( Due to current Govt. restrictions of 20 – 50 persons at a Funeral due to the Cornona19 Virus Pandemic – this will be a Private Funeral )
Future Wake location: ???TBA
( Due to current Govt. restrictions of 50 persons only at ‘Gatherings’, there won’t be an immediate Wake )
Future Wake date: ???
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: Rookwood Cemetery, Lidcombe, NSW
Grave GPS Location:
-33.884155, 151.055121
[codepeople-post-map]
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( May 2020 )
IFTIKHAR is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
IFTIKHAR will Possibly be mentioned on the Sydney Police Centre Memorial Wall, Surry Hills
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
No further details are known about this man or his career – other than what is recorded above.
Not known if his death was On or Off Duty, at Work or another place.
Class number and dates of Rank attainment unknown.
Cal
24 June 2020
Aaron David VIDAL
24/06/2020
Aaron David VIDAL
AKA AZZA
Late of ?
Son of Serving NSWPF Chief Inspector David VIDAL# 24342
NSW Goulburn Police Academy Class # 332
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 52214
Rank: Commenced Training at Goulburn Academy on ? ? 2017?
Probationary Constable- appointed 8 December 2017 ( aged 26 years & 13 days )
Constable – appointed ? December 2018
Constable 1st Class – appointed 8 December 2019
Final Rank = Constable 1st Class
Stations: Sydney City Police Area Command – Day St ( Pro Active Crime Team 2019 – 2020 )
Service: From? ? 2017? to 18 June 2020 = 2 years, 6 months & 12 days Service
Employment prior to NSWPF:
Australian Regular Army – enlisted 2009 – aged 17
Served until 2013
2nd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment Amphibious Light Infantry Unit
Police Awards: No Find On Australian Honours
Born: Wednesday25 November 1991
Died on: Thursday 18 June 2020
Age: 28 years, 6 months, 24 days
Cause: MVA – Rider – Off Duty – Returning home from Duty – Not at Fault
Event location: Schofields Road & Windsor Road, Rouse Hill, NSW
Event date: Thursday 18 June 2020 about 5.45pm
ORGAN DONOR
Funeral date: Monday 29 June 2020 @ 10am
Funeral location: St Mary’s Cathedral, College St, Sydney ( opposite Hyde Park ), NSW
All friends and former colleagues are invited to attend
Future Wake location: ???TBA
( Due to current Govt. restrictions of 50 persons only at ‘Gatherings’, there won’t be an immediate Wake )
Future Wake date: ???
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( June 2020 )
AARON is NOT mentioned ( BUT WILL BE ) on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
A motorcyclist who died in a crash at Rouse Hill yesterday has been identified as a serving NSW police officer.
Constable Aaron Vidal, aged 28, was travelling home after completing his duties at Sydney City Police Area Command when he was struck by a utility about 5.45pm (Thursday 18 June 2020).
Constable Vidal attested as part of class ‘332’ on Friday 8 December 2017, after which he commenced duties as a probationary constable at Sydney City. He was confirmed as a constable in December 2018.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller has extended his condolences to the Vidal family on behalf of the NSW Police Force.
“My thoughts are with Aaron’s family and fiancée, as well as his current and former colleagues at this difficult time,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“Aaron was one of six siblings and worked alongside his father, Chief Inspector David Vidal, at Sydney City.
“Dave has always been incredibly proud of his son following in his footsteps and walking the beat side-by-side with him.
“He spent his entire policing career at Sydney City Police Area Command, where he has been part of the Proactive Crime Team since late last year, targeting crimes that directly impact the community.
“On two occasions he had been formally recognised for good police work by members of the community, which shows that he was held in high regard by not only his peers, but the community he served.
“Prior to joining the police force, Aaron served in the Australian Army, which further demonstrates his commitment to serving and protecting the community,” Commissioner Fuller said.
Constable Vidal’s family has requested privacy at this time.
“To lose a child it is a pain that’s impossible to describe to anyone unless you’ve gone through it yourself,” David told me.
David Vidal is a shattered man.
In June last year his life changed forever.
“To lose a child it is a pain that’s impossible to describe to anyone unless you’ve gone through it yourself,” David told me.
David Vidal and his son Aaron were both in the New South Wales Police Force. (A Current Affair)
The father of six is a Chief Inspector in the New South Wales Police Force.
His son, Aaron, followed in his father’s footsteps.
“To stand by him side-by-side in the uniform of the New South Wales Police was one of the proudest days of my life,” David remembers.
Aaron died when his motorbike collided with another vehicle. (A Current Affair)
After serving his country in the army, Aaron fulfilled his dream – to wear the blue uniform.
“I knew he was going to be an amazing policeman … he had the qualities that you look for in a cop,” David said.
“I fully expected if I was in the police force long enough that he’d end up being my boss – he had the most enormous potential.”
Aaron Vidal and his fiancé Jess. (A Current Affair)
Aaron was riding his motorcycle home after a night shift when he was hit by a car and killed.
“In that split second my life changed forever – my family’s life changed forever,” David told me through his tears.
“It was like a part of me had been torn from me.”
Aaron and his fiancé Jess were due to be married but had to defer because of COVID-19.
Aaron Vidal’s son Etzio was born after Aaron died.
But they started their family.
Etzio was born after Aaron died.
“Not much positive has come out of COVID,” David said.
“But that’s one thing we are thankful for because otherwise we wouldn’t have Aaron’s son … my grandson.
“Etzio is our living part of Aaron that we still have.”
Aaron died when his motorbike collided with a car driven by Tommy Balla.
Balla pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death.
Aaron Vidal died when his motorbike collided with a car driven by Tommy Balla.
Judge Stephen Hanley heard he turned in front of Aaron’s motorbike.
But the court also heard the 28-year-old police officer had allegedly breached road rules by illegally lane filtering.
David has been at Balla’s every court appearance.
“The court process was very hard in a lot of aspects,” he said.
“Obviously hearing about the circumstances as to how your son is killed is difficult to hear, no matter how it happens.”
David Vidal. (A Current Affair)
“We’re not looking for vengeance or revenge, we’re looking for justice.”
Facing 10 years in prison – Balla was sentenced to a two-year Intensive Corrections Order – no jail time.
On Friday the case is back before Judge Hanley to determine if Balla qualifies for home detention.
The Vidal family is determined to make a difference and is now helping establish a Road Trauma Victims Support Group to help others better understand the legal process.
“This is really a dire need … there needs to be much more support out there to help victims,” David said.
“They are already going through massive trauma, but to be further traumatised by the process is terrible, we can’t allow that to happen.
Aaron Vidal. (A Current Affair)
“(As a police officer) I’ve told parents that their child’s never coming home, and I’ve walked away.
“Whilst I felt their pain, I could never really understand their pain and now that I’ve gone through it, I know that nobody can understand that pain unless you’ve gone through it yourself.”
The support group is the brainchild of the Highway Patrol’s Crash Investigation Unit boss, Katie Orr.
“I started to think, how do we support these families,” she told me.
“And how do we help the police support these families (with) the ongoing trauma – I guess the police as well – we’re all human, have families, have children.”
She’s seen proof the support group is empowering families impacted by road trauma.
“We had our first Road Trauma Support Group meeting in March this year and we had about 40 families.”
The Vidal’s know nothing will ease their pain, but they want to ensure others facing the same trauma get the support they need.
They want that to be Aaron’s legacy.
“As hard as it is to do all this and it is hard because I’m still grieving – I do it for Aaron, so that his death is not in vain,” David said.
As David showed me a beautiful photograph of his grandson, I asked him: “what happens if Etzio, one day, says to his grandfather, ‘I want to be a policeman’?”
Over 1,000 people are killed on the road and over 40,000 people admitted to hospital annually in Australia*. The numbers are getting worse, not better. It’s time for change. This is an open letter to the NSW Government, the Australian Federal Government, The Director of Public Prosecutions NSW and the Insurance Council of Australia.
As the voice of families who have experienced road trauma we are seeking change. Too many people die on the roads through the criminal act of another. It is our vision that no more families will ever experience the death of a loved one in this way.
The Road Trauma Support Group NSW Australia petition for the following 7 reforms:
1. New language: We seek a new language for reporting road crime. Firstly, the term ‘accident’, risks making crashes seem inevitable and unavoidable. Most often these are NOT accidents but collisions that could have been avoided. Secondly, call it what it is consistently – road deaths caused by a criminal act of another should be called Vehicular Manslaughter or in extreme cases Vehicular Homicide.
2. Stronger deterrent: Stop being soft on road killers and repeat offenders. When a person is killed by a criminal act of another on the road a recommended sentence of at least 5 years with an increase of the maximum sentence to 25 years consistent with the current maximum penalty for manslaughter. Licences are a privilege not a right. People who cause death on the road or have been proven unfit to drive should lose their license for a minimum of 10 years and then they should have to prove they have not committed any offences and have completed traffic offender courses/Victim impact panels.
3. Reform legislation: Urgent Change is needed to the legislative system to ensure justice is served. Greater emphasis should be made to ensure that the judiciary is NOT to give greater weight to the impact on or welfare of the offender over the victims. The Judiciary must consider in their judgement in detail the impact upon the living victims.
4. Support for victims: Formal recognition that every road death leaves behind many living victims. These victims need to be recognised and supported in their grief and assisted through their trauma. Currently perpetrators of road crime get treated better than victims of road crime. The impacts of their illegal acts not only cause death but also a tidal wave of trauma and destruction through families and our community. The knock on ripple effect is widespread and costly.
5. Overhaul of CTP Insurance system: The current CTP system is ineffective, outdated and cruel for people undergoing a traumatic event. We propose a review of current mechanisms in place to support all victims of road crime.
6. Victim Impact Panels: Mandatory attendance for all DUI and repeat road offenders at Victim Impact Panels. The purpose of the Victim Impact Panel (VIP) program is to help drunk and drugged and repeat driving offenders to recognise and internalise the lasting and long-term effects of dangerous and substance-impaired driving. The objective is to create an empathy and understanding of the tragedy, leave a permanent impression that leads to changes in thinking and behaviour and prevents future offences. The right ripple effect.
7. Education: More needs to be done to prevent and manage road crime. Firstly, this means better educating internal stakeholders such as the Police, DPP and Judiciary regarding managing road crime and road trauma victims. Secondly, making road responsibilities and the impact of road crime a formal part of the education process of our youth, driver’s licence applicants and repeat traffic offenders.
* 1,125 deaths in last 12 months to May 2021, 2.4% up on previous 12 months. Source: Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport Regional Development and Communications. Australian Road Deaths Database.
Dead NSW off-duty police officer an expectant father
A motorcyclist who died in a crash in Sydney’s north-west has been identified as an off-duty police officer who was expecting his first child.
NSW Police constable Aaron Vidal, 28, died on Thursday afternoon after he was struck by a ute in Rouse Hill while travelling home from work.
He leaves behind a pregnant fiancée.
Police alleged in court that 37-year-old Tommy Balla drove the ute through a red light at an intersection.
Balla appeared in Blacktown Local Court on Friday on charges of dangerous driving occasioning death and negligent driving occasioning death.
He was granted conditional bail preventing him from driving a motor vehicle and is due to appear before the same court on August 14.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said in a statement Constable Vidal had been recognised within the force for his commitment to protecting the community.
“On two occasions, he had been formally recognised for good police work by members of the community, which shows that he was held in high regard by not only his peers, but the community he served,” Mr Fuller said in the statement on Friday.
Deputy Commissioner Jeff Loy said Constable Vidal worked alongside his father David, a duty officer, at the Day Street Police Station in Sydney’s CBD.
Constable Vidal had been confirmed as a constable in December 2018 and was attached to the force’s “proactive crime team“.
“He was a man of service – he was a member of the armed forces before he joined the police force and really, a 28-year-old young man on the journey of life,” Mr Loy said.
“There’s a lot of people around that young lady [Constable Vidal’s fiancée] today, also his father, and he has five other siblings – so it’s a big family.
“Police deal with tragedy and trauma but when we lose a young officer in really such a wasteful way in some respects … it really hits us in the heart.”
Police Minister David Elliott said Constable Vidal‘s passing left a significant mark on the police community.
“Mr Vidal was a dearly valued and loved member of the Sydney City Police Area Command since graduating in 2017, and worked alongside his father, Chief Inspector David Vidal,” Mr Elliott said in a statement.
“Both had previously served in the Australian Army and, as proud veterans, continued to serve the community as members of the NSW Police Force.”
A ute driver accused of running a red light before hitting and killing a young police officer in Sydney’s north-west has been released on bail.
Tommy Balla, 37, was turning onto Schofields Road from Windsor Road in Rouse Hill during evening peak last night when he knocked constable Aaron Vidal off his motorbike.
Paramedics were called but the 28-year-old officer died at the scene.
Tommy Balla, 37, has been charged with negligent driving and dangerous driving occasioning death. (Supplied)
On the beat – Mr Vidal (right) with a colleague ( his father – David ) from the Sydney City Police Area Command. (NSW Police)
Mr Balla wasn’t injured in the crash but is now facing charges of dangerous driving and negligent driving occasioning death.
The father of two told the court he believes the traffic lights were amber, not red, when he made the turn.
Police colleagues have today paid tribute to the slain officer.
Mr Vedal worked at Sydney City Police Area Command alongside his father, Chief Inspector David Vedal, since graduating as a police officer in 2017.
Mr Balla, a father to two young children, has been released on bail. (Supplied)
The 37-year-old told police he believes the traffic lights were amber, not red, when he made the turn. (Supplied)
He had been involved with the force’s “proactive crime team”, which investigated criminal activity in the inner city and monitored street protests.
“He was a man of service – he was a member of the armed forces before he joined the police force and really, a 28-year-old young man on the journey of life,” Police Deputy Commissioner Jeff Loy said.
Mr Vedal had been planning his wedding with his fiancée.
Mr Vidal pictured with his fiancée. The couple had been planning their upcoming wedding. (NSW Police)
The scene of the crash where Mr Vidal was killed yesterday. A ute driver has now been charged. (9News)
“There’s a lot of people around that young lady (Const. Vidal’s fiancée) today, also his father, and he has five other siblings – so it’s a big family,” Deputy Commissioner Loy said.
“Police deal with tragedy and trauma but when we lose a young officer in really such a wasteful way in some respects … it really hits us in the heart.”
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller also offered his condolences to Mr Vidal’s family.
“My thoughts are with Aaron’s family and fiancée, as well as his current and former colleagues at this difficult time,” Mr Fuller said in a statement.
“Aaron was one of six siblings and worked alongside his father, Chief Inspector David Vidal, at Sydney City.
Mr Vidal with his fiancée. The family has requested privacy as they grieve. (NSW Police)
Mr Vidal served in the army before joining the NSW Police Force. (NSW Police)
“Dave has always been incredibly proud of his son following in his footsteps and walking the beat side-by-side with him.”
Mr Fuller said Mr Vidal had been formally recognised for good police work by members of the public twice during his short career, which “shows that he was held in high regard by not only his peers, but the community he served”.
Before joining the NSW Police Force, Mr Vidal served in the Australian Army.
Do The Work or Pay Later is the message in almost all things but it doesn’t make sense until it’s to late let’s chat tonight and passively see how we are going in life as we head into the weekend.
Also tonight we shall be giving a minutes silence for the Thin Blue Line of the loss of Aaron Vidal former soldier turned Cop along side his father David like so many soldiers do.
Police lined the streets and crowds stood outside St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney on Monday for the funeral of 28-year-old police officer Constable Aaron Vidal from Bligh Park.
The father-to-be died after his motorbike was involved in a crash at the intersection of Windsor and Schofields roads just before 5.45pm on Thursday, June 18 on his way home from work.
His fiancée Jess Loh told mourners at the funeral that the couple were expecting a baby boy.
Channel 7 News reported that Aaron Vidal was an organ donor and two people will benefit from his gift of life.
The driver of the utility involved in the crash, a 37-year-old man from The Ponds has been charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, and negligent driving occasioning death.
Constable Vidal, worked at Sydney City Police Area Command alongside his father, Chief Inspector David Vidal.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said: “Dave has always been incredibly proud of his son following in his footsteps and walking the beat sideby – side with him.”
Constable Vidal was part of class ‘332’ and started duties as a probationary constable at the Day Street Police Station in December 2017. He was confirmed as a constable in December 2018.
He joined the Proactive Crime Team at the end of last year, targeting crimes that directly impact the community.
Commissioner Fuller said: “On two occasions he had been formally recognised for good police work by members of the community, which shows that he was held in high regard by not only his peers, but the community he served.”
“Prior to joining the police force, Aaron served in the Australian Army, which further demonstrates his commitment to serving and protecting the community,” he said.
PARRAMATTA, Australia — As a police officer, David Vidal has seen many bodies, but he cannot rid himself of the moment he had to identify his high-achieving son.
“That image of Aaron on the table, lying with his life and soul squeezed out of him, replays in my head again and again,” said Vidal, Chief Inspector, to Parramatta District Court on June 4. “I cannot burn that from my memory.”
Constable Aaron Vidal, an expectant father in his dream career alongside his father in the New South Wales Police Force, was killed on his way home from work in June 2020.
The four-year Army veteran’s motorcycle was hit by a car driven by wannabe rapper Tommy Balla, who had run a red light in an intersection in Sydney’s Hills District.
Josephine Vidal, Jessica Loh and Chief Inspector David Vidal speak to reporters about the death of Constable Aaron Vidal outside Parramatta District Court in Sydney, Friday, June 4, 2021. (AAP Image/Luke Costin)
“I know he did not do it with intention (of killing Aaron),” he said. “But no one on the roads today does not know the potential running a red light could and, in this case, did have.”
Vidal told the court how his son’s death stripped him of his best friend and passion for policing.
Vidal’s mother lost a piece of her soul. His broken-hearted younger sister forfeited her empathy while a younger brother was robbed of his best man at a future wedding.
Jessica Loh, widowed by the crash, said her life of excitement had turned to a daily struggle, as she cares for their baby born after the crash.
She recalled receiving a doctor’s call confirming the gender of her baby minutes after saying goodbye to her husband at a funeral home.
Father-of-two Tommy Balla (centre) leaves Parramatta District Court in Sydney, Friday, June 4, 2021. Balla faced a sentence hearing after pleading guilty to dangerous driving occasioning the death of Aaron Vidal, a police constable on his way from work to his pregnant fiancee at home. (AAP Image/Luke Costin)
Her last message from Vidal came minutes before he died.
“Got out early, babe, jumping on the bike now,” he texted.
But, uncharacteristically, he never showed up, said Loh.
“I called and messaged repeatedly but still no response.”
A check of a traffic website sparked her worst nightmare before she drove to the crash site.
“I kept repeating, ‘Hang in there, babe, I will be there soon,” she said.
While police officers would not tell her if he was OK, she quickly saw the answer for herself; the constable’s body in the wreckage, his bloodied bag on the ground nearby.
“I felt numb, sick, and empty,” she said. “I started thinking I would lose our baby next.”
The “violent and meaningless tragedy” left her envious of those in her mothers’ group who had husbands to go home to, she said.
“I have a beautiful baby boy, and I am very happy to have him in my life,” she said. “But with each exciting milestone, there’s a reminder of what’s missing.”
Balla, 38, who broke down in tears when the court adjourned for lunch, is due to be sentenced later on June 4.
A man is set to be spared jail time for causing a devastating collision that killed a beloved young police officer and father-to-be last year.
Constable Aaron Vidal died when his motorcycle slammed into the ute driven by Tommy Balla, who had run a red light at Rouse Hill in Sydney’s northwest on June 18, 2020.
Constable Vidal, 28, had just finished a shift in the city and was riding home to his pregnant fiancee Jessica Loh when his life was cut tragically short.
Constable Aaron Vidal and Tommy Balla.
Balla, 38, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving occasioning death and told Constable Vidal’s family during a hearing at Parramatta District Court last month he would never forgive himself.
Facing 10 years in jail, Judge Stephen Hanley on Monday sentenced him to a two-year prison term to be served in the community by way of an intensive corrections order.
But the court heard Balla first needs to pass a home detention application in order to avoid the jail time. If unsuccessful he will serve his sentence behind bars.
The judgment came after Judge Hanley found Constable Vidal had himself breached the road rules by illegally lane filtering just before he hit the side of Balla’s Mitsubishi Triton as it turned across Windsor Road.
Constable Vidal with his father and fellow officer, Chief Inspector David Vidal.
The court heard witnesses reported seeing the motorcycle moving “fast” past several stationary cars stopped at the intersection, travelling at up to 50 to 60km/h.
Judge Hanley said the speed limit for lane filtering – an “inherently dangerous” manoeuvre – was 30km/h and as a police officer Constable Vidal should have known better.
“I’m satisfied the (crash) would not have occurred if the victim was observing the rules … and in that sense contributed to the collision,” he said.
The court heard the young cop, however, was faced with a green light and was entitled to believe no vehicle would be illegally travelling across the intersection. The speed limit on Windsor Road is 80km/h.
Tommy Balla was on a call using his cars wireless Bluetooth system when he ran a red light and killed a young police officer. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dylan Coker
Balla proceeded to turn across the “very busy” intersection at peak hour onto Schofields Road two seconds after the turning arrow had turned red, the court heard.
He claimed not to have noticed the red lights and said in his police interview he believed it was still amber.
At the time the father-of-two was speaking on the phone via Bluetooth and had his 21-month-old child in the front passenger seat.
Judge Hanley said Constable Vidal’s “tragic and unnecessary death … occurred as a result of (Balla’s) inattentiveness”.
He accepted Balla was “sincerely and profoundly” remorseful and had been living “in his own prison” due to serious mental health issues and public humiliation from media reporting.
“I accept he has excellent prospects of rehabilitation and I would be very surprised if he reoffended,” he said.
There was no evidence Balla was affected by drugs or alcohol, and he had a good driving record, the court heard.
Judge Hanley said the crash occurred in a “split second” and found neither Balla nor Constable Vidal would have seen each other coming.
Chief Inspector David Vidal and partner of Aaron Vidal, Jessica Loh, arrive at court on Monday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dylan Coker
Constable Vidal had followed his father, Chief Inspector David Vidal, into the NSW Police force in 2017 after previously serving in the Australian Army.
The father and son worked together at Day Street police station in the CBD at the time of Constable Vidal’s death.
At the time he was excitedly expecting the birth of his first child, a boy named Etzio, and was engaged to be married to his soulmate Ms Loh.
Judge Hanley said Constable Vidal’s family had suffered “immeasurable pain” from the loss of a “larger than life” young man who brightened every life he touched.
He said Balla’s family had also become “innocent victims” in the fallout from the crash, saying there were “no winners” from the tragic incident.
Balla has been granted bail as he awaits the outcome of his home detention assessment.
Aaron Vidals fiancee Jessica Loh and father Chief Inspector David Vidal embrace at the constables funeral at St Mary’s Cathedral. Picture: Rohan Kelly
‘Aaron was my hero’: Family mourns police officer killed in crash as motorist assessed for home detention
The family of a police officer who was killed when a motorist ran a red light and hit the father-to-be say they will feel the loss of their son, husband and friend for the rest of their lives.
It’s been just over a year since Constable Aaron Vidal, 28, suffered fatal injuries in a crash with a Mitsubishi Triton ute at the intersection of Windsor and Schofields roads in Rouse Hill. Tradesman Tommy Balla, 38, had run a red light. He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving occasioning death.
Chief Inspector David Vidal and his sons fiancée Jessica Loh outside the court on Monday. Credit: Nick Moir
On Monday, Parramatta District Court heard Balla would be assessed to serve two years’ imprisonment in home detention, with Judge Stephen Hanley describing him as profoundly remorseful and living “in his own prison”.
Balla had made a “split-second decision” to proceed into the intersection, which was a “misjudgement”, Judge Hanley said.
“If he’s not suitable for a home detention order, he’ll have to serve a term of imprisonment of two years,” he said.
Outside court, Chief Inspector David Vidal, who held a photo of his son, linked arms with Constable Vidal’s fiancee, Jessica Loh, as the pair told reporters, through tears, that they continued to feel the loss of him every day.
“We’re heartbroken and devastated as we were a year ago when we lost Aaron,” Chief Inspector Vidal said. “And we will continue to [feel this way] for the rest of our lives. Aaron was my hero.
“His parents are heartbroken, his siblings are heartbroken, his fiancee is heartbroken, his friends and his colleagues are heartbroken. Probably worst of all, he leaves behind a son he will never know.”
Chief Inspector Vidal said his son had dedicated his short life to protecting others and serving his country: first in the Australian Army and then in the NSW Police Force, where they worked alongside each other at Sydney City police area command.
He added that, while nothing could bring his son back, more needed to be done to support victims of road trauma. He called on the NSW government and community to introduce better education programs, judicial reform to increase prison sentences for offenders, and increased support for the loved ones of victims of road trauma.
Ms Loh said the couple’s son had got her through the last year, but she wished Constable Vidal had been alive to see him.
Chief Inspector Vidal added they would do everything they could to ensure Constable Vidal’s son knew what “an incredible human being Aaron was”.
Ms Loh told Balla’s sentence hearing last month she had been waiting for her partner to arrive home but checked a traffic website and raced to the crash site, where he had died.
After farewelling her partner in the funeral home, she received a call confirming the gender of their baby and went back inside to hold his hand and tell him they would be having a boy.
Balla said he had learnt a “very cruel life lesson … that things can change rapidly for the worst” and his actions are a “haunting reality”.
“Knowing Mr Vidal will never experience the joy of becoming a father hurts me the most,” he said, adding that Ms Loh had given birth to “a baby boy he will never get to meet because of me”.
“I do not ask or expect forgiveness … as I will never forgive myself.”
Judge Hanley on Monday said the statements given had been a “deeply moving and emotional experience” and no one present was unaffected by the “substantial loss”, which for Constable Vidal’s family is “immeasurable and everlasting”.
The judge said after watching dashcam footage of the crash, the right-hand turn traffic light from Windsor Road into Schofields Road had turned from amber to red, and was red for approximately two seconds before Balla crossed the solid white line and entered the intersection. Constable Vidal entered from the other direction on a green light and collided with the side of the ute as it turned.
Judge Hanley said, based on witness accounts and the footage, the victim was attempting to get in front of a stationary vehicle on his motorcycle and “most likely lane filtering in a speed and manner in breach of the road rules”.
But despite his manner of driving, the off-duty police officer was “entitled to believe there would be no vehicle illegally traversing” across Windsor Road.
The judge said the “tragic and unnecessary death” occurred as a result of Balla’s inattentiveness. However, he was satisfied he did not deliberately or intentionally ignore the red light warnings.
He was further satisfied the collision would not have occurred if the victim was observing the specific road rules around lane filtering, at a speed of 30km/h or less, but reiterated Balla caused the fatal crash by illegally crossing the intersection in circumstances dangerous to other road users.
The judge believed Balla was profoundly remorseful, to a level rarely seen in his more than four-decade career in law, and was satisfied he had excellent prospects for rehabilitation.
“I would be surprised if he ever reoffended,” the judge said, adding that Balla “will remain in his own prison … unless he can find a way out”.
Judge Hanley hoped all of those affected “will not be anchored to this for the rest of their lives”.
The judge convicted Balla, who remains on bail, and ordered a home detention assessment, with the intention of imposing a two-year intensive correction order to commence when the part-heard sentence returns to court in August.
Dept. records indicate he was attached to Hurstville at the time of Retirement. Other records indicate Sutherland.
Service: From3 June 1954 to 28 October 1989 = 35 years, 4 months, 25 days Service
Awards: No Find on Australian Honours – although
NSW Police Imperial Service & Good Conduct medal – granted ? May 1971
NSW Police Long Service & Good Conduct Medal – granted 25 June 1980
Police Medal – with 35 year Clasp – granted 29 October 2008
National Police Service Medal – granted 22 December 2016
Born: Monday 9 August 1937 at Waverley, NSW
Died on: Tuesday 9 June 2020 at Sutherland, NSW
Age: 82 years, 10 months
Cause: Complained of headaches but wouldn’t go to Hospital until he suffered a Stroke where he suffered another Stroke. He had been diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer 2 months earlier.
Event location: Sutherland Hospital, NSW
Event date: ?
Funeral date: 17 June 2020
Funeral location: Woronora Memorial Park, Sutherland, NSW
( Due to current Govt. restrictions of 20 – 50 persons at a Funeral due to the Cornona19 Virus Pandemic – this will be a Private Funeral )
Future Wake location: ???Unknown
( Due to current Govt. restrictions of 50 persons only at ‘Gatherings’, there won’t be an immediate Wake )
Future Wake date: ???
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: Olsens Funerals, Sutherland, NSW
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: Nil
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( June 2020 )
KEVIN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Kev is remembered, by his many work mates, as having NSW Number plates KEV-000 displayed on his vehicle(s) – an old yellow Chrysler then a gold Holden Statesman at Hurstville.
He is also remembered as being a great bloke by his work mates.
He has been highly respect by all that have worked with him and is being greatly missed by his wife, children, grand children, sister & brother-in-law.
If everyone had Kevin’s integrity and loved and cared for their family and friends as Kevin did, the world would be a much better place.
Kevin Robert RAUE
24/06/2020
Kevin Robert RAUE
AKA ?
Late of Tweed Heads, NSW & Solomon Islands – Vanuatu
NSW Redfern Police Academy Class # 124
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 14290
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Academy on ? ? ?
Probationary Constable- appointed 14 September 1970
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed 14 September 1979
Detective – appointed ? ? ? ( Yes )
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 21 March 1986
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Appears in the 1988 Stud Book as a Sgt but not the 1989 issue
Final Rank = ?
Stations: ?, Central ( 1 Division ), Special Branch, Leeton Dets, Blacktown Dets, Homicide Squad, National Crime Authority ( NCA ), ?, North West Major Crime – Retirement
Service: From? ? pre Sept 1970? to 17 January 1989 ( Resignation ) = 18 years Service
Awards: National Medal – granted 8 June 1988 ( Det Sgt )
Born: Wednesday 11 July 1951
Died on: Thursday 4 June 2020
Age: 68 years, 10 months & 24 days
Cause: ?
Event location: ?
Event date: ?
Funeral date: Tuesday 16 June 2020 @ 1pm
Funeral location: Tweed Heads Memorial Gardens and Crematorium, 176 Kirkwood Road Tweed Heads NSW
( Due to current Govt. restrictions of 20 – 50 persons at a Funeral due to the Cornona19 Virus Pandemic – this will be a Private Funeral )
( Due to current Govt. restrictions of 50 persons only at ‘Gatherings’, there won’t be an immediate Wake )
Future Wake date: ???
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( May 2020 )
Det Cst 1/c Kevin RAUE – Leeton CIB
KEVIN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Kevin Raue comes from an extensive policing background having served as an operational police officer, specialising in criminal investigations, in Australia and Papua New Guinea over a 25-year period.
Mr. RAUE is currently the Deputy Team Leader, Justice and Corrections Coordinator, with the Solomon Islands Justice Program (SIJP), coordinating Development Programs in the justice sector in the Solomon Islands for the GoA through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
He has been involved in international development program management throughout the Pacific and Asia since 1996 specialising in Police development, Correctional Centre management and justice administration.
Prior to that he was a serving Police Officer in Australia and Papua New Guinea, completing his formal policing career in 1995 as the Deputy Director/Manager Investigations of the Australian Government’s Organised Crime agency, the National Crime Authority (NCA) now known as the Australian Crime Commission (ACC).
Skills
•Criminal investigations
•Project Management, Leadership and coordination of Police and Law and Justice (capacity building) development programs (Pacific/Asia)
•Community Safety programs
•Aviation security
•Public Sector reform/Governance
•Technical advising/coaching/mentoring Police, Corrections and Justice sector professionals
Part of Class 124. Richard HURST ( first on the right ) Kevin RAUE ( 3rd from right ) ( RIP – 4 June 2020 ) Photo via Phillip Brand.
Tue 9 June 2020 at 12:38 PM · Staff at the Australian High Commission are deeply saddened to learn that our good friend and colleague, Kevin Raue, recently passed away. Kevin had a great love and respect for Solomon Islands and spent many years working here, particularly with CSSI and justice sector colleagues. We will miss Kevin immensely – his wonderful presence and commitment were an inspiration to us all.
Det ?, Det Sgt Kevin RAUE, one of Anita Cobby’s killers, Det Cst 1/c Garry HESKETT
On this coming Tuesday 16th of June a police legend, a great Australian, Kevin Robert Raue, will be laid to rest in his hometown of Tweed Heads. Kevin passed away suddenly on Thursday 4th of June. Kevin was 68.
A dedicated, brilliant and decorated police officer he was one of the homicide detectives involved in the Anita Cobby case and led the investigation into the Janine Balding murder in 1988. A stellar 25 year career with NSW police followed by a successful career in Commonwealth law enforcement.
Kevin also made a huge contribution to policing and justice and corrections administration in New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and throughout Asia and is held in the highest of regards in all jurisdictions where he had input.
A humble and decent man Kevin was a credit to the New South Wales and Commonwealth policing tradition. A true altruist and human rights advocate who put the safety of the community as his highest priority. He represented everything that was and is good about our police force.
Due to covid-19 restrictions there will be a limit of 50 at Kevin’s funeral, a fraction of those who would have liked to attend and pay their respects. His funeral however will be live streamed starting at 12:55 p.m. this Tuesday.
( See link above )
Rest in peace Kevin
“Thank you for your service”
(Kevin is third third from left)
Excerpt from Police Heritage story p327
Anita Cobby’s movements were re-enacted the week after her murder, with Constable Debbie Wallace, Blacktown Police, playing the part of Anita Cobby in the re-enactment.
For the re-enactment, Debbie Wallace dressed in similar clothing to what Anita Cobby was wearing when Anita was murdered. Detective Senior Constable Kevin Raue of the Homicide Squad had asked Debbie Wallace to play the part of Anita and the reenactment was widely covered by the media. Debbie Wallace was designated a detective in 1989, and became a Detective Chief Inspector at Cabramatta Police. Some of the other police working on the Anita Cobby murder case were, Detective Sergeant Ian Kennedy,
Detective Sergeant Graham Rosetta, Senior Constable Hugh Dundas, Detective Senior Constable Phil Gaspert, Detective Constable 1
Class Garry Heskett, Paul Davies and Tony Cassimatis. The ranks of Davies and Cassimatis at the time are unknown to me.
Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995),
Wednesday 6 May 1987, page 8
Cobby defendant bashed, says QC
SYDNEY: A NSW Homicide Squad detective denied in court yesterday that he had extracted a false confession from a defendant in the Mrs Anita Cobby trial by having him repeatedly assaulted.
Mr Bill Hosking, QC, for Mr Michael Murphy, alleged that Detective-Sergeant Kevin Raue and Detective-Sergeant Ian Kennedy had conspired to fabricate his client’s statement and had had him bashed to secure his signature during questioning at Blacktown Police Station on February 26 last year.
Brothers Mr Leslie, 23, Mr Gary, 29, and Mr Michael Murphy, 34, and Mr Michael Murdoch, 19, are charged with the kidnap, abduction, sexual assault and murder of 26-year-old Sydney nurse Mrs Cobby on February 2 last year.
Mr Hosking said Sergeant Raue‘s statement of Mr Michael Murphy’s alleged confession was exactly the same as that prepared by Sergeant Kennedy, who headed the investigation into Mrs Cobby’s death. This was despite having prepared it last May 30, almost four months after the event.
Sergeant Raue said he had had access to Sergeant Kennedy‘s statement in preparing his own, but denied copying it. He said his and Sergeant Kennedy‘s statements appeared similar because they were from the same notes.
Mr Hosking alleged that the two detectives had collaborated in preparing the statement after a challenge to police evidence at the Glebe Coroner’s Court inquest last year.
“You made sure that the conversations tallied word for word,” he said. “You could not produce a version the same as Kennedy‘s without putting your heads together.”
Mr Hosking added, “Let me put this to you. You and Detective Kennedy conspired to produce a fabricated interview and secured a signature on it by having Michael Murphy assaulted repeatedly.”
Sergeant Raue denied the allegation. Earlier, he denied allegations by Mr Brad Mulligan, for Mr Leslie Murphy, that his client had been assaulted by detectives during questioning at Blacktown Police Station after he was picked up last February 24.
Sergeant Raue said Mr Murphy did not appear shaken or unsettled during about six hours of questioning.
Mr Mulligan said two other police officers had entered the interview room when Mr Murphy was alone and slapped him across the face.
The detective said Mr Murphy did not seem upset after he had been left alone briefly and he would be surprised if the alleged incident happened.
A Former NSW MP is being sued by two retired policeman involved in the investigation into the murder of Sydney woman Janine Balding. Kevin Raue and John Carroll have launched defamation action against former Upper House member Peter Breen over references in a book about the 1988 killings that he self-published. Three men are serving life for the murder.
Former NSW Upper House MP Peter Breen has been a busy boy since he was forced to resign from the Labor Party last year after stating his “love” for rapist and murderer Stephen “Shorty” Jamieson.
In July Dossier reported that two former detectives were suing the self-described “passionate” legal reformer over his 2006 book, Life As A Sentence. The True Story of the Janine Balding Murder.
John Carroll and Kevin Raue are claiming aggravated damages on several grounds, including Breen’s motivation for publication: “his love for Stephen Jamieson”.
Breen believes Jamieson and another person “B”, who was a juvenile at the time, were wrongly convicted of Balding’s rape and murder.
In his book, Breen comments on remarks by a radio talkback caller, who says “it sounds like I love B”.
“The statement causes me to blink at the stars. I remember how much Jack Begnell loves B and is committed to his cause. It is a form of love, I suppose, to believe in a person and work hard for them in the hope they receive mercy as well as justice. I love Shorty Jamieson no less and I’m not ashamed to say so.”
Now Breen is suing Nationwide News over several articles published in The Daily Telegraph and one in The Weekend Australian.
He’s pleading the following meanings:
(a) He is unfit to be a member of parliament because he is romantically in love with two vicious murderers.
(b) He holds a perverse attraction to two vicious murderers.
(c) He disgraced himself as a member of parliament by declaring his love for two convicted rapists and murderers.
(d) He holds a perverse attraction towards two convicted rapists and murderers.
(e) In declaring his romantic love for two convicted rapists and murderers, he is ridiculous as a member of parliament.
(f) As a member of parliament he engaged in disturbing conduct by declaring his romantic love for two violent sexual offenders.
(g) He holds a perverse attraction towards two violent sexual offenders.
(h) He is romantically in love with at least two murderers.
(i) He is an idiot.
(j) He lied to a reporter when he said that he had been admitted to St Vincent’s hospital.
On October 4, NSW District Court judge Judith Gibson refused an application by Breen’s barrister Bruce McClintock SC to strike out Nationwide’s defence of comment.
Gibson found that while there were inaccuracies and omissions in the articles, there were sufficient facts (complete and undistorted) to justify the comment defence being pleaded.
She gave Nationwide two weeks to replead the particulars of fact, setting out those that are relied upon for each imputation.
( Due to current Govt. restrictions of 10 persons only at ‘Gatherings’, there won’t be an immediate Wake )
Future Wake date: ? TBA
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( May 2020 )
Geoff HAMMOND ( Blue jumper ), with Peter McDonnell & Lindsay Gordon DAFTER ( on right in green shirt )
GORDON is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Charges of negligent driving against two motorists whose cars had overturned, were dismissed by Mr. A. S. McDonald, S.M., in the Deepwater Court of Petty Sessions.
They are Alfred George Schott, electro-painter, of Hurstville South, and Ronald John Stream, salesman’s operator, of Tenterfield.
Both pleaded not guilty.
Stream: was represented by Mr. J. Turner ( Stewart and- Cook, Tenterfield ).
In Schott’s case, Constable Lindsay Gordon Dafter, of Deepwater police, stated that at about 11.50 a.m. on December 27, Schott was driving a Riley sedan north along the New England Highway. About one and a half miles south of Tenterfield, said Constable Dafter, Schott passed through a set of railway gates, skidded in loose gravel, and overturned. Schott had said he was travelling at about 30 m.p.h. when the accident occurred. I
n evidence, Schott said he passed slowly through the railway gates and was about to change into third gear when the car skidded and overturned. ” The car hit white stones on the roadway, which had been previously scattered, and rolled over, ” he added.
Mr. McDonald held that negligence had not been proved, and dismissed the charge.
Avoided Lorry In Stream’s case,
Constable Norman Lindsay Jones said that at about 9.10 pm. on December 17, Stream was driving a Vanguard sedan on the Deepwater -Emmaville Road. At about; three Miles west of Deepwater, said Constable Jones, Stream’s car skidded on a bend in the road and overturned. Stream had stated that he saw a lorry approaching, swung his car to the left, drove into loose gravel on the side of the road and overturned.
In evidence, Stream; said he was travelling at about 35 miles per hour when he saw the lorry approaching. As he veered to the left, the car started to sway in the loose gravel and overturned.
Mr. McDonald said Stream may have been driving a bit too fast, but he could not hold he drove negligently. He dismissed the charge.
A two-year-old boy died in the Glen Innes District Hospital this morning from injuries he received in a car accident yesterday.
Four other members of his family were injured in the accident.
His baby sister was reported ” very ill ” this afternoon.
The dead boy was Warren Dafter, son of Constable and Mrs. Gordon Dafter, of Deepwater.
He received a laceration to the scalp, an injury to the forehead and a probable injury to the lung and was admitted to the hospital in a critical condition.
List of Injuries Others injured were:
Gordon Dafter (27), shock and a possible fracture of the ribs and spine. Condition this afternoon described as satisfactory.
Dafter’s wife, Valerie (26). severe ulcerations to the face and left leg and thigh. Condition unavailable.
Their baby daughter Denise ( five months ), concussion and shock. Described as ” very ill “.
Their son Terence (7), concussion and shock, condition satisfactory.
Mist, Dust
The accident happened on the New England Highwaytwo and a half miles south of Deepwater about 6.35 a.m. yesterday.
The Dafters were on their way to spend a holiday with Mrs. Dafter’s people at The Entrance.
In mist and thick dust, their English sedan car ran into the back of a semi-trailer travelling in the same direction with a load of car springs.
Police said today that Dafter had overtaken one semi-trailer safely.
Vision Obscured
The dust from the road, which is being made ready for black-topping by the DMR, had apparently combined with mist to obscure Dafter‘s vision and the car had run into the back of the second semi.
The driver of the semi, Lancelot Leslie Hepper, of Hargrave Park, Sydney, escaped unhurt.
A nearby resident contacted Deepwater Police.
X-Rays
Glen Innes ambulance took the five injured people to Glen Innes District Hospital.
Doctors today were x-raying Const, and Mrs. Dafter and Terence and Denise.
An inquest into Warren Dafter’s death will be conducted on a date to be fixed.
A five-months-old girl who was injured in a car accident near Deepwater on Sunday, died in the Glen Innes District Hospital this morning.
She was Denise Dafter daughter of Constable and Mrs. Gordon Dafter, of Deepwater. She died at 3.30 a.m.
Constable Dafter and his wife and a son, Terence, are in a satisfactory condition, but two-year-old Warren Dafter died in the District Hospital on Monday morning.
Warren‘s funeral took place yesterday afternoon. The cortege, which moved from the Catholic church, Glen Innes, to the Glen Innes cemetery, was led by traffic constables D. J. Mogan and S. J. Manuel, of Glen Innes police, riding motor cycles.
There was no indication of negligence on the part of either driver concerned in a fatal accident between a car and a semi-trailer on the New England Highway on March 21, Det. Sergt. F. W. Collings said in Glen Innes Coroner’s Court yesterday.
Sergt. Collings was giving evidence at an inquest into the deaths of Warren John Dafter (2) and Denise Joy Dafter (five months), who died from Injuries received to the accident.
‘ The Deputy-Coroner (Mr. A. R. Mitchell ) adjourned the inquest to next Thursday, June 3. He did this because the driver of the semi-trailer involved in the accident ( Lancelot Leslie HEPPER ) Could not attend the Court yesterday owing to illness.
Sergt. Collins said that about 5pm on March 21, in company with Senior Constable Ralph Dudley MASTERS, of the Police Scientific Bureau, Tamworth, he went to Guyra and interviewed Hepper. ” He informed me he was the driver of the semi-trailer involved in the accident, which occurred about two and a half miles south of Deepwater early that morning, ” Sergt. Collings said.
” Const. Masters made an inspection of the semi-trailer and took photographs and measurements. ” We inspected the scene of the accident the next morning.
DUSTY
” I drove the Police utility over the Section of road at bout 30 miles an hour, and, although it had rained two hours previously, the dust disturbed by the vehicle would be sufficient to obstruct the view of a driver travelling at the rear.
” We inspected the car at Jackson’s garage in Deepwater. It was badly damaged in the front portion.
” From examining the semi-trailer and the car, I formed the opinion that the car, driven by Const. Lindsay Gordon Dafter, had run under the rear of the semi-trailer for such a distance that it had hit the axle of the trailer, which would be five feet from the trailer’s extreme outside edge.
” Sergt. Collings said he interviewed Dafter in the District Hospital, and Dafter had told him ; ” I was driving along the highway. There was a mist and I had the windscreen wipers going. I had just got over the incline when a cloud of dust hit my windscreen.
” I put my foot on the brake so I could pull up and clean the windscreen, and as I did so my wife called out : ‘Look out for the truck.’ ” The next thing I remember was waking up in the hospital.
30-35 M.P.H.
“I was doing about 30 to 35 miles an hour along the road when the accident occurred.
” Sergt. Collings said he had interviewed Mrs. Valerie Dafter, who had also been in hospital, and she had agreed that the speed would be no more than 30 or 35 miles an hour.
” Mrs. Dafter, was very badly injured and is still receiving medical attention in Sydney, ” Sergt. Collings said.
“Owing to her condition, she was unable to attend this Court to-day.”
Sergt. Collings said that from his inquiries, he was of the opinion that the accident had been caused by a sudden cloud of dust adhering to the wet windscreen of Dafter‘s car, and by the fact that the semi-trailer had reduced speed considerably because of a mechanical defect.
“I am satisfied that Dafter took every precaution and, in fact, was applying his brakes when the accident occurred.
” In my opinion there was no negligence on the part of either driver,” Sergt. Collings said.
D.M.R. Work
In reply to a question by Mr. H. L. Liston (appearing to watch Dafter‘s interests) Sergt. Collings said the Main Roads Department had been preparing the road for sealing at the point where the accident happened. ” They had put light gravel on the section and the surface was soft,” he said.
Robert Samuel Irwin, medical practitioner, said he attended both the fatally-injured children in the Glen Innes District Hospital.
” Warren had severe lacerations to the scalp, a fractured skull, injuries due to a punctured wound of the lung, concussion and shock,” he said.
He did not regain consciousness and died about 5am the day after the accident.
Denise had shock and concussion. Her general condition at first was fairly good, but she became much worse on the afternoon of March 22.
Haemorrhage
” I performed an operation which indicated a haemorrhage to the brain. She died early on the morning of March 24 from brain injury and haemorrhage.”
Senior-Constable Masters said he had been engaged in the investigation of serious and fatal accidents during the past 11 years.
He said the surface of the road at the point of the accident had a fine screening of dust at the time.
” I formed the conclusion that the accident occurred on the vehicles’ correct side of the road,” he said.
” The truck is of nine tons 13 cwt weight unladen and was laden with 11 tons of springs, making a total weight of 21 tons. The vehicle was in a roadworthy condition.”
Const. Masters told Mr. Liston the accident had damaged the rear lights of the semi-trailer.
Senior Constable N. L. Jones ( Deepwater ) gave evidence that he had driven with Dafter on a number of occasions and Dafter was ” a careful and capable driver.”
No Liquor
” There was no sign of liquor on Dafter or Hepper after the accident,” he said.
Sergt. Collings at this stage told Mr. Mitchell that Hepper was ill in Sydney and was therefore unable to attend the Court.
Dafter, giving, evidence, said that on the day of the accident he had left home in his car with his wife and family about 6 am.
” Between Deepwater and the railway crossing, I overtook one semi-trailer,” he said. ‘ Going up the hill on the other side of the crossing the atmosphere was misty and foggy and I had the wiper working. ” It was all right until the dust got on it and then it blurred over. I decided to stop and clean the windscreen. ” I had taken my foot off the accelerator and put it on brake pedal. The dust was thick for about 20 yards then seemed to clear suddenly.
Braked Hard
” I would not like to say how far I was from the truck when I first saw it. ” I put my foot hard on the brake and I don’t know what happened after that.”
Dafter said he had his head lights on going up the hill but they were of no advantage.
Mr. Mitchell adjourned the hearing to June 3.
Sergt. Collings said that later evidence would show the semi-trailer had decreased its speed from about 30 miles an hour to about one mile an hour just prior to the accident.
No one was to blame for an accident which fatally injured two children on the New England Highway on March 21, the Deputy-Coroner ( Mr. A. R. Mitchell ) said yesterday.
Mr. Mitchell was enquiring into the deaths of Warren John Dafter (2) and Denise Joy Dafter (5 months) of Deepwater.
He found they had died as a result of injuries received when a car in which they were travelling collided with a semi-trailer near Deepwater.
The inquest had been adjourned from June 3.
ONLY WITNESS
At yesterday’s hearing Lancelot Leslie Hepper, motor driver, of Hargrave Park, Sydney, was the only witness. He said he had been the driver of the semi-trailer involved in the accident. Hepper said he had had nine years’ experience in driving heavy vehicles. ” On the morning of the accident, I left the top of Bolivia about 5.30; driving a Mack diesel semi-railer, loaded with springs, in a southerly direction, ” he said. ” I drove through Deepwater and across the railway gates, and about 30 or 40 feet over the rise of a hill the motor started to cut out, with air in the fuel line.
DECREASED SPEED
” This caused the vehicle to decrease its speed from about 30 miles an hour to nearly a standstill. ” The vehicle is fitted with an automatic bleeder for the fuel-line and tank. ” As the motor was starting to pick up again, and as the truck was travelling about one or two miles an hour, I felt an impact at the back of the vehicle. ” At the time of the impact I was travelling with the near-side of the vehicle about two feet out from the pegs on the left-hand side of the road. ” Immediately I felt the bump, I pulled up, went around to the rear of the vehicle and saw the car. ” I ran back to see a man called Mervyn Edward Mazlin, who was driving a semi behind me, and said to him ‘ Hurry and get the Police. I’ll get an ambulance.’
ALREADY INFORMED
” I ran over to a house to phone the ambulance, but when the occupant rang the exchange, she informed me that the Police and ambulance had already been notified. ” As I was returning to the vehicles, the ambulance arrived and conveyed the injured to hospital. ” Hepper said that at the time of the accident, the road was ” exceptionally dusty. ” There had also been a misty fog. He said he had driven from Brisbane to Bolivia the previous day, and had had a good night’s rest.
To Mr. P. M. Abbott ( appearing to watch his interests ) Hepper said the vehicle was in perfect condition. ” It is only two years old and cost £9,000, so it is well maintained, ” he said.
“UNFORTUNATE SERIES OF EVENTS“
To Mr. H. L. Liston ( appearing to watch the interests of Constable Lindsay Gordon Dafter, father of the dead children and driver of the car ), Hepper said air got into the fuel line every trip, after the fuel supply was switched from one tank to another. He said he had given a ” Stop ” signal about 20 yards back from the point of impact.
Mr. Mitchell said he was quite satisfied that no one had been to blame for the accident. ” The tragedy was caused by an unfortunate series of events, ” he said.
Senior Constable Lindsay Gordon Dafter was departmentally commended for courage and devotion to duty at Pymble on the 5th March, 1959, when at considerable risk, he extinguished a fire in the cabin of a semi-trailer which had plunged over an embankment after a collision. His prompt action facilitated the rescue of the driver who might otherwise have been burned to death. He was also furnished with a letter of commendation by the Royal Shipwreck Relief and Humane Society of New South Wales.
True-blue police mates go back 50 years, when Pymble had a live-in station and the highway was a ‘suburban street’
Tracey Findlay, Hornsby Advocate
PYMBLE police station may have closed 16 years ago but it still holds fond memories for Gordon Dafter and Geoffrey Hammond ( NSWPF # 4990 – R.I.P. ), who were stationed there more than five decades ago.
They met as young police officers in 1958. Mr Dafter, 88, was the last resident constable at the station and Mr Hammond, 89, was one of its first two detectives.
“It was like a big cottage,” Mr Hammond recalled. “It had nice rose gardens and was known as a happy station. Everybody got on extremely well.”
The old Pymble Police Station, in use until 1994, when it was put on the market in 2013. Picture: ADAM WARD
Real Estate agent Laurie Castorina peers through one of the lock-up cells at the Pymble station. Picture: ADAM WARD
Back then, there wasn’t much crime but there were accidents. Mr Dafter says the Pacific Highway was like a “suburban street”.
The men went in different directions in their policing careers, both serving over 30 years, but their friendship stood the test of time and more than 50 years later they are still best mates.
Both are members of the Hornsby and District Branch of the NSW Retired Police Association, which meets on the first Tuesday of alternate months at Hornsby RSL Club.
Details: Peter McDonnell on9482 2771.
Peter McDonnel with retired police at Hornsby in 2006. Picture: PETER KELLY
Inside the Pymble Police Station in 2013. Picture: ADAM WARD
NSW Redfern / Penrith Police Academy Class # ? ? ?
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # ‘ Q ‘ 5844
For the purposes of this website ‘Q‘ represents those Police joining between 1 March 1862 ( commencement of NSWPF ) – 23 February 1915 ( Commencement of NSWPF current numbering system )
Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate (Parramatta, NSW : 1888 – 1950), Wednesday 25 November 1903, page 2
WAS IT FLANNELETTE ?
On Monday, at Surry Hills, Sydney, the six-year-old daughter of Constable McQuaker was fatally burned.
In the morning the mother lit a fire under the copper in the yard, and shortly afterwards went out for a few minutes to do some shopping. Before leaving she left the little girl and another child in one of the rooms, taking the precaution to shut the kitchen door, to prevent the children getting to the fire.
In her absence, it is surmised, the children opened the door and began playing with the fire, for shortly after the mother had gone out the neighbours heard screams, and, on going in found the little girl enveloped in flames. The child died in St. Vincent’s Hospital.
Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate (Parramatta, NSW : 1888 – 1950), Wednesday 14 October 1903, page 2
Accident to a Constables.
On Friday afternoon, Constable McQuaker, the well-known athlete of Sydney, was riding his bicycle down Wentworth – street, Parramatta, when, to avoid a collision with the kerbing at the foot of the street, he threw himself off the bicycle. He received a badly out hand, his wrist also being gravel-rashed considerably. He sought first-aid at Mr. H. Gwilliams’.
A middle-aged man named Arthur Stevens, residing at 300 Upper Dowling street, Darlinghurst, was found by Constable McQuaker late last night in the roadway in Elizabeth-street, near King-street, with his left arm completely severed. The unfortunate man was admitted to Sydney Hospital in an unconscious condition. It is believed that, the injury was caused by a tram.
Constable David McQuaker, of the police force of New South Wales, is a man who in his day, which is not so far behind him as to permit of his being counted among the has-beens, was a world’s champion athlete ( says the Sydney “Sun”). Even now, when the hand of Time has busied itself to some extent, in thinning out the overgrowth of his head, he is one with whom the average man would hesitate about engaging in any argument of force. He stands 6 ft 4.5 in. from sock sole to scalp lock, and when in his best buckle tips the beam at 15 st. 10 lb-; was for three years in succession, prior to coming to Australia, in 1889, champion all-round athlete of the police and military of Great Britain and Ireland; and for ten years after his arrival in this Statechampion of all Australia. McQuaker is a more versatile athlete than was the late Duncan Ross, for, in addition to wrestling, at which he was for years unbeaten, he has a mile walk of 7m 7s. on grass at his credit, a fast quarter, light and heavy hammer throwing, caber tossing, putting the stone, and other feats of strength. His performances on the wrestling mat were has best athletic efforts and until he met his Waterloo in Ned Blackburn ( now of Newcastle ) he was considered one of the three best Cumberland wrestlers in the world. Blackburn was admittedly one of the best men who ever locked his hands behind the back of an opponent, and he said, after his defeat of McQuaker, that the constable was the strongest man he had met. Ned was a fine exponent of the Cumberland style, and he, not to be outdone in appreciation of the merit of his opponent, said if McQuaker had his ( Blackburn‘s ) knowledge of the science of the sport, and his own then present strength there was no man in the world at the time to stay five minutes with him in the ring at the Cumberland game.
The Match With Blackburn.
Blackburn could afford to be generous the man he defeated, for Ned was one of the best two-footed and two-hipped men Australia, at any rate, has ever seen in the ring. He was as good on one hip as the other, and as quick with his feet as Mace was with his hands, and if there was ever anything quicker in the ring than the hands of ” Gipsy Jim ” when he was busy in a bit of close in fighting mention of it has hot been given a place on the records of the P.R. In their engagement, Blackburn and McQuaker were all out all the time, and four falls had to be wrestled before the referee could give the decision which, practically, closed the career of the constable as a professional athlete. The first fall was to McQuaker, the second was a dog fall and did not count, and the third bout was one of the biggest things ever seen on the mat in this country. For 15 minutes two of the strongest men in Australia, were in holds, and then the constable went down to as pretty and tricky a bit of fancy footwork as one could wish to see, and the second fall was to the man from the coal country. If either of the contestants could be induced to describe the match he would say the final tussle was ” the best he had ever seen. ” From the time they clinched till they broke, after the fail, they were together 33 minutes, and for the whole of the time every muscle and sinew was busy, and every ounce of strength and every trick of the game was employed in the effort to bring the other man down. It was a tussle of giants, for at the time McQuaker was the biggest man in the Olympian games of the country and, as has been said, his opponent was the cleverest Cumberland wrestler – the cleverest by long odds – who had ever been in Australia. The final fall went at the end of the half-hour, to Blackburn, and neither afterwards engaged in public in any match of importance. There is no doubt as to the qualify of the men, for prior to engaging Blackburn, McQuaker had defeated Harry Donohue a man who had travelled the world on his reputation as a Cumberland wrestler in two meetings in private.
Asked to say something of the best match he had witnessed, Constable McQuaker was slow to speak :-
” I thought a good deal of a match I saw between Bob Scott, of New Zealand, and Buttan Singh, the Indian. Scott weighed 15 st. 7 lb., and stood my height, 6 ft. 4.5in. The Indian stood 5 ft. 10 in., and weighed 15 st. This was a catch-as-catch-can -wrestle, and there was a lot of good work on both sides, though Scott won with two straight falls and a bit in hand at the finish.
Eighteen-Stoners in Holts.
” But the best match I remember was in the old country about five and twenty years ago, while the great Scottish international Exhibition was on (1887). Among the wrestlers there on the day of the match for the Cumberland style championship were some of the best men from all parts of Great Britain. Of the whole number the three who remained in for the final were the finest men I have seen. Currie, the Scotch clogger, who was defeated by the men who wrestled off for the event, was a man of 5 ft. 11 in., and weighed 17 st, 10 lb. Joe Stedman, who was the eventual winner, was 5 ft. 10.5 in., and, in condition, weighed 18 st 7 lb.; and Joe Lowden, his opponent in the final, was 6 ft, and weighed 18 st. in wrestling form. Big men, weren’t they? ” And McQuaker‘s eyes kindled as he recalled the fact that with such giants of the arena he had while still a youth, measured his strength and come through without discredit.
” Stedman was the champion of the world in Cumberland style, and though he certainly met the next best man in Lowden, the result of the meeting was not long in doubt when they took hold. But it was a fine sight to see them at work, two strong men, men of strength far and away above the ordinary, each aware of the cleverness of the other, and each well knowing that the first mistake made in grips would be the last.
The Cumberland Game.
” You know the Cumberland play? All the work is from the hips and with the feet. That is where Blackburn was so dangerous a man; he could ‘hipe’ from either hip, and in a second would have a man off one hip and across the other, and then, if the opponent was not quick to alter his defence it was a million to one he would be standing on his head, wondering just where the stroke came from that upset him so much. When he reversed me in the first fail he got against me I did not know till I was down that he had got me on the other hip, and I have put in a lot of spare time since wondering how he managed to get me there.
” I can see Stedman and Lowden now just as plainly as I saw them in the ring that day 25 years ago. Nearly 40 stone of meat and muscle they made between them, and I have never seen a finer sight than I saw in the few minutes they were together. The natural thought when one speaks of an 18 st. man is of fat, but there was no fat to speak of on those men, and nothing in the way of waste flesh ; they were absolutely fit, as they had to be in view of their contests for the title of champion of the world. I am no weakling, and was a man who counted even in that class of athletics, but they were better men than I – and I, he continued modestly enough, and more with the intention of glorifying his idol of the man Stedman, ” hold some world’s records for handling heavyweights and throwing the caber. It was grand to see them in grips ( in Cumberland wrestling the grip, once taken, must not be broken till one of the contestants is down – the man who breaks loses the fall ), their hands locked, and every muscle strained to its fullest as they swayed and swung, each trying to find the unbalanced foot or the unwary body movement of the other. Lowden used his advantage in inches to the best purpose. He was longer in the leg and seemingly as quick as Stedman, and his work from both hips and the feet was fine. But Stedman was a general of the mat ; he had been there before, many and many a time, with the best in the counties of England and the pick of the lowlands of Scotland, and such a thing as catching him nodding was not on the cards. These strong men handled each other like acrobats handle their working partners on the stage.
There was ease and grace in every movement of their big bulk of manhood, and from hips downwards there was action such as would not he considered ungraceful in a ballroom, for the feet of the masters of the Cumberland style move as quickly and as lightly as those of girls in a dance.
WRESTLING MORE STRENUOUS THAN BOXING.
” A three-minutes’ bout in the boxing ring if the pace is fast and the men willing makes the sound of the bell welcome to both, and in my opinion three minutes on the wrestling floor when two good men are engaged is more trying than three minutes with the gloves, for the reason – especially in the Cumberland play – that the men are at work all the time, and their muscular strain is at the highest tension, for the whole term of the lock until it is broken. Stedman was a man like Ned Blackburn in his wonderful work from either hip, and it was in the use toe made of this part of his body that he distanced all who entered the ring with him. Though this match was the one which, in my opinion, was the finest possible of being put on the carpet of any country in the world, the first fall went to Stedman in five minutes ; but they were five busy minutes for both men. There were times when Lowden seemed to be in a good position to account for Stedman, for more than once it seemed he had the lock on, and there was no way out of a hold which few men would have known the way to break ; but with that quick motion of the hip and his fine footwork Stedman invariably got out of danger, and in the end of the first engagement he spun out of a tight leg hold and threw Lowden a fair four-point fall. I did not expect to see anything better in wrestling, and considered the next bout a foregone conclusion from the time the men took hold. As in the first meeting Lowden used his height, and stood wide, to keep his feet out of the way while he was doing the good work with his shoulders and hips. He did not care to place his feet within easy reach of the tricky toes of the champion, and it made the wrestling slower than in the first engagement.
But Stedman had got the measure of his man, and let him play his own way for the first few minutes of the struggle, and there is no doubt Lowden did some of the best work he had ever shown in Scotland in his efforts to put the cross-buttock on. But he was in the grip of a man who knew every wrinkle in the game, and at the end of seven minutes Stedman got him just as he was easing up after a long and straining attempt to make the score even, and the bout was ended. Lowden‘s head was where his feet were a second before, and the championship of the world was in the keeping of the best man in the world then or before or since – in Cumberland wrestling.
” I am counting Ned Blackburn out in saying this,” concluded McQuaker gravely. ” At that time I had not seen him. I would not like to say he was better than Stedman in his best day, but I would like to have seen them in grips 20 years ago. ”
Cries of “Murder! Police!” attracted the attention of Senior Constable McQuaker, of No. 2 Police Station, Chippendale, ( Regent St ) about 1am yesterday. He noticed a fellow bending over an elderly man and attempting to rob him. After the culprit beat a hasty retreat, McQuaker shouted a warning and fired his revolver three times. Despite being hit by the third bullet, the man managed to escape.
Constable McQuaker, who helped to look after Butler during the trial, is about the biggest man in the N.S.W. Force, and as good tempered as he is strong ; he was considered no end of a wrestler in the Old Country.
The first capture McQuaker made after joining the Sydney police was a typical five-foot 8 stone larrikin.
Mac, was leading him along by the collar, when the little ‘un wrenched himself free, and catching the big man by the legs, flung him clean.
The giant was so flabbergasted when he rose that he stood awhile speechless, looking at the midget, who did not attempt to bolt.
” Well, I didn’t think there was a man in Australia could put me fair on my back, and that did it. I’m sorry, my boy, I have to take you along. I’d really like to let you go. ” And when before the courts he told the story, and asked the bench to let the prisoner down easy.
Alexander Jones, a well-known thief, was cleverly caught on Friday night by Sergeant Sullivan and Constable McQuaker. Jones made it a business to prowl about Hyde Park and rob drunken men who had been overcome and were sleeping on the grass.
Sullivan watched him closely, and at last caught him in the act. Jones got away at first but the officers pursued and arrested him. Mr. Smithers, S.M., remarked that he was determined to deal severely with such thieves, and sent the prisoner to gaol for three months.
A sensation policeman’s revolver incident is reported from Sydney. On Friday, whilst Constable McQuaker was attempting to handcuff a man whom he had downed, the desperado’s mate, advancing behind, slipped out the officer’s revolver.
Fortunately the movement was felt by the constable, who, with great presence of mind, turned round suddenly, and striking the thief full in the face, placed him in a similar position to his friend. The pistol was knocked out of the man’s hand.
Husband to Carolyn ROMELINGH ( nee STEWART ) NSWPF # 21112
AKA Pete
Late of Corrimal, formerly of Newcastle & Sydney, NSW
NSW Goulburn Police Academy Class # 226
New South Wales Police Force
ProCst # 98283
Regd. # 23629
Uniform # 1?998?
Rank: Commenced Training on Wednesday 18 February 1987 ( aged 27 years, 3 months, 5 days )
Probationary Constable- appointed 15 May 1987 ( Aged 27 years, 6 months, 19 days )
Constable – appointed 15 May 1988
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Detective – appointed ? ? ? ( Yes )
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank = Detective Senior Constable
Stations: ?, Crime Squad secondment, Corrimal Dets, State Operations Group ( SOGs ) – ( 1990s ), Wollongong Dets, Wollongong Anti Theft Squad, ?, Hurstville – Retirement
Service: From 18 February 1987 to 25 March 2006 = 19 years Service
Awards: No Find on Australian Honours
Constable 1/c Peter B. ROMELINGH# 23629 – on left, Constable ?, Senior Constable Les HOCKING# 19053 – on right – 1992
Currently serving with
NSW AMBULANCE SERVICE
Regd # 60082338
Commenced 22 August 2016
Stations: Kogarah Super Station
Currently serving with
NSW FIRE BRIGADES
Regd # 269024
Stations: formerly of 269 Station, Corrimal
Retained Fire Fighter
Awards: NSW Fire Brigades Long Service & Good Conduct Medal –granted 22 April 2005
Corrimal Fire & Rescue 269 15 June 2017 Peter ROMELINGH – 1st on left in rear.
Corrimal Fire & Rescue 269 June 15, 2017 at 1:37 PM Peter ROMELINGH – 1st on right – hands on hip.
Born: Friday 13 November 1959
Died on: Thursday 4 June 2020 at home
Age: 60 years, 6 months & 22 days
Cause: Heart attack
Event location: Home
Event date: Thursday 4 June 2020
Funeral date: ? June 2020
Funeral location: H. Parsons Funerals, Wollongong, NSW
( Due to current Govt. restrictions of 20 – 50 persons at a Funeral due to the Cornona19 Virus Pandemic – this will be a Private Funeral )
Future Wake location: ?TBA ( Due to current Govt. restrictions of 10 persons only at ‘Gatherings’, there won’t be an immediate Wake )
Future Wake date: ??? ( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: H. Parsons, Wollongong, NSW
Buried at: ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( May 2020 )
PETER is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Loved son-in-law, brother-in-law, and uncle to the Stewart and Henderson families.
Aged 60 Years
Always loved and sadly missed
A private service will be held.
Donations to NSW Police Legacy and Surf Life Saving Australia in Peter’s name would be appreciated.
June 11, 2020
Such sad news.
Pete, such a lovely gentle man.
Gone too soon.
Sending our love and prayers.
Condolences to you Carolyn, Caitlin, Mikaela, and Piper.
Matthew and Leanne x
Leanne Hunt, Miranda, New South Wales
June 11, 2020
Not fair.
Taken too soon.
Deepest condolences to Carolyn and family.
John Crowley, Adelaide, South Australia
Contact Me
June 11, 2020
Pete, such a lovely gentle man.
Gone too soon.
Sending our love and prayers now and always.
Condolences to you Carolyn, Caitlin, Mikaela, and Piper.
Matthew and Leanne x
June 11, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, Peter was a caring person always helping the community, his love of his family was immense, he was very proud of his girls.
Rest in Peace
Nina & Brianna
Nina Cauduro, Corrimal, New South Wales
June 10, 2020
A pleasure to have worked with – a lovely, gentle man and I am sure Pete will be sadly missed.
So very sorry for your loss Carolyn and family.
Vikki Gorman, Austinmer, New South Wales
June 10, 2020
A true gentleman in every sense of the word.
Donna, Corrimal
June 10, 2020
May Peter ROMELINGH ( NSWPF ), ( AMBULANCE NSW ), ( NSW FIRE BRIGADES ) Forever Rest In Peace.
Carolyn stood before us and spoke of the good man we all know. So strong.
A Guard of Honour filled with uniformed firefighters, ambos and retired cops 250 m long gave our salute to a man who gave his life to serve and care for others.
He gave his life to his 4 girls, the police, the fire brigade and recently the ambulance service.
The world could use a few more like Peter Romelingh.
Condolences to Carolyn & 4 girls.
The Commissioner ( NSW Fire Brigades ) regrets to advise of the passing of current serving Firefighter Peter ROMELINGH (269024), formerly of 269 Station Corrimal, on Thursday 4th June 2020.
Peter was also a current serving officer with NSW Ambulance.
Funeral details will be distributed once advised.
Anyone wishing to submit a message of condolence may do so utilising the online condolence form
Peter also played with the Police football team – Illawarra Falcons.
Warren John REID
24/06/2020
Warren John REID
AKA ?
Late of ?
NSW Redfern Police Training Centre – Class # 109
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 12304
Rank: Commenced Training a Redfern Academy on Monday 31 October 1966 ( Aged 22 years & 19 days )
Probationary Constable- appointed Monday 12 December 1966 ( Aged 22 years, 2 months old )
Constable – appointed 12 December 1967
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Detective – appointed ? ? 1973
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? 1976
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 29 June 1984
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank = Detective Sergeant
Stations: Newtown GDs ( 5 Division ) ( 1966 – 69 ), 21 Division ( 19 Nov 1969 – 1 Oct 1970 ), Phillip St – Plain Cloths – CI Duties ( 4 Division )( 2 October 1970 – 3 August 1974 ),
North Sydney – CI Duties ( 6 Division )( 4 August 1974 – 10 September 1977 ), Hornsby – CI Duties ( 16 Division )( 11 September 1977 – 20 May 1978 ), North Sydney – GDs ( 21 May 1978 – 9 May 1981 ),
Central ( 1 Division ) – Licencing ( 10 May 1981 – 3 December 1983 ), Central ( 1 Division ) – CI Duties ( 4 December 1983 – 26 November 1985 ),
Drug Law Enforcement Bureau – Gosford ( DLEB ) ( 27 November 1985 – 19 April 1986 ), Eastwood – CI Duties ( 16 Division )( 20 April 1986 – 11 April 1992 ),
Chatswood – CI Duties ( 12 April 1992 – ? ), Pennant Hills – CI Duties ( ? – 30 June 1997 ),
Gladesville – CI Duties ( 1 July 1997 – 8 October 1988 ) until Retirement
Service: From 31 October 1966 to 8 October 1998 = 31 years, 11 Months & 7 days Service
Awards: National Medal – granted 22 April 1983 ( Det SenCon )
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 27 August 1992 ( Det Sgt )
National Police Service Medal – granted 29 October 2015 ( Det Sgt )
Born: Thursday 12 October 1944
Died on: Wednesday 27 May 2020
Age: 75 years, 7 months, 15 days old
Cause: ?
Event location: ?
Event date: ?
Funeral date: Wednesday 3 June 2020 @ 10.15am
Funeral location: North Chapel, Northern Suburbs Crematorium, Delhi Rd, North Ryde, NSW
( Due to current Govt. restrictions of 35 persons at a Funeral ( size of room ) due to the Cornona19 Virus Pandemic – this Funeral is already at capacity )
Future Wake location: ?TBA ( Due to current Govt. restrictions of 10 persons only at ‘Gatherings’, there won’t be an immediate Wake )
Future Wake date: ( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( June 2020 )
Assistant Commissioner Dennis CLIFFORD # 14795 with Warren John REID.
WARREN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
31 October 1966 – Metro Police Training College – Trainee
12 December 1966 – Metro No.5 Div (Newtown) – General Duties
19 November 1969 – Metro C.I Branch – No. 21 Squad
02 October 1970 – Metro No. 4 Div (Phillip St) – C.I Duties
04 August 1974 – Metro No. 6 Div (Nth Sydney) – C.I Duties
11 September 1977 – Metro No. 16 Div (Hornsby) – C.I Duties
21 May 1978 – Metro No. 6 Div (Nth Sydney) – General Duties
10 May 1981 – City of Sydney, Central – Licensing
04 December 1983 – City of Sydney, Central – Investigations
27 November 1985 – Drug Law Enforcement Gosford – Investigations
20 April 1986 – Eastwood – Investigations
12 April 1992 – Chatswood – Pennant Hills – Investigations
01 July 1997 – Endeavour Region, Gladesville – Criminal Investigations
8 October 1998 – Medical Retirement
Awards
22 April 1983 – awarded the National Service Medal
29 October 2015 – awarded the National Police Service Medal
Service Eulogy
Detective Sergeant Warren John REID. (Ret’d)
A member of the New South Wales Police Force from 31 October 1966 to 08 October 1998.
Registered Number: 12304.
While this is a sad time for all, today we should take the opportunity to not only grieve for the loss of a friend, colleague, father and grandfather but to also celebrate the wonderful life of Warren John Reid.
Detective Sergeant Warren John Reid served the New South Wales Police Force and the community with outstanding dedication and devotion to duty for 31 years.
Today, we farewell a highly regarded and dedicated officer. Detective Sergeant Warren John Reid sadly passed on 27th May 2020, aged 75 years.
Warren approached life and his career as a police officer with determination, confidence and enthusiasm. He was a policeman through and through, and like many police who take on that role he loved it.
Warren joined the New South Wales Police Force on 31 October 1966. After successfully completing his training at the Police College, he was sworn in as a Probationary Constable. This was an exciting time, being the same year when Robert Menzies retired as Australia’s longest-serving Prime Minister and is succeeded by Harold Holt. Decimalisation; the Australian currency is changed to dollars and cents, with the Australian dollar replacing the Australian pound., Warren was exposed to various facets of policing working at Newtown Police station learning his trade in general duties. A year later, he was confirmed as a Constable and remained at Newtown until 1969
On the 19th November 1969, Warren decided to try his hand in plain clothes and applied for training at No.21 Squad where he undertook Detective training. Shortly after this, Warren was transferred to No. 4 Division at Phillip Street, Sydney performing Criminal Investigation Duties. Warren was promoted to Constable First Class and performed plain clothes work, and no doubt with the older and more experienced Detectives of the time who decided to give him the jobs and reports no one else wanted to do. This was done to see how keen he was. He would have been preparing himself and studying the Crime Acts & proofs in preparation for the notorious Bull Ring. In February 1970, he was given a permanent job as an Investigator.
Between 1970 and 1977, Warren transferred between Phillip Street, North Sydney and Hornsby undertaking criminal investigation duties. In 1973 after undertaking so many years in training, he was officially given a Detective designation. During this period in 1976, Warren was again promoted to the rank of Senior Constable.
It was in 1978 where Warren changed his job roles and worked back in general duties at North Sydney for four years. In 1981, Warren become involved in Licensing Police duties at Central and two years later, continued in Detective’s duties in criminal investigations.
In 1984 after studying the Sergeants promotion books, he was successful in passing the Sergeant 3rd Class examination and in June that year, he was officially promoted to Sergeant 3rd Class.
Warren being a consummate plain clothes investigator wanted to further his passion as an investigator. Later in 1985 he moved across to the Drug Law Enforcement Bureau and worked at Gosford Police District.
Between 1986 and 1997, Detective Sergeant Warren Reid worked at Eastwood, Chatswood, Pennant Hills and finally at Gladesville, he remained to his retirement in 1998, still performing investigative duties.
At the end of his career Detective Sergeant Warren John Reid had provided over 31 years of outstanding service to the NSW Police Force and the community of NSW. His achievements are outstanding and are a tribute to his work ethic and professionalism.
On the 22 April 1983, Warren was awarded the National Service Medal recognising the special status sworn police officers have in protecting the community. Eligibility for this Award requires a minimum of 15 years ethical and diligent service.
His last award was presented on the 29th October 2015 by receiving the National Police Service Medal
To the Reid family members and friends on behalf of the New South Wales Police Force I extend our deepest sympathy for the passing of a remarkable and admired friend and colleague.
Chief Inspector
Paul Smith
Commander Protocol & Awards Unit.
1st June 2020.
Police Ode
As the sun surely sets, dawn will see it arise.
For service above self-demands its own prize.
You have fought the good fight; life’s race has been run, and peace, your reward, for eternity begun.
And we that are left shall never forget.
Rest in peace, friend and colleague, for sun has now set.
We will remember, we will remember.
Hasten the dawn
NSW Police Academy Class 109. Walked into Police Training Centre, Redfern, NSW on 31 October 1966 & were Sworn In on Monday 12 December 1966.
Warren was a competitive Wood Chopper in his younger days.
Warren REID front and centre with North Sydney’s Finest at a Reunion.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this man at the time of publication.
Cal
2 June 2020
Evelyn HARRIS
24/06/2020
Evelyn HARRIS
AKA ?
Late of ?
New South Wales Police Force –
Non Sworn – Administrative Assistant
Regd. # ??????????
Rank: Non Sworn – Administrative Assistant
Stations: Sutherland ( 24 Division )
Service: From? ? 1970s to? ? 1980s = ? years Service
Awards: No Find on Australian Honours
Born: ? ? ?
Died on: ? late April 2020
Age: mid 90s
Cause: ?
Event location: Tewantin, Qld
Event date: ?
Funeral date: ? ? ?
Funeral location: ? ( Due to current Govt. restrictions of 20 – 30 persons at a Funeral due to the Cornona19 Virus Pandemic – this will be a Private Funeral )
Future Wake location: ?TBA ( Due to current Govt. restrictions of 10 persons only at ‘Gatherings’, there won’t be an immediate Wake )
Future Wake date: ( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( May 2020 )
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
I am unable, at the time of publication, to find any further details on this lady – other than what is recorded above.
Cal
1 June 2020
Ramon William BRADBURY
24/06/2020
Ramon William BRADBURY
AKA Ray
formerly of Newcastle & Mt Kuring-gai
Son of former NSWPF Member: Sgt 3/c Lacey BRADBURY ( 1929 – 1965 ) ( Father ) who is also the brother of:
Det C/Supt Robson “Bob” Lacey Bradbury # 6494 ?, Born 22 July 1930 * Cadet # 665 – Deceased 2010 ( 40 years Service. Homicide Squad, OIC – CIB – Retired 1987 )
( Bob’s sons – George BRADBURY # ????? ( Det Insp & D.O. – Brisbane Waters ) & Bill BRADBURY # ????? )
Det Sgt 2/c Ken H. Bradbury # 7865 ?, Born May 1935
( Ken’s son – Peter BRADBURY # ????? )
Det Sgt 1/c Ron G. Bradbury # 8984 ?, Born May 1937 &
John W. Bradbury 9706 ?, Born May 1941 Ramon being a nephew to them all.
Ramon being the Grandfather of NSWPF Member Christopher BRADBURY # 30208 ( Newcastle City )
and Chris being the partner of – Angela DALTON # 42870 ( Maitland )
Ramon being the Great Grandfather ( George being the father ) of NSWPF Member Ben BRADBURY # ????? – Redfern PAC ( 4th Generation & 10th member of the Bradbury family to join NSWPF )
NSW Redfern Police Academy Class # ‘Possibly’ 008
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 6036
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Academy “possibly” on 23 February 1948 ( aged 20 years, 5 mths & 2 days )
Probationary Constable- appointed 12 April 1948 ( aged 20 years, 6 mths, 22 days )
( Due to current Govt. restrictions of 20 – 30 persons at a Funeral due to the Cornona19 Virus Pandemic – this will be a Private Funeral )
Future Wake location: ?TBA ( Due to current Govt. restrictions of 10 persons only at ‘Gatherings’, there won’t be an immediate Wake )
Future Wake date: ( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: Pettigrew Family Funerals, Wallsend, NSW, 02 4951 1166
Buried at: Cremated. Ashes to be scattered
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( May 2020 )
RAMON is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 – 1954), Sunday 30 April 1939, page 2
CROSSWORD PRIZES of 2s 6d each for the Hen and Chicken Crossword Puzzle of April 9 have been won by the following :— Mary Angwin, “Dalkey” (9) Addison-avenue, Roseville; Wilga Duckworth (13), 1 Rose-street, Petersham: Enid Sherwood (12), 74 Colin-street, North Sydney; Ramon Bradbury (11), Blackned’s Bay, Swansea, via Newcastle; Owen Wiltshire (11), 10 Augusta-street, Five Dock.
The District Inspectors of Schools. Messrs. J. W. Mann and A. H. Dyce, released to-day the following allotments to the undermentioned schools for candidates in the High School Entrance and Bursary Examination held on November 1. Announcements regarding Hamilton and Wickham Domestic Science Schools and Central Junior Technical School (Broadmeadow) will be made later. The names of pupils who gained bursaries will be released by the head office of the Education Department, Sydney.
Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate (NSW : 1876 – 1954), Saturday 25 April 1953, page 11
NEWCASTLE COURT BEFORE MR. R. A. HARDWICKE, S.M. REMANDED.– Sidney Keith Perry, 80, taxi-driver, was remanded to May 22 on charges of having driven negligently in King-street, Newcastle, and having used Insulting words to Constable Ramon William Bradbury on December 17.
Former NSW Upper House MP Peter Breen has been a busy boy since he was forced to resign from the Labor Party last year after stating his “love” for rapist and murderer Stephen “Shorty” Jamieson.
