Memorial location: External Wall leading into Lake Illawarra Police Station and photo, on wall, inside Lake Illawarra Police Station
On 24 July, 1985 Detective Constable Tier was the driver, and single occupant, of an unmarked police vehicle engaged in the pursuit of an unknown vehicle on the Princes Highway, Unanderra. During the pursuit the police vehicle left the roadway and collided with a telegraph pole.
The constable was born in 1960 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 15 January, 1979.
At the time of his death he was stationed at Dapto.
STEPHEN is mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance
Stephen Tier holding his son, Joshua Tier.
Det Cst Stephen John Tier – 20 April 1983 playing Police Football for Wollongong.
Stephen TIER – Touch pad at the National Police Wall of Remembrance, Canberra.
Stephen John TIER Memorial inside Oak Flats Police Station, NSW.
Police Remembrance Day:
JOSHUA BUTLER
Family members lay a wreath for Det Const Stephen John Tier. Picture: ANDY ZAKELI Lake Illawarra Commander Acting Superintendent Andrew Koutsoufis to the left.
Almost 60 years on, Kenneth Nash still misses his uncle Allen.
Sergeant Allen William Nash, aged 40, was killed in the line of duty by a gun-wielding offender at Primbee in 1956.
Sgt Nash was one of eight officers stationed in the Lake Illawarra local area command who were recognised with memorial plaques on a wall of honour outside Lake Illawarra police station on Monday, as part of Police Remembrance Day commemorations.
Dozens of current and retired officers, families, friends, politicians, councillors and members of the public gathered at Oak Flats for a ceremony to unveil the memorial wall, and honour past and present officers.
Since 1862, more than 250 NSW Police officers have died in the line of duty.
Alone in his patrol car, Chris Thornton had the police siren flashing as he chased a white sedan through Woy Woy.
Thornton, 35, a highway patrolman, had been in the force for 15 years. He was, his mother says, “the best driver I have ever seen”.
The reason for the chase that night in April 2002 is unknown. Both cars were seen travelling at high speed. Thornton was about 50 metres behind.
Meanwhile, Leonard Rowley, 56, an unlicensed driver, was driving to his local KFC to pick up dinner. He saw the first car flash past and judged – wrongly – that he had time to turn out in front of the patrol car. Thornton tried to avoid Rowley’s car but clipped the back, veered onto the wrong side of the road and hit a power pole.
Thornton died on the spot, which is marked by a permanent stainless-steel cross. Rowley later received a suspended two-year sentence.
“His life from the age of 12 was about helping people,” says Thornton’s mother, Freada Thornton. “He was in the surf club and he was there to rescue people and then he went into the force and he was doing the same thing.” His father, Barry Thornton, says: “He loved life. He had been in Gosford for 15 years and was so popular with the community there.”
Police pursuits are, says Barry, a necessary evil: “If they don’t catch the criminals there will be more deaths on the roads. The ones that they’re in pursuit of are the idiots that have done the wrong thing to start with.”
But pursuits have come at a cost to the NSW Police Department. Fifteen officers have died as a result of high-speed chases, beginning with the death of Constable George Boore in 1937.
Details provided by the NSW Police Association show a steady stream of fatalities involving cars and motorcycles. The full list of casualties is as follows:
Wayne IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance
About 5pm on 3January, 1985 Constable Rixon and Probationary Constable Meredith Ireland were travelling in a Police Highway Patrol vehicle in Bannerman Crescent, Rosebery when they became involved in the high speed pursuit of a stolen vehicle. As the pursuit continued along Hayes Street the stolen vehicle sped through stop signs at the intersection of Dunning Avenue. The police vehicle slowed at the intersection but unfortunately collided with a truck that had been travelling along Dunning Avenue. After hitting the truck the police vehicle spun around and slammed into a brick wall. Constable Rixon sustained severe head and internal injuries and had to be released from the police vehicle by the PoliceRescueSquad. He was conveyed to the Royal South Sydney Hospital where he was found to be dead on arrival. Constable Ireland was treated at the Prince of Wales Hospital for lacerations and shock before she was allowed to leave.
The constable was born in 1957 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 23 January, 1978. At the time of his death he was attached to the Maroubra Highway Patrol.
Wayne Allen RIXON – touch pad at the National Police Wall of Remembrance, Canberra
A plaque that Wayne’s family had engraved, then placed in position by former members of Maroubra HWP and visited every year. At the intersection of Hayes St & Dunning Ave, Rosebery.
Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995),
Thursday 10 January 1985, page 9
Hundreds attend funeral of constable at Bega
From BRONWYN YOUNG, in Bega
Hundreds of people packed the church and lined the streets of Bega yesterday for the police funeral of highway patrolman Constable First Class Wayne Rixon, 27, killed in a high-speed car chase in Sydney last Thursday.
About 100 police in uniform and plainclothes had been arriving in Bega for the funeral since Tuesday.
Constable First Class Rixon was working with Maroubra highway patrol when he died on Thursday, but he grew up in Bega. Many of the people in the church and watching from the street had gone to school with
him. Police closed two roads for the funeral procession and its police escort.
The coffin draped with the Australian flag was carried from the church by six police officers.
Some of them had worked with Constable First Class Rixon in Maroubra. A seventh police officer, Sergeant Grahame Langford, of the NSW Police Academy, Redfern, walked in front of the coffin carrying the constable’s cap on a blue cushion. The caps of the six pallbearers lay on the roof of the waiting hearse.
Two mounted highway patrolmen in full ceremonial uniform
headed the solemn procession which escorted the hearse from the church. Among those marching were Acting Commissioner Barney Ross, Assistant Commissioner, Traffic, Bill Fleming, and Assistant Commissioner, General, Ted Bunt. The police marched in slow step down the street to the pipes of the NSW Police Pipe Band.
When the procession neared the Bega Courthouse the ranks broke and formed a guard-of honour. The hearse passed between the lines and gathered speed as it turned on to the road to the Bega Cemetery.
Alone in his patrol car, Chris Thornton had the police siren flashing as he chased a white sedan through Woy Woy.
Thornton, 35, a highway patrolman, had been in the force for 15 years. He was, his mother says, “the best driver I have ever seen”.
The reason for the chase that night in April 2002 is unknown. Both cars were seen travelling at high speed. Thornton was about 50 metres behind.
Meanwhile, Leonard Rowley, 56, an unlicensed driver, was driving to his local KFC to pick up dinner. He saw the first car flash past and judged – wrongly – that he had time to turn out in front of the patrol car. Thornton tried to avoid Rowley’s car but clipped the back, veered onto the wrong side of the road and hit a power pole.
Thornton died on the spot, which is marked by a permanent stainless-steel cross. Rowley later received a suspended two-year sentence.
“His life from the age of 12 was about helping people,” says Thornton’s mother, Freada Thornton. “He was in the surf club and he was there to rescue people and then he went into the force and he was doing the same thing.” His father, Barry Thornton, says: “He loved life. He had been in Gosford for 15 years and was so popular with the community there.”
Police pursuits are, says Barry, a necessary evil: “If they don’t catch the criminals there will be more deaths on the roads. The ones that they’re in pursuit of are the idiots that have done the wrong thing to start with.”
But pursuits have come at a cost to the NSW Police Department. Fifteen officers have died as a result of high-speed chases, beginning with the death of Constable George Boore in 1937.
Details provided by the NSW Police Association show a steady stream of fatalities involving cars and motorcycles. The full list of casualties is as follows:
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.
Terry John MONCUR
27/10/2012
Terry John MONCUR
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 16656
Rank: Constable
Stations: Balmain ( 8 Division ), Flemington HWP
Service: From 24 September 1974 to 2 December 1976 = 2+ years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: ? ? 1953 ( possibly 24 September 1953 ) The rest of his Class attested 23 September 1974
Buried at: Cremated at Castlebrook Cemetery. Ashes taken by family to Allambie Park, Gold Coast, Qld, where they are buried with his mother, father and grandmother
Memorial at:
Touchplate at the National Police Wall of Remembrance
[alert_green]TERRY IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green]
On the night of 1 December, 1976 Constable Moncur was the observer in a police Highway Patrol vehicle engaged in a high speed pursuit of a motor cycle in Adderton Road, Telopea. As the vehicle was negotiating a left hand bend in the roadway it skidded and collided with a parked vehicle. Constable Moncur sustained severe injuries and died the following morning.
The constable was born in 1953 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 24 September, 1974. At the time of his death he was attached to the Highway Patrol.
Photo available on line
Deadly toll
By Jonathan Pearlman November 6, 2004
Alone in his patrol car, Chris Thornton had the police siren flashing as he chased a white sedan through Woy Woy.
Thornton, 35, a highway patrolman, had been in the force for 15 years. He was, his mother says, “the best driver I have ever seen”.
The reason for the chase that night in April 2002 is unknown. Both cars were seen travelling at high speed. Thornton was about 50 metres behind.
Meanwhile, Leonard Rowley, 56, an unlicensed driver, was driving to his local KFC to pick up dinner. He saw the first car flash past and judged – wrongly – that he had time to turn out in front of the patrol car. Thornton tried to avoid Rowley’s car but clipped the back, veered onto the wrong side of the road and hit a power pole.
Thornton died on the spot, which is marked by a permanent stainless-steel cross. Rowley later received a suspended two-year sentence.
“His life from the age of 12 was about helping people,” says Thornton’s mother, Freada Thornton. “He was in the surf club and he was there to rescue people and then he went into the force and he was doing the same thing.” His father, Barry Thornton, says: “He loved life. He had been in Gosford for 15 years and was so popular with the community there.”
Police pursuits are, says Barry, a necessary evil: “If they don’t catch the criminals there will be more deaths on the roads. The ones that they’re in pursuit of are the idiots that have done the wrong thing to start with.”
But pursuits have come at a cost to the NSW Police Department. Fifteen officers have died as a result of high-speed chases, beginning with the death of Constable George Boore in 1937.
Details provided by the NSW Police Association show a steady stream of fatalities involving cars and motorcycles. The full list of casualties is as follows:
Relations in ‘the job’: Patrick GIBB, NSWPF # 3673
“possible” relation in ‘the job‘: ?
NSW Police Training Centre – Redfern – Class # 111
Last Class to be issued with the Webley Scott semi auto pistol
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 12679
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy on Monday 15 May 1967 ( aged 23 years, 6 months, 25 days )
Probationary Constable- appointed Monday 26 June 1967 ( aged 23 years, 8 months, 6 days )
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank: = Constable
Stations: ?, Miranda ( 24 Division ) – Death
Service: From 15 May 1967to23 January 1972 = 4 years, 8 months, 8 days Service
Retirement / Leaving age: = ?
Time in Retirement from Police: ?
Awards: No Find on Australian Honours system
Born: Wednesday 20 October 1943
Died on: Sunday 23 January 1972
Age: 28 years, 3 months, 3 days
Organ Donor: Y / N / ?
Cause: Accidentally Shot – own weapon during a violent arrest
Event location: ? , Miranda, NSW
Event / Diagnosis date: Sunday 23 January 1972
Funeral date: Wednesday 26 January 1972
Funeral location: St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Rosa St, Oatley, NSW
LIVE STREAM N/A
Wake location: ???
Wake date: ???
Funeral Parlour: ?
In Loving Memory of Joseph Edward Matthew GIBB. Loved husband of Therese, fond father of Jude and Josephine. Loved son of Pat & Ella. Died 23.1.1972, aged 28 years. Also Jude Thomas, 3.1.1971. Erected by the New South Wales Police in Recognition of ?, Constable Joseph Edward Matthew GIBB.
Buried at: Woronora Memorial Park, Linden St, Sutherland, NSW
On the afternoon of 23 January, 1972 Constable Gibb was in a police vehicle with Constable Michael Buckley and another constable.
In Shirley Road, Miranda they spotted a stolen vehicle and gave chase.
During a brief pursuit the stolen vehicle drove into a dead-end street where it collided with a fence. Three offenders emerged from the vehicle and ran to a nearby house, with Constables Gibb and Buckley in pursuit.
As the offenders split up the pursuing police each fired a warning shot into the air.
Constable Gibb caught up with the offender he was chasing as he attempted to scale a fence and as the constable took hold of him he began to struggle violently.
While he was grappling with the offender the constable’s service revolver discharged and he was shot in the chest.
Constable Gibb was conveyed to the Sutherland District Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
POLICE OFFICER SHOT DEAD
SYDNEY. Sunday – A 28-year-old police constable was shot dead today in a struggle with a young man only 70 yds from the policeman’s home at Taren Point, a southern Sydney suburb.
The policeman, Constable Joseph E. M. Gibb, is believed to have been shot through the heart with his own service revolver.
Three young men were being questioned tonight at Sutherland Police Station.
Mrs Therese Gibb, who is expecting a baby in about five weeks, collapsed when she heard of her husband’s death and was taken by ambulance to Sutherland District Hospital.
She had been shopping and arrived home to find the street full of police cars.
Police said Constable Gibb had been just about to finish work at Miranda police station at 3 pm and was getting a lift home with his workmate Constable Michael Buckley.
They had seen a small sedan they suspected had been stolen and had given chase.
The sedan, containing three young men, had turned into a dead-end street and had crashed into a wire fence of Consolidated Timber Pty Ltd at the end.
Three men had jumped out of the car. Constable Buckley had pursued two of the suspects who had climbed a fence and run into bush at the right side of the back garden. Constable Gibb had gone to the left of the house into the back garden and grappled with the other suspect.
A shot had been heard and Constable Gibb had been found dead.
Constable Buckley was too upset later to be interviewed.”
The constable was born in 1943 at Darlinghurst and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 15 May, 1967.
At the time of his death he was stationed at Miranda.
He is listed in the official NSW Police Honour Roll.
picture of Class 111 Sworn In on 26th June, 1967. All the cyclists have the first of the white helmets. They didn’t last long either’, once they realised that the broken necks were coming from the bad design, where the back of the helmet sat at the perfect point to break your neck, if your head was snapped backwards. Second white helmets issued hurriedly, ‘say no more’..!
Funeral Service
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.
On 21 December, 1969 Constable Reiher was riding a Police Special Traffic Patrol motor cycle on the Princes Highway at Figtree. It is thought that the constable was attempting to stop the driver of a station sedan for a traffic offence and as he overtook the vehicle his cycle flipped over. He was thrown into the path of a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction and killed instantly.
The constable was born in 1946 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 13 May, 1968. At the time of his death he was stationed at Wollongong.
Wollongong police memorials
ALEX ARNOLD
The NSW Police Force carries on its logo the phrase “Proud Traditions since 1862“, but capturing the history of these traditions at an operational level has never been a priority for the force.
However, almost 150 years after it was first formed, NSW Police – and Acting Southern Region Commander Gary Worboys in particular – is using history as a tool to instil pride in those wearing the uniform.
Three memorials for Wollongong police officers who died while serving the community were unveiled at Wollongong Police Station yesterday at a ceremony attended by family members and former colleagues of the deceased officers.
The memorials, located in the hallway of the detectives’ floor, feature images and biographies of the men as well as an account of the incidents that led to their deaths.
The memorial wall was Mr Worboys’ idea, with Senior Constable Dave Henderson given the task of completing the project.
Snr Const Henderson said the project had involved research through police archives, old copies of the Illawarra Mercury and interviews with family members.
Mr Worboys, who will return to his former role as Wollongong Local Area Commander at the end of the month, said he became inspired to record police history during his time as commander of the Goulburn LAC. It was there he heard about a policeman who’d been shot by bushranger Ben Hall’s gang at Collector.
Mr Worboys said research led to the discovery of the grave of the officer, Samuel Nelson, in a cemetery near the police station, but it was found to be an “absolute shambles“.
The grave was restored and distant family members invited to take part in a subsequent ceremony, proving to Mr Worboys the value of history to the police force.
“There is so much history associated with police stations, but as walls get painted and people move on we don’t capture that history.”
“The memorials and the stories they have attached to them provide officers with a link to the past and makes them realise they are not the only ones who have walked these corridors.”
Mr Worboys said the memorials not only represented distinguished service, but the trauma, grief and heartache suffered by families.
He said the last death of a Wollongong officer on duty was in 1969, and he hoped no more stories would be added to the wall: but the memorials were a reminder that policing was a dangerous occupation.
Among those at yesterday’s ceremony were Constable David Reiher‘s father Bruce ( RIP – Nov 2009 ), and Constable Ray Paff‘s widow Valerie, who described the memorial as “a wonderful tribute” to her late husband.
“It may have been a long time ago. But you never forget,” she said.
Grave location: Anglican Monumental. Sect Aj – 0126
Memorial located at:
1/ Sgt. Howe’s name is mounted on the Memorial Wall at the NSW Police Memorial situated in the Tranquil Gardens, Woronora Memorial Park Cemetery, 121 Linden St, Sutherland.
It is important to know that in mid September each year, since 2015, 11 other NSW Police Officers killed on duty in the Sutherland / St. George PAC and 13 Police Officers killed in other PAC’s (Sgt 3/c Howe – Oaklands) and laid to rest within the WMP Cemetery are remembered.
Ron Alexander – Chairman NSW Police Memorial Service Committee – WMP.
2/ Memorial located at Oaklands Police Station, NSW – Dedicated on 19 December 2014
Touch plate at the National Police Wall of Remembrance, Canberra
Paul, one of Cyrils’ sons, is buried alongside of his father. Cyrils’ wife, June, having died in September 2020, is buried with Cyril. ” Together forever “
CYRIL IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance
Funeral location: TBA
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
On the evening of 19 December, 1963 Constable Howe detained an offender named Little near Oaklands and spoke to him regarding a stolen cheque book. He then directed the offender to drive his vehicle to the local police station while he followed in the police vehicle.
En route the offender sped away, and was pursued by Constable Howe for several kilometres. When the offender eventually stopped, the constable approached his vehicle. The offender, who had taken cover behind his vehicle door (the doors opened backwards from hinged centre pillars), then produced a shotgun and shot Constable Howe.
The constable crawled back to the police vehicle where he took cover, and although seriously wounded, returned fire until his automatic pistol jammed. He then sought further cover by crawling underneath the police vehicle, where he cleared his pistol and fired another shot before it again jammed. The offender then fired at the police vehicle, shooting out the headlights, steering, and the police sign from the top, before escaping.
Constable Howe then wrote “LITTLE SHOT ME” in the back of his police notebook ( in ink, and not blood, as sometimes stated ) before dragging himself into the police vehicle.
Constable Howe then wrote the offender’s name several times in his police notebook before dragging himself into the police vehicle.
He was only able to drive it a few metres before it ran into a roadside ditch.
After being found, the constable was able to detail the events leading to the shooting.
He was taken to the Wagga Base Hospital, however despite a five-hour operation he died at 10.45pm on 20 December, 1963.
Constable 1st Class Howe was posthumouslypromoted to Sergeant 3rd Class and awarded the Queen’s Police Medal for Gallantry ( QPM ), and the Peter Mitchell Award.
The offender later committed suicide.
The circumstances surrounding Sergeant Howe’s death ( pistol repeatedly jamming ) led to the introduction of Smith & Wesson .38 calibre 6 shot revolvers as general service issue to New South Wales Police. These, in turn were replaced by Glock semi-automatic pistols in the late 1990s.
The sergeant was born in 1932 in Arncliffe, NSW, and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 1 April, 1957. At the time of his death he was stationed at Oaklands.
Today (Wednesday 20 December 2023) marks the 60th anniversary of the tragic loss of Constable 1st Class Cyril Howe of Oaklands Police Station – now part of the Murray River Police District – in the state’s south.
On Thursday 19 December 1963, Constable Howe was assisting neighbouring police in relation to the theft of a cheque book by a 47-year-old man.
Constable Howe located the man travelling along a local road – in what was later established to be a stolen car with five young children.
After a pursuit of the vehicle, the man shot and seriously injured Constable Howe whilst using the children as a human shield which prevented the officer from effectively returning fire.
Despite being critically wounded Constable Howe wrote the assailants name in his notebook.
Constable Howe died the following day at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital.
An inquest into the incident commended Constable Howe’s actions where the coroner noted, “Howe displayed tremendous strength, courage and presence of mind. Considering the shocking wounds he received, and the terrible agony he was in, his actions after being shot leave no doubt in my mind that he was one of the bravest Policemen ever to wear the Queen’s uniform.”
Constable Howe was posthumously promoted to Sergeant 3rd Class and awarded the Police Medal for Gallantry.
To commemorate this event, a service was held at the Albury Police Station Conference Room.
The Commander of Murray River Police District, Superintendent Paul Smith APM, said that despite the passage of time, the events of that day serve as a reminder to a current generation of officers as to the dangers police face.
“Sergeant 3rd Class Cyril Howe displayed extraordinary bravery and fortitude when confronted with an armed and dangerous offender,” said Superintendent Smith APM.
“He refused to shoot at the offender for fear of striking one of the children, and then wrote the offenders name in his notebook.”
“Along with being an exceptional police officer he was also a father to three young children. It’s terribly sad what happened.”
Police and the community will come together on December 19 to mark the 50th anniversary of the murder of Oaklands police officer Sgt Cyril Howe.
Sgt Howe was stationed at Oaklands when he was gunned down in December, 1963.
His murder resulted in one of the biggest man hunts in the local area with many people from Yarrawonga and Mulwala involved in the search for his killer.
Since plans began for a commemorative march to honour the 50 year anniversary of Sgt Howe’s untimely death, local police have collected a variety of newspaper articles, telling the story of that fateful day in 1963.
On December 20, 1963 Sgt Howe was patrolling in Oaklands when he stopped a car driven by William Little who was a suspect for a stealing matter.
Sgt Howe requested Little to drive back to the Oaklands Police Station where he intended to question him further.
Little drove his car towards the police station with Sgt Howe following.
Upon getting close to the police station Little attempted to drive away and was pursued by Sgt Howe.
Little crashed his car into a ditch while attempting to escape.
Sgt Howe got out of his police car and approached Little’s car.
At this time Little produced a shotgun shooting Sgt Howe at close range in the stomach.
Sgt Howe returned to his car and fired a number of shots from his pistol.
Sgt Howe whilst dying on the side of the road was able to write Little’s name in his notebook indicating Little was responsible for the shooting.
Sgt Howe later died at Wagga Hospital from his wounds.
Little then went to a nearby property where he shot and killed Reginald Hunter a 57 year old bridge builder. Little then stole Hunter’s car.
The next six days saw a massive man hunt for Little with many local people assisting in the search along with offering accommodation for police who had been brought into the area to look for Little.
Article Name:Honouring Sgt Cyril Howe
Publication:The Free Press (Corowa)
Start Page:12
End Page:12
Ron Bloxham 20 December 2015 re the death of Sergeant Cyril Edgar HOWE. This was a matter I was involved in then when I was stationed at Finley.The offender Little’s car was located at Finley. On the 19th December 2013 I attended the Ceremony and the dedication of the impressive plaque that is now located in the front area of the Oaklands Police Station. I played golf with Cyril a few times and his wife was a brilliant golfer if I remember right she was the only female golfer then playing off scratch. She now lives at Kooralbyn near Beaudesert Qld. Here are a couple of photos from that day. Great effort by the troops after so long a time R.I.P. Cyril.
NSW Police Force 9 April 2015 NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione has officially dedicated a new memorial honouring fallen officers in the St George and Sutherland Shire. The Commissioner was joined by local police, families, friends, and colleagues, for the dedication of the NSW Police Memorial, led by Police Chaplain, Reverend David Warner, at Woronora Cemetery today (Thursday 9 April 2015). The memorial honours 24 NSW Police officers who have died on duty while serving in the St George, Sutherland and Miranda Local Area Commands or who were cremated or laid to rest at Woronora Cemetery. Commissioner Scipione said the plaques and memorial wall is a perfect way to honour local officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. “The NSW Police Memorial at Woronora Cemetery is our first collective police tribute in a private cemetery,” Commissioner Scipione said. “As we unveil the plaques today, we reflect on the lives and achievements of the officers who died while serving this community. “One of the toughest challenges for police is starting work each day not knowing what will happen yet understanding they may have to risk their own life to save another. “It is with great pride I dedicate this memorial and honour the officers, whose names are inscribed, remembering their selfless sacrifice and courage. They will not be forgotten,” Commissioner Scipione said. The names of the 24 local fallen officers, who died on duty since 1862, are inscribed on the wall of the memorial. An additional two colonial police killed in 1845, prior to the inception of the NSW Police Force, will also be remembered in the form of separate plaques. The NSW Police Memorial is a joint project of Woronora General Cemetery and Crematorium, Southern Metropolitan Associates Branch of the Police Association of NSW and the NSW Police Force. Officers honoured on NSW Police Memorial at Woronora Cemetery: Sergeant 1st Class William Smith, killed on duty at Port Kembla on 1 September 1951, age 53 Constable Garnet Mortley, killed on duty at Waterfall 1 June 1953, age 25 Constable Edward Dilks, killed on duty at Corowa on 21 October 1954, age 28 Sergeant 2nd Class Cecil Ellis, killed on duty at Sydney on 29 April 1956, age 58 Constable William Lord, killed on duty at Randwick on 23 December 1958, age 24 Constable Colin Robb, killed on duty at Auburn on 7 September 1963, age 28 Constable 1st Class Cyril Howe, killed on duty at Oaklands on 20 December 1963, age 31 Constable Allan Shaw, killed on duty at Belmore on 11 May 1964, age 24 Constable Colin Roy, killed on duty at Kirrawee on 12 May 1967, age 28 Sergeant 2nd Class Adam Schell, killed on duty at Bobbin Head on 8 October 1968, age 52 Probationary Constable Warren Burns, killed on duty at Sutherland on 30 October 1968, age 25 Detective Senior Constable Denis Ware, killed on duty at Sutherland on 2 October 1970, age 32 Constable Joseph Gibb, killed on duty at Miranda on 23 January 1972, age 28 Senior Constable Neville Parker, killed on duty at Sans Souci on12 November 1972, age 34 Sergeant 2nd Class John Gill, killed on duty at Hurstville on 12 May 1973, age 47 Sergeant 1st Class John Colbert, killed on duty at Kingsgrove on 11 March 1979, age 58 Detective Sergeant Jillian Hawkes, killed on duty at Milsons Point on 22 April 1986, age 46 Probationary Constable Dana Heffernan, killed on duty at Randwick on 17 April 1987, age 20 Constable 1st Class Mark Burns, killed on duty at Tamworth on 17 March 1988, age 25 Constable John Burgess, killed on duty at Annandale on 27 April 1989, age 29 Constable Kenneth Short, killed on duty at Yarrawarra on 11 July 1990, age 27 Sergeant John Proops, killed on duty at Enfield on 22 May 1993, age 42 Senior Sergeant Raymond Smith, killed on duty at Calga on 13 July 1998, age 47 Senior Constable James (Jim) Affleck, killed on duty at Glen Alpine on 14 January 2001, age 43 Colonial police honoured: Corporal Stephen Kirk, killed on duty at Heathcote on 12 November 1845, age 32 Trooper Luke Dunn, killed on duty at Heathcote on 21 November 1845, age 3.
Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995),
Friday 5 June 1964, page 6
Above: Mrs. Howe and her children. Mark, 4, Paul, 2, and Kim, 5, proudly examine the medal after the presentation.
SYDNEY, Thursday. – A police sergeant, shot dead by a crazed gunman at Oaklands last year was today posthumously awarded the Queen’s Police Medal for gallantry.
The policeman, Cyril Edgar Howe, although extensively wounded and in great pain, wrote the name of his killer in his notebook.
When he was found by police, Sgt. Howe gave them full particulars of the incident before being taken to hospital, where he died following an emergency operation.
The State Governor, Sir Eric Woodward today presented the award to Sergeant Howe‘s widow, Mrs. June Howe at an impressive Government House ceremony.
Sir Eric said Sgt. Howe displayed devotion to duty, fortitude and courage of an extremely high order.
The Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct was presented to Constable William Terence Johnston.
Constable Johnston risked his life in the sea at Bombo Beach, Kiama, to rescue a fisherman washed off the rocks.
WAGGA , Sunday. — More than £2,000 has been subscribed to appeals for the family of the late Cyril Howe, the Oaklands police officer shot by a killer on December 20 at Oaklands.
The Bushfire Brigade, of which Const. Howe was captain, has opened an appeal, to close on January 21. Tonight the secretary, Mr. D. J. Kerr, reported that a little more than £300 had been received to date, including a £200 gift from the Nowranie Pastoral Co.
This weekend Wagga radio station 2WG conducted an appeal which has raised £1,726.
People from all parts of the Riverina telephoned, promising money.
Gifts ranged from as high as £30 to 2/6 given from a child’s money box.
SYDNEY, Friday. -The Police Association of N.S.W. will press the Police Department to replace all Webley and Scott issue automatic pistols following the death last week of Constable Cyril Howe at Oaklands.
The secretary of the association, Mr. F. C. Laut, said today his organisation had been pressing for a replacement of this type of pistol “for many years”.
Two police officers had lost their lives in recent years when using these pistols, he said.
Both had fired their pistols twice and the mechanisms had jammed at the third shot. They were Constable Howe and Sergeant Nash, who lost his life several years ago at Wollongong.
Mr. Laut emphasised that the failure of the pistols could not necessarily be claimed to have been the cause of the officer’s deaths.
The department, however, apparently admitted a flaw in the issue type of pistol when it permitted officers to arrange for “personal replacements” of weapons.
Mr. Laut said the association had “pinned its hopes” on an Italian made .38 calibre automatic pistol.
Officers had to carry pistols when on duty and could be called to use them at any time.
WAGGA, Thursday. – A week-long hunt for a man and a girl ended tragically today in a fowlhouse at Oaklands, a small village near Wagga.
As five police approached him, the man, William Stanley Little, shot 14-year-oldSusan Lyons and then killed himself.
The fowlhouse in which the double shooting took place was only 50 yards from the house in which Little had been living with Susan Lyon‘s mother for several weeks.
The hunt for Little began last Thursday night when the bodies of Constable Cyril Howe, 31, and a bridge worker, Reginald Hunter, 57, were found within a few miles of Oaklands.
This morning Little made a surprise return to the hut where he had been living.
Police, under Det. Const. W. Sheather, made a routine check of the house today and noticed that a pound of butter had been moved since they checked last night.
Det. Sheather ordered an inspection of all huts and sheds around the house.
As the five policemen began searching a shotgun blast rang out from the fowlhouse.
Police took cover behind a car and then fired three shots over the top of the fowlhouse.
Another single shotgun blast followed.
The police closed in on the shed and Det. Sheather opened the door.
He found the girl dead and Little critically wounded.
Little died before any medical help could be given.
The chief of the C.I.B., Supt. R. Walden, said later the man had shot Susan Lyons and then committed suicide.
“Neither the girl’s death nor the man’s injury was caused by our men,” he said.
Post-mortem
A post-mortem examination was today made in Urana of the bodies of Little and the girl.
A coroner’s inquest will be held, but no date has yet been fixed.
Police believe she had been held captive by Little since last Thursday night.
Police several times had expressed fear that the girl would be held hostage by the man.
“The whole Riverina is seething,” Supt, Kempton, in charge of Wagga district, said tonight.
“Everyone is appalled by the girl’s death.”
The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Allan, tonight expressed his sincere appreciation of police efforts in the hunt.
“All police showed a keenness to see this matter through, which did them great credit,” he said.
“They worked hours and in conditions above and beyond those of the normal requirements of their duty.”
“Maximum temperature for the search area has not fallen below 100 degrees for the past seven days.”
Mr. Allan also thanked private citizens for their part in the search.
Co-operation
Four planes were donated by district graziers to help the search.
Local polo players risked prize ponies to search through dangerous country for the killer.
“This shall be remembered as a typical example of public co-operation with the Police Department in the interests of law enforcement,” Mr. Allan said.
The hunt for Little began when the body of Const. Cyril Howe was found in his police car just off the Oaklands – Jerilderie road.
Before he collapsed, Const. Howe scribbled the name of his assailant in his notebook.
Several hours later, police found Reginald Victor Hunter‘s body in his caravan, 12 miles away.
Like Const. Howe, Hunter has been killed by a shotgun blast.
This picture was taken yesterday only seconds before police fired warning shots over a fowlhouse near Oaklands after they heard the first of two shot gun blasts. They later found William Stanley Little inside, mortally wounded, and 14-year-old Susan Lyons dead.
WAGGA, Sunday. – Police searching for the shotgun killer of a policeman and a contractor in the southern Riverina believe they will track him down
some time tomorrow.
The search will go on through the night.
“I think we’ll have good news for you by tomorrow night,” Supt. J. C. Kempton said tonight.
Supt. Kempton, in charge of the Wagga Police District, is leading the search for the murderer.
Four hundred men-on foot, on horseback, in cars, trucks and four planes today concentrated the search on the sprawling 15,000-acre Werai Forest, near Deniliquin.
They had to fight their way through thick scrub in temperatures between 106 and 110 degrees.
“The men are weary, but confident they are getting close,” another senior police officer said tonight.
Trapped
All available police have been sent to the forest following a report that a car, believed to be driven by the killer, was seen parked in bushes in the forest yesterday.
Mr. J. Haydon, a station hand from Moulamein, told police he saw the car. Its description answered that of the Valiant in which the killer and a 14-year-old girl escaped.
Searchers late yesterday began a methodical check of the entire forest.
“We started on the outside working in; we believe he is trapped in there,” Supt. Kempton said.
Planes
In another new development today, police discovered that the murderer stole a large quantity of food from one of his victims, bridge contractor Mr. Reginald
Hunter, 57, after he had shot him on Thursday.
The other victim was 30 year-old Oaklands policeman Cyril Howe, who died in Wagga Base Hospital yesterday.
“Hunter’s family checked his caravan today and found that a lot of food and some petrol were missing,” Supt. Kempton said.
The car the wanted man is driving also was stolen from Hunter.
All four planes in the search have been volunteered by district graziers. They are using the main street of the small town of Booroorban, about 200 miles west of Wagga, as a runway.
Disguised
The girl travelling with the killer is believed to be pregnant.
Police fear for her life. They believe she may have been forced to cut her hair and dress as a boy.
The girl is of medium build, five feet tall, with brown hair and hazel eyes. She has a boil on the right side of her face.
She was dressed as a boy in a brown shirt, black jumper and khaki trousers.
Before he collapsed Const. Howe was able to scrawl the name of his attacker in his notebook.
In the massive search that followed, police found the body of Hunter in a caravan about half a mile from the spot where Howe was fatally wounded.
He had shotgun wounds in the chest and police believe he died instantly. A doctor said he had been dead for about 12 hours.
The fugitive is believed to be armed with a .22 rifle as well as the shotgun.
I have some information prior to Cyril joining the police force.
Cyril was engaged to my mother. It would have been late 1950’s I guess.
Cyril worked as a volunteer ambulance officer around the Rockdale area I believe.
The engagement was broken off because my grandfather had spent 12 months in Glen Innes prison for stealing some years earlier and that would have impacted Cyrils’ chances of getting into the force.
I do have another photo somewhere, would need to hunt it down.
Constable Cyril Howe was stationed at Oakland’s at the time of his passing.
I believe it was 19 December 2013, when I was LAC of Albury we held a 50 year memorial service at Oakland Police Station for Cst Howe which his wife and daughter attended. They unveiled a memorial plaque and I presented them with framed memorial photos.
It was the first time his wife had returned to Oakland’s since the day he died.
The community And former officers attached to the Murray River area came out to remember him in huge numbers. Many were present in the town on that day or on duty in other nearby locations and reflected on what happened. It is such a shame that it takes the death of one of our fine officers for the government and organisation to act and move onto a different weapon. Again a shame that it was one not designed for the first responders, and again not appropriate in the circumstances until we finally were issued with the glocks.
I was very proud to stand with his wife and daughter and have Constable Howe recognized in this way.
I recently noticed that the picture of that day and the presentation is currently on the NSW Police Legacy home page.
William LORD – Touch Plate at National Police Wall of Remembrance
About 5pm on 23 December, 1958 Constable Lord was riding a Police Public Safety Bureau motor cycle in Alison Road, Randwick, when he became involved in the pursuit of a speeding motor cycle. At the intersection of Wansey Road another vehicle began to turn in front of the oncoming police cycle. Seeing the police cycle approaching the driver of the vehicle took evasive action, however a collision occurred and Constable Lord was thrown from his cycle and onto another car. Although admitted to St Vincent’s Hospital he died a short time later.
The constable was born in 1934 and joined the New South Wales Police Force as a cadet on 2 June, 1952. He was sworn in on 5 December, 1953. At the time of his death he was attached to the Traffic Branch, Sydney.
NSW BDM
Death: 589/2959 Father: Keith Silvester Mother: Dorothy May
Alone in his patrol car, Chris Thornton had the police siren flashing as he chased a white sedan through Woy Woy.
Thornton, 35, a highway patrolman, had been in the force for 15 years. He was, his mother says, “the best driver I have ever seen”.
The reason for the chase that night in April 2002 is unknown. Both cars were seen travelling at high speed. Thornton was about 50 metres behind.
Meanwhile, Leonard Rowley, 56, an unlicensed driver, was driving to his local KFC to pick up dinner. He saw the first car flash past and judged – wrongly – that he had time to turn out in front of the patrol car. Thornton tried to avoid Rowley’s car but clipped the back, veered onto the wrong side of the road and hit a power pole.
Thornton died on the spot, which is marked by a permanent stainless-steel cross. Rowley later received a suspended two-year sentence.
“His life from the age of 12 was about helping people,” says Thornton’s mother, Freada Thornton. “He was in the surf club and he was there to rescue people and then he went into the force and he was doing the same thing.” His father, Barry Thornton, says: “He loved life. He had been in Gosford for 15 years and was so popular with the community there.”
Police pursuits are, says Barry, a necessary evil: “If they don’t catch the criminals there will be more deaths on the roads. The ones that they’re in pursuit of are the idiots that have done the wrong thing to start with.”
But pursuits have come at a cost to the NSW Police Department. Fifteen officers have died as a result of high-speed chases, beginning with the death of Constable George Boore in 1937.
Details provided by the NSW Police Association show a steady stream of fatalities involving cars and motorcycles. The full list of casualties is as follows:
About 3pm on 14 November, 1958 Constable Boaden was riding a police solo motor cycle along the Princes Highway at Ulladulla. While he was pursuing a speeding vehicle, another car commenced to turn into the driveway of a dwelling. The constable increased his speed in an attempt to pass in front of the turning vehicle, however the cycle struck the front of the vehicle. Constable Boaden was thrown over the vehicle, his helmet came off and he landed head-first on the roadway. Although he was conveyed to the Milton District Hospital, he died about three hours later.
The constable was born in 1936 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 1 April, 1957. At the time of his death he was stationed at Moruya.
Brian is buried in the Orange Cemetery, Lone Pine Ave, Orange, NSW.
Grave location: Old Section, Grave 68.
” In Loving Memory of our dear son and brother Constable Brian James BOADEN, died 14 Nov 1958 aged 22 years, Who died doing his duty sometime we will understand. ”
Deadly toll
By Jonathan Pearlman November 6, 2004
Alone in his patrol car, Chris Thornton had the police siren flashing as he chased a white sedan through Woy Woy.
Thornton, 35, a highway patrolman, had been in the force for 15 years. He was, his mother says, “the best driver I have ever seen”.
The reason for the chase that night in April 2002 is unknown. Both cars were seen travelling at high speed. Thornton was about 50 metres behind.
Meanwhile, Leonard Rowley, 56, an unlicensed driver, was driving to his local KFC to pick up dinner. He saw the first car flash past and judged – wrongly – that he had time to turn out in front of the patrol car. Thornton tried to avoid Rowley’s car but clipped the back, veered onto the wrong side of the road and hit a power pole.
Thornton died on the spot, which is marked by a permanent stainless-steel cross. Rowley later received a suspended two-year sentence.
“His life from the age of 12 was about helping people,” says Thornton’s mother, Freada Thornton. “He was in the surf club and he was there to rescue people and then he went into the force and he was doing the same thing.” His father, Barry Thornton, says: “He loved life. He had been in Gosford for 15 years and was so popular with the community there.”
Police pursuits are, says Barry, a necessary evil: “If they don’t catch the criminals there will be more deaths on the roads. The ones that they’re in pursuit of are the idiots that have done the wrong thing to start with.”
But pursuits have come at a cost to the NSW Police Department. Fifteen officers have died as a result of high-speed chases, beginning with the death of Constable George Boore in 1937.
Details provided by the NSW Police Association show a steady stream of fatalities involving cars and motorcycles. The full list of casualties is as follows:
Area: Zone F, Sect: Independent General K, Grave 2643
Memorial located at: ?
at the base of Cecils grave
Here are some amazing photos for you,
I have attached some photos of dad in uniform also a few of funeral procession that I found. Dad was also one of the officers who escorted the Queen on her Coronation Tour in Sydney May 1954. I think that might be the photo of him on his bike. After Sydney tour he was to escort the Queen & Duke to Canberra but his bike broke down at Liverpool. A couple of weeks later he lost his life.
Thanks again.
Ron
Cecil SEWELL
Cecil SEWELL funeral
Cecil SEWELL funeral
Cecil SEWELL funeral
Cecil SEWELL funeral
CECIL is mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance
( NEED TO OBTAIN PHOTO OF TOUCH PLATE IN CANBERRA )
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
On 1 June, 1954 Constable Sewell was riding a police solo motor cycle in Woodville Road, Merrylands.
About 4.45pm the constable became involved in the pursuit of a motor vehicle. As the pursuit neared the intersection of Farnell Street, an elderly man alighted from a bus, ran out onto the roadway and was struck by Constable Sewell’s motor cycle.
Both men sustained severe injuries and were conveyed to the Parramatta District Hospital.
The pedestrian was found to be dead on arrival and Constable Sewell died the following morning.
The constable was born in 1927 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 3 August, 1948.
At the time of his death he was stationed at Parramatta.
Alone in his patrol car, Chris Thornton had the police siren flashing as he chased a white sedan through Woy Woy.
Thornton, 35, a highway patrolman, had been in the force for 15 years. He was, his mother says, “the best driver I have ever seen”.
The reason for the chase that night in April 2002 is unknown. Both cars were seen travelling at high speed. Thornton was about 50 metres behind.
Meanwhile, Leonard Rowley, 56, an unlicensed driver, was driving to his local KFC to pick up dinner. He saw the first car flash past and judged – wrongly – that he had time to turn out in front of the patrol car. Thornton tried to avoid Rowley’s car but clipped the back, veered onto the wrong side of the road and hit a power pole.
Thornton died on the spot, which is marked by a permanent stainless-steel cross. Rowley later received a suspended two-year sentence.
“His life from the age of 12 was about helping people,” says Thornton’s mother, Freada Thornton. “He was in the surf club and he was there to rescue people and then he went into the force and he was doing the same thing.” His father, Barry Thornton, says: “He loved life. He had been in Gosford for 15 years and was so popular with the community there.”
Police pursuits are, says Barry, a necessary evil: “If they don’t catch the criminals there will be more deaths on the roads. The ones that they’re in pursuit of are the idiots that have done the wrong thing to start with.”
But pursuits have come at a cost to the NSW Police Department. Fifteen officers have died as a result of high-speed chases, beginning with the death of Constable George Boore in 1937.
Details provided by the NSW Police Association show a steady stream of fatalities involving cars and motorcycles. The full list of casualties is as follows:
More than 200 plain-clothes and uniformed police attended the funeral yesterday of Constable Cecil Sewell, 27, of the Public Safety Bureau.
Constable Sewell was fatally injured on Tuesday when his police motor cycle crashed after hitting and killing a pedestrian in Woodville Road, Merrylands.
Constable Sewell was chasing a speeding motor cyclist when he hit the pedestrian – John Thomas Nivens, 60, of Paton Street, Merrylands.
The Police Pipe Band led the funeral procession to Rookwood Cemetery after a service at the Baptist Church, Harrow Road, Auburn.
Constable Cecil Edwin SEWELL
Parramatta Police
Motor Vehicle Pursuit
2 June, 1954
Resting Place – Rookwood Cemetery, Rookwood
On 1 June, 1954 Constable Sewell was riding a police solo motor cycle in Woodville Road, Merrylands. About 4.45pm the constable became involved in the pursuit of a motor vehicle. As the pursuit neared the intersection of Farnell Street, an elderly man alighted from a bus, ran out onto the roadway and was struck by Constable Sewell’s motor cycle. Both men sustained severe injuries and were conveyed to the Parramatta District Hospital. The pedestrian was found to be dead on arrival and Constable Sewell died the following morning. The Sydney Morning Herald of 3 June, 1954 printed the following article, and funeral notices.
CONSTABLE’S DEATH FROM INJURIES IN CYCLE CHASE CRASH
Constable Cecil Sewell, 27, of the Public Safety Bureau, who knocked down and fatally injured a civilian while chasing a speeding motor cyclist on Tuesday, died yesterday from injuries he received in the accident. He will be buried at Rookwood Cemetery today with full police honours. Constable Sewell was chasing the motor cyclist along Woodville Road, Merrylands, at 70 m.p.h. about 4.45 p.m. when he struck John Thomas Nivens, 60, who had stepped from a bus. Nivens, of Patons Street, Merrylands, died later from his injuries. Constable Sewell, who was thrown from the cycle after it had skidded along the road for 60 yards, died in Parramatta Hospital at 6.30 a.m. yesterday without regaining consciousness. He suffered a fractured skull and internal injuries. Doctors said his condition was too serious to operate. He was married with two children.
FUNERAL TO-DAY
Constable Sewell’s funeral will leave for Rookwood after, a service at the Baptist Church, Harrow Road, Auburn, at 1.30 p.m. The Police Pipe Band will lead the cortege, and Public Safety Bureau motor cyclists will escort the funeral. The Superintendent of Traffic, Mr. H. E. Snowden, will represent the Commissioner of Police, Mr. C. J. Delaney. Among other police officers present will be the officer in charge of the Public Safety Bureau, Inspector J. J. Agnew, and the officer in charge of Parramatta Division, Inspector C. S. Jardine. Police are making a wide search for the speeding motor cyclist, whom they blame for the deaths of Nivens and Constable Sewell. A senior police officer said yesterday that the cyclist, if arrested, faced charges of manslaughter.
“FINE OFFICER”.
Mr. Snowden said last night: “Constable Sewell was an outstanding young policeman with a particularly fine character. He was a policeman the public and the Police Force could ill afford to lose. His workmates in the Public Safety Bureau are stunned by his death.” Mr. Snowden said that police would not treat reckless and thoughtless motorists and drunken drivers and speedsters with “kid glove methods”. “We are determined to exert every means at our disposal to make the roads safe for everybody,” he said.
SEWELL – Masonic Lodge Auburn No 404 U G L of N S W, The Officers and Members of the above Lodge are fraternally Invited to attend the Funeral of their late esteemed Brother C E SEWELL. For particulars see family notice. Regalia.”
The constable was born in 1927 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 3 August, 1948. At the time of his death he was stationed at Parramatta. He is listed in the official New South Wales Police Honour Roll.
A police constable who killed a man when chasing a speeding motor cyclist last night, died at 6.30 am today. Police are now making an intensive search for the speedster who caused two deaths.
Dead as a result of the chase are Constable Cecil Sewell, 27, married with two children and John Thomas Nivens, 60, of Paton St., Merrylands.
At 4.45 pm yesterday Constable Sewell was chasing a motor cyclist along Woodville Rd., Merrylands, at about 70 mph ( 180kph ).
Siren’s scream
His cycle siren was screaming but Nivens stepped out on to the road from behind a bus. The police bike crashed into Nivens, who was killed instantly.
With Nivens draped across the handlebars, the motor cycle skidded for 60 yards before Nivens and Constable Sewell were catapulted from it.
Sewell, of Wycombe Rd., Yagoona, and attached to Parramatta traffic squad, was rushed to hospital. He was admitted with a fractured skull and facial injuries. Sewell was too badly hurt for doctors to operate on him and he died without regaining consciousness.
At present there is no clue as to the identity of the cyclist responsible for the crash.
Constable Sewell was a member of Yagoona Baptist Church. His two children are ; boys — Ron, 5, and Noel, 2.
Mrs. Sewell. 25, was with her parents in Lidcombe during the night.
Constable Sewell’s father, Mr. J. Sewell, of Alice St., Auburn, said today his son had been in the police force for six years.
“No gloves”
Traffic Supt. H. Snowden said, “Our drive throughout the State for road safety is going to be enforced with the gloves off. “Reckless motorists and road users who have no regard for the rights of other road users can expect no mercy. “Since police squads have been operating in plain-clothes and ordinary cars, there has been a noticeable decrease in the number of traffic breaches.”
