Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
picture of Class111 26th June, 1967. All the cyclists have the first of the white helmets. They didn’t last long either’, once they realised that the broken necks were coming from the bad design, where the back of the helmet sat at the perfect point to break your neck, if your head was snapped backwards. Second white helmets issued hurriedly, ‘say no more’..!
Some of Class 111 who commenced training at Redfern Police Academy on Monday 15 May 1967 and were Sworn In on Monday 26 June 1967. Rear row, 4th from left is Probationary Constable Barry John PEARCE # 12631
* Story behind any Nickname:
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
“The far north police community has been deeply impacted by this loss, particularly those who knew and worked with Scott during his many years as a highly regarded police officer,” Assistant Commissioner Brett Schafferius said in a statement.
“Our officers are being provided with a range of support services as they come to terms with this terrible news.”
Duff was last seen walking in Edmonton on the afternoon of April 8.
Police launched an appeal for public assistance in the search, asking people to check their dashcam and CCTV footage in Edmonton on the day Duff went missing.
His disappearance was described as “out of character”.
The precise location of the discovery of his body has not been revealed.
Police are preparing a report for the coroner.
In a statement confirming “with great sadness” the death of Duff late on Tuesday, the Queensland Police Service urged people to contact mental health support services Lifeline or Beyond Blue “if you need help”.
“Our thoughts are with the senior constable’s family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time,” the statement read.
The Queensland Police Union posted that officers playing in the Queensland Police Service Rugby League State Championship in Mackay have worn black armbands and “paused in sacred silence to honour” their colleague.
The union been contacted for comment by 7NEWS.com.au.
If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300224636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.
Drones and rescue helicopters were also involved in the search.
Police launched an appeal for public assistance in the search, asking people to check their dashcam and CCTV footage in Edmonton on the day Duff went missing.
“His disappearance is out of character and his family have concerns for his welfare,” police said in an alert.
His body was found on Monday, with police not revealing the location of the discovery.
It has also not been revealed if his death is being considered as suspicious.
“Police will prepare a report for the coroner,” police said in a statement.
“The public and the media are thanked for their assistance.
“The QPS would also like to thank State Emergency Service volunteers and officers from other districts who supported the search effort.”
Police have released new images of the missing officer as investigators continue to appeal for information regarding his whereabouts.
Detectives are investigating unconfirmed sightings across the southern corridor area and are encouraging anyone with relevant CCTV in the Edmonton and Bentley Park areas on Monday April 8 to come forward, especially households and businesses backing onto bushland and creek reserves.
The officer was last seen wearing a dark blue-grey t-shirt, grey shorts, khaki shoes and a grey baseball cap.
His disappearance is out of character and his family have concerns for his welfare.
Search efforts are continuing, with ongoing support from police aerial assets, the State Emergency Service, and officers from Townsville and the south-east corner travelling to Cairns to assist.
Police are grateful for the community’s continued cooperation during the search, however are urging members of the public not to undertake searches of bushland for their own safety.
Police are appealing for anyone with CCTV or dashcam vision near Walker Road, Timberlea Drive and Fitzmaurice Drive between 1pm and 4pm yesterday, April 8.
Officers continue to search for a 50-year-old man reported missing from Edmonton.
He was last seen wearing a dark blue-grey t-shirt, grey shorts, khaki shoes and a grey baseball cap.
Police are appealing to anyone with information or relevant vision to come forward.
Police have resumed the search for a 50-year-old man missing from Edmonton yesterday, April 8.
Several crews including the Tactical Crime Squad, State Emergency Services volunteers and assets including drones and the Rescue 510 helicopter conducted an extensive search of the Edmonton area, before resuming early this morning.
He was last seen wearing a dark grey t-shirt, grey shorts, khaki shoes and a grey baseball cap.
Officers are appealing to the man, or anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward.
Earlier: Police are seeking public assistance to locate a 50-year-old man missing from Edmonton.
He was last seen at a Slipper Street, Edmonton address at approximately midday today, April 8.
Police and family have concerns for his welfare as his disappearance is out of character.
He was last seen wearing a light blue t-shirt and light coloured shorts.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts, or CCTV footage of the area from today, is urged to contact police.
* Story behind any Nickname: Duff Man, Duffy: Play on surname.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Auburn ( 32 Division )( GDs )( 2 April 1978 – 15 March 1980 ),
Whilst stationed at Auburn, completed his Rescue Operators Course at Police Rescue Squad Marrickville. Then completed 2 weeks rotational duty at Police Rescue Squad every 6 weeks for next 15 months. ( 15 Dec. 1978 ),
Blacktown ( 27 Division )( GDs & part time Rescue Squad )( 16 March 1980 – June 1983 ),
Mt Druitt ( 27 Division )( GDs & part time Rescue Squad )( June 1983 – 3 Nov. 1984 ),
Successfully completed the Rescue Operators advanced roping course at Police Rescue Squad, Marrickville ( December 1983 ),
Blacktown ( GDs & part time Rescue Squad )( 4 Nov. 1984 – 21 Sept. 1985 ),
Mt Druitt ( GDs & part time Police Rescue )( 22 Sept. 1985 – 20 Dec. 1986 ),
Riverstone ( 27 Division )( GDs & part time Police Rescue )( 21 Dec. 1986 – 4 April 1987 ), Blacktown ( 27 Division )( GDs & part time Police Rescue )( part time secondment to Anti Theft Squad whilst still performing part time Police Rescue )( 5 April 1987 –
Successfully completed Emergency Management Trainers Course at the Police College, Goulburn until his transfer to Windsor, was the Emergency Management Training Coordinator for the Blacktown Police District. ( 10 May 1991 ),
Successfully completed Incident and Emergency Management Trainers Course at Police College, Goulburn ( 12 February 1995 )
Service name: Royal Australian Navy ( R.A.N. )
Service number: R42939
Rank: Acting Engine Room Artificer 2nd Class
Unit Name:
Date of birth:
Place of birth: The Entrance, NSW
Date of intake: 3 July 1964
Date of exit: 2 July 1976
Total Days: 12 years
NS Training: ?
National Service:
Follow Up Training:?
Basic Training: ?
Next of Kin: Mother – Iris KELSON
Medals: None for display
Upon joining the Navy, Pussa was a 16 year old, a Student, standing 5′ 4.5″ tall, with black hair, brown eyes and a fair complexion.
He Served upon the Sydney, Nirimba, Penguin & Vampire between 1964 – 1969. HMAS Vendetta 20 October 1970 – 9 November 1970.
Time employed ( Paid ) with NSW Police: From: 19 July 1976 to 7 May 1998 ( H.O.D. ) = 21 years, 9 months, 18 days
Service ( From Training Date ) period: From 19 July 1976 to 7 May 1998 ( H.O.D. ) = 21 years, 9 months, 18 days Service
Retirement / Leaving age: = 49 years, 11 months, 8 days
Time in Retirement from Police: 25 years, 11 months, 10 days
Awards: National Medal – granted ? ? ? ( this included his prior service in the R.A.N. )
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 29 June 1984 ( Cst 1/c )
2nd Clasp to National Medal – granted 28 May 1992 ( Sgt )
3rd Clasp to National Medal –granted 27 August 2009 ( Volunteer )
National Police Service Medal – granted ? ? ?
NSW Police Diligent and Ethical Service Medal – granted ? ? ?
Commissioner’s Commendation – ( 14 Sept. 1987 ) Highly Commended for outstanding devotion to duty and meritorious actions involved in the rescue of four people at Plumpton and two people at Mount Druitt, all trapped in raging floodwaters on the 5th August 1986. Awarded Commissioners Commendation for Bravery.
Commissioner’s Valour Award – ( 5 November 1991 ) Conferred with the Commissioner’s Valour Award VA ( it is highest award for bravery in NSW Police ), it was for extreme bravery associated with the attempted rescue of a man believed trapped in a submerged vehicle amid floodwaters at Toongabbie Creek on 14 September, 1990.
Awarded the Theiss Toyota Australia Award – ( 15 February 1993 ), which recognises most meritorious act of bravery by a member of the Police Rescue Squad, Water Police or Air Wing, for his extreme bravery amid rescue in floodwaters of Toongabbie Creek on 14 September, 1990.
The below Live Streams have been deleted, on 3 July 2024, because of a complaint by Funeral Video Australia claiming Copyright on the videos – despite Col Kelson giving me direct verbal permission, in various conversations with him over the years, to use any information I could find about him on His Memorial Post when that time comes because he was “impressed” with the job I do in order to honour our fallen. We know how passionate Pussa was in relation to Honouring our Members.
Two ‘Old Salts’ catching up at Tuncurry on 30 March 2014. Col KELSON # 17357 & Kev BISHOP # 10871
Rescue 27 – Blacktown. Back Row ( L – R ) Ron McGOWN # 15631, Greg PETERSON, Kevin GUILLAUMIER, John FELTON# 17164, Norm RICHARDS, Stephen WYE, Trevor Lloyd WATKINS #18284 Front Row ( L – R ) Keith BRISTOW, Scott ROGAN, Col ‘Pussa’ KELSON # 17357, John BUCKLEY ( RIP )
The cancer, the COPD, and the damage to the lung from the two resections, from radiation and from partial collapse of the lung which leaves me susceptible to infection.
When a good infection hits, I am in trouble with my breathing.
This time around I am in trouble with pneumonia in the top lobe of the stuffed (left) lung.
Hoping that the IV antibiotics are/have done their job and I can be paroled for my daughter’s wedding on Friday.
9 weeks ago
Condolences to Ann, Robert, Christine, Catherine, family and friends.
Now in eternal rest with his first born – Graeme KELSON ( DoD 4 June 1974 )
Colin Michael KELSON & Ann KELSON
Ann & Colin Michael KELSON
Ann & Colin Michael KELSON
Phil BATTIN # 20401 & Col KELSON # 17357
MONDAY 26 AUGUST 2013 FUNERAL SERVICE FOR DECEASED CHIEF INSPECTOR GRAEME DONNELLY WHO DIED ON 16 AUGUST, 2013
April 2015 Catherine KELSON, Col KELSON & Robert KELSON
Lieutenant Commander Anita Nemarich ( R.A.N ) with Col KELSON ( Former R.A.N. )
Col KELSON at Inspector Ken HOLMES funeral.
Ann KELSON & Col KELSON – who was a Volunteer with the S.E.S.
Royal Australian Navy News (National : 1958 – 2021),
Friday 12 June 1987, page 11
Talking about come backs, what about the 19 or so Golden Oldies, all Navy or ex-Navy, who took on the youth of our service. The Golden Oldies at times needed help just getting on the paddock but displayed fine skills and straight running. (Let’s face it, it’s further running across field). Up front the team was led by the irrepressible WOPT Bill Stokes and Barry Learoyd who, along with Neil Thompson, played strongly.
Benny Hill and Jimmy Fern also showed the touches that took them to ASRU honours.
But the player of the day was Col Kelson, an ex E.R.A. (ask an old chief what that stands for). He hadn’t pulled on a boot for 11 years and took the field at 46. Col played in the centres and there were certainly some sore opponents, I for one would loved to have seen a young Col going round.
Royal Australian Navy News (National : 1958 – 2021),
Friday 23 May 1975, page 19
HUGE WINS MARK SAILORS RETURN TO 1st DIVISION
RUGBY DOWN SOUTH ‘
After an absence of some years, there is once again a NAVY side in First Division Victorian Rugby Union.
The CERBERUS team, playing as Combined Services Thirds, are playing in the Third Grade of the First Division.
The other representative team, the CERBERUS COLT’S are playing as Combined Services Under 20s.
Combined Services Firsts and Seconds are made up from all three services in the Melbourne area and players from LONSDALE and ships in Williamstown make up NAVY’s contribution.
Two resounding victories, plenty of tries, enthusiasm and team spirit have marked the opening of the season.
On April 12, the sailors trounced the strong KIWIS’ line-up 38-13.
Fine individual performances were produced by fullback John Worstencroft and centre Col Kelson.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Rest peacefully my darling brother Trev Walter on what should have been your 66th Birthday
we miss you so very much and can’t believe you have been taken from us so soon and so suddenly doing what you loved we are heartbroken beyond belief and our hearts are shattered into a million pieces. We all love you so very much and are so very blessed you were our family, our rock our constant and we are so incredibly proud of you and all that you did and gave to us and so many others. You had the biggest heart and you shared your heart and love with all that you knew
We now have to navigate a life without you in it and live with the hole in our hearts that will never be filled Sending you all my love now and forever to keep in heaven until we meet again my darling brother rest in peace I love you
Retiring Detective Senior Constable Trevor Walter is flanked by his colleagues at the station. Photo: Rob Wright / The Coffs Coast Advocate. Picture: Rob Wright
Retiring Detective Senior Constable Trevor Walter is flanked by his colleagues at the station. Photo: Rob Wright / The Coffs Coast Advocate. Picture: Rob Wright
Coffs Harbour says goodbye to a top cop
TREVOR Walter has spent time in the company of many a violent criminal but it’s a love of motorbikes that has this police officer resting his feet.
3 min read
January 18, 2014 – 6:00AM
News Regional Media
Retiring Detective Senior Constable Trevor Walter at the station. Photo: Rob Wright / The Coffs Coast Advocate. Picture: Rob Wright
TREVOR Walter has spent time in the company of many a violent criminal but it’s a love of motorbikes that has one of Coffs Harbour’s longest serving police officers resting his feet.
He’s eager to enjoy his recently announced retirement as soon as possible but with a fractured leg – sustained just before Christmas when his bike landed on him – the well respected Detective Senior Constable has some time to reflect on a job well done.
The true country boy still smiles when he remembers the fresh-faced 18-year-old who headed for the big city in the late 70s.
NSW Police Cadets – Class 9, Phase III ( L – R )
Back Row: Phil VICKERY, Mick COWNIE, Walter KOENIG, Greg CALLANDER ( 17463 ), Glen MORRIS, Mike KNOWLES # 17558 ( R.I.P. ), Ivor PEDERSEN
Front Row: Anthony TANOS, R. BROWN, Acting Sgt Len HARRIS ( Drill Instructor ), Sgt 2/c William ‘Bill’ COMAN ( Instructor ), Sgt 3/c Keith JOHNSON # 7887 ( R.I.P. ), Andrew MARRIOTT, Andrew WARDROP
After finishing high school in the Orara Valley, Sen Const Walter thought he might try his hand at paint work but, as his mother blatantly pointed out, he wasn’t…well…very good at it.
When the police recruitment van rolled into town, she gently suggested he might like to check it out and before he knew it, Sen Const Walter was headed for the academy in Sydney.
The learning curve was steep for a teenager who had never ventured far from home but by the time he returned to Coffs Harbour – where he has served for 33 of his 37 years in the force – he had developed a rare set of skills.
A never failing empathy for victims of crime and the ability to carry them through a tedious legal process allowed him into the lives of countless people and eventually led to him receiving the Commissioner’s Award for outstanding victim support in 2011.
The knowledge that he was living in a country area where everyone, including the criminals, knew who he was and where he lived, never really troubled him.
As he has told the many fresh recruits he has mentored over the years, “if you are hard but fair” and treat others with respect, you will get by without too much opposition.
With the birth of his children came a new set of challenges.
Retiring Detective Senior Constable Trevor Walter is flanked by his colleagues at the station. Photo: Rob Wright / The Coffs Coast Advocate. Picture: Rob Wright
While he was lucky enough to have the kind of personality that allowed him to switch off when he got home, there were unavoidable emotions stirred when tragedy struck a family which he could compare to his own.
His eldest daughter was five when a local boy of the same age was killed after his head was crushed by a telegraph pole as he leant out of a bus window to wave goodbye to his friends.
A double fatality at Bonville, which claimed the life of a 16-year-old girl, the age of his daughter at the time, also hit hard.
“Those are the things that are very sad and remind us how lucky we are that our family is safe,” Sen Const Walter said
“I never lost sight of that fact.”
Mixed with the tough tasks were major achievements.
Sen Const Walter and another officer once arrested the state’s most wanted man, prison escapee Anthony O’Sullivan, who was discovered with a $64,000 stolen boat in tow and went on to serve a lengthy prison sentence.
In 2001, he risked his life to rescue a woman from a burning home in Karuah Ave.
For that, he was awarded the Bronze Medal for Bravery from the Royal Humane Society and the Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery.
To this day, when the woman sees him down the street, she still hugs him and thanks him for saving her life.
More recently, Sen Const Walter had the satisfaction of watching as a disgraced member of a local surf lifesaving club, whom he had been investigating for a number of years, was convicted and sentenced to a significant time in jail over the persistent sexual abuse of a young girl.
There are the troubling cases, which he refuses to allow to haunt him, but admits will always remain strong memories.
He has few regrets but if he could have solved one more case before he left, it would have been the 1990 murder of 92-year-old Veronica Rigney, who was viciously clubbed for no apparent reason in her Hill St home, just near the police station.
Sen Const Walter was on duty that night and interviewed Mrs Rigney in hospital where she later died.
He’ll also miss his second family – both sworn officers and support staff (many of whom celebrated Sen Cost Walter’s career at a farewell party on Thursday night) – but he’s hoping that when the new justice precinct is open, he may just “be invited back for a cuppa”.
This article and historic pictures from Det Sen Const Walter’s career can be viewed on the Advocate website.
Tragically taken from us whilst holidaying in Thailand.
A loved & cherished son of Don and Fay Walter (both dec’d)
Loving and devoted Dad to Naomi and Peter,
Adored Popow to Evelyn and Freya.
Much loved and treasured Brother and Brother in law to Susan & Richard and Kay & Peter.
Loved & adored Uncle to his Nieces & Nephews and their families.
A caring, beautiful and loved partner of Robyn, respected friend, colleague and mate.
A Dedicated, respected and Proud Member of the NSW Police Force for over 38 years.
Trevor touched all our lives and will be greatly missed.
‘I do believe it’s time for another Adventure’
All who knew Trevor are invited to join his Family and Friends in celebrating his life at Coffs Harbour Racing Club, 2 Howard Street Coffs Harbour at 10:30am Saturday 13th April 2024. Thence for private cremation.
**Please dress brightly to reflect Trevor’s love for life!**
In the Australian shaped garden at Karangi Lawn Cemetery up near the chapel.
* Story behind any Nickname:
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
**********
Cal
Updated 6 October 2025 with NSW Police Cadets – Class 9, Phase III photo.
Updated 9 December 2025 with Grave Memorial photo, Live Stream and additional photos.
John Jackson Welfare HILLIER
08/05/2024
John Jackson Welfare HILLIER
AKA John HILLIER
* Nickname: ?
Previously of Taree, NSW. Late of Campbelltown, NSW
Relations in ‘the job’:
“possible” relation in ‘the job‘:
Frank Pybus HILLIER, NSWP # ‘Q’ 3002 ( Born 1855 – South Australia ) ?
A man has died following a crash in Sydney’s south west.
About 11.15pm yesterday (Thursday 2928 March 2024), emergency services were called to Oxley Street, Campbelltown, following reports a pedestrian had been hit by a car.
The pedestrian – believed to be an 80-year-old man – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, he died at the scene.
He is yet to be formally identified.
The driver – a 26-year-old man – was not injured, and was taken to hospital for mandatory testing.
Officers attached to Campbelltown Police Area Command established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the incident.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
Liverpool Police Cadet – NSW Police Cadet John. J. W. Hillier a former Labourer and Shop Assistant entered the Police Training Centre at Redfern to join the New South Wales Police Cadets.
Following his induction as a Police Cadet he was stationed at the C.I.B. Modus Operandi Section.
In 10/1961 he was transferred to No. 3 Division (Darlinghurst) on Station Duties.
In 1/1962 he was transferred to No. 22 Division (Liverpool) on Station Duties and then from the 8/1962 his duties at Liverpool were changed to the Public Safety Bureau Office.
During his examinations in 1961/1962, having received top marks, he obtained the Silver Baton – signed N. T. W. Allan Commissioner of Police.
Liverpool Police Officer – Probationary Constable John. J. W. Hillier who had returned to the Police Training Centre at Redfern to commence his Initial Training as part of Class 94.
He was attested 4/1963 as a Probationary Constable of Police and stationed at Liverpool Police Station on General Duties, where in 2/1964 he was promoted to the rank of Constable.
In 6/1964 he was transferred to Merrylands Police Station as the Inspector’s Clerk, a position which he held for approximately 18 months.
In 9/1965 he was transferred to Fairfield Police Station (which was part of No. 26 Division ( Merrylands ) at the time) on General Duties.
In 11/1966 he was transferred to No. 21 Division on Criminal Investigations Training.
In 10/1967 he was transferred to the Pillage Squad, where in 2/1968 he was promoted to the rank of Constable 1/c., and in 11/1969 he was designated a ‘Detective’.
Then in 12/1970 transferred to No. 28 Division on Criminal Investigations, where in 2/1972 he was promoted to the rank of Detective Senior Constable.
In 5/1974 he was transferred to No. 26 Division on Criminal Investigation and in 1/1978 transferred to No. 22 Division (Liverpool) on similar duties.
Liverpool Police Officer – Detective Senior Constable John. J. W. Hillier transferred from Merrylands (No. 26 Division) to Liverpool Police Station on Criminal Investigation Duties.
Then in 4/1979 he was transferred to No. 7 Division (Redfern) returned to Uniform Duties and was place on General Duties, where in 4/1983 he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant 3/c.
A Couple of weeks later in 4/1983 he was transferred to No. 2 Division (Regent Street) on General Duties.
Then in 8/1983 he transferred to the Traffic Branch on the Accident Investigation Squad.
While at the Accident Investigation Squad he wrote a ‘Training Course’ for those transferred into the Squad.
He was then the ‘head’ of its Training Unit, and took part in the first three Training Courses conducted at the Police Academy at Goulburn.
Later in 1980’s he transferred to Macquarie Fields Police Station on General Duties.
After a number of years he transferred to Campbelltown Police Station on similar duties.
Later he transferred to Revesby Police Station from where he was discharged medically unfit in 6/1999, after serving the NSW Community for a period of 38 years.
Above Service History Sourced from ‘History of the NSW Police At Liverpool ( 1788 – 2022 ) penned by Joe Stanioch, NSWPF # 14194
* Story behind any Nickname:
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Deepest condolences to Randalls wife – Janean, family and friends.
My husband Sergeant Randal Moulden was one of those officers that tragically took his own life on Tuesday 29th June 2021.
He couldn’t carry the pain of the trauma of what he had experienced over the 30yrs as a serving Police officer.
He was one of a kind, Professional, Caring, Empathetic, Understanding, Passionate. These traits that not only I as a wife, but his children, his friends, his colleagues are what we loved about him.
Regardless of what he had seen, experienced and witnessed.
Every day that he put on his uniform he wore it with pride, dignity and grace, ultimately it was these traits as a serving officer that made him suffer.
To EVERYONE I can not stress this enough, PLEASE, PLEAS,E PLEASE, get help.
There is ABSOLUTELY no shame in reaching out.
As partners we are here to support, to love and to comfort those suffering. Your burden is our burden to share.
Don’t let this tragedy be in vain, lets learn from it and try to change it as death is never the answer.
To all the people that have shared their respect and Grief, there are not enough words to thank you.
This is an Audio file by Janean MOULDEN – wife of Randall MOULDEN, about the impact that his suicide has had on her, the family and Policing families.
MOULDEN (Randall Phillip):
The Commissioner of Police and all Members of the Western Australia Police Force regret the passing of our colleague, serving Police Officer, Randall Phillip Moulden, Registered Number…
Randall Moulden: Wife of cop who took own life says WA Police, State Govt still not providing enough support
Daryna Zadvirna The West Australian
Randall Moulden was a larrikin, the “fun” parent and so dedicated to his job as a WA Police officer, he literally gave his life to the role, according to his widow Janean.
She recently commemorated one year since her husband died by suicide on June 29 by spreading his ashes across the desert in Morocco.
“I had coppers ring me the next day to tell me how graphic and horrendous it was out there.
“He became very withdrawn. I just couldn’t help him.”
Finding helpful support
It was not until January 2016 that Mr Moulden realised he needed help and started seeing a counsellor employed by WA Police.
“Then in the August, the counsellor said, ‘I can’t help you. You need medication,'” Ms Moulden said.
“He just felt like it was just a horrible thing to say, you know?
“So then he was just sort of left stranded.”
It wasn’t until he found Soldiers and Sirens, a free not-for-profit service for veterans and first-responders, that Mr Moulden’s health began to improve.
The service was co-founded by Danielle Baldock, a psychologist and former police officer who felt there was a gap in support for police and other emergency services staff.
“There was no service for first responders that was independent and external and confidential,” Ms Baldock said.
“One of the big concerns that officers have is that if they go to their internal support it might limit their career in some way.
“That’s not a reality, it’s more of a perception. The WA Police psych unit is amazing — they do great work.”
Ms Baldock said because police officers were often hesitant to seek counselling through their workplace she was motivated to provide external support.
“We wanted to provide this separate space where they could come together and be a community,” she said.
‘A massive improvement’
Ms Moulden said the counselling Soldiers and Sirens provided to both her and her husband was a godsend.
“He was doing amazing, he really was. Every time he saw Danielle he walked out with bounce in his step, a smile on his face,” she said.
“He had made such a massive change this year.”
Ms Moulden said the key difference was that the service was independent and staffed by people who had lived experience in emergency services.
“It’s the essential ingredient. You cannot speak to someone who does not have a clue about trauma,” she said.
“And there is a genuine fear out there.
“I’ve spoken to many police officers and they all say the same thing, that they would not go to the police psychiatrist or the police doctor — not when the commissioner is in the same building. You can’t be honest.”
Funding discontinued
Soldiers and Sirens received initial start-up funding from the federal Department of Communities as well as bulk-billing fees from Medicare and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
However, at the end of June the federal funding ended and has not been renewed.
“We were hoping in the time that we could fundraise, that we could apply for the grants and get some funding from somewhere,” Ms Baldock said.
“But unfortunately, with the COVID situation, we just haven’t been able to secure any further funding.
“So on the first of August we shut our doors.”
Service closure ‘daunting’
Ms Moulden said the news that the service was closing devastated her husband as he faced the prospect of having to re-tell his story to a new psychologist.
“He had built a rapport with Danielle and that’s half the key,” she said.
“The thought of going to another psychologist is daunting; you’ve got to keep reliving it. It’s cruel.”
In June, Mr Moulden died by suicide.
His death has motivated his wife to fight for funding for the Soldiers and Sirens service.
“I know that he would want me to speak up [and] speak about my own experience,” Ms Moulden said.
“Not just for me, but for anyone suffering. He would want me to be their voice.”
Request for state funding
Soldiers and Sirens is now hoping the WA state government will provide the additional funding needed for the service to remain accessible.
“We want there to be no barriers to entry,” Ms Baldock said.
“[So] that you can ring up and get an appointment straight away within a couple of weeks without lots of triage barriers in the way, and we really wanted it to be free.
“WA Police are amazing. They paid for all of the sessions for their officers. We were also cost-recovering from Medicare and DVA and the places that we could, but unfortunately, it just wasn’t enough to sustain us.”
In a statement, Minister for Police Paul Papalia said the WA government provided funding to the WA Police Force for “a range of wraparound services through the Health and Welfare Division”.
“In addition to internal outreach services which include 24/7 access to on-call clinical psychologists and chaplains, officers are able to access private psychological and psychiatric support services from a network of external providers,” the statement said.
“Soldiers and Sirens is one of a number of those approved external providers which police officers are able to access.”
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Cop refused to seek WA Police force’s help before taking own life
By Aaron Bunch
A WA Police officer who took his own life after becoming disillusioned with his job had refused to undertake mental health counselling with the force for fear his reputation would be tarnished, an inquest has heard.
Main image: Cameron FYFE. Inset right – Randall MOULDEN
Senior Constable Cameron Fyfe died at home on June 20, 2021 after drinking heavily amid bouts of depression following a series of on-the-job incidents that threatened his safety.
The 27-year-old was prescribed antidepressant medication, which he took irregularly, and his family and friends had made numerous pleas for him to seek mental health support after he told his father he was having suicidal thoughts.
“Mr Fyfe made it clear to his loved ones that he did not want to involve the police force in pursuing any mental health assistance,” counsel assisting Sarah Tyler told the Coroner’s Court of Western Australia on Tuesday.
Fyfe’s father suggested reaching out to the police employee assistance program. Fyfe refused, saying there was a stigma attached to doing so.
The constable did, however, tell his family that he was seeing a psychologist, who diagnosed him with major depression.
It came after a series of incidents that left Fyfe questioning whether he wanted to remain a member of the force, including responding to the death of a baby, and a family violence incident where he was hit in the face.
“The person said to have struck Mr Fyfe was found not guilty after trial,” Tyler told State Coroner Rosalinda Fogliani.
In November 2020, the officer was spat on as he attempted to arrest an offender.
“Saliva entered Mr Fyfe’s mouth,” Tyler said.
He was forced to undergo blood screen testing and quarantined for two weeks due to COVID-19 laws amid the global pandemic.
“While quarantined, Mr Fyfe (again) expressed to his family his disillusionment with the police force,” Tyler said.
On the evening of June 19, 2021, Fyfe drank whiskey alone at his home while exchanging text messages with his parents, his girlfriend and ex-partner.
In the early hours of the next morning, he told his father that he’d stopped taking his antidepressant medication because it impacted his libido.
Fyfe then sent a message to his mother saying he couldn’t live his life on medication.
The next morning, his parents and partner sent messages to Fyfe, but he did not respond.
By the afternoon, Fyfe’s parents drove to their son’s home address, and his father used his key to go inside.
He found Fyfe’s lifeless body in his computer gaming chair in his study.
A post-mortem showed very high levels of alcohol in Fyfe’s system.
A police investigation did not identify any evidence to suggest another person was involved in the death.
During that investigation, it became apparent that the police force did not hold any information about the officer’s reported mental health issues.
The inquest continues.
AAP
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A coronial inquest into the suicide of a young first class constable is examining the WA Police force’s off-duty firearm access rules as well as mental health safety and support for officers.
Key points:
WA Police first class constable Cameron Fyfe took his own life in June 2021
A coronial inquest into his death is underway in Perth
His father, sister and uncle were in the coroner’s court for the hearing
WARNING: The following story contains details that may distress some readers.
Cameron Fyfe was 27 when he killed himself at his home in June 2021.
A coronial inquest into his death has heard Mr Fyfe had been struggling with his mental health for some time, and while he was getting support privately – including being medicated at times — he appeared to have hidden his situation from his workplace, telling his father there was a stigma attached to seeking support internally.
State Coroner ( W.A. ) Ros Fogliani is heading up the inquest at Perth Coroner’s Court, exploring specific issues including:
Why Mr Fyfe had access to his police issue firearm within his home while off duty, and
Safety considerations in the context of mental health, in relation to serving police officers having access to police issue firearms in their homes while off duty.
Counsel assisting the coroner Sarah Lynton began by giving a brief overview of Mr Fyfe‘s life, with his father Brett — who discovered his son’s body — his sister Anna and his uncle sitting in court.
Ms Lynton mentioned several incidents throughout the later years of Mr Fyfe‘s life where he had shared with family members he was struggling with his mental health.
Jobs affected wellbeing
She told the court Mr Fyfe attended confronting jobs throughout his work, one of significance being the death of a baby and another where he was struck in the face when attending a family violence incident.
The court was told that in 2017, Mr Fyfe told his then partner and his father he had gone to The Gap in Albany, where he was working at the time, and contemplated taking his own life.
A number of further red flags were noticed by Mr Fyfe‘s family and loved ones, including that he was experiencing sleeping difficulties and mood swings, and was drinking alcohol heavily on his rostered days off.
In 2018, when he mentioned to his partner he was considering leaving the police force, his loved ones again suggested he seek mental health support.
Ms Lynton told the court Mr Fyfe made it clear he did not want to involve his work in pursuing any mental health assistance, later telling his father there was a stigma attached.
In 2019, Mr Fyfe was assessed by his GP and prescribed antidepressant medication, which he soon stopped taking.
Then in 2020, a person spat on Mr Fyfe while he was attempting to arrest them, at which point some saliva entered his mouth.
The COVID pandemic was well underway at that time and Mr Fyfe was quarantined for two weeks, telling his family he was feeling disillusioned with the police force.
Ms Lynton said Mr Fyfe‘s father had understood that his son’s reluctance to seek assistance through the police force’s mental health support unit was due to his concerns it could see him taken off operational duties, which could affect his pay and impact his ability to cover his mortgage.
At this time, towards the end of 2020, Mr Fyfe told his dad he had been seeing a private psychologist who had diagnosed him with major depression. Medical records show he had a mental health care plan and was on medication, which he took irregularly.
Police gun taken home
In 2021, Mr Fyfe started with the Traffic Motorcycle Group, which allowed him to take his own police motorcycle home — as well as his police-issued firearm.
Ms Lynton told the court officers are occasionally allowed to keep their police-issued firearm, ammunition and other accoutrements at their home address.
She said Mr Fyfe had been drinking and communicating with friends and family on the evening of June 20, 2021 at his home.
The next day, when no-one had heard from him, his parents went to his house and discovered his body.
Toxicology analysis showed very high levels of alcohol in Mr Fyfe’s system and the forensic pathologist determined the cause of his death was a self-inflicted gunshot injury.
Stigma in seeking help
A number of police investigations have taken place since his death, including an external review into allegations Mr Fyfe might have been bullied, but nothing was substantiated.
Ms Lynton said it appeared Mr Fyfe had hidden his mental health issues from work, with no evidence of him seeking help identified in the system.
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