Mark John BURNS  

AKA Mark BURNS, Burnsey, Burnsy   

* Nickname:  ?    

Late of   ?    

Relations in ‘the job’   ?  

“possible” relation in ‘the job‘:    ?  

NSW Police Training Centre – Redfern  –  Class # 177   

New South Wales Police Force      

ProCst # 94292    

Regd. #  20008    

Rank:  Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy on Monday  12 October 1981  ( aged  19 years,  1  months, 8  days )    

Probationary Constable – appointed Friday 8 January 1982  ( aged  19  years,   4  months,   4  days )    

Probationary Constable – appointed 8 January 1983   

Detective – appointed   ? ? ?    

Constable 1st Class – appointed 8 January 1987

Final Rank: =   Constable  1st Class    

Stations:     ?,   State Drug Crime Commission ( forerunner to the current NSW Crime Commission ) – Death.    

Service ( From Training Date ) period: From Monday 12 October 1981      to   17 March 1988 =    6  years,  5  months, 5 days Service    

Time employed ( Paid ) with NSW Police:  From: Monday 12 October 1981      to   17 March 1988 =    6  years,    5  months,   5  days Service    

 Time in Retirement from Police:     0  years,   0  months,   0  days    

Age at Retirement / Leaving: =     25  years,   6  months,   13  days    

Awards:  No Find on the Australian Honours system  

 Born:  Tuesday 4 September 1962 in Caringbah, NSW  

Died on:  Thursday 17 March 1988  during the a.m.  

Age:   25 years,  6  months, 13  days

Organ Donor:  Y / N /  ?  

Cause:   MVA, Front passenger – On Duty – Non Urgent  

Event location:  Tamworth Hospital, Tamworth, NSW  

Event / Diagnosis date:  Wednesday 16 March 1988   

Funeral date:    ? ? ?

Funeral location:     ?

LIVE STREAM      ?

Wake location:   ?

Wake date:    ???

Funeral Parlour:   ?  

Buried at:  Woronora Cemetery, Linden St, Sutherland, NSW   

Grave Location:  Section:  RC        Row: Plaque Lawn 2       Plot: 905

Grave GPS:  ?,         ?  

Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: 

August 2000: Overview of Liverpool ‘I’ District Bulls Police Rugby League
Football Club, later known as the Macarthur Bulls Police Rugby League
Football Club. Liverpool ‘I’ District Police Rugby League was an inaugural
member of the NSW Police Rugby League Competition formed in 1970.
The teams later competed annually for the ‘Fred Hanson Shield’ – he was
Police Commissioner 1972 to 1976. The team was co-ordinated from the Liverpool
Detectives Office by Detective Sergeants Leo Purcell, Jack Hilder and assisted by
Detective Senior Constable Pat Casey. Another local, Detective
Sergeant Frank Owens was a keen supporter of the Police Rugby
League, but sadly he suffered a heart attack and died whilst watching a
game at Moore Park, in May 1970. Liverpool Detectives decided to
donate a ‘Shield’ honouring Frank Owens, which they named the ‘Frank
Owens Memorial Best and Fairest Trophy’. Mrs Owens attended the Clubs presentation
nights for several years presenting the trophy in memory of her husband. Around 1975,
the Club was co-ordinated from Green Valley Police Station by Mel Clews, Fred Whitton,
Barry Ryan, Alan Stephens, Mick Rees, Colin Cameron and Stephen Reeves.

The ‘Frank Owens Shield‘ remained until 1989, when a new shield was struck honouring Constable
1/c. Mark Burns, a former player who was tragically killed in a motor vehicle collision,
whilst on duty.

The shield was donated by Stephen Reeves and named
the ‘Mark Shrimpy Burns Memorial Best and Fairest Shield‘ and was
presented until 2019.

In 2020 a new shield was struck and renamed the
‘Steve Reeves Best and Fairest Player Shield’. Bulls President, Ryan
Crossingham (Detective) and his committee met to rename this shield
and various names were put forward. In the end they selected the ‘Steve Reeves Best
and Fairest Player Shield ‘. The following criteria assisted in their decision. Stephen
Reeves was a Life Member, past President, player, captain, coach and representative
player who played for the Club between 1972 and 1988. Previously, Reeves was named
as a member of the Clubs greatest team.

Ref: Excerpt from the book Liverpool Police Time Line ( 1788 – 2022 ) page 1081 by Retired Insp. Joe Stanioch.

Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( January 2026 )    

MARK 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

https://www.facebook.com/groups/AustralianPolice.com.au/ 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NSWFallenPolice/ 

Australian Police YouTube Channel

On 16 March, 1988 Constable Zucchetti was driving along the Oxley Highway, Tamworth. Constable Burns was a passenger in the vehicle.

At the time both were attached to the State Drug Crime Commission and were engaged in an operation in the area.

While negotiating a right hand bend in the highway the vehicle crossed onto the incorrect side of the road and collided with a semi trailer.

Constable Zucchetti was killed instantly and Constable Burns died the following morning in the Tamworth District Hospital.

Constable Zucchetti was born in 1959 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 14 January, 1980. At the time of his death he was attached to the State Drug Crime Commission ( forerunner to the current NSW Crime Commission ).

Constable Burns was born in 1962 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 12 October, 1981. At the time of his death he was attached to the State Drug Crime Commission ( forerunner to the current NSW Crime Commission ).

Source:  Beyond Courage ( Edition 4 ) by Retired NSWPF Sgt Danny Webster.

* Story behind any Nickname:    

Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.

**********

Cal

First published, on this site, on 5 January 2014.

Updated 2 January 2026 with photos, dates and calculations.

Melanie Ruth HILTON   

AKA Mel HILTON 

* Nickname: Mela  

Late of  ?  

Relations in ‘the job’:

“possible” relation in ‘the job‘:    ?  

NSW Goulburn Police Academy –  Class # DPP 11 ( Class 11 )( 285 )

New South Wales Police Force  

Regd. #  36???    

Rank:  Commenced Training at Goulburn Police Academy on Monday ? ? ?  

Probationary Constable – appointed Friday 3 May 2002  ( aged 20 years, 1 month, 8 days )  

Final Rank: = Probationary Constable   

Stations:  Chatswood ( 25 Division )( ProCst )( 4.5 mths ) – Death  

Time employed ( Paid ) with NSW Police:  From: 2 May 2002  to  12 September 2002 =  0 years   4 months   10 days

Service ( From Training Date ) period: From   ? ? ?     to   12 September 2002   = ? years   ? months   ? days Service

Retirement / Leaving age: =  20 years,  5 months, 19 days  

Time in Retirement from Police: 0   

Awards:  No Find on the Australian Honours system

 Born: Wednesday 24 March 1982  

Died on:  Thursday 12 September 2002    

Age:  20 years, 5 months, 19 days

Organ Donor:  Y / N / ? 

Cause: Motor Vehicle Collision – Off Duty – Passenger

Event location:  George Booth Dve, Buchanan, NSW  

Event / Diagnosis date:  Thursday 12 September 2002   

Funeral date:  Tuesday 17 September 2002  

Funeral location:  ?

LIVE STREAM    ?

Wake location:  ??? 

Wake date:  ??? 

Funeral Parlour: ?

Buried at:  Rookwood Cemetery,  1 Hawthorne Ave, Rookwood, NSW  

Grave Location:  Section:   20       Row: G        Plot:  579  

Grave GPS:  ?,       ?

Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at:  ? 

Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( July 2024 )

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

MEL IS NOT mentioned on the Sydney Police Centre Memorial Wall, Surry Hills  BUT IS ENTITLED TO BE ( Checked 13 Aug 2025 )

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

https://www.facebook.com/groups/AustralianPolice.com.au/ 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NSWFallenPolice/ 

Australian Police YouTube Channel

Melanie HILTON Memoriam

Melanie HILTON Obituary (2012) – Sydney, New South Wales – The Sydney Morning Herald

* Story behind any Nickname:

Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.

**********

Cal
5 March 2025

Raymond James SCORER

 Late of Aberdare, NSW  

aka  ‘ The Fox ‘

Double Police Fatality

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. #  11914

Rank:  Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy on Monday ? ? ? ( aged

Probationary Constable – appointed 4 April 1966

Constable – appointed 28 July 1967 ( Seniority date was 4 July 1967 )

Senior Constable – 4 July 1975

Stations: ?, Cessnock – Death

Service:  From  4 April 1966  to   3 May 1977 = 11 years, 0 months, 29 days Service 

Awards:  No Find on Australian Honours system

Born:  Monday 17 September 1945 in Hamilton, NSW

Died on:  Tuesday 3 May 1977

Age:  31 years, 7 months, 16 days

Cause:  Motor Vehicle Collision – passenger – Police vehicle – On Duty

Event location:   John Renshaw Drive near Buttai, NSW

Event date:  Tuesday 3 May 1977

Funeral date:  ? ? ?

Funeral location:  ?

Buried at:  Cremated

Grave location:  Newcastle Memorial Park, Beresfield, NSW

Section:  Loggia  12/4  N/39

 Memorial located at:  Outside of Cessnock Police Station, NSW

RAY is mentioned on the National Police Wall of Remembrance

 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

https://monumentaustralia.org.au/display/20759-senior-constables-ray-scorer-and-alan-thompson

Dedicated on the 24 November 2005 and placed outside of Cessnock Police Station.

Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995),

Thursday 5 May 1977, page 15

Ray was also a Military Policeman in the CMF/ARES.

Cal
7 July 2024

Ian Graham BRADFORD

AKA 

Late of  ? 

Brother to Robert “Bob ” BRADFORD, NTPol # ???

“other possible” relation in ‘the job’:    ?

Northern Territory Police Academy –  Squad #  12

Northern Territory Police Force

Regd. # 577

Rank: Commenced Training at  N.T. Police Academy on Monday 19 February 1973 ( aged 26 years, 8 months, 22 days )

Probationary Constable- appointed ? ? ?

Constable – appointed ? ? ?

Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ? 

Detective – appointed ? ? ? ( YES )

Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ? 

Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?

Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed ? ? ? 

Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed ? ? ?

Final Rank: =  Detective Sergeant 2nd Class

Stations:  Darwin, was also an Instructor at the N.T. Police Academy, Alyangula, Groote Eylandt – Death

Service: From 19 February 1973  to  29 January 1984   = 10 years, 11 months, 10 days

[blockquote]

NASHOS – Vietnam

Service name:

Service number:                      A222026

Rank:

Unit Name:

Date of birth: 

Place of birth:

Date of intake:

Date of exit:

Total Days:

NS Training: ?

National Service:

Follow Up Training: ?

Basic Training: ?

Next of Kin: ?

Medals:                                       None for display

[/blockquote]

Retirement / Leaving age: =  ?

Time in Retirement from Police:  0

Police Awards:  National Medal – granted 21 November 1979 ( Sgt 3/c )

 Born:  Tuesday 28 May 1946 in Sydney, NSW

Died on:  Sunday 29 January 1984

Age:  37 years, 8 months, 1 day

Organ Donor:  Y / N / ?

Cause:  MVA – Passenger – Police Vehicle – On Duty – Drowned 

Event location:  Old Fort Hill wharf, Darwin, N.T.

Event date:  Saturday 28 January 1984

Funeral date: 

Funeral location:  ? 

LIVE STREAM      ?

( click here to see Cornona19 Virus Pandemic rules – this will be a limited numbers Funeral )

any Future Wake location:  ??? 

any Future Wake date:  ???

( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )

Funeral Parlour: ?

Buried at: ?

Grave Location: Row:  ?,  Plot:  ?

Grave GPS:  ?, ?

Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at:  ?

Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( January 2023 )

Ian IS Mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance, Canberra

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

https://www.facebook.com/groups/AustralianPolice.com.au/ 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NorthernTerritoryFallenPolice/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NSWFallenPolice/ 

Australian Police YouTube Channel

Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995),

Tuesday 31 January 1984, page 6

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/116387544

Detective Sergeant Second Class Ian BRADFORD was a passenger in a CIB vehicle which was patrolling the Darwin wharf area just prior to midnight on the 28 January 1984.

The Wharf was being extended to join up with another section and was incomplete.

The vehicle went over the edge between the two wharves.

The driver, Detective Jon HAYES, managed to get out of the sinking car, and although he dived down several times to try to extricate the passenger, Detective Bradford was knocked unconscious and drowned inside the police vehicle.

(4) Facebook

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

First published 12 April 2017.

Updated 17 September 2025 with date calculations and updated NPM link together with grave photo and new facial photo.

 Phillip Gordon FLEMING

Victoria Police Force

Police Academy Squad 11 of 1967

Regd. #   15731

Rank:  Commenced training – 10 October 1967

Probationary Constable – appointed  4 March 1968

Stations:  Russell St, Flemington, Collingwood ( June 1969 )

Service:  From  10 October 1967  to  19 February 1971 = 3+ years Service   

Awards:  Victoria Police Star – granted on 5 April 2007 ( posthumously )

Born:  31 January 1949 at Creswick Hospital, Victoria.

Died on:  Friday  19 February 1971

Age:  22

Cause:  Motor Vehicle accident – passenger – front seat

Funeral date:  ?  

Funeral location:  ?  

Buried at:  ?  

 Memorial at:  Frankston Hospitil, Hybrid Interventional Theatre, Peninsula Health, Frankston, Victoria

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

 

 Funeral location:  ?

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

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

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May they forever Rest In Peace

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About 5.40am on Friday 19 February 1971, Constable Fleming was the observer in a police divisional van travelling along the Boulevard, Kew, when the vehicle ran off the road, crashed through a fence and plunged down an embankment.  Fleming received massive head injuries and died instantly.

He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Police Star on the 5 April 2007.

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Eyewatch – Mornington Peninsula Police Service Area added 4 new photos.

February 17  2017  at 1:30pm ·

The Mornington Peninsula Branch of the Blue Ribbon Foundation together with our local police, Chief Commissioner and other distinguished guests today hosted a dedication to Constable Phillip FLEMING 15731 who was killed on duty in a motor vehicle accident on 19 February 1971.

The ceremony with Police Honours dedicated a purpose built emergency operating theatre at Peninsula Health as a permanent memorial to Constable FLEMING.

The service was a moving tribute to his memory and the creation of this new state of the art facility at Peninsula Health will ensure his memory lives on.

I take this opportunity to thank the Blue Ribbon Foundation, business and community alike for enabling the creation of this important medical facility.

Brett Coloe
A/Inspector

 

 

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June 23 2012

A committed officer takes the exit ramp

• John Silvester

THE sight of the apparently unflappable senior policeman giving calm television updates as the state burnt provided just a measure of reassurance as we faced our greatest natural disaster.

On Black Saturday, and in the days and weeks that followed, Deputy Commissioner Kieran Walshe was the front man, running the police response, from initial evacuation to the grim process of identifying victims.

With the death toll by late Saturday standing at 16, he knew it would get ”much worse”, but no one could have imagined the count would rise to 173.

Much has been said about then chief commissioner Christine Nixon choosing to head to a North Melbourne pub for a meal on the night of February 7, 2009, as Victoria burned.

But little has been said about how Walshe ran the emergency operation, providing strong leadership for police out in the carnage and a measured tone for the community trying to come to terms with an event almost beyond imagination.

What few knew at the time was that, behind the carefully constructed professional facade, the deputy commissioner was in turmoil as – like so many – he had been touched by those fires.

The father of four daughters, he had feared early on that his son-in-law’s family had been caught in one of the blazes. The worst was confirmed the next day. ”His mother and brother were victims who were lost in the Strathewen fires,” he says.

”I was trying to provide support for my daughter and her husband, but at the same time we had a job to do. I believe that if you take on a role, then you have to step up during the testing times.”

It has been part of the philosophy that has sustained him during his 44-year career, which has seen him rise from a 16-year-old police cadet to a deputy commissioner who served under three chiefs.

Big, broad and bald, with a copper’s handshake and a friendly manner, the senior policeman, now 61, will retire at the end of next week, proud at what he has achieved and confident the force has moved on from the poisonous office politics that previously infected its top ranks. This included assistant commissioner Noel Ashby’s bugged conversations that showed him trying to damage rival Simon Overland’s chances of becoming the next chief commissioner, and then deputy commissioner Sir Ken Jones’ well-documented spat with Overland.

”I have always believed that you must remain loyal to the organisation and to your leader,” says Walshe. ”So it was particularly disappointing when certain members of the executive showed less than true loyalty to the chief commissioner.”

The manner of Simon Overland’s forced resignation last year still grates. ”He had the organisation on the right track and was totally committed to the Victoria Police. The way he left remains one of the low points of my career.”

He says he also enjoyed working with Nixon. ”Christine has a different, more relaxed, management style. She recognised people’s skills and trusted them to do a job.”

Many kids flirt with the idea of joining the police. Most grow out of it. Walshe didn’t. Ever since he was nine, growing up in Bendigo, his career path was set. His father knew many of the local coppers, who left a lasting impression on the youngster, and as soon as he was old enough he moved to Melbourne to join.

It was 1968 and Australia was just starting to feel comfortable about decimal currency; former fighter pilot John Gorton was prime minister; and Richard Nixon moved into the White House.

As a cadet, Walshe was sent to get experience at busy stations, including Northcote, where he no doubt got under the feet of the head of the crime section, a certain Detective Senior Sergeant Fred Silvester. After graduating, he went to Russell Street before transferring to Collingwood, where he experienced firsthand the dangers of his job.

On a night shift in 1971, the Ford divisional van he was driving along The Boulevard in Kew smashed through a fence and plunged 45 metres down an embankment. When he regained consciousness he tried to help his partner, Constable Phillip Fleming, who was motionless in the passenger seat. Walshe radioed for help then clambered back up the hill, his head badly gashed. What he didn’t yet know was that his partner had been killed on impact.

Walshe, now finishing up as Victoria’s traffic chief, says that having been involved in a fatal accident (”losing a mate … you carry it your whole life”) taught him the consequences of each road death.

”There is the victim, the family and the friends. The effect is devastating to so many people. I think it is one of the reasons I have been passionate about road policing.”

Walshe moved around busy inner-city stations before moving to Ascot Vale and the CIB (criminal investigation branch). ”I tried to treat each investigation as a learning experience and a chance to build your skills.”

By the 1980s, he was in charge of the air wing, which he built up from one helicopter and two fixed-wing aircraft to a service that provided emergency rescues, ambulance response, transport, traffic observation, drug crop identification and criminal surveillance. Despite not being a pilot, he was once given a million dollars and told to go out and buy a single-engine helicopter. Considering the number of lame buys senior police have made over the years, including spending a fortune on a computer system with the power of a crystal set, it is a wonder he didn’t come back with a blimp.

His career – in which he has moved through all ranks and most areas of the force – proved to be the perfect grounding for high office. This included a stint with the ethical standards department, an area that he thinks too many police avoid as they ”don’t see it as a good career move”. While there are still police (including some elite investigators) who refuse to work in ESD, dubbing it ”The Filth” or ”The Toecutters”, Walshe says a spell in the area improves leadership skills. ”You learn to recognise the early warning signs of when someone might be about to make some poor decisions.

”ESD deals with serious criminal and disciplinary matters. We accept that when someone in the community commits a crime they should be prosecuted and we should have the same attitude when it comes to police.”

From 1999, Walshe also spent two years at Seymour, where he found a new respect for country police. ”Country policing is so different to metropolitan policing. There is no sense of anonymity as you live in the same community where you work. Everyone knows you are a police officer.” He sees police in Victoria’s 99 one-person country stations as ”the last bastion of authority. The house is usually next door to the station, so you are expected to be available 24/7.”

Like many, Walshe watched the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on New York’s World Trade Centre, soon realising it would change the face of policing. In 2005, he was made assistant commissioner counter terrorism and was involved in Australia’s two biggest terrorism investigations, Pendennis and Neath. ”These were significant disruption exercises. It remains of great concern that these cells were operating not only in Australia, but specifically Melbourne.”

He says there has been a marked shift in the expectations of police recruits today. ”It is a generational thing. The vast majority are as committed to serving the community as we were back in 1968, but more of them see it as a job rather than as a career. That never entered my mind when I joined, as I fully expected to stay until I retired – although I didn’t dream I would last 44 years.”

”When Ken [Lay] was appointed Chief Commissioner, I knew the time was right for me to go. There are some things I want to do while I am still fit enough to do them.” These include travel with his wife, Denise, and spending time with his family, including his eight (soon to be nine) grandchildren.

Mate and long-time colleague Lay told us, ”Kieran has had a magnificent career. I was his subordinate and he was the sort of boss you would die for. When we were peers I always appreciated his wise counsel and as my deputy he has been rock solid and loyal.

”You always know where you are with him. He will look you in the eye and tell you what he thinks. I will miss his wise advice, and the organisation will miss his leadership.”

JOHN SILVESTER

http://www.smh.com.au/national/a-committed-officer-takes-the-exit-ramp-20120622-20tdl.html

 

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Crash helps me understand road trauma: Walshe

Justine Longmore

Updated 11 May 2011, 4:27pm

 

Victoria’s top road safety policeman, Kieran Walshe says a fatal crash he was involved in 40 years ago puts him in a better position to understand road trauma.

Constable Phillip Fleming was killed when a police van driven by Kieran Walshe crashed in Kew, in February 1971.

Deputy Commissioner Walshe has spoken publicly about the crash for the first time, ahead of the launch of the international decade of action for road safety.

He has rejected allegations he was driving inappropriately and has told ABC Local Radio, he is able to do his job well, because of his experience.

“I live with it, I deal with it. I think it makes me a better position to understand what other people endure when they experience and go through road trauma,” he said.

“I think it helps me be a little bit more passionate about the message that I need to make sure I give to the community of Victoria.”

He has spoken out because of questions from former officers about his ability to do his job.

“Obviously, for some reason, someone wants to challenge my reputation, or challenge my credibility to do my job,” he said.

“I dispute that. I think that I’ve done my job and continue to do my job very well and you never get over these things.”

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-05-11/crash-helps-me-understand-road-trauma-walshe/2713054

 

 

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Senior Victoria Police in more controversy

Liz Hobday reported this story on Wednesday, May 11, 2011 18:30:00

MARK COLVIN: There’s been more controversy around senior figures in Victoria Police today, with revelations that the state’s top traffic cop was the driver in a fatal car crash in Melbourne 40 years ago.

The facts of the accident have resurfaced, just days after the State Government ordered an independent inquiry into the upper echelons of police.

Liz Hobday reports.

LIZ HOBDAY: Deputy Commissioner Kieran Walshe was driving a police wagon at a notorious accident spot on Kew Boulevard in 1971, when he lost control of his vehicle. The van ran off the road and plunged down an embankment, killing his passenger and good friend 22-year-old constable Phillip Fleming.

Kieran Walshe was 19 at the time, and says he woke up in hospital.

KIERAN WALSHE: I have no actual recollection of what took place at the time the vehicle left the road.

LIZ HOBDAY: A coronial inquest delivered an open finding.

KIERAN WALSHE: There has been a thorough investigation. There is no evidence to implicate or any impropriety in the way I drove the vehicle.

LIZ HOBDAY: The revelations emerged in the Herald Sun this morning, two days after the Victorian Government ordered an inquiry into the actions of those at the top of the force, after a string of controversies.

Kieran Walshe says he doesn’t know who told the newspaper about the crash, or why.

KIERAN WALSHE: I don’t know what their motivations are. All I can say is that I can only assume there’s some endeavour by somebody to discredit me.

LIZ HOBDAY: Kieran Walshe says he didn’t tell Chief Commissioner Simon Overland about the crash when he got the job of deputy commissioner, regional and road policing.

KIERAN WALSHE: Simon Overland has only been in Victoria Police for a little over eight years, nine years. It wasn’t something that I thought it was necessary to go and say to him. This happened 40 years ago.

LIZ HOBDAY: The Police Association’s Greg Davies says the latest story won’t affect morale; the problem is more the numerous inquiries now underway.

GREG DAVIES: Well we’ve got obviously at least three inquiries running at the moment into the police force, we’ve got turmoil at the top levels, that has to have a cascading effect to other levels of senior management, down all the way to the youngest constable.

LIZ HOBDAY: And he says retired officers could be behind the latest story.

GREG DAVIES: As far as who might be behind it, well we can only speculate. I’d be more inclined to think it would be a retired police officer than a current serving one.

LIZ HOBDAY: The latest inquiry into senior management at Victoria Police, is expected to report to Government within six months.

MARK COLVIN: Liz Hobday.

http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2011/s3214226.htm

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Road safety cop Kieran Walshe’s tragic secret

Keith Moor, HeraldSun

May 11, 2011 12:00am

VICTORIA’S top traffic cop has spoken publicly for the first time about the trauma of crashing a car in which his passenger, a fellow police officer, died.

Deputy Commissioner Kieran Walshe lost control of the police divvy van he was driving 40 years ago as it was travelling on The Boulevard in Kew.

The Falcon van crashed through a fence and plunged 45m down a steep embankment, killing Constable Phillip Fleming, 22, about 5.40am on February 19, 1971.

Mr Walshe decided to tell his story to reject recent claims by former police officers that he was driving inappropriately on what has for decades been one of Melbourne’s most notorious street racing black spots.

“That’s not something that I ever did. It was not in my nature to drive in that manner and there is just no evidence to say that I did,” he told the Herald Sun.

Listen now: Kieran Walshe describes the accident

Mr Walshe said Chief Commissioner Simon Overland was not aware of his involvement in the crash when he appointed him head of the traffic branch, but was now, and was happy for him to continue in the role.

Mr Walshe said: “I have been subjected to a thorough investigation. I have been subjected to a coronial inquiry and at no stage was there any evidence identified that gave any indication of any inappropriate behaviour on my part.”

Coroner Harry Pascoe recorded an open finding in 1971, saying from the evidence available it was not possible to determine if Constable Fleming’s death was “accidental or otherwise”.

The former officers this week claimed they were raising the issue only because Mr Walshe was recently put in charge of road safety policing in Victoria.

“The question arises how he, with any credibility, can criticise people in their 20s for hoon-type behaviour on Victorian roads,” one of them said.

But Mr Walshe, 60, said yesterday that having been involved in the fatal accident made him better able to do his job.

“I certainly have a greater appreciation than other people would who haven’t been involved in trauma like I have been,” he said.

“It makes me more passionate about the message I am trying to deliver out there – anybody can be involved in road trauma.”

The death of Constable Fleming continued to haunt Mr Walshe.

“When you are the driver … and you lose a close mate it has an impact … that you carry for the rest of your life. It’s just a really difficult thing that you have to live with,” he said.

Mr Walshe was quizzed by accident investigator Sen-Constable James Kenneday about why he was driving on The Boulevard.

“Did you go to The Boulevard for a burn in the van?” Sen-Constable Kenneday asked in 1971.

Mr Walshe replied: “I don’t remember.”

The issue comes as the administration of VicPol has become a major political issue. Premier Ted Baillieu this week appointed Jack Rush, QC, to examine, among other things, the effectiveness of the senior structure of police command.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/road-safety-cop-kieran-walshes-tragic-secret/news-story/00f94028c421a3b511654b5b3b5bdf16

 

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Shelley Leanne DAVIS

NSW Goulburn Police Academy Class ?

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. #  37034

Rank:  Constable

Stations:  Goulburn

Service:   From  30 August 2002  to  19 June 2004 = 1+ years of Service

Awards:  Nil

Born: ? ? 1977

Died on:  Saturday  19 June 2004

Cause:  Motor Vehicle Accident – passenger in Police sedan. Vehicle -v- tree

Event location:  Sydney Rd, Goulburn East, approx. 300 mtrs prior to Hume Hwy entrance.

Age:  27

Funeral date:  ?

Funeral location:  ?

Buried at:  Cremated at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Camden Valley Way, Leppington.

Ashes collected by family.

Memorial at:  Small car park on north side of north bound lane upon Sydney Rd, Goulburn East a few hundred metres from the Hume Hwy.

Plaque on a bolder.

The ” original memorial ” was a large gum tree in between the north and south bound lanes – opposite the car park.

The tree was lopped to ground level about 2013.

Tree location:  Lat: -34.74257
Long: 149.76721

On the 19 June 2004 Constable Davis was the observer in a police vehicle when it was involved in a motor vehicle accident on the Sydney Road, just north of Goulburn. As a result of the accident the constable sustained fatal injuries.

The constable was born in 1977 and was sworn in as a probationary constable on the 30 August 2002. At the time of her death she was stationed at Goulburn.

SHELLEY IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance, Canberra

This Memorial stone is located in a small car park siding on Sydney Rd, Goulburn, northbound towards the Hume Freeway from the city.

Photos taken, by Cal, on 24 April 2018.  Note that the photo, of Shelley, had fallen from the plaque pre June 2017 and needs replacing.

GPS:  -34.74226  149.76644

Many thanks to Paul Pepe, Necro Imaging, 11 Bruce St, West Preston, Vic. ( necroimaging@hotmail.com ) for doing the new ceramic photo plate below.

Memorial before the replacement of the photo on Tuesday 18 September 2018.

Memorial after the replacement of the photo on Tuesday 18 September 2018.

 

 

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WEDNESDAY 27 JULY 2005.  MEMORIAL SITE AT THE TREE AGAINST WHICH CONSTABLE SHELLEY DAVIS, FROM GOULBURN POLICE STATION, LOST HER LIFE ONE NIGHT WHEN THE POLICE SEDAN SHE WAS A PASSENGER IN SLAMMED SIDEWAYS INTO THIS TREE – KILLING SHELLEY. THIS IS A HUGE TRIBUTE. I FOUND A 20 CENT PIECE ON THE GROUND AT THE BASE OF THE TREE. IT WAS COVERED IN BROWN (DRY BLOOD) AND WOULD HAVE OBVIOUSLY COME FROM THE CAR AND POSSIBLY BELONGED TO ONE OF THE OCCUPANTS. I KEPT THIS COIN. IT WAS RAINING ON THE NIGHT OF THIS ACCIDENT. SOMETIME IN 2010, THIS TREE AND THE GIFTS WERE TOTALLY REMOVED FROM THIS LOCATION. A ‘STONE’ MEMORIAL, WITH PLAQUE, WAS LATER LAID IN THE CAR PARK ADJACENT TO THIS TREE. I DON’T KNOW WHAT HAS BECOME OF THE PHOTOS, PRAYERS ETC BUT THE TREE HAS BEEN TOTALLY REMOVED FROM THE LOCATION ALSO.

 

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Police crash scandal

• By Rhett Watson
• The Daily Telegraph
• July 06, 200712:00AM

 

THE Deputy State Coroner has recommended the DPP investigate laying charges over the death of a police officer killed when the patrol car in which she was a passenger crashed three years ago.

The coronial inquest into the death of Constable Shelley Davis heard her partner, Senior-Constable Paul Sharman, was doing up to 110km/h in an 80km/h zone when he lost control of the vehicle on a road just outside Goulburn on June 19, 2004.

Criminal charges layed against him soon after the crash failed a year ago due to a technicality.

In releasing her findings in Glebe Coroners Court yesterday, Deputy State Coroner Dorelle Pinch recommended the DPP investigate laying charges “against an individual”.

Davis’ mother, Diane, said she was “pleased” the matter had been referred to the DPP and praised the efforts of investigators.

During the hearing last month, Mrs Davis read out a submission where she accused Sen-Constable Sharman of being a “cowboy cop, reckless, irresponsible and dishonest”.

Mrs Davis said outside court yesterday her family had visited Sen-Constable Sharman twice since her daughter’s death to support him but had never received an apology.

“That’s the main thing we would have wanted from the beginning – the truth, with an apology, would have been good,” Mrs Davis said.

“Shelley was always so honest and yet we have got officers she worked with who didn’t hold those values.”

Ms Pinch was highly critical of a second officer – Constable Damien Ottley – who had been a witness to the crash but had initially lied to investigators.

The inquest heard that Const Davis and Sen-Constable Sharman were travelling in police sedan Goulburn 37 – under lights and sirens – when the crash occurred at 9am on June 19.

Ms Pinch found there was no reason for them to be speeding as they were not needed at the job they were heading to – nor was that job considered urgent in the first place.

Other evidence heard in the inquest revealed that one witness described Goulburn 37’s speed as so fast “they were flying”.

Sen-Constable Sharman did not give evidence to the inquest.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/police-crash-scandal/story-e6freuzi-1111113894466

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Memorial dedicated to Constable Shelley Davis

DARRYL FERNANCE
June 23, 2011, 11:25 p.m

 

 

A PERMANENT memorial has been dedicated to honour the “ray of sunshine”, Constable Shelley Davis, who died seven years ago last Sunday.

About 25 friends, former work colleagues and senior personnel from the Goulburn Local Area Command where Shelley worked attended the dedication ceremony last Sunday at the rest area opposite the site where she died in a patrol car accident on June 19, 2004.

Celebrant Trish Cunningham ( R.I.P. ) – whose husband Tony had helped with creating the memorial, fixing the plaque to the rock – conducted the brief ceremony. The rock for the memorial was transported from retired sergeant Rosie Jackson’s property by Primmer’s Towing while Rhod Stevens from the RTA assisted in the positioning of the site.

Local Area Commander, Superintendent Gary Worboys reminded everyone that police work is difficult and dangerous and the decisions that officers make can have lasting effects on other people. He said Shelley was, according to those who knew her, “like a ray of sunshine warming the hearts of those around her”.

“She was a dedicated officer and her loss was a tragedy,” Supt Worboys said.

“We can only hope that the lessons of that day will be learnt and that a similar tragedy will never happen again.”

Rosie Jackson said she would also like to thank Shane Biesterveld of Rudd Funerals for organising the plaque at short notice; Shepherds Hill Nursery who supplied some of the plants for the garden; Lena Cooper who helped with creating the garden, and everyone else who had a part in making the memorial possible.

Supt Worboys suggested the memorial would be a fitting place for a service during the annual Police Remembrance Day.

http://www.goulburnpost.com.au/story/971932/memorial-dedicated-to-constable-shelley-davis/

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True Blue Line

June 19, 2017 ·

In memoriam: Constable Shelley Leanne DAVIS, New South Wales Police, killed on 19th June 2004

On the 19 June 2004 Constable Davis was the observer in a police vehicle when it was involved in a motor vehicle accident on the Sydney Road, just north of Goulburn. As a result of the accident, the constable sustained fatal injuries.

The constable was born in 1977 and was sworn in as a probationary constable on the 30 August 2002. At the time of her death she was stationed at Goulburn.

When Constable Davis began her Diploma of Policing Practice at the New South Wales Police College at Goulburn in August 2001 she did not know that the Southern Highlands would become her home in the longer term. She was stationed at Goulburn police station in August 2002 and settled at nearby Hill Top. Constable Davis made clear her motivation for joining NSW Police in a story published in the Goulburn Post to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the Police College.

She said: “It may sound a little clichéd, but I wanted a job where I could make a difference, that was not boring and where I could challenge my boundaries.”

Constable Shelley Davis made the ultimate sacrifice in the course of the job that she loved. Shelley lived in Hill Top with her partner in life. She moved there so that she could continue to work in and be within commuting distance of her beloved Goulburn. Her colleagues described her as a bubbly, outgoing, lovely girl who loved to do everything, including horse riding and running, and she never had a bad word to say about anyone.

Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys said that Constable Shelley Davis was, according to those who knew her, “like a ray of sunshine warming the hearts of those around her. She was a dedicated officer and her loss was a tragedy.”

Fallen in the line of duty. Gone, but never forgotten and forever in our hearts.

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Kenneth John SHORT

aka  Shorty  &  John

New South Wales Police Force

Academy Class 211

ProCst # 96609

Regd. # 22101

Rank:  Commenced Training at Goulburn Police Academy on Monday ? ? 1985?

Probationary Constable – appointed Friday 21 June 1985 ( aged 22 years, 11 months, 2 days )

Constable – appointed 21 June 1986

Stations:  Bankstown ( 19 Division ), Engadine ( 24 Division ) & Police Rescue Squad – Engadine

Service:  From  9 April 1985  to  11 July 1990 = 5+ years Service

Awards:  Nil

Born:  Thursday  19 July 1962

Died on:  Wednesday  11 July 1990

Cause:  Motor Vehicle Collision – On Duty – front passenger ( raining )

Event location:  Old Princes Hwy & Old Bush Rd, Yarrawarra, NSW

Age:  27 years, 11 months, 22 days

Funeral date: Monday  16 July 1990

Funeral location:  St John Bosco Catholic Church, Engadine

Buried at:  Woronora Memorial Park, Linden St, Sutherland

General Plaque Lawn

Section:  Wattle Lawn  Lot:  19

Lat/Lng: -34.03618, 151.04945

KEN IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance

About 9.30am on 11 July, 1990 Constable Short was the observer in a police vehicle travelling along the Old Princes Highway, Yarrawarra. The police were attending an armed holdup at the ANZ Bank, Jannali and when approaching the intersection of Old Bush Road the police vehicle veered across the roadway and collided head-on with another car. Constable Short was killed instantly.

There was also a Student Police Officer ( S.P.O. ) in the back seat of the Police vehicle at the time of the collision.

The constable was born in 1962 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 9 April, 1985. He was sworn in on Friday 21 June, 1985. At the time of his death he was stationed at Engadine.

On the day of his funeral, the procession drove past Engadine Police Station – travelling between the Church Service and the Cemetery.

Before he joined ” the job “, Ken was shot by an unknown assailant at George’s Hall @ 1983.  That incident was attended by Greg McMahon with Sgt 1/c Alec Morton. Shot in a very private part and very lucky to have not suffered a lasting injury.

RIP Ken.

Glenn Donald RAMPLING

AKA RAMPO

Late of ?

NSW Redfern Police Academy Class # 162

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. #  18596

Rank:  Commenced Training at the Academy – Monday  15 January 1979

Probationary Constable – appointed 2 April 1979

Senior Constable – appointed 2 May 1988

Service:  From 15 January 1979 to 13 June 1989 = 10+ years Service

Stations:  Mounted Police Unit, Brewarrina, Ballina Detectives

Awards:  No find on It’s An Honour

Born:  Saturday  5 September 1959

Died:  Wednesday  14 June 1989

Age:  29

Cause:  Motor vehicle accident – Passenger – Urgent Duty – Pursuit of SMV

Wardell, NSW

Funeral date:  ?

Funeral location:  ?, Ballina

Grave location:  East Ballina Cemetery

Plot:  RC C 5 Grave 15

GPS:  28*51’43″S / 153*35’28″E

-28.8619   153.5911

DOUBLE POLICE FATALITY

Glenn IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance

About 11.25pm on 13 June, 1989 police in Byron Bay commenced a high speed pursuit of a panel van. The pursued vehicle drove south in the Coast Road, followed by the Byron Bay Police vehicle, and into Ballina. As both vehicles continued south through Ballina, a local Highway Patrol vehicle driven by Constable 1st Class P. Beaver ( # 20992 ), with Senior Constable Rampling and Constable 1st Class Figtree as passengers, joined the pursuit. More police vehicles arrived to assist as the pursuit continued through the township of Wardell. About five kilometres south of Wardell the Ballina Highway Patrol vehicle began to draw level with the offending vehicle. As it did so, the driver of the pursued vehicle drove across to the centre of the roadway and clipped the front of the Byron Bay Police car. As a result, the police vehicle veered across the road and skidded in loose gravel before colliding with a power pole.
All three police were trapped for some time in the badly damaged police car and when freed were conveyed by ambulance to the Lismore Base Hospital. Constable Beaver recovered from internal injuries received, however Constable Figtree died before he reached hospital and Senior Constable Rampling died a short time later.

Senior Constable Rampling was born in 1959 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 15 January, 1979. At the time of his death he was attached to the Ballina Detectives.
Constable Figtree was born in 1964 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 28 November, 1983. At the time of his death he was attached to the Ballina Highway Patrol.
Beyond CourageGlenn, whilst working with the Mounted Police Unit, would often work traffic duty on Anzac Pde, Kensington.  He is described as a Champion boxer ( Australian Police Boxing Champion ) & athlete, the funniest guy, a loyal mate & great husband & Dad.*****

Attended this morning quite a moving 30 year memorial service for Glenn Rampling and Peter Figtree killed in a car chase near Ballina. May they rest in peace.

Both Wayne Rixon and Glenn Rampling formed part of a 3 man team at the Mounties, going around mainly to country fairs performing vault tricks with the draft horse. Tragically both lost their lives in High Speed pursuits after leaving the Mounties for other duties. RIP, both were good men.

Warren Keith JAMES   

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. #  16313

Redfern Police Academy Class 139

Rank:

Probationary Constable – appointed 8 April 1974

Constable – appointed 8 April 1975

Senior Constable – death

Stations:

?, Murwillumbah, Tweed Heads

Service:  From  pre February 1974  to 10 September 1986 = 12+ years Service

Awards:

No find on It’s An Honour

Born:

13 February 1952

Died on:

10 September 1986

Cause:

Motor Vehicle Accident – front seat passenger

Event location:

Tweed Heads

Age: 34

Funeral date:

12/09/1986

Funeral location:

St. James Anglican Church, Kingscliff

Buried at:

Cremated

Memorial location:

Tweed Heads Memorial Gardens and Crematorium – Peace Wall

Warren IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance  

About 7.30pm on 10 September, 1986 Senior Constable James was a passenger in a police vehicle returning to Tweed Heads Police Station after attending Lismore Court, when the vehicle left the roadway and collided with a tree. The constable was killed instantly.

The constable was born in 1952 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 26 February, 1974. At the time of his death he was stationed at Tweed Heads.