Mark Anthony BATEMAN
Mark Anthony BATEMAN
Victoria Police Force
Regd. # 30810
Rank: Senior Constable
Stations: ?, Northcote – death
Service: From ? ? ? to 20 May 2000 = ? years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: ? ? 1970
Died on: Saturday 20 May 2000 @ 2.20am
Cause: Motor Vehicle Accident – killed instantly
Age: 30
Funeral date: ? ? ?
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial at: Blue Ribbon Foundation Portland District Health Emergency Helipad
Front Inscription
Donated by the Northcote R.S.L. in memory of Senior Constable Mark Anthony Bateman 30810 and Senior Constable Fiona Frances Robinson 30507 tragically killed in the line of duty 20 May, 2000
Lest We Forget
[alert_green]MARK IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green]
Funeral location: ?
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal
At approximately 2.20am on Saturday 20th May, 2000 Senior Constable Fiona Robinson and Senior Constable Mark Bateman were travelling along High Street, Northcote with emergency lights activated in response to an emergency call. At the intersection of Dennis & High Streets the divisional van they were driving collided with another vehicle before coming to rest against a traffic control signal and electricity pole. Both members were killed instantly. Fiona was 30 years of age.
ELEVEN years ago, Debra Bateman’s police officer husband was killed on duty. She chose to be strong.
Debra Bateman is the face of Blue Ribbon Day … a wonderful choice, as I will explain, and a job well done by the organisers.
I say job, because Debra, sorry Dr Bateman, is not the sort of person who has ever sought the spotlight so I’m guessing they had to work hard to convince her.
It’s perhaps why she never aimed for the stars as a child. Dr Bateman says she begrudgingly finished high school before qualifying as a hairdresser.
Yet, she is now a senior lecturer in higher education research at Deakin University and recently has been honoured with two national teaching awards for excellence, the Pearson ATEA Australia Teacher Educator of the Year and the Australian Learning and Teaching Council award.
She has also been cited for her outstanding contribution to student learning.
“Who’d have thought!” Dr Bateman, 43, says with a laugh.
And, yet, just a little more 10 years ago, things were so different, so despairing.
At 32, Dr Bateman became a widow, but don’t call her that, especially if it makes you feel sorry for her or you are tempted to plant a consoling kiss on her cheek. Because people, Dr Bateman says, do that when you are a widow. You can see the pity work across their faces, she says. The assumptions registered.
Perhaps she is more conscious of the emotional baggage the name carries because of the sudden and shocking way Dr Bateman became a widow on a Saturday night in May 2000.
Her husband, Sen-Constable Mark Bateman, was on night patrol with newly married Sen-Constable Fiona Robinson.
They were answering a call to attend a reported holdup at a bakery in Northcote, when their van was clipped by another vehicle, became airborne and crashed into a power pole.
Both officers were killed.
Dr Bateman was at home with children, Jack, 17 months, and Daisy, who was nine weeks old.
She has never spoken publicly about her 29-year-old husband’s death until now and only because she is the face of the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Day. So why now?
“I feel it is appropriate for me to step up,” she told me.
“I have a few runs on the board, successes in my life.”
She also spoke to children Daisy, now 11, and Jack, who is 12, about going public and said the family agreed it was a privilege to do it and a positive thing to do and they all wanted to give something back.
Dr Bateman will feature in an advertising campaign promoting the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Day on September 29. It is a day when Victorians wear blue and white ribbons as a mark of respect for the sacrifice and memory of 157 police men and women who have lost their lives in the line of duty in Victoria.
Money raised – $5.5 million to date – goes to pay for new lifesaving equipment in Victoria’s public hospitals.
Mark Bateman was, his wife says, a very proud policeman who also loved his football club. He wasn’t a complicated bloke. They met when he was 16, she was 18, and they married eight years later, when Dr Bateman had completed a teaching diploma.
There were a few hurdles along the way. A kilometre from the site of the accident that would claim Mark’s life, the couple had a horrific car accident. Mark, then 19, suffered broken ribs, but Dr Bateman, 21, suffered a brain injury that would keep her in hospital and rehabilitation for a year.
She said the accident was a major transition for both of them.
Mark would emerge an incredibly committed person, Dr Bateman a young woman heading in a new direction.
She was a qualified hairdresser, but a vocational therapist told her she could not do that any more, because she wouldn’t be able to stand on her feet all day.
Dr Bateman was told she would make a great teacher. The therapist was spot on. She was a born teacher.
When Mark died, Dr Bateman became a single mother and was forced to think about what she wanted to do, “because I really had grown up”.
Juggling children, she completed a doctorate and now works in the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof Jane Den Hollander. Previously, she worked in the School of Education.
Prof Den Hollander said Dr Bateman was a shining example of what could be achieved through dogged determination, perseverance and a love of lifelong learning. She doesn’t tell anyone she is a police widow, because Dr Bateman does not want to be defined by it and she wants her children to know they are special, but not because their father died.
It was also important to her to maintain her integrity and independence.
“I’m a very self-contained unit, that’s how I describe myself,” Dr Bateman said.
A good teacher is also a good learner. Four weeks after Mark’s death, Dr Bateman was invited to a lunch attended by several police widows. She said: “I was still very raw. (But) I could see women around the tables who had made choices. Some stuck with the very moment of losing their partners. Others were amazing women who were resilient and robust. They had incredible integrity and pride in who they were.”
Dr Bateman said her parents, Alan and Joy, had taught her to never give up and she had two babies who required her to make some serious choices.
“I chose to be strident and strong,” she said.
“I’ve proven that widows can do anything they want to do and I have proven to myself that stuff I never dared dream was possible.”
Like I said, she is a wonderful role model for us all, not just widows, and her story is a lesson in how to not be burdened by a catastrophic tragedy, but rather be inspired by it. It’s a story of a woman who stayed strong and a family which helped each other through the sadness and despair.
And for those who believe that Mark Bateman is looking down on them, well, he’d be looking down with pride.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/ipad/standing-up-for-widows/story-fn6bn88w-1226123536654
Vic: Police car type did not contribute to officers’ deaths
A coroner has found the deaths of two policemen in a car accident in Melbourne were not influenced by the van in which they were travelling.
Senior Constable MARK BATEMAN, aged 30, and 31-year-old Senior Constable FIONA ROBINSON died from multiple injuries after their divisional van rolled when it side-swiped another car in suburban Northcote on May 20 last year.
Coroner PHILLIP GOLDBERG said the two police officers were en route to a burglary in progress and were trying to overtake the slower moving car.
He said a subsequent police investigation revealed that the Holden Commodore in which they were travelling had a higher potential to roll over than the previous model Ford.
The Commodore divisional vans are no longer used by police.
But Mr GOLDBERG says the Commodore’s greater risk of rolling did not aggravate the circumstances of the two police officers deaths.
http://gmac-financce.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/vic-police-car-type-did-not-contribute.html
Gone but not forgotten
The deaths sparked a review of police van safety and led to the introduction of the
https://tpav.org.au/_documents/Journals/2010/f0d5b0af-1455-4de1-98ca-46245a9ea86d/tpav_july_2010.pdf
Opening of Emergency Helipad and Dedication of Mark Bateman Memorial
The official opening of the Blue Ribbon Foundation Portland District Health Emergency Helipad marked the culmination of a long and dedicated campaign over the past 9 years.
PDH CEO Chris Giles said the helipad was a community facility that came about as a result of great local support. The community turned out in hundred to join in the celebrations of the opening of this potentially life-saving facility for our district.
The Chairman of the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation, Bill Noonan, OAM, the President of the Portland Branch, Peter Corbett and President of Portland District Health Board of Management Michelle Kearney lead the opening of the Emergency Helipad.
The ceremony also included the dedication of a permanent police memorial in memory of Senior Constable Mark Bateman who died with his partner Senior Constable Fiona Robinson on May 20, 2000 when their divisional van was involved in a crash while answering a priority one call at Northcote.
The dedication will also be a celebration of community spirit and determination as it acknowledges the many organisations, individuals, trades people, suppliers and sponsors who have donated their professional skills, materials and other resources for the building of the vital emergency facility.
We should acknowledge Neil Soullier – Victorian Blue Ribbon Foundation CEO for his great support throughout the project, Peter Corbett – President of the Portland Blue Ribbon Foundation Branch and loyal committee, Peter Carr – Volunteer Project Manager, the many PDH staff previous and present who have lived and breathed helipad over the past 9 years, Carolyn Malseed for pulling together the opening with the Blue Ribbon committee and the many businesses and organisations who volunteered time and/or donated towards the project to make this happen. There are many other people that could be thanked, this list goes on and on and we are grateful for their support and assistance.
Business Donors to Assist Construct Helipad:
G.R CARR PTY LTD
Hanson Concrete
Fulton Hogan
PFM Engineering
Bob Menzel
Parfrey Plumbing Pty Ltd
Mibus Bros
Bluescope Distribution
Lawrence and Hansen
Portland Sign works
Lions Club Portland
Keppel Prince Cranes
Mick Wilson Plumbing
Lovell’s Group
Berry & Whyte Surveyors
Exile Concrete Pumping
Stickmans Contracting
Hammonds Paint
Peter Bell
Tutt Bryant
Blackwoods
K J Vic
Brent Jennings Concrete
Michael Hunter – Icon Investments
R & C Eather
A.T.S (Graham Robertson)
Tim Black
Parchem
http://swarh.com.au/pdh/news/opening-of-emergency-helipad-and-dedication-of-mark-bateman-memorial
Blue Ribbon Day at Scotch
December 2011
WORDS: Mr Tim Shearer
National Police Remembrance Day, or Blue Ribbon Day as it is better known in Victoria, occurs every September, and this year’s Blue Ribbon Day was Thursday 29 September ( 2011 ).
This year Scotch ( Scotch College, Melbourne ) was nominated as the ambassador school for Blue Ribbon Day, and on Wednesday 14 September Mr Neil Soullier OAM, the CEO of the Blue Ribbon Foundation, attended assembly and presented a flag of remembrance to the Principal. The flag was flown at Scotch until Blue Ribbon Day, Thursday 29 September.
At the assembly, Jack Bateman (Year 7) addressed the school, speaking of his close identification with Blue Ribbon Day.‘My name is Jack Bateman. This morning I want to talk to all of you about something which is pretty close to my heart. The Blue Ribbon Foundation is a community organisation which ensures that the memories of police who have died in the line of duty live on as part of the community.
‘One of the police who have died on duty is my dad, Mark Anthony Bateman, Senior Constable, stationed at the Northcote Police Station, and this year my family have proudly agreed to represent the Blue Ribbon Foundation. The foundation was founded in 1998 and has a roll of honour which lists 157 police members who have died. My dad is part of history and the honour roll dates back to 1858.
‘The foundation is mainly run by volunteers who organise fundraising events throughout Victoria. All money goes to community projects that promote awareness, and for important projects like hospitals which are named in honour of fallen officers.
‘We can do nothing to bring them back, but as a grateful community we can take steps to honour their memory and ensure their sacrifice is acknowledged. I hope that we at Scotch College will be able to contribute to the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s mission – a good start is to wear a blue ribbon on Police Remembrance Day, 29 September.’
Fiona Frances ROBINSON
Fiona Frances ROBINSON – nee De LEUUW
Victoria Police Force
Regd. # 30507
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 17 February 1995
Senior Constable – appointed August 1999
Stations: Mill Park ( 17 February 1995 ), Transit ( April 1977 ), Northcote ( March 1999 ) – death
Service: From ? ? ?pre 17 February 1995 to 20 May 2000 = 5+ years Service
Awards: posthumous Victoria Police Star – Awarded on 19 July 2005
Born: ? ? 1969
Died on: Saturday 20 May 2000 @ 2.20am
Cause: Motor Vehicle Accident – killed instantly
Age: 31
Funeral date: ? ? ?
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial at: the Fiona Robinson Treatment Room, Children’s Ward, Geelong Hospital, Victoria
Front Inscription
Donated by the Northcote R.S.L. in memory of Senior Constable Mark Anthony Bateman 30810 and Senior Constable Fiona Frances Robinson 30507 tragically killed in the line of duty 20 May, 2000
Lest We Forget
[alert_green]FIONA IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green]
Funeral location: ?
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal
At approximately 2.20am on Saturday 20th May, 2000 Senior Constable Robinson and Senior Constable Mark Bateman were travelling along High Street, Northcote with emergency lights activated in response to an emergency call. At the intersection of Dennis & High Streets the divisional van they were driving collided with another vehicle before coming to rest against a traffic control signal and electricity pole. Both members were killed instantly.
Vic: Police car type did not contribute to officers’ deaths
A coroner has found the deaths of two policemen in a car accident in Melbourne were not influenced by the van in which they were travelling.
Senior Constable MARK BATEMAN, aged 30, and 31-year-old Senior Constable FIONA ROBINSON died from multiple injuries after their divisional van rolled when it side-swiped another car in suburban Northcote on May 20 last year.
Coroner PHILLIP GOLDBERG said the two police officers were en route to a burglary in progress and were trying to overtake the slower moving car.
He said a subsequent police investigation revealed that the Holden Commodore in which they were travelling had a higher potential to roll over than the previous model Ford.
The Commodore divisional vans are no longer used by police.
But Mr GOLDBERG says the Commodore’s greater risk of rolling did not aggravate the circumstances of the two police officers deaths.
http://gmac-financce.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/vic-police-car-type-did-not-contribute.html
Gone but not forgotten
The deaths sparked a review of police van safety and led to the introduction of the
https://tpav.org.au/_documents/Journals/2010/f0d5b0af-1455-4de1-98ca-46245a9ea86d/tpav_july_2010.pdf
Robert John LANE
Robert John LANE
Victoria Police Force
Squad 7/65
Regd. # 15051
Rank: Detective Senior Constable
Stations: ?, Carlton, Russell Street HQ, Swan Hill CIB – death
Service: From ? ? 1965? to 13 July 1979 = 14? years Service
Awards: Victoria Police Star medal – granted, to Val, 2006
Born: 12 December 1946 at Kerang, Victoria
Died on: Friday 13 July 1979
Cause: Murdered – shot in back of head
Event location: Kyalite, NSW
Age: 32
Funeral date: ?
Funeral location: ? – Swan Hill, Victoria
Buried at: Swan Hill Cemetery, Coronation Ave, Swan Hill
Memorial at: Robert Lane Resuscitation Unit at Swan Hill District Health
Dedication Ceremony was held on 28th November 2008 to open the Robert Lane Resuscitation Unit
Equipment purchased for the Robert Lane Resuscitation Unit
• June 2008 – Patient Monitoring Equipment – $60,000 ($40,000 donated by Blue Ribbon Foundation)
• May 2010 – Cardiac Arrhythmia Software – $5778.00
• May 2011 – Portable Ventilator $30,999 (Included $11,000 raised from SHDH Charity Golf Day)
• May 2012 – External Pacing Machine $12,950 ($7,000 donated by Blue Ribbon Foundation
• June 2013 – Diathermy Equipment $22,119.90 ($10,000 donated by Blue Ribbon Foundation)
ROBERT IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance
Funeral location: ?
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal
About 11.30 a.m. Friday 13 July 1979 Detective Lane accompanied David Bernard Chapman an 18 year old car theft suspect, to a disused bus parked in a camp site at Kyalite Southern New South Wales.
Chapman had been living there for a short time and had told the Detective he had a receipt amongst his possessions which would exonerate him of the theft.
Whilst Lane searched the bus Chapman took out a .22 calibre rifle and shot the Detective in the head. The policeman fell to the floor and Chapman then walked up and again shot him in the head. He then dragged the corpse to a nearby pit where he dumped it. He then escaped in the police car in company with his 17 year old girlfriend Kerryn Anne Bonser. He later dumped the police car in the Edwards River 5 kilometres away and took to the bush.
Despite a massive man hunt Chapman was not located until 19 July 1980 at a property in the Kyalite District.
He admitted his guilt and appeared before Parramatta Supreme Court charged with the murder.
On 1 July 1980 he was sentenced to life imprisonment.
Bob Lane: Blues Honour Policeman
By: Anthony De Bolfo on: Thu 11 of Sep., 2008 23:52 AEST (7352 Reads)
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First published: 2006
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ROBERT Lane was not yet 20 when his clearance to Carlton came through. It was May 27, 1966, five rounds into the VFL season, and for an aspiring league footballer, Princes Park was a great place to be.
Eighteen months earlier, George Harris had wrested control of Carlton after it had plummeted to its worst placing — 10th — in its centenary season, 1964.
In late 1964, Harris completed one of the game’s most audacious coups when he landed Ron Barassi as captain-coach. The Blues then entered what would be arguably their greatest era.
These were glory days for Lane, who in November 1965 earned an on-the-record endorsement from Superintendent Gilbert Trainor after graduating as a policeman. Superintendent Trainor described Lane as a “sound, reliable type who applied himself diligently and obtained good results”.
When St Kilda and Hawthorn footballers play at Telstra Dome this afternoon wearing blue-and-white chequered armbands to denote their part in the Silk-Miller Cup, the annual match in honour of two murdered policemen, thoughts will turn to the 141 men and women of the Victoria Police who have died upholding the law, and to all the loved ones they have left behind.
Among the fallen is Detective Senior Constable Lane, today survived by his wife Valerie, daughters Dana and Chelsea, and grandson Charlie Robert.
Lane’s senseless murder on the morning of Friday, July 13, 1979, made front-page news, which resulted in the swift apprehension of the perpetrator. But what appears to have been lost in time is Lane’s standing as the only league footballer to have died representing the Victoria Police.
Robert John Lane was born at Kerang on December 12, 1946, one of five sons and five daughters reared by George and Jean Lane. The Lane siblings would be blessed with strong sporting genes, with Robert excelling in football and basketball and younger twin sisters Jeanette and Helen each captaining Victorian basketball teams.
Retired policeman Gomer Davies, who lives in Lalbert, near Swan Hill, said Lane was stationed in Carlton when he embarked on his league football career. “Carlton (Football Club) got Bob down at the time he joined the police force and he played a couple of games there,” Davies said.
Ian Collins, the former Carlton president, chief executive and premiership player, remembers well his brief moments playing alongside Lane in 1966.
“He was a handy, but not great, footballer and he seemed to be a fairly quiet type,” Collins said. “I remember that he used to turn up to training in his police uniform.
“He was solidly built, but not overly tall. He was a key-position player and I played with him in both of his games in 1966 — round 13 versus St Kilda at Princes Park and the following round against Fitzroy there.”
It’s just on 40 years since Lane took the field for the Blues. He was the first to carry No. 46 into a Carlton senior game. In his first game, Lane was named 19th man, with Jim Pleydell joining him on the pine, while Richard Vandenberg (a distant cousin of the current Hawthorn captain), made his senior debut that day starting in a forward pocket and exchanging roving duties with Adrian Gallagher.
Lane and the likes of fellow country recruits Ian Nankervis, a namesake of the former Geelong player who hailed from Mildura Imperials, and Gil Lockhart, from Mansfield, were turned over by Barassi during the 1966 season. According to Vandenberg, who is now a chartered accountant in Swan Hill, the die might have been cast for Lane with the arrival of the lanky Tasmanian ruckman Peter “Percy” Jones.
In April the following year, in 1967, Lane was cleared to Williamstown. Not long after, he opted to combine his policing duties with a stint as captain-coach of Lake Boga, just south of Swan Hill, in the then Mid-Murray Football League.
Then in 1973, Lane returned to the big smoke, renewing acquaintances with Davies at Russell Street. “He was a senior detective at that stage and he was also playing for ‘Willy’ at centre half-forward in the old Channel 0 days,” Davies said.
“Three years later, he returned to take on the job as captain-coach of Lalbert. He got Lalbert to a premiership in his first year, (in) 1976, when they beat Woorinen by a point.”
Davies said Lane eventually relinquished the coaching role at Lalbert to Chris Drum, the brother of former Fremantle coach Damian Drum. “Bob just wanted to continue as a player in 1979, but unfortunately he was killed that July.”
On that Friday morning, Lane made a routine trip across the border, to Kyalite, to question a man suspected of stealing a car. Tragically, the move would cost Lane his life, as the suspect turned a rifle on him and fired three times. Lane was 32.
Davies was then left with the terrible task of recovering his mate’s body from a roadside camp by the Wakool River.
“Bob went out to do a little job which would normally have taken him about half an hour,” Davies said. “He left Swan Hill station at half-past 10 in the morning and by half-past 11, he was dead. Val was waiting for him back at the station. One of their girls was not quite three at the time and the other girl was six or seven.”
Lane was laid to rest at the Swan Hill cemetery after a service attended by more than 1200 mourners.
Yesterday, during a graduation ceremony at the Victoria Police Academy in Glen Waverley, chief commissioner Christine Nixon presented the Victoria Police Star medal to Val in memory of her late husband. The medal, introduced last year, recognises members killed or seriously injured in the line of duty.
While Val Lane preferred not to be quoted for this article, she retains a fervour for the fortunes of the team that her late husband represented.
It has not been lost on the club, either, with chief executive Michael Malouf confirming this week that Carlton would work with Victoria Police and the Blue Ribbon Foundation to honour Lane’s memory.
Such endorsement is in keeping with those in the Mallee who remember Robert Lane as a champion, on and off the field.
Richard Vandenberg said: “A lot of former players who didn’t make it went on and contributed to local communities because of the league football brushwork on them. Bob was a great leader in bush football — hard but fair, and dedicated to the sides that he coached — and the country people with whom Bob spent most of his time always appreciated it.
“He was a popular fellow, a terrific policeman.”
Anthony De Bolfo
Murder made his career
BRETT Bellis, who retired from Quakers Hill police after 41 years of service, is a walking encyclopaedia of major crimes in NSW and Victoria.
He rose to the rank of inspector and was involved in most of the major cases that made headlines from 1971 to 2011.
They included the murder of anti-drug campaigner Don MacKay in Griffith in 1978, the kidnap and murder of Renee Aitken, 5, in Narooma in 1986, and the arrests of Daniel Bernard Chapman for the killing of Detective Robert John Lane in 1980 and of Andrew Mark Norrie, who killed two men in 1986.
Mr Bellis said that among the worst cases was the killing of Michael Lewis and his wife.
He said the killer left their children, who were aged two and three, near their badly decomposed bodies and that they were there for several days until they were found.
Mr Bellis said he would never forget hearing one of them: “Mummy is turning green.” He said: “We got our man by tracking him to a special rifle that was lent to him.”
Mr Bellis, who is now a grandfather of one with another on the way, said he could never completely forget some of the other cases either.
“But retirement helps, because it allows me to spend more time travelling with my family and playing golf at Stonecutters Ridge,” he said.
Mr Bellis was one of about 100 retired police officers and their wives and husbands at Retired Police Day at Quakers Hills and Blacktown on the 150th anniversary celebrations of the NSW Police Force.
The officers received commemorative pins at Quakers Hill police station from Superintendent Gary Merryweather and at Blacktown Workers Club from Superintendent Mark Wright.
Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said the day enabled citizens and the current crop of police to recognise and commend the work of former officers.
http://www.blacktownsun.com.au/story/314551/murder-made-his-career/
http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/images/stories/historical_hansard/VicHansard_19791206_19791211.pdf
Brett Andrew IRWIN
Brett Andrew IRWIN
Queensland Police Force
Qld Police Academy Class Group 317
Regd. # 20316
Rank: Constable
Stations: Ferny Grove Police Station and Fortitude Valley Police Station
Service: From ? December 2005 to 18 July 2007 = 1 years Service
Awards: ? Not known on It’s An Honour
Born: 30 January 1974
Died on: 18 July 2007
Cause: Murdered – shot with a Luger 9mm pistol at 10.47pm
Event location: 6 Regan St, Keperra, Qld
Age: 33
Funeral date: 26 July 2007
Funeral location: St Stephen’s Cathedral, Brisbane
Buried at: Hemmant Cemetery, 500 Hemmant & Tingalpa Rd, Hemmant, Qld
Memorial at: The Brett IRWIN Police Launch, Townsville
[alert_green]BRETT IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green]
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal
Whilst executing an arrest warrant on a male person @ 11pm, who had just robbed a hotel. Brett was shot once in the back whilst running down the stairs. The bullet went through his heart, but he still managed to get on the radio and warn his partner, who was at the front of the house, that there was a man with a gun inside, and that he was shot, before passing.
He served at Ferny Grove Police Station and Fortitude Valley Police Station.
His funeral was on of the biggest in QPS history, which shows what an impact he made in just over a year of operational Policing.
Brett Andrew IRWIN – Coroners report 2009
Brett Andrew IRWIN – Griffith University case study
Police praise slain constable
- The Australian
- July 20, 2007
CONSTABLE Brett Irwin, shot dead as he attempted to execute a warrant on a man for breaching bail conditions, had only been a policeman for a year but yesterday his colleagues said he was a fearless and courageous officer.
Tributes poured in for Constable Irwin, 33, who left the army to join the force, only to die on what should have been a routine police matter.
Constable Irwin and another young male officer went to a home in Regan Street, Keperra, in Brisbane’s north at 10.50pm on Wednesday to speak to the 29-year-old occupant about breaching his bail conditions.
Constable Irwin approached an entrance of the house while his partner remained outside.
Shortly afterwards, Constable Irwin was shot in the chest, then shouted a warning to his partner, “He’s got a gun, I’m hit” – a move Queensland Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson said had saved his partner’s life.
Last night the gunman, Craig Semirara, died in hospital from head wounds after turning the gun on himself following a standoff with police that lasted several hours.
Constable Irwin lay on the front lawn of the house the whole time, his anxious colleagues unaware if he was dead or alive.
According to a neighbour, several shots were heard and when the police tactical response team eventually stormed the home they found the injured man and retrieved the body of their colleague. During the siege, two women and two children were able to escape the house.
Colleagues said Constable Irwin’s actions were typical of the bravery he had shown during his short police career.
Constable Irwin was attached to the nearby Ferny Grove police station, where the flag was yesterday flying at half mast and a wreath of flowers had been been placed at its base.
On a police website set up to receive tributes yesterday, a fellow officer wrote about his friend’s courage.
“(Police officer) Linda Reeves says that he saved her life at the incident at the Bowls Club at Newstead,” he wrote.
“Brett was fearless. He would go into harm’s way to help his team members and members of the public needing assistance.
“Brett proved his courage and tenacity several times during his short career. Examples of this were when he subdued an offender who became violent in the courtroom whilst Brett was doing his rotation in the Brisbane watchhouse.
“This incident resulted in a phone call from the commissioner who acknowledged the good work Brett did that day.
“Another incident was recently during a break and enter at the Newstead Bowls club. On this occasion Brett and Linda Reeves were confronted by a violent male who threatened them with a star picket. Brett displayed outstanding courage and after almost having to discharge his firearm, was able to chase and capture the offender.”
Assistant Commissioner Peter Barron said Constable Irwin “was serving his community and he paid the ultimate price”.
Family and friends were comforting Constable Irwin’s devastated girlfriend of 13 years.
Officer killed on duty farewelled in Brisbane
Updated
Friends and family of slain Brisbane police officer Brett Irwin have paid tribute to him at a moving funeral service in Brisbane.
Constable Irwin was killed last week while on duty.
He was shot in the chest after going to the Keperra home of 29-year-old Craig Anthony Semyraha.
He had enough time to shout a warning to his partner before he died.
Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson told the congregation at Brisbane’s St Stephen’s Cathedral it was the sort of selflessness Constable Irwin had become known for.
“Motivated, professional, courteous, inspirational, loved and courageous, Constable Brett Irwin was many things to many people,” he said.
More than 3,000 police, including officers from interstate and New Zealand, joined Constable Irwin’s family for the service.
Constable Irwin’s sister Mary Toohey also told those attending the funeral of her brother’s courage.
She told the congregation her brother was a man who was always there for his colleagues and mates.
“In one incident I remember you broke several of your ribs,” she said.
“The very next week the team was short of players so you got the strapper to tape a big piece of foam to the side of your chest and you went straight back out there to help your team.”
A ceremony was also held at the Hemmant crematorium where Constable Irwin’s former Army colleagues paid tribute to him.
Premier Peter Beattie says today’s funeral for Constable Irwin is a sad day for Queensland.
Mr Beattie says he is sure all Queenslanders sympathise with his family.
“The whole thing was such a shocking waste of life,” he said.
“It’s going to be a very traumatic day for the family and I do want to pass on the condolences of all Queenslanders.”
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2007-07-26/officer-killed-on-duty-farewelled-in-brisbane/2514240
3000 police at Irwin funeral
- July 26, 2007
ABOUT 3000 police officers today gathered at a Brisbane church to farewell fallen comrade Brett Andrew Irwin.
Constable Irwin, 33, was shot dead last Wednesday night as he served a warrant to Craig Anthony Semyraha, 29, at a home in Keperra, in Brisbane’s north-west.
St Stephen’s Cathedral was standing room only as an enormous crowd farewelled the popular officer.
As well as police and family and friends, a defence contingent was present. Some mourners had returned from overseas for the funeral.
Const Irwin’s sister Mary Toohey delivered a eulogy in which she described her brother as “the youngest of six but the loudest”.
She said his nickname growing up was Esme Watson (from television’s A Country Practice) because he was always up to so much mischief.
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Const Irwin’s uncle, Tony Irwin, told mourners said the family would always be proud of their hero Brett.
“He was a person who talked the talk and walked the walk,” he said
“He was always so energetic. I could get tired (just) thinking about what he was talking about doing.”
He said Const Irwin had a passion for police work. “He absolutely loved the fact he could help people.”.
Mr Irwin said Const Irwin was fearless and always helped his mates. “That was Brett all over”, he said.
The funeral, with full police honours, began at 11am and included a guard of honour.
It was to be followed by a ceremony at the Hemmant Cemetery and a private wake.
http://www.news.com.au/news/police-at-irwin-funeral/story-fna7dq6e-1111114042471
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services
The Honourable Jack Dempsey
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
New police vessel honours slain officer
Families enjoying the summer weather on the waterways and coast of Townsville will be safer following the commissioning of a new police vessel.
Police Minister Jack Dempsey said the new craft was being named in the memory of fallen Brisbane officer Brett Irwin.
“The Queensland Government has a strong plan to keep communities safe along our coast and we are proud to be delivering the second of three new police vessels,” Mr Dempsey said.
“The Brett Irwin will initially operate in Brisbane during the G20 as a command post and then be deployed to full-time operations in Townsville.
“The vessel is named after Constable Brett Andrew Irwin, who served with the QPS from December 2005 until his tragic death in the line of duty on July 18, 2007.
“Prior to joining the police, Brett had proudly served for eight years with the ADF.
“His memory within the Queensland Police Service family will never be forgotten and this lasting tribute will support his fellow officers well into the future.”
Member for Townsville John Hathaway said the Brett Irwin would support the dedicated work of the officers in Townsville.
“The Brett Irwin will serve our diverse coastal community as they enjoy days on the water in Cleveland Bay and out to Magnetic Island,” Mr Hathaway said.
“The LNP Government is continuing to achieve better outcomes and frontline services in Townsville and the addition of a new police vessel will build on that.
“Brett Irwin served his nation as part of the Australian Army and his state as a police officer, now a lasting tribute to his memory will serve the proud garrison city of Townsville.”
Commissioner Ian Stewart said the first of the three new vessels was already in service in Cairns and the third craft would be commissioned and sent to the Whitsundays by the end of the year.
“In times of disasters or major events these can be deployed as mobile command posts and as floating police stations,” Commissioner Stewart said.
“These vessels are enhanced by modern electronics and significantly increase the capabilities of the Water Police.”
The vessels are approximately 24 metres in length, their service speed is 20 knots and they have provision to launch a six metre rigid inflatable boat (RIB) from aft of the vessel.
“Our police officers will be able to stay at sea over extended periods for patrol and other duties due to the design and layout of these vessels,” said Commissioner Stewart.
http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2014/10/29/new-police-vessel-honours-slain-officer
Townsville to crew new $4M ‘floating police station’
A $4 million police boat is set to revolutionise police operations on Townsville waterways.
Named Brett Irwin, in honour of Constable Brett Andrew Irwin who was fatally shot at Keperra in 2007, the new vessel will give Townsville Water Police access to one of the best-equipped police boats in the country.
After being trialled during the G20 in Brisbane last month, the boat arrived in Townsville a fortnight ago and is ready for action.
Northern Region Acting Assistant Commissioner Paul Taylor said at 24m long, the Brett Irwin would allow Townsville police to travel faster, further and in more severe weather conditions.
“It really meets a whole range of activities, such as search and rescue, policing major events where there’s water involved,” he said.
“If this vessel needs to go to sea and stay at sea there’s substantial ability to live with a degree of comfort.”
Capable of travelling at speeds of more than 30 knots, the boat will function as a floating police station from the Whitsundays to the Hinchinbrook.
It will also be used as mobile command post in disasters and major events and as a search and rescue platform.
Mr Taylor said there would be opportunities to collaborate with other organisations, such as Fisheries, Customs and Marine Safety.
It will be the third vessel of its type in the region.
“The vessel has a proven operational capacity,” Mr Taylor said.
“It was funded through the police budget.’’
The Brett Irwin boasts sleeping accommodation for 10 people, a commercial-style galley and holds enough diesel fuel to travel to 700 nautical miles at cruising speed – the distance from Townsville to Brisbane.
Townsville’s former police boat, the 16-year-old Len Hooper, has been decommissioned and will be sold.
Robert John SMITH
Robert John SMITH
Victoria Police Force
Regd. # ?
Rank: ?
Stations: ?, Boronia – death
Service: From ? ? ? to 29 June 2013 = ? years Service
Awards: ?
Born: 28 September 1981
Died on: Saturday 29 June 2013
Cause: Suicide – Service Firearm to head at Boronia Police Station
after complaining about bullying & harassment at work
Age: 32
Funeral date: ?
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial at: ?
[alert_red]ROBERT is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * BUT SHOULD BE
Funeral location: ?
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal
Robert John Smith (1981 – 2013)
A sweet, decent and honourable man who achieved so much, had so much to be proud of and so much more to look forward to. Robert, you were a shining star, your life extinguished way too soon.
Our love and heartfelt sympathy to partner Sarah, mum Caroyn, dad Gary, sister Elisa, brother Perry, Granny Iris and Nana Dor.
Your death leaves a huge hole in our lives, you will be forever in our hearts – Linda, Niall and Damon.
- “Sleep forever peacefully”
- Mel
– Melinda Riches
May you forever Rest In Peace.
Fiancee of bullied police officer who took his own life sues the state
EXCLUSIVE: THE fiancee of a bullied police officer who shot himself with his service firearm is suing the state.
Sarah Fleming, 32, says that prior to his suicide, her fiance, Robert John Smith, was in “emotional turmoil” and had made a complaint of workplace bullying, harassment and other stressors.
Ms Fleming says Mr Smith’s decision to take his life was due to the negligence of the force, which was responsible for the training and action of its employees.
Mr Smith died of a gunshot wound to the head while on duty at the Boronia Police station on June 29, 2013.
In a writ filed in the County Court Ms Fleming claims unspecified damages for the injuries she suffered as a result of Mr Smith’s death.
Since 2000, five Victoria Police officers have died in the line of duty, but 16 more have died by their own hand.
Last October, a policewoman and mother of three, who had previously been on mental health leave and had reported her struggles to Victoria Police, turned her police-issued gun on herself while she was on duty at the Seaford Multi-Disciplinary Centre.
That suicide prompted Police Association boss Ron Iddles — who had previously criticised the force’s efforts to tackle bullying — to call for more to be done to improve welfare of police.
Mr Iddles called for early identification programs in police training programs and at the workplace and for more police to talk about problems and show their colleagues help is available.
The association declined to comment yesterday on what progress was being made or whether there needed to be, or had been, a review of the provision of weapons to officers who have lodged mental health claims.
Ms Fleming’s legal action comes as police and ambulance unions campaign to change how mental health claims are treated, and in the case of post-traumatic stress disorder claims, reverse the onus on emergency workers to prove their condition was caused by work, which can sometimes delay much-needed treatment for years.
Between July 2010 and June last year, WorkCover accepted 482 mental injury claims from Victoria Police (and rejected 500), including 241 resulting from harassment and bullying, 252 for work pressure, 167 sparked by traumatic events and 54 due to occupational violence.
And police were hit harder by bullying than stress and trauma, according to members’ claims in 2014-15.
A National Coronial Information System report on Intentional self-harm among emergency service personnel last year revealed that of the 62 police suicides in Australia between July 1, 2000, and December 2012, 25 shot themselves — 23 with their service-issued firearm.
A Victorian Coroners Prevention Unit report into suicide rates among workers in key professions last year found the annual suicide rate among Victoria police was 10 per 100,000.
Police spokeswoman Sophie Jennings said in the past year the force had improved its complaints handling and completely reformed the way it responds to conflict, claims of bullying and harassment.
DO YOU NEED HELP? If this article causes you distress or if you require more information, police employees can call Welfare Services confidentially 24 hours 7 days a week on 9247 3344, and other members of the community can call Lifeline 13 11 14 or Beyondblue 1300 224 636
James HAWKINS
James HAWKINS
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. Service # 3981
Rank: Constable
Stations: ?, Central Police Station ( 1 Station / 1 Division ) – Death
Service: From 5 May 1881 to 2 July 1881 = 1+ MONTHS Service
Awards: ?
Born: 14 September 1860 in The Hills Shire, NSW
Died on: Saturday 2 July 1881
Cause: Horse accident
Age: 20
Funeral date: ?
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: Dural Uniting Church Cemetery, Derriwong Rd, Dural, The Hills Shire, NSW
Plot: C of E Row 20 Plot No 12
Memorial at: ?
[alert_red]JAMES is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance
* BUT SHOULD BE
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal
About 8am on 2 July, 1881 the constable was on foot patrol in Clarence Street, Sydney when he endeavoured to stop a runaway horse and cart near Broughton-lane. As he did so he slipped and fell under the cart and its wheel passed over his head. He died on the way to the Sydney Infirmary a short time later. The runaway horse proceeded into Druitt-street, where he was stopped.
Hawkins joined the police force about two months since. He was the son of Mr. Hawkins, postmaster at Dural.
The Manaro Mercury and Cooma and Bombala Advertiser of 9 July, 1881 reported on the death of the constable.
“A POLICEMAN KILLED.
An inquest was held on Saturday, at the Coroner’s Court, with respect to the death of a policeman named James Hawkins, who was killed in endeavouring to stop a runaway horse in Clarence-street, Sydney.
Rebecca Cross deposed that deceased was her nephew and a native of Pennant Hills. He lodged with her at 401, Pitt-street. He was 21 years of age and a single man, and had entered the force on the 5th May last, and was sent on day duty that morning for the first time, having previously been employed on night duty.
John Downer deposed that he resided at 128, Harris-street, and he was a carter. He was in charge of a horse and cart on Saturday morning about 8 o’clock, and was going along Kent-street, when his horse shied and commenced kicking, and he fell off the cart, and was dragged a short distance by the reins. He got clear of them and the horse then bolted and ran down Clarence-street, and Hawkins, who was on duty there, ran up and endeavoured to stop it, but in doing so he fell and the wheel of the cart passed over his head. The accident was witnessed by Wm. Salway, of Market-street and Wm. Henry Thompson, of Goulburn-street, who gave evidence.
Hawkins was placed in a cart, and conveyed to the infirmary, but died before he arrived there.
Dr. Williamson deposed that the bones of the right side of the head and face of deceased were broken, and there was compound depressed fracture of the skull.
The jury returned a verdict of accidental death.”
http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/115717546
The constable was born in 1860 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 9 May, 1881. He was stationed at Central Police Station, Sydney. He is not listed in the official New South Wales Police Honour Roll.
The Sydney Morning Herald Monday 4 July 1881 p 7
An inquest was held on Saturday morning by the City Coroner, at his chambers, with reference to the death of constable James Hawkins, who died that morning from injuries which he had received whilst in the discharge of his duty. Deceased was 21 years of age, and a native of Pennant Hills, New South Wales, and was unmarried.
He joined the police force on May 5th last, since when he had always been employed on night duty. On Saturday he was employed on day duty.
He resided at a boarding-house, No. 401, Pitt-street, kept by his aunt, Mrs. Rebecca Cross.
John Downer, a young man, residing at No. 128, Harris-street. deposed that he was a carter, in the employment of Mr. Read, of Crown Road, Ultimo.
Shortly after 8 o’clock on Saturday morning, witness was in charge of a horse and tip-cart, and proceeding along Kent-street in a southerly direction. A waggon, drawn by two horses, passed witness, when his horse shied, and carried the cart on to the footpath. Witness managed to get his horse and vehicle off the footpath, and as the wheels passed over the curb, he fell on to one of the shafts. As witness endeavoured to recover his seat, one of his legs touched the horse which commenced kicking, and threw him off the cart. He was dragged a short distance by the reins, but then got free.
The horse with the dray went on.
William Salway deposed to seeing the horse gallop along Kent-street, then into Market-street, and afterwards into Clarence-street. When it arrived near Broughton-lane, constable Hawkins rushed out towards the animal, and after running alongside of it for about ten yards, he endeavoured to seize the reins, but fell, and one of the wheels immediately afterwards passed over his head. The cart was then tipped up.
Hawkins died at once. His body was conveyed to the Infirmary. Dr. Williamson deposed that death arose from a compound depressed fracture of the skull.
A verdict of accidental death was returned.
http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/28381706
George HOWELL
George HOWELL KPFSM
( Howell is the second, Victorian Policeman, to be awarded the KPFSM )
Victoria Police Force
Regd. # 10323
Rank: Constable
Stations: ?, East Malvern, Caulfield – death
Service: From ? May 1948 to 1 February 1952 = 3+ years Service
Awards: Queen’s Police Medal, as mentioned in all of these articles, was NOT awarded to George but he WAS awarded ( posthumously ) the King’s Police & Fire Services Medal – KPFSM – which was granted on 29 August 1952 for Gallantry.
Born: ? ? 1926
Died on: Friday 1 February 1952 – 5.40am in Alfred Hospital
Cause: Shot – Murdered
Event Date: Wednesday 30 January 1952 about 10.35pm
Event Location: Normandy Rd, Caulfield, Victoria
Age: 25
Funeral date: Monday 4 February 1952 @ 2.30pm
Funeral location: Ewing Memorial Presbyterian Church, East Malvern, Victoria
Buried at: Cheltenham Memorial Park, Cheltenham, Bayside City, Victoria
Plot: Plot is CE (Church of England), Monumental, Section 337, Gave 024
Memorial at: ?
GEORGE 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
On the night of Wednesday 30 January 1952 Constable Howell rode his police bicycle to the Crystal Palace Theatre Dandenong Road Caulfield. He had been assigned to investigate and prevent the numerous thefts from cars which occurred in the vicinity.
About 10.35 p.m. Constable Howell intercepted a man tampering with a Morris Minor motor car. After a struggle the man ran off and the Constable ran after him. The offender then shot the Constable in the stomach with a sawn-off .22 calibre rifle. Although unarmed and mortally wounded the Constable continued to chase the gunman before collapsing in the centre of Normanby Road. The offender then escaped.
Although in shock and terrible pain and lapsing in and out of consciousness he was able to give a description of his assailant to bystanders who assisted him and to police who arrived shortly after. Crucially to the later trial he identified a hat and other items as belonging to the offender.
Rushed to the Alfred Hospital for emergency surgery Constable George Howell died in the early hours of 1 February 1952.
A skilful investigation primarily based on articles found at the crime scene and information from Constable Howell led to the arrest and subsequent conviction of a well known and active criminal.
The Argus Friday 1 February 1952 p 1 & p 16
Constable’s condition is ‘very low’
THE condition of 26-year-old Constable George Howell, who was shot by a gunman at Caulfield on Wednesday night, is dangerously low.
Police believe they know the gunman who fired the bullet, and are confident they will ‘ pick him up” today or tomorrow.
They think he is hiding in an inner northern suburb.
Police last night detained a man for questioning but later allowed him to leave.
Doctors in Alfred Hospital began their fight for Constable Howells’ life soon after he was admitted at 11 o’clock, on Wednesday night.
They tried for three hours to extricate the bullet but by 3 a.m. his condition was so low that they abandoned their probing.
Nearly 50 of Victoria’s top detectives including the entire homicide and consorting squad backed by fingerprint experts, have worked around the clock in the hunt for the gunman.
Before he lapsed into unconsciousness at midnight on Wednesday, Constable Howell described his attacker as about 26 years, 5ft 8in, solid build, ruddy, round face, wearing a tweed overcoat over brown sports clothes.
Interviewed in hospital, Howell said “I had nearly caught him – he turned and fired straight at me – he was so close he just couldn’t miss.”
Constable Howell told homicide detectives he saw the man trying to enter several of the cars. When challenged, the man threw a leather satchel in his face. In a chase through the railway viaduct into Smith st, the man dropped a bunch of car keys, a screwdriver, a pair of tin snips, a torch, a small tin box, and “pork pie” black hat.
Police yesterday rounded up all known car thieves tor interview. They were still interviewing people late last night.
They also interviewed owners of cars which were parked outside the Crystal Palace Theatre, Caulfield, where Constable Howell surprised the gunman. The cars were thoroughly examined for fingerprints.
Police believe the man they are seeking has three convictions for car stealing, but is not a hardened criminal.
“A hardened criminal would not have pulled a gun on a policeman,” a detective said yesterday. “An experienced crook would know he could receive only a minor gaol sentence for attempted larceny and possession of a gun and house breaking implements.
“Shooting is a major charge which most criminals try to avoid.”
http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/23160492
The Argus Saturday 2 February 1952 p 17
HOWELL. — On February 1 at Alfred Hospital, George, dearly beloved son of Ernest and Nellie Howell, of 9 Lord Weaver grove, Bon Beach loved brother of William, Edith (deceased) Joyce ( Mrs. Lumley ) and Rob dear grandson of Mrs Feist of Brunswick and Mr. George Howell aged 25 years ( late Victoria Police Force ) loved by all
HOWELL. — On February 1
George. dearly loved friend of Marj. and Ced Lumley, Ripponlea. So dearly loved, so sadly missed.
HOWELL – Loving memories of our dear George, passed away February 1. Sadly missed. ( Lomax family ).
HOWELL. — On February 1 at Alfred Hospital. George, dearly loved fiancé of June.
Dearly loved, sadly missed.
http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/23160797
The Argus Saturday 2 February 1952
POLICE DRAW DRAGNET TIGHTER ROUND KILLER OF CONSTABLE
The hunt for the man who shot dead Constable George Howell at Caulfield is getting hot. Police have gathered much valuable information which may lead to his arrest.
Scores of armed police, working in twos and threes, made a series of surprise raids last night on suburban haunts and homes of known car thieves.
After a courageous fight for life, Constable Howell died in Alfred Hospital yesterday from the bullet wound he received in the stomach while chasing a car thief on Wednesday night.
Detectives have a fairly accurate description of the killer, and have narrowed the hunt down to the metropolitan area.
The man they are seeking is thought to have been responsible for about nine thefts from parked cars outside the Crystal Palace Theatre since mid-December.
The man was in the act of robbing another car near the theatre, after unlocking it, with a duplicate key, when he was challenged by Constable Howell.
He was fast seen running along Normanby Rd., Caulfield, near the railway viaduct where the shooting occurred.
The man has an unusually large head. The hat he dropped while being chased is size 7 1/4.
The hat is one of the best clues in police hands. It is a black “Continental” type “pork-pie” model, several years out of fashion.
The hat has an unusually narrow brim, and a wide black band of a type not seen on modern hats. The bow on the band is ripped, and hanging loosely.
Police also have a set of car thieves’ tools dropped by the gunman. These tools have been examined by scientific experts.
Fingerprints have been obtained from cars which had been parked outside the theatre on the night of the shooting, and police have contacted several people who saw the killer running away from the viaduct.
After Constable Howell died at 5.40 a.m. yesterday, doctors extracted from his back the bullet which had fatally wounded him. The bullet was of .22 calibre.
Police originally thought the gun used was of a heavy calibre. Now it is thought to have been a sawed off pea-rifle.
Neither the gun nor the shellcase of the spent bullet has yet been found.
The wanted man’s description is: About 26 years, 5ft., solid build, round face, ruddy complexion, large head; wearing Donegal brown tweed coat over sports clothes.
Interstate police as well as all Victorian police, are watching for a man of this description.
Homicide squad chiefs in Melbourne said last night they had already had valuable aid from the public in their hunt and would appreciate still more help.
The killer dropped, with his hat on Wednesday night, a leather satchel containing a screwdriver, a pair of tin snips for cutting leads to car radios, a broken silver brandy flask with a round hinged top and 13 labeled car keys on a ring.
D24, police radio control, yesterday broadcast a detailed description of the keys to all Victorian police stations. A check will be made on garages and spare parts stores which sell such keys.
http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/23160735
http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/23160735/17
The Argus Monday 4 February 1952 p 1 & p 18
Belief killer was migrant
THE hunt for the killer of Constable George Howell took a new turn at the weekend, when detectives began questioning European migrants.
Many senior detectives are convinced that Constable Howell’s murderer was a foreigner.
They base their beliefs on the fact that the killer wore a black, Continental type hat, and carried an unusual type of flask.
They are also puzzled that a car thief should carry a satchel.
Some detectives admitted yesterday they had no real clue to the identity of the murderer.
Fingerprints taken from cars parked outside the Crystal Palace Theatre, Caulfield, where Howell was shot, have not proved useful, they added.
None of the 350,000 sets of “prints” of Victorian people has been linked with the killer.
The homicide squad last night appealed for the driver of a grey Holden car, who was one of the first at the scene of the shooting, to call on them.
They believed that the driver of this car drove to the Crystal Palace Theatre and telephoned police from there.
Detectives believe they are dealing with an experienced car thief. It was unusual that he had not even one conviction against his name.
One detective said yesterday. “A European, however, could be quite an expert in this line, yet we would never know about him.
“The killer sounds like a European. He is reasonably short, solidly built, and has a round face.
“The fact that he carries an unusual brandy flask is a good clue.”
A hat expert told detectives on Saturday that the hat of the type left behind by Howell’s killer had not been sold in Melbourne for 10 years.
It was similar to a type which could be bought in London or in European countries, he added.
Detectives are certain the killer was an expert car thief because his equipment was so comprehensive.
State Cabinet tomorrow will consider whether to offer a reward for the apprehension of the killer of Constable Howell.
Constable Howell will be buried at the New Cheltenham Cemetery with full police honors this afternoon.
A service will be conducted at 2.30 at the Ewing Memorial Presbyterian
http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/23160995
The Argus Tuesday 5 February 1952 p 1
Police think killer not alone
DETECTIVES believe that an accomplice was keeping watch while the man who killed Constable George Howell tried to break into cars outside the Crystal Palace Theatre at Caulfield.
Those who have been hunting for the gunman since the fatal shooting at Caulfield on Wednesday night were investigating this theory last night.
Inspector H. R. Donnelly, in charge of the investigations, said last night: “Car thieves invariably work in pairs. Records prove that they seldom operate alone.”
Police think the accomplice could have been sitting in a car near the theatre, and could have driven the killer away.
The fact that the murderer vanished seconds after the shooting” suggests that he might have fled in a car, detectives say.
They appealed last night to anyone who saw a man sitting in a parked car or acting suspiciously near the theatre to call on them.
The driver of a grey Holden car who was one of the first to reach the dying constable called at Russell st. headquarters yesterday.
He could not add to the description of the killer.
http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/23161172
The Age 5 February 1952
TRIBUTE PAID TO POLICE CONSTABLE
Six thousand people, many of them aged and in tears, yesterday attended the funeral of Constable George Howell, aged 26, who was fatally wounded by a man he was chasing at Caulfield on Wednesday last.
Long before the service commenced, Ewing Memorial Presbyterian Church, East Malvern, was packed.
Thousands, including 500 uniform and plains-clothes comrades, waited in Burke road and surrounding streets.
Parked cars stretched for hundreds of yards.
In his funeral oration, Rev. C. T. F. Goy, who was a close friend of Constable Howell, said he was sure everyone shared his mixed feelings of shock, sorrow and righteous anger at the deed which had caused George Howell’s death.
He added: “We are apt to take our police force for granted until something like this happens.
“Without that police force, there would be chaos and lawlessness leading to anarchy.
“The police are the guardians of our civil security. In their duty they take grave risks; even make the supreme sacrifice.
“We honor the name of this young man who made the supreme sacrifice in the pursuing of his duty. He has set a splendid example to others.”
As it moved away from the church, the cortege was headed by mounted police and the police band, which played the Dead March.
At one stage, the procession was more than a mile long.
Burial was at Chelterham Cemetery.
–
The Argus ( Melbourne ) Tuesday 5 February 1952 p 5
5,000 at funeral
Constable George Howell, who was murdered on duty, was yesterday given one of the biggest funerals ever held in Victoria.
Crowds lined the roads for seven miles as the cortege moved from Ewing Memorial Presbyterian Church, East Malvern, to New Cheltenham Cemetery.
Four hundred packed into the church for the service, and 5,000 others waited outside.
Constable Howell had planned to be married in the church this month to Miss June Lomax, of Windsor.
“Died nobly”
The procession to the cemetery was over a mile long.
The Rev. C. T. F. Goy, minister of the Ewing Memorial Church, said during the service: “It is an event like this that makes us realise how much we owe to the Police Force, a service we usually take for granted.
“Constable Howell died in the noblest traditions of that service.”
Homicide detectives said last night that they were not overlooking the possibility that the man who shot Constable Howell may have had an accomplice.
They appealed to any person who saw a “suspicious character” hurriedly leave the scene of the shooting on Wednesday night about 10.35 to contact them immediately.
The Canberra Times Tuesday 5 February 1952 p 6
Constable Howell’s Fiancée Collapses
MELBOURNE, Monday.
A crowd of 400 people attended the funeral today of Constable George Howell, 26, who was fatally shot by a gunman at Caulfield on Wednesday night.
Miss June Lomax, Howell’s fiancée, collapsed during the service at Ewing Memorial Church, Malvern.
http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/2847920
Daily Advertiser ( Wagga Wagga, NSW ) Wednesday 13 February 1952 p 5
MAN REMANDED IN CONSTABLE HOWELL CASE
MELBOURNE, Tues.: In the City Court today William John O’Mealey, 28, laborer, was remanded until February 21 on a charge of murdering Constable George Howell. 25, at Caulfield, on January 30. Bail was refused.
Detective Sergeant Tremewen said Constable Howell disturbed a man interfering with cars near the Crystal Palace Theatre, Caulfield.
Constable Howell chased the man, but fell with a bullet wound in the stomach.
O’Mealey declared he was innocent.
‘During the whole of my interrogation by police I have maintained my Innocence, and still do so,’ he said.
‘I hope to prove my Innocence at the trial. I wish the public to know this.
‘Five witnesses have stated that I am not the man concerned. I believe they are eye-witnesses.’
http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/145629429
Examiner ( Launceston, Tasmania ) Wednesday 13 February 1952 p 4
http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/52847522
The Argus Friday 28 March 1952 p 5
CONSTABLE HOWELL LEFT ESTATE WORTH £1,154
The Public Trustee yesterday applied for letters of administration of the £1,154 estate of Constable George Howell, shot dead while on duty at Caulfield on February 1.
The application was made on behalf of Constable Howell’s father. Mr. E. C. F. Howell, who with Howell’s mother is next of kin entitled to share in the estate.
Constable Howell divorced his wife last year and had no children.
His estate consists entirely of personalty.
Probate duty and legal expenses are not expected to exceed £70.
http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/23171272
Warwick Daily News ( Qld ) Monday 5 May 1952 p 1
Queen’s Medal for Murdered Constable
Melbourne – Constable George Howell (26) , who was fatally shot while chasing a suspected car thief near the Crystal Palace Theatre, on January 30, has been posthumously awarded the Queen’s Police Medal for bravery.
The award was announced by the Chief Commissioner of Police ( Mr. Duncan ), who asked the Government several months ago to make a recommendation to Buckingham Palace.
Approval by the Queen has been published in the London Gazette.
William John O’Meally was sentenced to death in May on a charge of having murdered Howell. He is expected to appeal to the High Court.
Police said that the medal had not yet arrived here.
For Parents
It will probably be given to Constable Howell’s parents at the next State investiture.
Mr. Duncan said that he would write to Howell’s parents about the award.
“Nothing can bring back Constable Howell’s valued life,” he said; “but it is gratifying to know that the Queen has graciously recognised his extraordinary bravery. ”
“His conduct was a fine example of devotion to duty, and will always be an inspiration to every member of the Victorian police.”
Constable Howell’s award ranks with the King’s Police Medal, which former Detective Chris Coe won for bravery at Highett in 1932.
O’Meally Appeal
The grounds of O’Meally‘s appeal are being prepared by his counsel ( Mr. M. Ashkanashy, Q.C. ), and Mr. J. F, Maloney and the Public Solicitor’s office, acting as his legal advisers.
The High Court is scheduled to begin its Melbourne sittings on September 30.
The appeal to the High Court is directed against the judgment of the State Full Court in rejecting O’Meally‘s appeal that the conviction be quashed and a fresh trial ordered.
A great deal of preparation for the High Court hearing has been made already.
This includes the combination of 12 bound appeal books containing a record of the ten day’s proceedings before the Criminal Court which convicted O’Meally.
http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/61217563
Warwick Daily News Monday 5 May 1952 p 1
To Face Trial For Murder of Constable
MELBOURNE: William O’Meally , (28), of Bonbeach, would stand trial at the Criminal Court, next Monday on a charge of having murdered Police Constable George Howell at Caulfield early this year, a Crown Law official said, last night.
The trial judge was expected to be Mr. Justice Coppel. The Solicitor-General ( Mr. H. A. Winneke, Q.C. ) would be the Crown Prosecutor, and his assistant would be Mr. F. R. Nelson; The defence counsel would be Mr. J. Maloney.
The Crown law official said that about 50 Crown witnesses would be called during the trial, which would be one of Victoria’s longest for 10 years,
O’Meally is being held in the remand section of Pentridge gaol awaiting trial.
Constable Howell died on February 1 in Prince Alfred Hospital after being shot in the stomach outside the Crystal Palace picture theatre at Caulfield on January 30.
The coroner ( Mr. J. Burke, S.M. ) committed O’Meally for trial several weeks ago.
http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/190450620
The Argus ( Melbourne ) Wednesday 6 February 1952 p 1
SHOOTING OF CONSTABLE
Arrest today likely
Homicide detectives expect to end the hunt today for the killer of Constable George Howell.
Late last night they had been questioning a man for l6 hours.
The man, a 30 year-old Australian laborer, was detained early yesterday at a seaside house.
Detectives got one of their most valuable leads in the case early yesterday when a man identified the hat found at the scene of the shooting as one recently stolen from his house.
He was taken to a house in a southern suburb where he identified property stolen with the hat.
In line-up
The suspect was placed in an identification lineup at Russell st. last night.
Two women and a man alleged to have been near the murder scene attended the lineup.
State Cabinet last night decided against offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of Constable Howell’s killer.
Mr. Dodgshun, Chief Secretary, said Cabinet was satisfied it would be contrary to the public interest to offer a reward at this stage.
http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/23161368
The Argus ( Melbourne ) Wednesday 13 February 1952 p 3
HOWELL MURDER CHARGE LAID
A MAN charged in the City Court yesterday with having murdered Constable George Howell at Caulfield on January 30, declared from the dock that he was innocent.
“During the whole of my interrogation by police I have maintained my innocence, and I still do,” said William John O’Meally, 28, laborer, of Bonbeach.
“I am innocent of any such crime, and hope to prove such innocence at the trial. I wish the public to know this.”
Only six policemen and two pressmen were in the court during the 10-minute special sitting.
Folded arms
O’Meally folded his arms across his chest as the charge was read. He was remanded to February 21. Bail was refused.
Detective-sergeant W. Tremewen said that while on duty at the Crystal Palace Theatre, Caulfield, Constable
Howell disturbed a man interfering with cars outside the theatre.
He chased the man, and later fell with a gunshot wound in his stomach. He died in the Alfred Hospital on February 1.
http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/23162678
The Argus ( Melbourne ) Wednesday 20 February 1952 p 12
RACV appeal for constable
The Royal Automobile Club yesterday appealed to its 120,000 members to support the fund for a memorial to Constable George Howell, who was fatally shot on January 30.
The club started the appeal with £50.
Members should send donations to the secretary, R.A.C.V., 94 Queen st., city.
The money will be sent on to the secretary of the Police Provident Fund.
http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/23164013
The Age ( Melbourne ) Thursday 11 September 1952 p 4
Queen’s Medal for Constable Howell
Constable George Howell, the young policeman who was murdered at Caulfield in January while pursuing a suspected thief has been posthumously awarded the Queen’s Police Medal for bravery.
This is the first time a Queen’s Medal has been awarded a member of the Victorian police, and the second occasion in which a similar award has been made. Howell, aged 26, was fatally shot at point-blank range near the Crystal Palace picture theatre at Caulfield on January 31 by a man whom he had suspected of interfering with parked cars. A 28-year-old laborer, William John O’Meally, was sentenced to death in May for Howell’s murder, but has intimated that he will appeal in the High Court. An appeal by O’Meally heard by the Court of Criminal Appeal in July was dismissed. The Commissioner of Police ( Mr, A. M. Duncan ) announced the award yesterday in a special circular issued to all police stations and broadcast to patrol cars. The citation states that
the award was made ” for conspicuous gallantry in attempting the arrest of a criminal. ” Mr. Duncan said that the medal would most likely be presented to Howell’s parents at the next State investiture. He said that the Queen’s approval had been published in the London “Gazette.” He had requested the State Government several months ago to forward a recommendation to Buckingham Palace.
The only other occasion on which a similar award was made took place in 1934 when former Detective Chris Coe in May, the same year, was given the King’s Medal ( Police and Firemen-Bravery Division ) for arresting two gunmen at the Highett railway station. Coe was seriously wounded.
Constable Howell joined the force in May, 1948, and spent most of his service at the East Malvern station.
http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/205419814
The Argus ( Melbourne ) Friday 12 December 1952 p 7
The. Governer, Sir Dallas Brooks, yesterday presented 65 awards, one posthumous, at an investiture at Government House.
Mr. Ernest Howell, father of the late Constable George Howell, was overcome with emotion when he received a posthumous award for his son’s heroism at Government House yesterday.
The citation said that Constable Howell died In the course of duty while attempting to arrest a criminal.
http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/23212733
The Argus ( Melbourne ) Monday 9 February 1953 p 2
The Argus ( Melbourne ) Tuesday 10 February 1953 p 2
The Argus ( Melbourne ) Tuesday 10 February 1953 p 2
The Argus ( Melbourne ) Wednesday 11 February 1953 p 2
http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/23227070
Barrier Miner ( Broken Hill, NSW ) Saturday 14 February 1953 P 1
No Appeal for O’Meally
Melbourne. — Insufficient money will stop William John O’Meally appealing to the Privy Council, his wife ( Mrs. Lois O’Meally ), said today.
She said there was now no chance of raising the money to finance the appeal. But O’Meally still wanted to appeal and would probably continue to try to get the money.
O’Meally was sentenced to death, for the murder of Constable George Howell. An appeal to the Governor failed, but later the sentence was commuted to life imprisonment without remissions.
The Cabinet decided that it would not pay the cost of a Privy Council appeal.
http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/49253589
Mirror ( Perth, W.A. ) Saturday 25 September 1954 p 13
Pentridge – where hate smoulders
David Peter THOMSON
David Peter THOMSON
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # ?
Rank: Constable 1st Class
Stations: ?, Coonabarabran Mounted Police – Death
Service: From 10 January 1873 to 20 June 1880 = 7+ years Service
Awards: ?
Born: ? ? 1846 or 1848
Date of Event: 24 May 1880 ( Queen’s Birthday )
Location of Event: Binnaway Racecourse
Died on: 20 June 1880 at Coonabarabran
Cause: Fractured Skull – Dashed against a tree by his horse
Age: 32 – 34 – 35
Funeral date: ? June 1880
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: Coonabarabran General Cemetery, NSW
Memorial at: ?
[alert_red]DAVID is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * BUT SHOULD BE
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal
On 24th May, 1880 Constable Thomson was on duty at the Binnaway Racecourse when his horse ran him into a tree, causing severe head injuries. He passed away about four weeks after the accident.
The Australian Town and Country Journal of 10 July, 1880 reported that “David Peter Thomson, who was first class constable in the mounted police, breathed his last at Coonabarabran last week, after a month of severe and trying illness, says the Mudgee INDEPENDENT, June 30. Constable Thompson met with a terrible accident on the Binnaway racecourse on Queen’s Birthday, his horse dashing him against a tree, and partially fracturing his skull. Deceased’s brother, Mr. John Thompson, railway stationmaster at Parramatta, was in constant attendance upon the sufferer during the last fortnight of his illness. The funeral was very largely attended, the Grand United Order of Oddfellows walking in procession.”
The constable was born in 1846 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 10 January, 1873. At the time of his death he was stationed at Coonabarabran. He is not listed in the official New South Wales Police Honour Roll.
NSW State Records:
Service No.: 2237 David THOMSON DOB: 1846, Native of NSW. Reel 3043, Item [ 8/ 3251 ]
Australian Cemeteries Index:
http://austcemindex.com/m/other-sources?id=6920959
http://austcemindex.com/m/inscription?id=6920959
Family Search: ( Not confirmed as the same person as above )
https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XTHJ-KVW
Angela Rose TAYLOR
Angela Rose TAYLOR
Victoria Police Force
[blockquote]The FIRST female Police Officer, in Australia, to be killed ‘ On Duty ‘[/blockquote]
Regd. # 24274
Rank: Constable
Stations: ?, Melbourne City Watch-House
Service: From ? to 20 April 1986
Awards: National Police Service medal – granted 2016 & handed to her parents on the 30th anniversary of the Event date ( 27 March 2016 )
Born: ? ? 1964
Died on: 20 April 1986
Cause: Car bomb explosion – Murdered
Event date: Thursday 27 March 1986
Event Location: Outside of 336 Russell Street, Police Station, Melbourne. Known as the
‘ Russell Street Bombing ‘
Age: 21
Funeral date: ?
Funeral location: Springvale Botanical Cemetery
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial at: 1/ Royal Melbourne Hospital – Angie Rose Taylor Ward – dedicated to Angie
2/ Angela Taylor Memorial Foundation – presented to the Dux of each Police Academy Squad
3/ Angela Taylor Fun Run
ANGELA IS mentioned on the National 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
The 1986 Russell Street bombing which tragically killed Constable Angela Rose Taylor and seriously injured 21 others.
The explosion was caused by a car bomb hidden in a stolen 1979 Holden Commodore, parked deliberately on the busy city street.
Twenty-one-year-old Const Taylor was crossing the road on a staff lunch run and only a metre away from the car bomb when it exploded. She died in hospital a month later. Const Taylor was the first policewoman to die in the line of duty.
This was Victoria’s first encounter with terrorism. Three men were convicted and two sentenced to life imprisonment.
May you forever Rest In Peace.
On March 27 1986, shortly before midday, Constable Taylor left the Russell Street Police Complex to collect lunches for her colleagues. As she stepped on to Russell Street, she passed within 1 metre of a car packed with gelignite. At this time, the gelignite was detonated and the car exploded, showering the area with shrapnel. Angela suffered severe burns to 70% of her body and was hospitalised as a result. However, she died on 20 April 1986.
Stanley Taylor and Craig Minogue were convicted and imprisoned over the bombing which was motivated by an intense hatred of police.
Victoria Police Association Journal March 2006 p 10 & 11
It is 20 years since a car bomb exploded outside the Russell Street Police Complex – two decades since Constable Angela Taylor was mortally wounded as she crossed over Russell Street from the City Watchhouse. The Police Association Journal editor Shirley Hardy-Rix spoke to Angela’s parents, Marilyn and Arthur Taylor to mark the anniversary of Angela’s death.
“It can seem like yesterday or it can seem like 20 years. But missing Angie is still as strong today as it was then; it’s just not accompanied with the pain.”
These are the words of a mother talking about a loved daughter 20 years after the criminal act that shocked the country and changed the Taylor family forever. Marilyn and Arthur Taylor admit that not a day goes by when they don’t think of their only daughter “not in a morbid way but in a joyful way”.
“That made me very proud. Her graduation day was the part in my life when I was at the pinnacle, the top of the mountain. I’ve never been right up there since. I was so proud that she had helped others in her squad get through. She didn’t just do it for herself,” says Marilyn. She and Arthur were the proud parents on graduation day and happy participants in the celebrations that marked the beginning of what should have been a long and successful career.
In their garden are three Angela Taylor roses. They would love to see the rose named in honour of their daughter at the Police Academy and in each police station garden across the state.
The Angela Taylor rose
Release date: Fri 31 March 2006
Just like its namesake, the Angela Taylor Rose is vibrant, feminine and distinctive.
Clusters of deep cream and pink buds unfurl slowly to reveal sweetly scented, creamy-white flowers with a distinctive pink edging and prominent golden-yellow stamens.
Named in honour of Constable Angela Rose Taylor, who died as a result of the 1986 Russell Street police complex bombing, this rose is available by special arrangement with rose breeder John Nieuwesteeg.
The distributor, Garden Express, donates $2 from each rose sold to the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation. The foundation perpetuates the memory of police killed in the line of duty through the support of community projects across the state.
To order the rose, visit www.gardenexpress.com.au on the Internet or telephone 1800 677 437.
http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?Document_ID=4619
Shortly after 1.00 pm Thursday, 27 March 1986, a massive explosion occurred near the southern entrance to the Russell Street Police Complex when a car bomb was detonated. As a result of this act three people were injured, damage was caused to the façade of the police building and the central business district was thrown into confusion for hours as emergency workers struggled to cope with the disaster. Later Forensic tests showed the bomb had consisted of 50 sticks of gelignite packed into a motor car and surrounded by small pieces of metal which were meant to act as “shrapnel”. The investigation into the setting of the bomb began at once and continued for months. During that time two of the injured – Magistrate Ian West and Constable Carl Donadio recovered from their wounds. However Constable Angela Taylor who had suffered extensive burns to her body died at the Royal Melbourne Hospital 20 April 1986.
The Russell Street Bombing refers to the 27 March 1986 bombing of the Russell Street Police Headquarters complex in Russell Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The explosion was caused by a car bomb hidden in a stolen 1979 Holden Commodore.
The blast seriously injured 21-year-old Constable Angela Taylor, who died on 20 April, becoming the first Australian policewoman to be killed in the line of duty. A further 22 people were injured. The explosion caused massive amounts of damage to the police HQ and surrounding buildings, estimated at more than A$1 million.
The Age newspaper reported that the blast had such an impact because of the open-floor design of the offices acted like a claymore mine, sending more shrapnel as the blast ripped through the floors, seemingly adding more pressure to the blast as it followed its path. The station has closed down and been converted into apartments.
In the course of the investigation, a group of people including Stan Taylor, Peter Reed, Craig Minogue and Rodney Minogue were apprehended. The motive for the bombing seems to have been revenge against the police, as the bombers had previously been arrested and still resented their jail terms. In court, Taylor, Reed and Craig Minogue were convicted; Rodney Minogue was eventually acquitted on appeal.
On 7 October 1985, gelignite and detonators were stolen from the Tryconnel Mine at Blackwood. On 25 March 1986, a Holden Commodore was stolen. Both crimes were later found to provide equipment needed for the construction of the bomb.
On 25 April 1986, ten Victoria Police officers raided the Kallista home of Peter Michael Reed at 5.45 am. It was alleged that upon attempting to enforce the arrest by forcing entry to the premises, Reed produced a .455 Smith and Wesson revolver and fired at police, seriously injuring Det Sgt Wylie. Reed was then fired upon by Det Sgt Quinsee and arrested. Reed was charged with attempted murder, recklessly causing serious injury, using a firearm to prevent apprehension and possessing explosives in suspicious circumstances in addition to charges related to the Russell Street bombing. Reed later stated at his trial in unsworn evidence that:
“the police started the shooting and I only used his firearm in self defence.”
On 30 May 1986, police arrested Stanley Brian Taylor during a 2 am raid on his Birchip home. Brothers Craig and Rodney Minogue were arrested in a Swan Hill motel at 5.15 am later that day.
The crown did not allege that any person played any particular role in the bombing, but that each of them were members of a team which planned the bombing and caused the bomb to explode. Evidence against the accused was as follows:
Gelignite and detonators used in the construction of the bomb were of the same type as those stolen from Tryconnel Mine.
Gelignite was found at Reed’s house wrapped in newspaper containing fingerprints belonging to Rodney Minogue.
Craig Minogue owned a pair of side cutters which produced cuts similar to those found on detonator wires.
A file with traces of brass deposits matched with brass deposits found at the bomb site.
a block of wood from which a wooden part of the bomb had been sawn was found at Craig Minogue’s premises.
tinned copper wire, similar to that used with detonators found at the bomb site, was found at Craig Minogue’s premises.
residue of gelignite matched residue found at a previous address of Craig Minogue in Lower Templestowe.
evidence from a witness that Craig Minogue called around Easter 1986, to ask about the use of detonators.
a witness testified that Craig Minogue was seen driving a 1979 Holden Commodore around the CBD prior to the explosion.
– wiki
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=92297987
Young police constable, 21, killed in the Russell Street car bombing is awarded with a service medal 30 years after the tragedy
- Constable Angela Rose Taylor, 21, was killed when car bomb exploded
- She died of her injuries 24 days after Russell Street police station bombing
- Young policewoman has been remembered 30 years after the tragedy
- She was posthumously awarded the National Police Service Medal
The young policewoman killed after a car bomb exploded in front of the force headquarters in Melbourne has been remembered 30 years after the tragedy – and awarded a service medal.
Constable Angela Rose Taylor, 21, died from her injuries 24 days after the bombing of Russell Street police headquarters on Easter Thursday, 27 March 1986.
She was the first policewoman to be murdered in the line of duty in Australia.
Her brother Michael Taylor paid tribute to the young officer at a memorial service on Thursday opposite the old Russell Street station, saying that she always had ‘a disdain for injustice’.
He recalled how as a three-year-old she fended off bullies by swinging a broom because they were teasing him over his leg calipers.
‘She had a strong belief we should all be treated equally,’ Mr Taylor said.
Constable Taylor was posthumously awarded the National Police Service Medal at the memorial which was attended by officers, family and friends wearing pink roses in her memory.
It was given to her parents Marilyn and Arthur by Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton on behalf of Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove.
Two men were convicted of the horrific crime which left Constable Taylor dead and 22 others injured.
One of the bombers, Craig Minogue, could soon apply for bail as his 28-year non-parole period comes to an end this year.
His co-accused, Stanley Brian Taylor, 59, was jailed for life with no minimum set.
Mr Ashton said while any parole decision is up to the parole board, he hoped Minogue ‘stays behind bars’.
Minogue, who was almost illiterate at the time of his arrest has gone on to complete a bachelor of arts degree, and has also obtained his Masters and PHD behind bars.
He also runs a website, on which he apologises for his behaviour in 1986.
‘I understand the pain and suffering that I have caused. I am very sorry for the crimes of my past, and I regret those actions very much and wish that I had not done them,’ he wrote on the site.
‘Thirty years is a very long time in prison, I was 23 when I came in and I will be 53 when I am eligible for release.
‘I hope to be able to somehow pass on to others the value that I have found in education and learning during that time.
‘That contribution I can make depends to a large extent upon others, and whether or not I am going to be given a chance to make a positive contribution,’ he said.
But Detective Inspector Bernie Rankin does not believe Minogue is reformed.
‘I am not convinced that he is the reformed Craig Minogue he is making himself out to be,’ he told 60 Minutes recently.
He went on to explain how Minogue murdered a man not long after being sent to prison for his part in the Russell Street bomb case.
‘Now if Craig Minogue is released tomorrow who’s to say it is not the old Craig Minogue who gets released.
‘What if you take his parking spot, you know, what if you bump into him in a bar?
http://video.dailymail.co.uk/video/mol/2016/03/24/5731756171013765268/640x360_5731756171013765268.mp4
‘He is trying to get parole and he is trying to demonstrate to a parole board he is no longer a risk,’ he said.
Mr Rankin held back tears when remembering the death of Ms Taylor three weeks after she was injured in the bomb blast.
He helped put out some of the fire on the 21-year-old officer’s clothes and hair.
‘She was thrown across street dreadfully burnt,’ he said.
‘She was a fine young woman that lost her life,’ he said choking back tears after remembering the day, April 20, he found out she had passed away in hospital.
The police officer remembers the bombers had ‘a strong desire to kill as many people and injure as many people as possible’ with their contraption.
In fact the blast could have been a lot worse, a police investigation at the time found not all of the explosives found set into the car went off as was planned because the detonator was used wrong.
Mr Rankin held back tears when remembering the death of Ms Taylor three weeks after she was injured in the bomb blast.
He helped put out some of the fire on the 21-year-old officer’s clothes and hair.
‘She was thrown across street dreadfully burnt,’ he said.
‘She was a fine young woman that lost her life,’ he said choking back tears after remembering the day, April 20, he found out she had passed away in hospital.
The police officer remembers the bombers had ‘a strong desire to kill as many people and injure as many people as possible’ with their contraption.
In fact the blast could have been a lot worse, a police investigation at the time found not all of the explosives found set into the car went off as was planned because the detonator was used wrong.
Man jailed thirty years ago for a Melbourne car bomb which killed a young policewoman is up for parole – but one officer who was there doesn’t think he’s reformed
- Convicted killer Craig Minogue may be eligible for parole this year
- Minogue was jailed for his part in the Russell Street bombing in 1986
- A car bomb exploded near a police station killing a female officer
- He also killed a fellow inmate once he was put behind bars
- He has used his time behind bars to obtain a PHD
A killer who has served thirty years behind bars for his part in the detonation of a bomb outside a metro police station may soon be eligible for parole.
Two men were convicted of the crime, Stan Taylor was sentenced to life without parole, and Craig Minogue was given 28 years without parole, which has now been served.
At 15 seconds past one on Easter Thursday afternoon in 1986 Russell Street, Melbourne best resembled a warzone.
A car bomb parked strategically outside the police complex exploded killing 21-year-old police woman Angela Taylor and 22 officers and civilians.
Minogue, who was almost illiterate at the time of his arrest has gone on to complete a bachelor of arts degree, and has also obtained his Masters and PHD behind bars.
He also runs a website, on which he apologises for his behaviour in 1986.
‘I understand the pain and suffering that I have caused. I am very sorry for the crimes of my past, and I regret those actions very much and wish that I had not done them,’ he wrote on the site.
‘Thirty years is a very long time in prison, I was 23 when I came in and I will be 53 when I am eligible for release.
‘I hope to be able to somehow pass on to others the value that I have found in education and learning during that time.
‘That contribution I can make depends to a large extent upon others, and whether or not I am going to be given a chance to make a positive contribution,’ he said.
But Detective Inspector Bernie Rankin does not believe Minogue is reformed.
‘I am not convinced that he is the reformed Craig Minogue he is making himself out to be,’ he told 60 Minutes recently.
He went on to explain how Minogue murdered a man not long after being sent to prison for his part in the Russell Street bomb case.
‘Now if Craig Minogue is released tomorrow who’s to say it is not the old Craig Minogue who gets released.
‘What if you take his parking spot, you know, what if you bump into him in a bar?
‘He is trying to get parole and he is trying to demonstrate to a parole board he is no longer a risk,’ he said.
Mr Rankin held back tears when remembering the death of Ms Taylor three weeks after she was injured in the bomb blast.
He helped put out some of the fire on the 21-year-old officer’s clothes and hair.
‘She was thrown across street dreadfully burnt,’ he said.
‘She was a fine young woman that lost her life,’ he said choking back tears after remembering the day, April 20, he found out she had passed away in hospital.
The police officer remembers the bombers had ‘a strong desire to kill as many people and injure as many people as possible’ with their contraption.
In fact the blast could have been a lot worse, a police investigation at the time found not all of the explosives found set into the car went off as was planned because the detonator was used wrong.
Paul Hetzel was a member of Taylor and Minogue’s gang, he helped police gain convictions, but in 1992 his partner’s granddaughter vanished.
Seventeen years later convicted child killer Leslie Camilleri came forward claiming to have killed Prue Bird of his own accord. Mr Hetzel believes she was taken from them in revenge.
‘I thought this is pay back just felt sick in the guts.’
Mr Hetzel said Minogue had threatened shortly after the explosion.
‘He was saying about that any bastard ever spoke about it and that, you know, they will be killed.
‘And that’s when he said wouldn’t it be a shame if anything happened to your little Prue.’
Minogue denies any involvement in the girl’s disappearance and murder. But police are not convinced.
‘There is no doubt in my mind Camilleri commit crime with others and that this crime is a payback for the Russell Street bombing,’ Detective Senior Sergeant Brent Fisher told 60 minutes.
Minogue has said he intends to repay the community for his crimes by accepting the sentence, admitting his guilt and apologising, by making an effort to rehabilitate himself and by not re-offending upon release.
Minogue was not handed down extra time for the murder of his fellow inmate Tsakmakis in prison.
He is currently being held in a medium-security prison in Victoria.
Remembering Constable Angela Taylor
Forensic Investigators – Russell Street Part 5 HD
Russell Street bomber dies in custody
Geoffrey Graham RICHARDSON
Geoffrey Graham RICHARDSON
( late of Nelson Bay – formerly of Razorback )
aka Buddha & Richo & Jedi
Husband of SenCon Margaret King
Academy Class 272
New South Wales Police Force
[alert_yellow]Regd. # 32260[/alert_yellow]
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 15 May 1998
Constable – appointed 15 May 1999
Senior Constable –
Sergeant – appointed 26 December 2010
Stations: Campbelltown LAC – 35 Division – 15 May 1998 – 26 March 2005,
Cobar 27 March 2005 – April 2010,
Central Hunter LAC ( SenCon ) April 2010 – 26 December 2010,
Lake Macquarie LAC – ( Sgt ) 27 December 2010 – July 2015,
Port Stephens LAC – July 2015, – Death
Service: From ? pre May 1998 to 5 March 2016 = 18 years Service
Awards: Regional Commander’s Commendation for Bravery re Off Duty arrest at Nelson Bay on 6 February 2012
Commander’s Commendation
NSW Police Medal
National Medal
National Police Service Medal – posthumously awarded on 14 March 2016
NSW Police Medal – 15 year Clasp – posthumously awarded on 14 March 2016
The Commissioner’s Commendation for Service – posthumously awarded on 14 March 2016
Born: 6 August 1972
Died on: Saturday 5 March 2016 about 11.50pm
Cause: Motor vehicle accident – driver
Event location: Lovedale Rd, Allandale, NSW
Age: 43
Funeral date: Monday 14 March 2016 @ 11.30am
Funeral location: Christ Church Anglican Cathedral, Church Street, Newcastle, NSW
Buried at: ?TBA
Memorial at: PTS12 ( PorT Stephens 12 ) police vehicle is dedicated in May 2016 to Richo with personalised number plates RCH012
[alert_green]GEOFFREY IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green]
Funeral location: ?TBA
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal
Funeral Service Video
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Sergeant
Geoffrey Graham
Of Nelson Bay
Formerly of Razorback
Dearly loved husband of Margaret. Much loved father of Patrick and Aiden. Loved son of Lofty Richardson and Jeanette Richardson. Loved son-in-law of John (dec) and Heather King. Loving brother of Warwick, Grant, Andrew, and Adrian. Loving brother-in-law of Denise, Eric, Raymond, Gordon, Annette, Robert, and John and uncle to their families. Valued member of the NSW Police Force Family.
Family, Friends and Colleagues are invited to attend a Funeral Service to be held in Christ Church Anglican Cathedral, Church Street, Newcastle on MONDAY (March 14, 2016) commencing at 11:30 am.
No flowers by request, donations in lieu may be made to NSW Police Legacy –
geoffreyrichardson.
gofundraise.com.au
France Family Funerals
Nelson Bay 4981 4488
Monday, 14 March 2016
Our deepest Condolences you are all.
You all are in our Prayers.
R.I.P Geoffrey
From The Entire Skaines Family
Monday, 14 March 2016
Wish we had been able to get to know you better. RIP.
Monday, 14 March 2016
May He rest in peace.
Monday, 14 March 2016
Geoff it was a pleasure to work with you, your enthusiasm for our job is an inspiration. You will be sadly missed as a colleague and a friend. Love to your family and friends.
Sunday, 13 March 2016
Your name will be echoed for ever, through the corridors of Campbelltown Police Station. For your mate ship, tenacity and leadership, we thank you Richo!
Sunday, 13 March 2016
Kindest thoughts.
Jim & Carole Whitfield.
Tahmoor NSW
RIP Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson thank you for your service, thoughts & prayers go out to your wife Senior Constable Margaret King, & your two young sons.
The NSW Police Force lost a highly respected and much-loved member of its family last night.
Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson from the Port Stephens LAC – NSW Police Force was killed when the police car he was driving crashed into a tree on Lovedale Road, Allandale, around 11.50pm yesterday (Saturday 5 March 2016).
At the time, Sergeant Richardson had been driving to assist colleagues who were engaged in a pursuit. He was the only person in the car at the time of the crash.
Further police and Ambulance Paramedics were called to the scene, and got there a short time later, however Sergeant Richardson had passed away before their arrival. He was the sole occupant of the vehicle.
The matter is now the subject of a Critical Incident Investigation, which will be supported by the Newcastle Crash Investigation Unit and overseen by the Professional Standards Command.
Sergeant Richardson graduated from the NSW Police Academy in 1998. He served the Campbelltown LAC – NSW Police Force as a Constable until 2005, when he was transferred to Cobar and promoted to the rank of Senior Constable.
In April 2010, he was transferred to Central Hunter Local Area Command, before moving to Lake Macquarie Local Area Command upon his promotion to the rank of Sergeant in December 2010.
He served Lake Macquarie LAC – NSW Police Force until July of 2015, at which time he transferred to Port Stephens Local Area Command.
Sergeant Richardson provided 18 years of dedicated and distinguished service to the people of NSW. He was the recipient of numerous awards, including a Regional Commander’s Commendation for Bravery after he arrested a number of offenders while off-duty at Nelson Bay in 2012.
In every sense, he was a hard-working, highly regarded, popular and committed police officer, who will be sorely missed by the organisation he so ably represented and the communities he diligently served.
Above all else, he was a loving and much-loved husband and father. His wife, Senior Constable Margaret King, and his two young sons, are naturally devastated, and we ask that their privacy be respected during this extremely difficult time.
As the men and women of this organisation always do in times of tragedy, we will band together and support Sergeant Richardson’s family , his friends, and each other, through this extremely difficult situation.
Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson killed on way to emergency in Hunter Valley
Police investigating death of father-of-two sergeant in NSW Hunter Valley crash
A police sergeant who died after his squad car crashed into a tree in the NSW Hunter Valley last night has been remembered as a highly respected officer and a loving father to two young sons.
Port Stephen area Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson, 43, was driving through Allandale on his way to help other officers in a pursuit when his car ran off the road and crashed into a tree about midnight.
He was the sole occupant of the patrol car and died at the scene.
Sgt Richardson is survived by his wife, a serving member of NSW Police, and two sons.
Police say Sgt Richardson put his life on the line countless times in order to protect others, and had won bravery awards for his tireless work.
A critical incident investigation is now underway to establish how and why the experienced police officer lost control of his car rounding a bend during a routine callout.
“At the moment we don’t have too many details. It’s all subject to investigation, obviously,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Geoff McKechnie said.
“The investigation will take some time, obviously, and we may have some further information we can provide at a later time.
Act. Dep. Comm. McKechnie said his thoughts were with Sgt Richardson’s friends and family.
“He is a father of two young children, and his wife and family are currently being supported by extended family and colleagues of the officer,” he said.
“NSW Police Force will ensure that all available welfare, support and assistance is provided to his family and his colleagues as we work through this tough period ahead.”
Sgt Richardson was remembered as a dedicated police officer who provided 18 years of service, in a tribute statement released by the NSW Police Force.
“In every sense, he was a hard-working, highly regarded, popular and committed police officer, who will be sorely missed by the organisation he so ably represented and the communities he diligently served,” the statement read.
“Above all else, he was a loving and much-loved husband and father.
“His wife, Senior Constable Margaret King, and his two young sons, are naturally devastated, and we ask that their privacy be respected during this extremely difficult time.”
“As the men and women of this organisation always do in times of tragedy, we will band together and support Sergeant Richardson’s family, his friends, and each other, through this extremely difficult situation.”
The full NSW Police Force statement is below:
The NSW Police Force lost a highly respected and much-loved member of its family last night.
Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson from the Port Stephens Local Area Command was killed when the police car he was driving crashed into a tree on Lovedale Road, Allandale, around 11.50pm yesterday (Saturday 6 March 2016).
At the time, Sergeant Richardson had been driving to assist colleagues who were engaged in a pursuit. He was the only person in the car at the time of the crash.
Further police and Ambulance Paramedics were called to the scene, and got there a short time later, however Sergeant Richardson had passed away before their arrival. He was the sole occupant of the vehicle.
The matter is now the subject of a Critical Incident Investigation, which will be supported by the Newcastle Crash Investigation Unit and overseen by the Professional Standards Command.
Sergeant Richardson graduated from the NSW Police Academy in 1998. He served the Campbelltown Local Area Command as a Constable until 2005, when he was transferred to Cobar and promoted to the rank of Senior Constable.
In April 2010, he was transferred to Central Hunter Local Area Command, before moving to Lake Macquarie Local Area Command upon his promotion to the rank of Sergeant in December 2010.
He served Lake Macquarie until July of 2015, at which time he transferred to Port Stephens Local Area Command.
Sergeant Richardson provided 18 years of dedicated and distinguished service to the people of NSW. He was the recipient of numerous awards, including a Regional Commander’s Commendation for Bravery after he arrested a number of offenders while off-duty at Nelson Bay in 2012.
In every sense, he was a hard-working, highly regarded, popular and committed police officer, who will be sorely missed by the organisation he so ably represented and the communities he diligently served.
Above all else, he was a loving and much-loved husband and father. His wife, Senior Constable Margaret King, and his two young sons, are naturally devastated, and we ask that their privacy be respected during this extremely difficult time.
As the men and women of this organisation always do in times of tragedy, we will band together and support Sergeant Richardson’s family, his friends, and each other, through this extremely difficult situation.
© ninemsn 2016
http://www.9news.com.au/national/2016/03/06/05/45/police-officer-killed-in-nsw-crash
Hunter Valley sergeant dies in crash on way to help colleagues involved in police chase
Updated
Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson, 43, was driving his patrol car when it veered off Lovedale Street at Allandale and hit a tree late on Saturday night.
He was on his way to help colleagues involved in a car chase when the accident happened.
Paramedics were called but Sergeant Richardson, who worked at the Port Stephens Local Area Command, died at the scene.
He was the only person in the vehicle.
NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione, who has travelled to the region, said the force had lost a “very good man” in the tragedy.
“I have had a chance to meet with his family and certainly paid my condolences to his wife Margaret and his children,” Commissioner Scipione said.
“It is a terribly sad event, we’ve lost a very good man.
“He was respected, he was loved, and certainly he was one of our finest, and NSW is a much poorer state as a result.”
The accident is now the subject of a critical incident investigation to be conducted by Newcastle Local Command, Commissioner Scipione said.
“The officer was not involved in a pursuit, he was on his way to assist others that were involved in a pursuit,” he said.
Commissioner Scipione said support would be provided to Sergeant Richardson’s family, including his wife who was also a senior constable in the police force.
“My heart goes out to his family, we’ll do all we need to to make sure that they’re looked after, because they’re a really important part of our [policing] family,” he said.
Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward.
In a tribute released to media, police said Sergeant Richardson provided “18 years of dedicated and distinguished service to the people of NSW”.
“He was the recipient of numerous awards, including a Regional Commander’s Commendation for Bravery after he arrested a number of offenders while off-duty at Nelson Bay in 2012,” the statement reads.
He was a loving and loved husband and father, the statement reads, who leaves behind a “devastated” family.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-06/policeman-dies-in-road-crash-in-hunter-valley/7224194
Supporting the family of Sgt Geoffrey Richardson
In support of the Police Family your Association with NSW Police Legacy has set up a fund for the family of Sgt Geoffrey Richardson killed in a motor vehicle accident on the weekend.
The details are:
NSW Police Legacy Appeal
BSB: 815 000
A/C: 282951S1 omit S1 if not transferring from a Police Bank account
(The S1 is only used for Police Bank to Police Bank transfers.)
Members wishing to donate to the family can also do so via the GoFundraise site: http://geoffreyrichardson.gofundraise.com.au/
Links to the fundraising site have also been added to the PANSW website homepage.
The 43-year-old Sergeant (Class 272 – 18 Years Service), who’s wife is Senior Constable Margaret Richardson (Nee King), was a much-loved husband and father with two young sons Patrick aged seven and Aiden five months of age.
As many members would be aware, Sgt Richardson was killed on his way to help colleagues engaged in a pursuit in the Hunter Valley, NSW.
It’s at these times the strength of the police family is fortified as we rally together to support the family and loved ones impacted by this tragic loss.
Like any member of the emergency services would know – it takes a great deal of courage to leave your own family behind to protect those you have never met on a daily basis.
It takes a particular type of person to step forward, often into harm’s way, and commit himself or herself to such a job, and to give up peace of mind to preserve it for others.
Our thoughts are with our fallen colleague, his family and friends and fellow officers at Port Stephens Local Area Command during this difficult time.
NSW Police Force FB page: Tuesday 8 March 2016
A man has been charged with a number of pursuit-related offences after a police officer died in a motor vehicle crash in the Hunter Valley at the weekend.
About 11pm on Saturday (5 March 2016), police became involved in a pursuit with a white Ford Falcon sedan on Ken Tubman Drive Maitland, after it allegedly failed to stop.
The pursuit continued for approximately 30 minutes before police lost sight of the vehicle.
About 11.40pm, the vehicle was seen on Wine Country Drive, Lovedale, and a second pursuit began.
During the pursuit, Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson, who was making his way to assist other officers, died after his vehicle left the road and struck a tree on Lovedale Road, Allandale.
Sergeant Richardson, aged 43, was the sole occupant of the vehicle.
The second pursuit ended and the Ford was last seen on Elderslie Road, Greta.
Following investigations, about 1pm yesterday (Monday 7 March 2016), a 34-year-old man was arrested at Maitland. ( Paul JOHNSON )
Checks of the man’s licence status revealed he had been disqualified from driving for life in 2000.
He was subsequently charged with two counts police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly (Skye’s Law), driving in a manner dangerous, exceeding the speed limit by more than 45km/h, driving whilst disqualified, using an unregistered/uninsured vehicle, using unauthorised plates, having custody of a knife in a public place, and resisting arrest.
The Greta man has been refused bail to appear before Maitland Local Court today (Tuesday 8 March 2016).
VALEDICTORY – Sergeant Geoffrey Graham Richardson???
As delivered by NSW Police Force Commissioner Andrew Scipione APM:
At about 11.50pm on Saturday the 5th of March 2016, Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson, from the Port Stephens Local Area Command, was driving to assist colleagues who were engaged in a pursuit.
The police car he was driving crashed into a tree on Lovedale Road, Allandale. He was the only person in the car at the time of the crash.
Ambulance paramedics were called to the scene by nearby residents, and they arrived a short time later. Sadly, Sergeant Richardson had passed away before they arrived.
Sergeant Geoffrey Graham Richardson attested as a Probationary Constable on the 15th of May 1998.
He commenced general duties at Campbelltown before being confirmed at the rank of Constable on the 15th of May 1999.
He remained at Campbelltown until the 26th of March 2005 when he transferred to Cobar in far western New South Wales. While at Cobar he was promoted to the rank of Senior Constable.
After just over five years at Cobar, Sergeant Richardson moved to the Central Hunter Local Area Command.
Shortly thereafter, on the 26th of December 2010, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and commenced duties at the Lake Macquarie Local Area Command.
Sergeant Richardson transferred from Lake Macquarie to Port Stephens Local Area Command – his final posting – in July 2015.
He was awarded the NSW Police Medal and the National Medal. He also received a Commander’s Commendation, a Region Commander’s Unit Citation, and many accolades from people in the community who had written in appreciation of his compassion and professionalism.
The day before Geoff’s passing, I travelled to Dungog to honour the memory of Sergeant 1st Class William Bowen, who passed away 100 years ago as the result of injuries he received while on duty.
The occasion was a commemoration; a centenary; almost a celebration of his memory. Time had eased the rawness of the tragedy of his passing.
But it brings to mind a sobering message that danger has always been a police officer’s enduring companion. It’s there both on and off duty, at the back of mind or at front, possibly in individuals or groups, in buildings, on pavements, around corners and on roads.
Police officers place themselves in harm’s way to reduce violence, crime, and the fear of crime. Sometimes their oath to protect and serve, their determination to do the best by their community, has a tragic outcome.
The price is a terrible one, but one that police officers are prepared to pay because they believe that the values we hold – and the freedom we enjoy – are worth the sacrifice.
We all pay the toll but we do not pay in equal measure; the burden falls heaviest on the families of officers who fall in the line of duty. No one feels more keenly the death of a police officer than their loved ones.
And on this occasion the loss is even more keenly felt because Geoff’s wife, Margaret, is also a police officer. Not only sharing the bond of family, but also sharing the ideals of protecting people and having to face hardship, conflict, and potential danger together.
Margaret, Patrick and baby Aiden have lost an adored husband and father. His father Graham – better known as Lofty – and mother Jeanette have lost a dearly-loved son; Warwick, Grant, Andrew and Adrian their friend, companion and brother.
However much we would like things to be different, nothing we do or say can change what has happened. All we can do is honour Geoff’s memory and hold his family in the warm embrace of the Police family.
Geoff was a much-loved and respected police officer. He was known as Geoff or “Richo”. To his close mates he was “Buddha”.
In the words of one colleague, he was a “policeman’s policeman”… committed to his job, committed to his mates, and committed to the community he served, and of which he was a part.
He was the exemplar of a family man. With his son Patrick, Geoff was involved in local junior Rugby and he was also deeply committed to his local Anglican Church – another bond that he shared with Margaret.
He took great pride in his uniform. He was always immaculately turned out and wanted other police to share that same pride. He was a protocol officer and serious about it. He understood that the way police present themselves matters; that authority brings with it a responsibility and that the symbols of office are important.
He wasn’t overbearing or a stickler. He led by example and other officers followed. He did not order or command or even badger. He didn’t need to.
And, by unanimous verdict, Geoff was not just a first-class police officer but a gregarious good bloke. A man popular with fellow officers and good with those he encountered in the course of work – he was firm with offenders but he would also empathise with victims.
One of his colleagues said of Geoff that his imposing stature and copybook attire never seemed to be a barrier to how victims responded to him. With Geoff they felt a genuine and comforting empathy in their time of need.
Geoff’s rapport with victims was part of a larger picture of a man who cared for those around him; especially his fellow officers. Geoff and Margaret were often in the vanguard of fundraising activities for colleagues in need.
Geoff himself was a peer support officer, an officer who volunteers to help colleagues in times of need. He would often reach out to colleagues he could see were in need of some support.
But it would be misleading to characterise Geoff as just a big-hearted Good Samaritan. As I said, he was equally at home handling a violent offender as he was with supporting the victim of an assault.
In fact, given the occasion, both husband and wife presented a formidable law enforcement presence.
The Region Commander’s Unit Citation he received was in recognition of bravery and commitment to duty when arresting offenders while off-duty in Nelson Bay on the 6th of February 2012.
What is remarkable about this incident is that the other recipient of that unit citation was his wife, Margaret. Together, while off-duty, they attended the scene of a collision to render assistance, but were confronted by a crowd of 10 to 15 hostile people.
Their citation read in part, “The officers responded to a motor vehicle collision to ensure the welfare of the occupants. Instead they faced a volatile and dangerous crowd who were actively protecting an offender and hindering police response.”
Despite both being assaulted, they managed to detain the driver and several other offenders, who were charged with various offences including High Range PCA, resisting arrest, hindering police, affray and malicious damage.
A key principle that underpins our Police Force is the notion that Police are the community, and the community are the Police. The reputation and success of the NSW Police Force therefore depends on the trust the community places in each and every police officer.
Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson epitomised all of the qualities needed to gain – and to maintain – that trust.
It is inevitable and appropriate that we grieve and feel his loss. To my mind, it is just as appropriate that we do his career and life proper justice; that we honour his memory by following his example.
We, all of us, can do well to look out more for others, at work and outside of work. To lead through our actions. To live our ideals.
Through his family, Geoff’s memory also lives on. And through his wife Margaret, his commitment to service will also live on.
It is my honour today, to posthumously confer three awards on Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson.
The National Police Service Medal: recognising his ethical and diligent service in protecting the community.
The establishment of the National Police Service Medal was signed by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II in November of 2010, and the Governor General awards the Medal on the recommendation of the responsible Commissioner of Police.
The 15 year clasp to the NSW Police Medal: recognising his ethical and diligent service.
After being approved by the Minister for Police and the Commissioner of Police, the medal was instituted on the 5th of February 2002. The medal is NOT awarded automatically for length of service. It is only awarded after a detailed review of the nominee’s service history to ensure the service was ethical and diligent. The clasp to the medal denotes the length of ethical and diligent service.
And:
The Commissioner’s Commendation for Service.
In part the citation reads:
…. for outstanding and meritorious performance of duty as a member of the New South Wales Police Force, from 1998 to 2016 ….
Sergeant Richardson has displayed integrity, loyalty, commitment, professionalism and devotion to duty as a member of the New South Wales Police Force and is highly commended for his service.
Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson gave his life in the very way he had lived it; in the service of others.
His loss, tragic for his family and many friends, is profound for each and every one of us. No words are quite adequate to express or diminish that loss.
His passing reminds us that preserving our values and our freedom can exact a heavy toll. A toll that is not shared equally in our community.
We farewell Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson but he will not be forgotten. As is right and proper, his name will be etched into the granite of the Police Wall of Remembrance in Sydney as a permanent reminder that he laid down his life for the people of New South Wales.
I am humbled and deeply honoured to represent every member of the NSW Police Force here today to farewell a highly-regarded police officer who served his community with courage, honour and distinction.
A husband and father.
A son and brother.
A friend and colleague.
A police officer.
Vale Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson.
Our prayers go with you … may you rest in peace.
Boy’s poem for policeman killed in accident
TOM Finlay, 13, wrote a poem after he saw the funeral procession for Port Stephens police sergeant Geoffrey Richardson.
His teacher at Newcastle Grammar School had suggested poetry as a way for students to process the funeral taking place across the road at Christ Church Cathedral.
Tom’s poem is reproduced below.
The Great Knights of Port Stephens, by Tom Finlay.
Port Stephens, Port Stephens/Your knights are brave and bold
From the newest of the new, to the oldest of the old.
When criminal cometh to/Town, you mustn’t worry/For when knights hear thy/Criminals they come in quite a/Hurry.
But sometimes things don’t end/Like they do in the story,
Because some knights will end up/In heaven with all their glory.
But if your knight goes to heaven/You mustn’t feel a sting,
Because the great Richardson will/Give them their wings.
http://www.theherald.com.au/story/3819188/a-boys-ode-to-the-fallen-knights/?cs=12
Tom Finlay’s poem brings police to tears
“HAVE you ever thought about it – would you ever see the police cry?”
The question at Newcastle Grammar School on Tuesday came from the Port Stephens police commander, Superintendent Chris Craner.
It was something Tom Finlay, a boy in year seven with autism, had asked himself.
Earlier this month Tom, 13, had watched from his school’s playground as the funeral procession for Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson, who had died in a crash on his way to an emergency, wound its way into Christ Church Cathedral.
“I’d just been thinking how people go to work every day, and how not everyone comes home,” he said.
“So I just wrote it.”
When Tom’s mother Michelle posted his The Great Knights of Port Stephens on social media, it got back to the police mourning one of their own.
In the superintendent’s words, “there were tears in the station”.
Some of the officers who read Tom’s poem – and the poems penned by his classmates, at the suggestion of their teacher Jordan Grant – attended Tuesday’s school assembly to express their thanks.
Outside, Senior Constable David Wynne from the dog squad introduced students to an as-yet unnamed pup being trained as a police dog, and the bravery award-winning German shepherd Ulrich demonstrated how to follow a scent.
Supt Craner said “carloads of cops” had wanted to visit the school, and he thanked Tom personally.
Shane Finlay said he was “amazed at how far” his son had come in his studies and social interactions with the help of his teachers at Newcastle Grammar and his previous teachers at the Aspect Hunter School for students with autism.
“The [autism] spectrum is wide, and in the last four years he’s really come on,” Mr Finlay said.
“I mean, he wrote that poem in 20 minutes.”
His mother Michelle Finlay added, “everything he does blows us away”.
About 1000 mourners, including NSW Governor David Hurley and Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione, attended the funeral earlier this month of Sergeant Richardson, who died aged 43.
Sgt Richardson is survived by his police officer wife Senior Constable Margaret King and their two young sons Patrick and Aiden.
http://www.theherald.com.au/story/3818739/tears-for-toms-poem/
New Port Stephens police car a fitting tribute for fallen brother in blue, Geoffrey Richardson
THE newest addition to the Port Stephens police command’s fleet is not just any other car; it is a fitting tribute to fallen brother in blue Geoffrey Richardson.
Light blue in colour and bearing number plates that read RCH, the distinctive police car will serve as a visual memory for officers and members of the community that have been affected by Sergeant Richardson’s death.
Port Stephens Sergeant Martine Morley said it was an “honour and a privilege” to be amongst the officers who will drive the car, which arrived on Wednesday.
“It is a wonderful tribute to a fantastic officer and work colleague,” an emotional Sergeant Morley said.
“It’s really quite a special thing; a really special tribute.
“Geoff is part of Port Stephens, he always will be.
“This just reminds us of that.”
Superintendent Chris Craner said the tribute to Sergeant Richardson, who died in the line of duty on March 5, came from Port Stephens officers who wanted to do something a little different.
“We had a couple of different ideas from different staff,” he said. “We wanted to do something a little bit different.
“It’s a change of colour, it’s a blue colour which represents a sergeant and it’s got personalised number plates that represent Sergeant Richardson.
“It’s just a nice way for the cops to look at the car and think about Geoff. And it’s a nice way for the community when you’re driving down the street to go ‘why is that a blue car?’ and find out why.
“The car tells a story and the story is Geoff. Geoff died on duty and his memory won’t be forgotten.
“You can walk out the front of the police station, have a look at this car, stop a minute, have a think about Geoff, jump in and take off.”
The car is a standard Toyota Camry. It will be driven by Port Stephens police Sergeants and used for patrols.
http://www.portstephensexaminer.com.au/story/3918052/car-a-fitting-tribute-for-richardson/?cs=761