Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services
26 December 2024:
Media statement from Northern Territory Police Commissioner Michael Murphy APM
The Northern Territory Police Force is today mourning the loss of one of its serving members.
Yesterday, Christmas Day, one of our Darwin based officers passed away while on leave at Daly River.
This is a deeply distressing time for the officer’s family and colleagues, and in accordance with the wishes of the member’s family, we will not be releasing the officer’s name.
On behalf of the Northern Territory Police Force, I extend our deepest condolences to the officer’s family, friends, and loved ones.
Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they navigate this difficult time.
We also wish to reassure the community that the death is not being treated as suspicious and we ask that the media respect the family’s privacy and allow them the space they need to grieve.
Support services are being provided to those within the Northern Territory Police family who have been impacted by this loss.
* Story behind any Nickname:
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ?
Grave Location: Row: ?, Plot: ?
Grave GPS: ?, ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( January 2023 )
JON is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance, Canberra *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
DARWIN: A policeman drowned at the weekend after the patrol car he was travelling in rolled off a wharf at Darwin.
Police said yesterday that Detective Sergeant Ian Bradford, 37, and his partner were patrolling the Old Fort Hill wharf at 11.30pm on Saturday when their patrol car rolled off the edge of the dark pier.
Sergeant Bradford‘s partner, who was driving, struggled back to shore and was treated for shock and lacerations.
Police divers recovered Sergeant Bradford‘s body just after midnight. He is survived by his wife, Dianne, and three children.
Police said a report on the incident had been submitted to the Coroner.
Detective Sergeant Second Class Ian BRADFORD was a passenger in a CIB vehicle which was patrolling the Darwin wharf area just prior to midnight on the 28 January 1984.
The Wharf was being extended to join up with another section and was incomplete.
The vehicle went over the edge between the two wharves.
The driver, Detective Jon HAYES, managed to get out of the sinking car, and although he dived down several times to try to extricate the passenger, Detective Bradford was knocked unconscious and drowned inside the police vehicle.
Detective Sergeant Bradford joined the NT Police Force on 19 February 1973 and served in Darwin and Alyangula.
Ian and his partner, Jon Hayes were patrolling the Darwin Wharf area just prior to midnight on 28 January ( 1984 ), when their police car drove off the Fort Hill wharf, which was under construction.
Despite Jon’s valiant efforts Ian drowned. He left behind his wife, Di, and three young children – Philip, Graham and Paula.
Thank you for your service.
There is no doubt that, Jon, being the driver of the police vehicle at the time of the accident at Darwin Wharf, ( in January 1984 ) which resulted in the drowning death of his policing partner, Ian Bradford, weighed very heavily upon the mind of Jon at the time leading up to Jon‘s suicide in 1997.
Even 13 years after the accident, I know that it weighs very heavy upon the mind.
May Jon Forever Rest In Peace.
Cal
30 January 2023
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ?
Grave Location: Row: ?, Plot: ?
Grave GPS: ?, ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( January 2023 )
Ian IS Mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance, Canberra
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
DARWIN: A policeman drowned at the weekend after the patrol car he was travelling in rolled off a wharf at Darwin.
Police said yesterday that Detective Sergeant Ian Bradford, 37, and his partner were patrolling the Old Fort Hill wharf at 11.30pm on Saturday when their patrol car rolled off the edge of the dark pier.
Sergeant Bradford‘s partner, who was driving, struggled back to shore and was treated for shock and lacerations.
Police divers recovered Sergeant Bradford‘s body just after midnight. He is survived by his wife, Dianne, and three children.
Police said a report on the incident had been submitted to the Coroner.
Detective Sergeant Second Class Ian BRADFORD was a passenger in a CIB vehicle which was patrolling the Darwin wharf area just prior to midnight on the 28 January 1984.
The Wharf was being extended to join up with another section and was incomplete.
The vehicle went over the edge between the two wharves.
The driver, Detective Jon HAYES, managed to get out of the sinking car, and although he dived down several times to try to extricate the passenger, Detective Bradford was knocked unconscious and drowned inside the police vehicle.
Detective Sergeant Bradford joined the NT Police Force on 19 February 1973 and served in Darwin and Alyangula.
Ian and his partner, Jon Hayes were patrolling the Darwin Wharf area just prior to midnight on 28 January, when their police car drove off the Fort Hill wharf, which was under construction.
Despite Jon’s valiant efforts Ian drowned. He left behind his wife, Di, and three young children – Philip, Graham and Paula.
Thank you for your service.
Shane KAPPLER
02/01/2025
Shane Robert KAPPLER
AKA Kappy
Late of ?
“possible” relation in ‘the job’: ?
Northern Territory Police Academy – Cadet Squad # 2 of 1981
From Squad 38 of 1983
Northern Territory Police Force
Regd. # 1292
Rank: Commenced Training at N.T. Police Academy on Monday 7 February 1983 ( aged 19 years, 0 months, 23 days )
Probationary Constable- appointed ? ? ?
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Detective – appointed ? ? ? ( YES )
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank: = Sergeant
Stations: Darwin, Katherine C.I.B., Nhulunbuy, Alice Springs – Death
Service: From 7 February 1983to11 January 2000 = 16 years, 11 months, 4 days Service
Retirement / Leaving age: = 36 years, 5 months, 26 days
Time in Retirement from Police: 0
Awards: National Medal – granted 20 May 1996 ( SenCon )
Born: Wednesday 15 January 1964
Died on: Tuesday 11 January 2000
Age: 36 years, 5 months, 26 days
Organ Donor: Y / N / ?
Shane Robert KAPPLER AKA Kappy
Cause: Depression – Suicide – Service Glock – On Duty
( 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: Tennant Creek Cemetery, Stuart Hwy, Tennant Creek, Northern Territory
Grave Location: Row: ?, Plot: ?
Grave GPS: ?, ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( January 2023 )
SHANE is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance, Canberra ( 2025 ) * BUT SHOULD BE
SHANE is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance, Canberra *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
NTPol Recruit Squad of February 1983 can be found HERE
The Northern Territory Police Museum and Historical Society Inc. 3 March 2025 A Belated Celebration of the commencement of Cadet Squad 2 of 1981 We have been working towards adding Cadet Squads to our rota of celebrations during the course of the year. This has been hampered by poor records kept by the Police Force and the absence of suitable photographs. We do have the necessary records for Cadet Squad 2 of 1981. The members were: Back row (L to R) Chris KILLIAN, Shane KAPPLER, Greg EVANS, Ian DAVIE, Chris TILLEY. Sue ROBERTS.
Middle row (L to R) Jill McALOON, Julie SPURLING, Coralanne WILLIAMS, Sean SANDRY.
Front row (L to R) Sergeant Mick Smith, Superintendent Jack Ilett ( aka John Ilett ), Commissioner Peter McAulay, Senior Sergeant John Henry Chute and Sergeant Robert Bradford
We are looking for photos of Cadet Squad 1 of 1980 and Recruit Squad 8 of 1988.
The Northern Territory Police Museum and Historical Society Inc. 7 February 2024 Uplifting Excellence: Recruit Squad 38, 1983 Step into the radiant glow of inspiration as we joyfully commemorate the 41st Anniversary of the induction of Recruit Squad 38 in 1983. Notably, this squad boasted the first graduates of the then Cadet Program, pioneering the pre-qualification of teens for service in the Police Force. The dedication of these exceptional squad members has been a selfless contribution spanning numerous years in service to the vibrant community of the Northern Territory. In this jubilant celebration that transcends time, let’s pay tribute to the remarkable service and outstanding achievements of Recruit Squad 38. Their enduring commitment has not only shaped the course of history but continues to kindle inspiration within us all. Together, let’s applaud their legacy, drawing boundless motivation from their journey as we collectively aspire to reach greater heights of excellence within our community. The members were: Back Row (L to R) Ronald ELGAR, Ian DAVIE, Christopher KILLIAN, Sean SANDRY, Brett THORP, Martin McCALLUM, Brett JENKIN, Barney NOONAN, Shane KAPPLER Middle Row (L to R) Graham WAITE, Peter LINDFIELD, Gregory EVANS, Peter SPANOVSKIS, Robert TREHERNE, Peter POLYCHRONE, Michael CORNFORD, Vince KINSELLA, Jeffrey NELSON, George POLLITT Front Row (L to R) Julie SPURLING, Sergeant Martin MacPherson, Sergeant Bruce Wernham, Commissioner of Police Peter McAulay, Chief Minister Paul Everingham, Chief Inspector Colin Pope, Senior Sergeant John Sims, Jill McALOON
Back row left to right – Shane Kappler, Simon Young ?, Dick Cheal ?, Ron Heymans, ? Steve Edgington ?, Brett Thorpe ?, Jeff Pickering ?, Gordon McDonagh ?, Tim Marsh ?, Rob Kendrick ?, Mick Lohse ?. ( Only 11 of the twelve were named – hence the ?s )
Police in Tennant Creek held Police Remembrance Day at the grave site of Sergeant Shane Kappler, who died whilst serving in Alice Springs, January 2000.
Senior Sergeant Don Eaton said that not many other jobs have the same accountability or pressures as policing and this is why we should remember those that served.
“What keeps us going is the good people of the world. The bottom line is that we soldier on, become part of community and be accountable in the way we serve and protect.”
SenSgt Don EATON at the grave site of Sgt Shane KAPPLER, Tennant Creek Cemetery – Police Remembrance Day – 29 September 2016.
N.T. Police at the grave site of Sgt Shane KAPPLER, Tennant Creek Cemetery – Police Remembrance Day – 29 September 2016.
SHANE ROBERT KAPPLER 15.1.1964 – 11.1.2000 Another year has past, but loving memories remain. You are forever in our thoughts.Gone but never Forgotten.Mum, Motza, Sharon, Natalie and families
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Updated 27 March 2025 with additional Class photos and calculations.class
Michael DEUTROM
02/01/2025
Michael DEUTROM
AKA Micky D
Late of ?
“possible” relation in ‘the job’: His brother: Supt. Antony Deutrom, NT Police
Northern Territory Police Class # ? ? ?
Northern Territory Police Force
Regd. # ?????
Rank: Commenced Training at NT Police Academy on Monday ? ? ?
Probationary Constable- appointed ? ? ?
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ? ( YES )
Detective – appointed ? ? ?
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Inspector – appointed ? ? ?
Chief Inspector – appointed ? ? ?
Superintendent – appointed ? ? ?
Chief Superintendent – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank: = ?
Stations: Katherine ( early – mid 2000s ), Alice Springs, Yulara, Darwin, Commander’s Tactical Team – Darwin, Metropolitan Social Order & Engagement Unit, ?
July 2006 – December 2006 – Dili – East Timor on secondment to AFP
Service: From? October 1998 to15 April 2022 = 23+ years Service
( 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 ( April 2022 )
Micky D is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * BUT SHOULD BE
Micky D 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.
This evening ( 16 April 2022 @ 11.36pm Central Australia Time ) we learnt of the tragic passing of a very special and down right awesome Northern Territory Police Officer.
A highly respected and valued member of the Blue Family. Micky D, you will be sorely missed. Almost everyone that every worked with you will have an amazing story to share.
Micky dedicated approximately 20 years of his life to the force. Like many of us, he had seen his fair share of what this job throws at us.
Devastatingly he lost the battle but will be remembered by many as one of the good guys.
We extend our sincerest condolences to the friends, family and colleagues for this tremendous loss.
If you or anybody you know are experiencing difficulties there are resources and support services available. Struggling to cope with everyday life doesn’t look or feel the same for everyone.
These services are there to listen and talk it through with you to help you get the support you need. Help is available.
To the blue family, keep an eye on your mates, notice when they start experiencing signs of depression or anxiety. Ask them if they are ok, turn up at their house, check on them, refer them to our well-being teams.
The Drum. NT Police, Fire & Emergency Services magazine. December 2008
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
**********
Cal
19 April 2022
Justin SCHREMMER
02/01/2025
Justin SCHREMMER
AKA Jay Schremmer
Late of ?, Northern Territory,
Northern Territory Berrimah Police College – Squad 73/2003
Northern Territory Police Force
Regd. # 2331
Rank: Commenced Training at N.T. Berrimah Police Academy with Squad 73/2003 on Monday ? ? ?
Probationary Constable- appointed ? ? ?
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Detective – appointed ? ? ?
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank: = ?
Stations: ?,
Service: From? ? ? to 21 February 2022 = ? years Service
Retirement / Leaving age: = ?
Time in Retirement from Police: 0
Awards: No Find on Australian Honours system – although:
National Medal – granted ? ? ? ( SenCon )
Northern Territory Police Service Medal ( 2013 – 2014 )
Born: ? ? ?
Died on: Monday 21 February 2022
Age: ?
Cause: Depression – Suicide
Event location: ? , N.T.
Event date: Monday 21 February 2022
Funeral date: ? ? ? TBA
Funeral location: ? TBA
any Future Wake location: ??? TBA
any 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 ( February 2022 )
Zoe Schremmer & Justin Schremmer ( Daughter & Father )
Zoe Schremmer & Justin Schremmer ( Daughter & Father )
Justin 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.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
**********
Cal
23 February 2022
Glen Frederick BLACKER
02/01/2025
Glen Frederick BLACKER
AKA ?
Late of Pt Broughton, S.A.
South Australian Police Academy Class # ? ? ?
South Australia Police Force
Regd. # ????
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank = ?
Stations: ?
Service 1 ( S.A. ): From? ? ?to? ? ? = ? years Service
Northern Territory Police Academy Class # ? ? ?
Northern Territory Police Force
Regd. # 606
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank = Inspector
Stations: ?
Service 2 ( N.T. ): From? ? ? to ? ? ? = ? years Service
Awards: No find on Australian Honours
Born: Friday 16 March 1951
Died on: Wednesday 6 February 2019
Age: 67
Cause: ?
Event location: ?
Event date: ?
Funeral date: Tuesday 19 February 2019 @ 11am
Funeral location: The Port Club, 9 Queen St, Ablerton, S.A.
Wake location: ?
Funeral Parlour: S.A. Copper Coast Funerals, S.A.
Buried at: Centennial Park Cemetery, 760 Goodwood Rd, Pasadena, S.A.
Memorial located at: ?
GLEN 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.
RELATIVES and FRIENDS of GLEN are advised that his Service to Celebrate his Life will be conducted at The Port Club, 9 Queen Street, Alberton at 11.00 a.m to be followed by his Burial at Centennial Park Cemetery In lieu of flowers donations may be offered to the Animal Welfare League in Memory of Glen due to his love of all animals awl.org.au
Service: From? ? 1958 to? December 1966 ( * Medical discharge ) = 8 years Service
Awards: Presented a Silver Spoon by the Queens representative for being part of her March 1963 Royal Escort ( Police Cyclist )
* Ray was involved in an On-Duty MVA whereby he was riding his Police Motor Cycle when he was hit by a drunk driver. This MVA, in March 1963, caused Ray significant injuries to his eye sight ( which resulted in him having a wok eye, and pelvic injuries which resulted in one leg being shorter than the other which required him to wear special shoes because of the length difference. Ray, at some stage, then moved to Fairy Meadow, NSW and then Thirroul where the family home was.
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # ??????
NSW Parking Patrol Officer
( Brown Bomber then Grey Ghost )
Rank: Parking Patrol Officer
Stations: Wollongong
Service: From? ? ?to? August 1991 = ? years Service
Awards: ?
Born: ? ? ?
Died on: 12 January 2019
Age: 85
Cause: Effects of a Stroke
Event location: ?
Event date: 6 January 2019
Funeral date: Thursday 17 January 2019 @ noon
Funeral location: H. Parsons, 278 Princes Hwy, Bulli
Wake location: ?
Funeral Parlour: H. Parsons, 4284 3163
Buried at: ?
Memorial located at: ?
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family on January 12, 2019.
Beloved husband of Sheila (dec).
Dearly loved father and father in law of Leanne and Scott, Melissa and Richard.
Much loved Grandpa of Lachlan, Mitchel, and Makayla.
Loved brother and brother in law of Alan, Barry, Denise, Edward and their families.
Will be missed by his dog ‘Freddie’.
Aged 85 Years
Forever in our Hearts
Always Loved and Sadly Missed
Reunited with Sheila
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Ray’s funeral service to be held in the chapel, Parsons Funeral Home, 278 Princes Highway Bulli on Thursday January 17, 2019 at 12noon.
In lieu of flowers donations to Dementia Australia Research Foundation
would be appreciated.
After leaving the Northern Territory Police Force, due to injuries sustained from a Police Motor Cycle MVA, Ray moved to Fairy Meadow and later moved to Thirroul where he and his wife made their family home.
Ray had, at some stage, joined the’ Brown Bombers ‘, who were employed by the NSWPF as Parking Patrol Officers.
A change of uniform in the 1980’s saw Parking Patrol Officers, known by the nickname of ‘Brown Bombers’ ( because of the colour of their uniform ), become known as ‘Grey Ghosts’ because the colour was changed from Brown to a light Grey.
Ray was Stationed at Wollongong ( N.S.W. ) and during his stint at Wollongong, was known far and wide as a nice bloke who wasn’t too hard on those parking offenders ( if you happened to be at your car at the right time of course ).
Ray was seriously assaulted by an irate parking offender in Corrimal St, Wollongong, one day. So much so that Ray ended up in Wollongong Hospital due to his injuries.
Ray was a practical joker too. He just loved putting a Parking envelope under your wiper blade ( with nothing inside the envelope ) just because he knew it was your car.
Ray stay at Wollongong Police Station until he retired in August 1991 – mainly due to the fact that at this time in the NSW Police History, local councils were attempting ( and were successful ) as taking over the duties of Parking Patrol Officers.
Some left the employ of NSWPF and went over to the Councils whereas others, like Ray, were old enough to take Retirement.
Police Dog WILSON
02/01/2025
Police Dog WILSON
Late of ?
Australian Federal Police
Northern Territory Police Force
Regd. #
Rank: Drug Detection Dog
Stations: ?, AFP – ( November 2013 ), Alice Springs ( from November 2013 ), Darwin ( September 2016 )
Service: From? ? ? to 15 May 2017= ? years Service
Awards: ?
Born: ? ? ?
Died on: Monday 15 May 2017
Age: ?
Cause: Cancer
Event location: ?, N.T.
Event date: ?
Funeral date: ? ? ?
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial located at: ?
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
RIP Wilson,
Thank You for your service ????End of Watch – Wilson
Today we sadly say farewell to Drug Detection Dog Wilson.
Wilson moved to the NT from the Australian Federal Police in November 2013.
He took up duty in Alice Springs, where he worked diligently to stop the flow of drugs into the NT, which included policing the cross border jurisdictions.
Looking for a seachange, Wilson moved to Darwin in September 2016 where he served the Greater Darwin region, including the remote communities of the Top End.
Wilson was involved in drug seizures on a daily basis including several large scale busts across the NT.
Sadly, last week, Wilson was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer that was beyond treatment.
Wilson, a tireless worker, a true gentleman, you will be sorely missed.
Drug Detection Dogs April, Astra and Cougar were born and bred by the Australian Customs Narcotic Detection Dogs breeding program in Melbourne.
After completing the Australian Customs puppy walker scheme, they passed all testing to become Drug Detection Dogs. The next phase of training for the puppies was the basic drug detection course undertaken by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) K9 unit in Canberra.
Senior Constable Tyron Bellman and Senior Constable Luke Lamb have joined the Darwin Dog Operations Unit, and attended the AFP K9 training facility in Canberra for 10 weeks, returning with five new dogs. Two dogs, Wilson and Yeti, have been posted to Alice Springs. April, Astra and Cougar will remain in Darwin.
Drug Detection Dog Cougar has been re-teamed with Senior Constable Richard O’Brien who will retire his operational Drug Detection Dog, Puma, sometime next year.
The Dog Operation Unit Instructor, Sergeant David Young, recently completed the re-teaming of Wilson and Yeti in Alice Springs, and has spent the last week in Darwin with the AFP Instructors completing the training for April, Astra and Cougar.
Labradors April, Astra and Cougar are all two years of age. They have been trained to locate methamphetamine, ecstasy, cocaine and heroin.
“All five new dogs have shown impressive skill in drug detection and I am very pleased with the quality of these dogs,” said Sergeant David Young.
“April, Astra and Cougar have adapted well from the pristine environment of the AFP K9 training facility in Canberra to the Darwin environment, acclimatising to the humidity and heat without any issues.
“The heat and humidity is a big factor at the moment and the dogs are working extremely well. All going to plan these dogs will be able to serve the Darwin and remote areas of the Northern Territory for the next six to seven years and will potentially detect many illegal substances.”
April, Astra and Cougar will complete their NT Police induction training this week, officially graduating at the rank of Drug Detection Dog, attached to the Darwin Dog Operations Unit.
Senior Sergeant Garry (uncle Gaz) Smith:
End of Watch: Police Dog Bomber 27/04/2010 – 11/06/2016
PD Bomber took his oath ‘To Detect and Protect’ in April 2014. The ‘Law with Paws’ commenced duties in Katherine and the Northern Command before moving to Darwin with his handler last September.
It soon became apparent that properly trained, the Police handler and Police Dog Bomber could be best friends.
The Dog Operation Unit provided the following brief eulogy:
“Bomber was a once in a life time dog with a quirky personality. He was loyal, protective and intense in every aspect of his life. Over his career he was involved in the apprehension of numerous offenders across the northern command and Darwin before succumbing to an illness and unexpectedly passing away over the weekend. He will be forever missed and will leave a hole in the heart of those who knew and worked with him.”
On behalf of all within the Tri-Service, R.I.P. Bomber.
