however his injuries were too severe.
Police say the shooter then fled in a vehicle and then on foot.
An exclusion zone was set up across several hectares streets locked down and residents told to stay inside.
“I looked out the window, couldn’t see nothing but I could hear sirens then all of a sudden like 6 or 7 short bursts of a machine gun,” Kyal Pennell a neighbour told 7 News.
PolAir assisted from above until Maddison opened fire on the police helicopter.
“I haven’t heard police fire for about 25 minutes, half an hour, but the machine gun every five or then minutes he’s letting off like quick bursts,” Pennell continued.
It’s understood the man was wanted over a series of serious crimes – including torture.
He was being pursued at the time by Senior Constable Brett Forte, a married father of two and the son of a highly regarded retired police officer.
The tragedy comes on the anniversary of the shootings of detective senior constable Damien Leading and former deputy Commissioner Ross Barnett.
Queensland Police have requested locals avoid Wallers, Forestry, Ringwood, and Fords Rds near Seventeen Mile.
https://au.news.yahoo.com/a/35683499/police-officer-shot-dead-in-queenslands-lockyer-valley/#page1
Bravery awards for police who tried to save fellow officer’s life
Brisbane Times on 28 March 2018, 6:30pm
When thousands of mourners had filed away, as slain Queensland policeman Brett Forte’s family stood by his grave for a private service, a woman approached them.
“Brett saved my life,” she said.
Photo: Supplied
It’s one of many memories that make Stuart Forte proud as he struggles to come to terms with the killing that tore his family apart 10 months ago to the day.
When Senior Constable Brett Forte is posthumously awarded a Commendation for Brave Conduct on Thursday, it will be “lovely”, a fitting recognition of his sacrifice.
But it won’t stop Stuart Forte breaking down when he tries to pick out a photo to go up on the wall from his son’s wedding to still-distraught fellow officer Susan, a tribute that’s been a work-in-progress for months.
Photo: Dan Peled/AAP
Those four officers risked their lives deep in the Lockyer Valley, west of Brisbane, on the afternoon of May 29, as a cop killer sprayed them with bullets from an automatic rifle.
On Thursday, they will be among 34 Bravery Medal recipients to be honoured in this year’s Australian Bravery Awards, a federal tradition dating back to 1975.
“It’s had a huge impact on the family and everything and it’s lovely to hear when these things are going to happen and everything.
“Because it’s a recognition of the sacrifice that he made and what sort of person he was and the heroic things that went on by the other officers there trying to save him.”
On May 29 last year, Gatton officer Senior Constable Barlow heard the message over the radio that officers Forte and Nielsen had spotted wanted criminal Ricky Maddison’s ute and begun following him.
Immediately after the shooting, police believed Maddison had deliberately lured the officers back to “his territory”, after calling from a telephone box in Toowoomba and challenging officers to find him.
By the time Maddison had driven down the hill from Toowoomba, the crew from Gatton and another from Helidon had joined in.
He avoided road spikes before driving off the edge of the highway, eventually ending up on Wallers Road, where he seemed to lie in wait for the first car to come over the hill.
Senior Constable Barlow heard the shots first, before the Helidon crew started reversing back over the rise and Senior Constable Nielsen shouted for help over the radio.
Confronted with such a heavily armed offender, Senior Constables Hill and Barlow and Constable Poulton knew their cars would be too large a target, so ran along a driveway up to the scrub and down the hill to rescue their colleagues.
“At first when we got out of the car, our training kicked in.
“ … When we got to the actual scene, the police vehicle was on its side. The siren was blaring out.
“It was quite overwhelming but, as I say, we knew what we had to do.”
All the while Senior Constable Nielsen was firing back at Maddison with nothing but her police service handgun.
Despite the gunfire, Senior Constable Barlow started first aid, before Constable Poulton raced away from the area in a squad car with Senior Constable Forte on board, according to the bravery citation.
“We didn’t know where he was but we could certainly hear machinegun fire,” Senior Constable Barlow said.
“We didn’t know whether he had us in his sights or what he was doing.”
Realising they were outgunned, officers Barlow, Nielsen and Hill retreated once the car was safely away.
The 2018 awards will also recognise with the Star of Courage slain Lindt Cafe manager Tori Johnson for his role in calming the gunman in the December 2014 Sydney siege, and NSW man Antonio Rokov, who died saving the life of a 14-year-old boy in a skydiving accident.
Also in Queensland, 65-year-old Norman Olsen will be posthumously awarded a Bravery Medal for freeing a woman from her partner’s assault in Toowoomba, on February 22, 2016.
The woman was able to run from the scene, but Mr Olsen was punched in the head and fell backwards, fatally striking his head on the footpath.
Several other Queenslanders, both in and out of the emergency services, will be recognised with a Commendation for Brave Conduct.
Christopher McKENNA
Christopher McKENNA
Late of ?
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # ????
Rank: Constable
Stations: Sydney Water Police
Service: From ? ? ? to 9 December 1848 = 6 years Service
Awards: ?
Born: ? ? 1826?
Died on: Saturday 9 December 1848
Age: about 22?
Cause: Drowned off Police Schooner ‘ Satellite ‘
Event location: South West shore of Bradley’s Head, Sydney Harbour
Event date: Saturday 9 December 1848
Drowned body located on Sunday 10 December 1848
Funeral date: ? ? ?
Funeral location: Devonshire St Cemetery, Roman Catholic Section Row: 1889 Cemetery Plot U-P
Buried at: ?
Memorial located at: ?
Three Constables of the Sydney Water Police drowned in this ‘on duty’ event on the 9 December 1848.
CHRISTOPHER is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *BUT SHOULD BE
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
Moreton Bay Courier (Brisbane, Qld. : 1846 – 1861),
Saturday 30 December 1848, page 2
LOSS OF THE GOVERNMENT SCHOONER ” SATELLITE. “
We regret to announce the loss of the police schooner Satellite, during the gale of Saturday night.
She had started in the forenoon on a pleasure-trip down the harbour, having on board the Colonial Secretary, Captains Browne, Innes, and Batty, Mr. Mann, and several other gentlemen. On returning from the Heads, about dusk, having to beat up against a westerly wind, these gentlemen left her in the hands of the crew, three in number, and came up to Sydney in Captain Browne’s boat.
A few minutes before the gale commenced, the schooner was observed by some parties standing across from Bradley’s Head to Clarke’s Island, and it is supposed that almost instantly after she must have capsized and gone down, as no trace whatever can be found of her. The names of the unfortunate men who have thus met with a watery.grave are Crawell, McKenna, and Vincent.
The Water Police boats were all over the harbour on Sunday morning, and finding no vestige of the vessel, they commenced dragging for the bodies of Crawell and Vincent, that of McKenna having been found on the rocks near Bradley’s Head. The bodies of the other two had not been found.
The telegraph mast at Fort Phillip has also been carried away by the gale. The inconvenience to the public will be very considerable unless the Government speedily erect another.
By the assistance of two punts the Satellite was floated yesterday, and towed into Woolloomooloo Bay : From all the circumstances of this melancholy case, we think that a considerable degree of blame is attached to the parties who left the schooner in the hands of three men only, two of which were, we understand, totally unacquainted with the duties of a seaman ; more especially us, from the general appearance of the weather during the day, an experienced seaman like Captain Browne might reasonably have anticipated a storm about sun-down.
One of the bodies of the unfortunate men was found yesterday evening.
People’s Advocate, Dec 16.
Bell’s Life in Sydney and Sporting Reviewer (NSW : 1845 – 1860),
Saturday 23 December 1848, page 2
The Loss of the Satellite.
A most unjustifiable attack on the Colonial Secretary was given to the world, or, more correctly speaking, to that very circumscribed portion of it with which the “Atlas ” is connected, in the columns of that journal on Saturday last.
The penman of the vituperative article would appear to be either of very recent importation, and consequently incompetent to treat of the conduct of the local Government and its officers, or, ( which is equally creditable to his impertinence ) has taken no pains to arrive at the truth of the accusation so unblushingly levelled at a gentleman whose public and private career has till now escaped the foul mouthed abuse of the slanderer.
Our present purpose is merely to rebut the calumny, and, if possible, shame the calumniator by the simple declaration that Mr. Thomson did NOT form one of the party on board the ill-fated ” Satellite ” on the pleasure trip which resulted in so melancholy a loss of life.
With respect to the alleged mal-appropriation of the Water Police Schooner by her commander, in occasionally entertaining a party of friends on board, and indulging in a cruise about the harbour, we can see neither impropriety nor ” disgrace ” in so natural a proceeding. As well might the ” Atlas ” arraign every Post Captain in the British Navy, for, with few exceptions, our gallant tars do not scruple to appropriate H. M’s. boats to the occasional entertainment of their friends in harbour, and this without risk of rebuke from the Admiralty, or the censure of any, save, perhaps, that of some expuseyite canting print whose ruling principle, like that of the termagant on the eve of matrimony, is avowedly”,” to find fault where there is no occasion.”
Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser (NSW : 1843 – 1893), Wednesday 20 December 1848, page 2
The water police schooner Satellite was, late on Saturday night, recovered, and has been towed into Neutral Bay, where she now lies. She was found with all her sails set, and not a rope misplaced. She has sustained no damage worth speaking of, or at all events, not beyond what a few pounds will cover.
The body of one of the two missing policemen, a man named Craill, was found on Friday night, at Potts’s Point, lying between two rocks. It was in a fearful state of decomposition, and could with difficulty be identified. An inquest was held on Saturday. The evidence adduced was precisely the same as that given at a former inquest held on the body of the man named McKenna, and a finding of death from accidental drowning was recorded.
Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser (NSW : 1843 – 1893), Wednesday 20 December 1848, page 2
Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954),
Tuesday 19 December 1848, page 2
Bell’s Life in Sydney and Sporting Reviewer (NSW : 1845 – 1860),
Saturday 16 December 1848, page 2
LOCAL INTELLIGENCE.
Loss OF THE WATER POLICE SCHOONER, “SATELLITE.” – On Saturday last, a select party of gentlemen, accepting the invitation of Captain Browne, proceeded down the harbour on a pleasure cruise in the Satellite.
On their return about 7 p m., towards Sydney, the wind which had been variable, and blowing in sudden gusts, veered ahead, on which the party determined on leaving the schooner, and pulling to the wharf in Captain Browne’s boat.
Previous to quitting the Satellite, positive instructions were given to the three men left on board, to take in the main-top-sail, but it would stem as though they had utterly mistaken the order, as the boat had not proceeded many hundred yards before they perceived the schooner’s top-gallant-sail hoisted, and all sail set. The boat, on nearing the shore, suddenly encountered a heavy squall, which nearly capsized her, and it is presumed that the Satellite must have been struck and overwhelmed by the same, as no tidings of the unfortunate vessel could he gleaned on the following morning.
On search being made, the body of McKenna, one of the crew, was discovered cast up on the rocks near Bradley’s Head ; the bodies of his shipmates, Crawell and Vincent, have not yet been recovered.
The Schooner was subsequently found sunk, in fourteen fathoms water, and immediate steps will be taken to raise her.
Bell’s Life in Sydney and Sporting Reviewer (NSW : 1845 – 1860),
Saturday 16 December 1848, page 2
COXSWAIN – We believe the Colonial Secretary did not form one of the party on board the Satellite schooner.
We shall be happy to refer J.A. to our Solicitor, should he require further explanation in the matter.
Shipping Gazette and Sydney General Trade List (NSW : 1844 – 1860), Saturday 16 December 1848, page 301
Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser (NSW : 1843 – 1893), Saturday 16 December 1848, page 2
SYDNEY NEWS
( From our Correspondent )
Sydney, Thursday Evening.
THE WATER POLICE SCHOONER – No attempt could be made for the recovery of the Satellite yesterday, in consequence of the boisterous weather that prevailed.
The diving bell and the punts belonging to the dredge left Sydney before daylight this morning to make the attempt.
The bodies of the two other missing water police have not yet been recovered.
The government, I am informed, have resolved that as the boat at the time of the occurrence was out on a pleasure party, and not on ” duty “ the water police magistrate shall pay for her loss.
Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954),
Wednesday 13 December 1848, page 2
The police schooner Satellite, which has been dragged for during the last two days, was yesterday afternoon fell in with near Bradley’s Head, in between ten and twelve fathoms water. The steam dredge and diving bell were to proceed at daylight this morning for the purpose of recovering her. Neither of the bodies of the police constables Craill and Vincent had, up to yesterday evening, been found.
Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954),
Tuesday 12 December 1848, page 2
INQUEST. – An inquest was held yesterday by Mr. Ryan Brenan, at O’Dowd’s, the Forbes’ Hotel, King and York streets, on view of the body of Christopher McKenna. then lying dead at the residence of his mother, in York-street. The deceased was one of the three Water Police constables who were on board the Government schooner Satellite, when she was lost in the harbour during the sudden squall of Saturday night.
Mr. T. H. B. Venour, clerk of the Water Police Court, deposed to the finding of the body of the deceased late on Sunday afternoon, lying on the rocks on the south-western side of Bradley’s Head.
Captain Browne, P.M., stated that on Saturday the schooner had been down the harbour, and on returning to Sydney, at about seven o’clock in the evening, when off Clarke’s Island, the wind falling light, he (Captain B ) with others quitted the vessel, leaving her in charge of the deceased and two others of the constabulary named Craill and Vincent.
On leaving the vessel a caution was given to these parties to mind the southerly wind and have their sails taken in. They were directed to work up to Sydney. Captain B. and his party then pulled up, but within the succeeding twenty minutes were caught by the squall, and from its violence experienced great difficulty in reaching Sydney.
Finding on yesterday (Sunday) morning that the schooner had not come up, he proceeded down the harbour, and found on the rocks near Bradley’s Head the Satellite‘s main hatch gratings, and a table which he ( Captain Browne ) knew to be aboard of her when he quitted her, as also a hat belonging to the deceased.
Every possible enquiry had been made respecting the schooner, but although it appears she was seen shortly previous to the coming of the squall, no person could be found who had seen her struck by it.
The deceased, who was about twenty-two years of age, had been four years in the service, and a high encomium on his conduct during that time was passed by Captain Browne.
The deceased and the other men, at the time the schooner was left in their charge, were perfectly sober.
The jury returned a finding of accidental death by drowning.
http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/12908510#
Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954),
Monday 11 December 1848, page 2
We are sorry to have to announce the loss of the Police schooner Satellite, during the gale of Saturday night.
She had started in the forenoon on a pleasure trip down the harbour with the Colonial Secretary, Captains Browne, Innes, and Batty, Mr Mann, and others.
On returning from the heads, about dusk, having to beat up against a westerly wind, these gentlemen left her in the hands of the crew, three in number, and came up to Sydney in Captain Browne’s boat.
A few minutes before the gale commenced the schooner was observed by some parties standing across from Bradley’s Head to Clarke’s Island, and it is supposed that almost instantly after she must have capsized and gone down, as no trace whatever can be found of her. The names of the unfortunate men who have thus met with a watery grave, are Crawell, McKenna, and Vincent.
The Water Police boats were all over the harbour yesterday morning, and finding no vestige of the vessel, they commenced dragging for the bodies of Crawell and Vincent, that of McKenna having been found on the rocks near Bradley’s Head.
During the same gale a small coasting vessel of about ten tons, was driven ashore on the rocks near George’s Head, but fortunately no lives lost.
The telegraph mast also at Fort Phillip, has been carried away by the violence of the gale. It is to be hoped the government will lose no time in repairing this latter damage, as the loss will be a great inconvenience to the public.
Kenneth Francis RICH
Kenneth Francis RICH
Late of ?
Victoria Police Force
Regd. # 22376
Rank: Sergeant
Stations: ?, Berwick, Narre Warren ( 25 years ) – death
Service: From ? ? 1980 to 14 April 2017 = 37 years Service
Awards: National Medal – granted 26 March 1998
Born: ? ? 1962
Died on: Friday 14 April 2017
Age: 55
Cause: Motor Vehicle Collision – Push Bike rider
Event location: Princes Hwy near Dore Rd, Pakenham, Victoria
Event date: Friday 14 April 2017
Funeral date: Wednesday 26 April 2017 at noon
Funeral location: Victoria Police Academy, Glen Waverley
Police Honours
At the conclusion of the Service the cortege will leave for the Gembrook Cemetery, Blackwood Lane, Gembrook arriving at approx. 2.30 p.m.
To help celebrate Ken’s life and to reflect his love of the Sydney Swans, please wear
a touch of red and white.
No flowers by request.
A donation in memory of Ken may be made to the Amy Gillett Foundation.
Envelopes will be available at the Chapel.
Buried at: Gembrook Cemetery,
Memorial located at: ?
KEN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NOT JOB RELATED
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal
May they forever Rest In Peace
RICH – Sergeant Ken Rich
Taken too soon Husband and soul mate to his loving wife Kerry.
Devoted and loving Dad to Samantha, Charlene, Jacinta, Crystal and Brandon.
Cherished Memories
Forever In Our Hearts
x
xxxxx
Our dearest Ken, we have always thought of you as a son.
Thank you for the love and care you have always given to all the family.
‘‘How we will miss you’’
Love always — Doug (dec) and Nan. xo
RICH – Ken
What a loving, caring family man you were. Always willing to help.
We all looked up to you for guidance. We will miss your passion for the Sydney Swans.
– Tracey and Gary, Kellie and Kaycee.
‘His kids were his world’: Family of veteran police officer Ken Rich killed in bike crash share grief
-
Timna Jacks, Melissa Cunningham
A heartbroken relative of an off-duty police officer who was hit by a ute while cycling with his daughter in Melbourne’s south-east on Good Friday says his family were “his world” and he was on the cusp of retiring when he was killed.
The pair was riding east on the Princes Highway, near Dore Road, at Pakenham when the officer, Sergeant Ken Rich, was hit by a Toyota Hilux ute about 8.50am.
Sergeant Rich’s daughter cared for him at the scene until an ambulance arrived.
Paramedics worked on him for about an hour, but he died at the scene.
His devastated cousin Sue Dickson said the father-of-five loved nothing more than spending time with his wife Kerry and their adult children Samantha, Charlene, Jacinta, Crystal and Brandon.
“His kids were his world,” Ms Dickson said.
“He was involved in all their activities as they were growing up and coached many kids in the Pakenham area.”
“He was a real family man and loved being at home with his wife and kids.”
Ms Dickson said she’d grown up with Sergeant Rich and the pair remained close, sharing every birthday together.
“We were born two days apart,” she said.
“Our mothers are identical twins so we grew up together (and we) saw each other almost every day.”
Ms Dickson said the devoted father and police officer had confided in her recently about the increasing pressures of his work and his desire to retire soon.
“The last few real conversations I had with him made me realise how much the police force got him down,” she said.
“He hated the youth suicide problem and the fact that many young people were not growing up in a loving family environment any more.”
By others that knew him, Sergeant Rich was remembered as a “real personality” and a highly regarded law enforcement officer .
“He was out enjoying Good Friday with his family as most people are across the country,” Assistant Commissioner Robert Hill said.
Sergeant Rich, had only taken up cycling in recent years.
“The family is heartbroken. They are dealing with the loss of a husband and a father,” Mr Hill said.
The officer had been in the force since 1980 and worked at the Narre Warren police station for 25 years.
Sergeant Rich was in “the twilight of his policing career” and “looking forward to retirement, looking forward to spending time with his wife and children … looking forward to travel and all of those things on our bucket list when we come to the end of our careers,” Mr Hill said.
His colleagues were devastated at the tragic news.
“They have lost one of their members, one of their leaders, their friend,” Mr Hill said.
“He was certainly well respected and well regarded … a member that was full of life, affable, a real personality around our police station.”.
“Road trauma; it doesn’t discriminate.”
Sergeant Rich’s friends and acquaintances have left tributes on social media for him.
“A good man lost his life today,” Simon Yeo said.
“Ken was swimming coach to our boys and President of the Cardinia Piranhas Swim Club. RIP.”
Mandy Yeo wrote: “RIP Ken our thoughts with you and your family.”
Angie King described him as a “wonderful man, brave, kind”.
“Rest in peace, Ken Rich,” she said.
“Thank you.”
The officer and his daughter were cycling east, on the shoulder of the highway in a 100km/h zone.
The ute was also travelling east when it struck the officer, police said.
It has been reported the ute was trying to overtake the cyclists, when the side mirror of the vehicle hit Sergeant Rich.
The driver of the ute, a 58-year-old man from Pakenham, was not injured. He stayed at the scene and was assisting police with their inquiries.
Major collision investigation unit detectives are working to determine the cause of the crash.
Secretary of the Victorian Police Association, Sergeant Wayne Gatt sent his condolences to the officer’s family.
“Earlier today, we learnt that one of our members was tragically killed in a road accident,” he said.
“For the member’s family, friends and close policing colleagues, the Easter period will now always be tinged with sadness. Our prayers and condolences are with them all, at this very difficult time.”
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
RICH, Sergeant Ken
Warren John MATHESON
Warren John MATHESON
Late of Reynella, S.A.
South Australia Police Force
Regd. # ?
Rank: Constable
Stations: Darlington, Glenelg & Christies Beach
Service: From 20 June 1974 to 29 March 1982 = 7 years, 9 months, 9 days Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: Thursday 6 June 1957
Died on: Monday 29 March 1982
Age: 24 years, 9 months, 23 days
Cause: Motor Vehicle Collision – Driver – Urgent Duty
Event location: Tapleys Hill Rd, Glenelg North, South Australia
Funeral date: Thursday 1 April 1982
Funeral location: Mt Gambier, S.A.
Buried at: Carinya Gardens Cemetery, Mt Gambier, South Australia
Section: Water Lily Garden Grave: 14 Row: N
Memorial located at: ?
WARREN is mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance
Mathew John PAYNE
Mathew John PAYNE
Late of Rendelsham
South Australia Police Force
Uniform # 3164
Regd. # ?
Rank: Constable
Stations: ?, Darlington – Death
Service: From ? ? ? to 29 March 1982 = ? years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: Sunday 7 June 1959
Died on: Monday 29 March 1982
Age: 22 years, 9 months, 22 days
Cause: Motor Vehicle Collision – Drive – Urgent Duty
Event location: Tapleys Hill Rd, Glenelg North, South Australia
Funeral date: Thursday 1 April 1982
Funeral location: ?, Rendelsham, South Australia
Buried at: Rendelsham Cemetery – ( near Millicent ), 119 McCall Rd, Rendelsham, S.A.
Section: ? Plot: 19S
Memorial located at: ?
MATTHEW is 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
Police honour their comrades
Community members joined Limestone Coast police at a ceremony at the Mt Gambier Police Station on Thursday for the National Police Remembrance Day.
The presence of riderless horse at a ceremony at the Mt Gambier Police Station on Thursday was a time-honoured way of paying respects to the fallen.
Such gestures have been hallmarks of military and State funerals since the nineteenth century.
Local officers arranged for the riderless horse with boots reversed in its stirrups to be part of the annual religious ceremony to mark National Police Remembrance Day.
The 16-year-old grey horse called “Limelight” was formerly a part of the South Australian Police Mounted Cadre.
In retirement, “Limelight” was brought to Mt Gambier by its former rider Senior Constable Stephanie Cooper.
After nine years with the Mounted Cadre, Senior Constable Cooper is now on general police duties in Mt Gambier.
She rode another horse “Star of Courage” to the ceremony while “Limelight” was led to it by Constable Barb Bushell.
The two horses stood guard while community members and police honoured those who had given their lives in the line of duty.
The wreath layers at the 45 minute ceremony included local resident Maureen Matheson.
She laid a floral tribute in memory of her eldest son, Warren John Matheson, who was killed while on police duty in Adelaide in 1982.
At the time of his death, he was a 24-year-old married father with an infant son and daughter.
He was laid to rest in the Carinya Gardens Cemetery in Mount Gambier.
Mrs Matheson said another young officer from this region was killed in the same motor vehicle collision which claimed the life of her son.
“He was 22-year-old Constable Matthew Payne, of Rendelsham.
“Matthew was not supposed to be on traffic duties with Warren on this day but his regular partner could not make this shift.
“Matthew is buried at Rendelsham.
“I have been coming to these annual ceremonies for several years.
“One has been held at Warren’s grave while another took place at the Rendelsham cemetery.
“In recent years, we have been holding the ceremony here at Mt Gambier,” said Mrs Matheson.
The other wreath layers were representatives of the Limestone Coast Police Local Service Area, SA Police Legacy, Mt Gambier City Council, District Council of Grant, MFS, SA Ambulance Service and the Rotary Club of Mt Gambier West.
A wreath was also placed on Constable Payne’s grave later in the day by Sergeant Richard Murphy, of the SA Police Legacy.
The master of ceremonies in Mt Gambier was Sergeant Andy Stott while the prayers were led by Police Chaplain and Mt Gambier Anglican parish priest, the Reverend Canon Brian Ashworth.
First published 12 April 2017.
Updated 17 September 2025 with date calculations and updated NPM link together with grave photo and new facial photo.
Patrick Francis CURTIN
Patrick Francis CURTIN
Late of
Victoria Police Force
Regd. # 1564
Rank: Trooper / Mounted Constable
Stations: ?, Euroa Police Station
Service: From 17 June 1859 to 28 May 1872 = 12+ years Service
Previous member of the Irish Constabulary
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Victoria Police Star – awarded 22 March 2017
Born: 17 March 1836 in Faithlegg, Waterford, Ireland
Died on: 28 May 1872 near Violet Town, Victoria
Age: 36
Cause: Horse riding incident – whilst in a wagonette – see article below
Event location: Violet Town to Euroa Rd, Victoria
Funeral date: ? ? ?
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: Euroa Public Cemetery, Hume Fwy
Roman Catholic – Section A
Memorial located at: ?
[alert_green]PATRICK is mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green]