She loved sports, helping the community and was described as having an infectious laugh and a big heart filled with kindness, always ready to help.
RIP Senior Constable Susan Olivia Bailey????
Ladies and Gents,
VALE
Senior Constable Susan Olivia Bailey 4026013.
At the time of her passing, Susan was attached to Mt Ommaney Station but prior to that, she was a long-serving member of the Fortitude Valley Police family. It has been said that Susan’s smile could light up a room…
On Tuesday 21 August 2018, Susan tragically took her own life. It’s not for us to judge how or why Susan took this path, but it’s probably fair to say right at the end she felt alone.
Sadly, this could not have been further from the truth as attested by the outpouring of love demonstrated in the comments subsequent to our earlier post, but in these situations (and there have been just too many), feelings of being alone, forsaken, isolated, forlorn and abandoned are all too common.
It is incumbent on each and every one of us to do everything in our power to ensure that our friends, our colleagues, OUR blue family members are not left to feel this way. It is up to us to take some time out of our own busy schedules to check on our mates and if required, firmly and unequivocally intervene.
It’s heartbreaking to think that in 2018, in an ever shrinking world being as connected as it ever was, that a feeling of being ‘alone’ can yield such catastrophic results time and time again.
In the meantime, we stand shoulder to shoulder with our Police brethren in their grief. In time we will celebrate how Susan lived rather than how she died.
Thank you for your service, devotion & loyalty. Condolences to Joshua, family, friends and the Thin Blue Line.
Heaven gained another angel
The beautiful Detective Senior Constable Kelly Mason (Hagan) has lost her very courageous battle with cancer.
Kelly commenced operational duties with the Queensland Police Service in 2008 where she was assigned first year duties within the Ipswich Police District.
Kel finished her first year where she was tenured to the Goodna Police Station. After Goodna, Kel completing her tenure at Goodna Station – Kelly transferred to Springfield Police Station on it’s opening before obtaining a position with the Ipswich Child Protection Investigation Unit where she gained a reputation as a lead investigator with dogged determination and gained the admiration of many officers who would often come to her for advice and help.
Kel obtained her Detectives appointment (which is no easy task); whilst on the Detective Training Program Kel met her best friend and soul mate Josh Mason.
Kel then moved on to the beautiful Sunshine Coast to be with Josh and she continued to work as a Detective within the Noosa Child Protection Investigation Unit where she could continue her passion of helping others.
Kel married her soul mate Joshua Mason on the 12th of March 2016.
As Kel and Josh began to set a life together fate stepped in and showed her hand.
Beautiful Kel was diagnosed with rare form of cervical cancer in November 2017.
Kel fought the good fight and never once let her situation bring her down, as sick as she was she made the most of life living every minute for her family and her friends which meant the world to her.
Kel was always know for her beautiful smile, kind soul and gentle nature. the mark that she has left in this world will never be forgotten.
Funeral Service information for Kelly Mason.
The funeral will be held this Friday the 4th of May at 2pm at the Lifepointe Baptist Church located at 186 Wises Road, Buderim, Sunshine Coast.
This will be an open public funeral with Police tribute.
A reminder that the wish fund is continuing to assist the family with any financial costs. Each contribution, no matter how small is greatly appreciated.
ANZ bank
BSB: 014672
Account: 221316906
Account name: Joshua mason
Bruce Frederick COOPER
23/08/2018
Bruce Frederick COOPER
AKA Coops
Late of ?, Qld
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # ?????
Rank: ?
Stations: ?, Sydney District HWP ( mid 1990’s ), St George / Sutherland HWP
Service – NSWPF: From? ? ?to? ? ? = 10 years Service
Queensland Police Force
Regd. # ?????
Rank: ?
Stations: ?
Service – QPol: From ? ? ?to? ? 2008 = 10 years Service
Total Police Service: 20 years
Awards: No find on Australian Honours
Born: Thursday 1 May 1958
Died on: Saturday 21 April 2018
Age: 59 years, 11 months, 20 days
Cause: Chronic PTSD – Suicide – Firearm
Event location: ?, Qld
Event date: Saturday 21 April 2018
Funeral date: Tuesday 1 May 2018 @ 10.30am
Funeral location: Mt Thompson Memorial Gardens and Crematorium – East Chapel
329 Nursery Road, Holland Park
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial located at: ?
BRUCE is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * BUT SHOULD BE
Funeral location: [codepeople-post-map]
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
On behalf of Bruce’s sons, Simon, Joshua, Paul and Myself we would like to invite you to Bruce’s funeral to celebrate his life with us.
Tuesday 1st May 2018 at 10.30am
Mt Thompson Memorial Gardens and Crematorium – East Chapel
329 Nursery Road, Holland Park.
Post from Mark Kelly, Director Blue HOPE
It is with great sadness that I announce the death of Bruce Cooper who tragically died by suicide on the morning of Saturday, 21 April 2018.
He was 59 years old.
A 20-year veteran police officer, Bruce served with pride for 10 years with the NSW Police Force and another 10 years with the Queensland Police Service before leaving the job in 2008.
Policing took its toll on Bruce. He struggled with chronic PTSD for a long time and, like many who struggle with PTSD, Bruce tried to numb the pain with alcohol. Bruce was a fighter though; he fought his way back and had control over alcohol for a long time. The nightmares, painful memories and horrific images however, would not relent.
I first met Bruce in 2016, when he hit a hurdle and relapsed. His amazing wife Michelle reached out and we decided together that I would drop by to say G’day. I arrived unannounced and met a man who was in immense pain and struggling badly. At first, he was reluctant to talk so we just sat together watching television while he sized me up out of the corner of his eye.
Trusting people was hard for Bruce. He’d been let down many times in his life and aside from a couple of close friends and his family, he didn’t easily let people in. He was also a fixer; a man of great skill who could build and repair just about anything he turned his mind to. Cars, trucks, motorbikes, things around the house. You name it, Bruce could fix it.
Sadly, when it came to his own demons, Bruce couldn’t find a fix and he was reluctant to ask for, or accept help. So needless to say, he was a bit cross at me and Michelle when I showed up that day.
[blockquote]He was also embarrassed and as he told me later, “bloody ashamed”.[/blockquote]
We didn’t speak much at first. I’d share a bit and he’d open up a little bit and after a while the rapport that so often occurs between coppers started to build. Bruce was still wary though. He was also embarrassed and as he told me later, “bloody ashamed”. It’s hard to admit that you’re not ok and it can be even harder to admit that you need help. Eventually though, Bruce started to talk. We talked about his life, his sons, his grandchildren and his love for Michelle (his “Shelle Machine”). We talked about cars, motorbikes and eventually we started to talk about the job. That was hard for Bruce. He had seen and experienced a lot as a police officer. Police see some awful things, but I think Bruce got more than his share.
So, we sat together for hours; hours became days and thankfully, in time Bruce got some help. He entered a treatment program and was placed into the care of some great mental health professionals. Bruce and I became friendly, talking and texting occasionally. He’d often tease me about the day we met and the blue shoes I was wearing that day. He was a funny bugger. He seemed to be doing pretty well and, in the Winter of 2017, he and Michelle came to a Blue HOPE car show to say Hi. We hugged, and I was struck by how well he looked. He had spark and it seemed that the future looked pretty bright.
[blockquote]“It’s too fucking hard”, “It hurts so much”[/blockquote]
Unfortunately, towards the end of 2017, Bruce relapsed after a death in the family. I called in to see him and was shocked to see how much pain he was in. The Bruce I knew was still there, but the demons had resurfaced and taken hold. Everyone who knew and loved Bruce was rallying around him to encourage him to get back into treatment, but he didn’t want to go. “It’s too fucking hard”, “It hurts so much”, he told me. His pain was unfathomable. He wanted to get better. He wanted to beat PTSD. He wanted the nightmares and images to go away. He wanted to help others. Bruce had so much to offer the world but first he needed to get help.
We all had countless conversations about options and eventually, Bruce started to attend his appointments again. After a rough few weeks things were starting to look up. We spoke from time to time, I’d see him on social media and he’s touch base regularly via text, signing off with his traditional gorilla emoji. He seemed ok; but he wasn’t.
During the morning of Saturday 21 April, I received a call from Michelle saying that Bruce was in crisis; asking if I could come. He had somehow come into the possession of an old firearm and was talking about hurting himself. The police were immediately called, and I raced over to offer what assistance I could.
When I arrived, police, ambulance and tactical units were in attendance, all carefully positioned out of Bruce’s view. Thankfully, I was allowed through the cordon to speak with the police in command, provide a briefing to the negotiators and most importantly provide support for Michelle. I did not have the opportunity to speak with Bruce. Sadly, before anybody could make contact with him, Bruce took his life.
It’s important that I thank the members of the Queensland Police and the QLD Ambulance who were present. The QPS negotiation team in particular were incredibly professional, caring and supportive to all present. All emergency services personnel present should be commended for their incredible efforts to save Bruce.
To Bruce… Coops, I’m sad and I’m angry but I’m also thankful that you are no longer in pain. I’m sorry I couldn’t do more. For what it’s worth, I’m a better man for having known you. Rest well mate.
Finally, to everyone who is reading this.
If you are struggling, know this. Recovery starts and ends with you. You might have all the help in the world at your fingertips but unless you accept responsibility for your own recovery and surrender yourself to the healing process, recovery will elude you. It’s not enough to just show up for appointments; you have to get your hands dirty and do the hard work. This can mean going to hospital, accepting psychiatric and psychological treatment, taking the meds and persisting with recovery groups. Don’t just turn up. Engage with it. Your life depends on it.
Yes, it will be a grind. In fact, it will seem unbearable at times but all of the people that I know who are doing well (myself included) know that this is the only path. It’s hard and it’ll take time but it’s worth it. Not only for you, but for your family.
No police officer I have ever met was diagnosed with PTSD as a result of being a coward. If you were strong once, you can be strong again. I promise you that it can be OK.
Blue HOPE stands ready to help.
Thanks for taking the time to read about this terrific man.
Today we remember Bruce Cooper who died by suicide on this day 2 years ago in Brisbane.
Indelibly marked by trauma in his early life, Bruce channelled his life experience into something better; joining the NSW Police Force where he served for 10 years before moving to Queensland where he served a further 10 years with the Queensland Police Service.
I first met Bruce briefly in 2002, when we were both in the job, but our paths didn’t cross again until 14 years later when his wife Michelle re-introduced us during his struggle with trauma, PTSD and alcohol addiction. After a while, we became good friends and the next couple of years were a mix of happiness, hope, sadness and frustration as Bruce improved in clinical programs, only to relapse sometime later. He did his best, but trauma and addiction had their hooks in him. He had so much love and support in his life. Honestly, if love and support alone could have saved him, Bruce would still be alive today.
I wish it was that simple.
Despite the efforts of those who loved him and tried to help, Bruce lost his battle. Many people worked so hard to save Bruce that awful day. We waited nearby, as incredible members from the QPS tried valiantly to reach out to him; we tried to help them with as much information that we could provide …. we prayed and we waited. We honestly thought that he would be recovered safely but that wasn’t to be. We all failed to get through…. and Bruce took his life. The rest is indescribable, so I won’t try. It wasn’t really Bruce in that moment; it was his pain, his trauma and his addiction that took him away. He loved us and we loved him, and we live in hope that he is now in a better, more peaceful place.
Today, Michelle and I visited Bruce at his resting place. We sat and we chatted. We reflected on his life and we thought about the meaning that this tragedy can have for others. What can we learn?
What I know is this. When you are faced with the impossible, the pain and the struggle you have to decide what is important. You have to decide what kind of person you are. All the support and love in the world can be available to you, but you have to make the choice to accept it and engage with it. Taking your life, ultimately robs the world of your potential to be more. You have so much to give, even if you don’t realise that now. Ask yourself, “What will my legacy be?”
Most importantly, suicide leaves a trail of destruction in its wake. When I look at my dear friend Michelle, I see an amazing woman who is trying to rebuild her life as best she can; in her own way, in her own time, and on her terms. Grief permeates every aspect of life, but I know she will prevail. As CS Lewis wrote, “Her loss was like the sky; spread over everything.” I was honoured to climb Mt Kilimanjaro with Michelle late last year so I know she can do anything. She is an incredible person.
I asked Michelle today, what she thought about trying to help someone who is struggling. She said very simply, “reach in and keep reaching in. It will be frustrating. Sometimes you will hate them, and they will often give you the shits, but you’ve got to keep trying.” She is not one to give up and I am immensely proud of her.
I have mixed feelings about Facebook posts about the death of police members. They are often polarising. Some people appreciate them and others dislike them. Today though, I write in the hope that someone, somewhere will draw strength to continue. It’s not too late. Two years ago, when I wrote about Bruce I said, “you have to get your hands dirty and do the hard work”. That remains true. So much help and support is available; you just have to accept it and commit to getting better for yourself and your loved ones. It will be hard and often unbearable, but it is worth it. The decision is yours and yours alone.
I apologise for the lengthy post and I appreciate you taking the time to join me in reflecting on the life of Bruce and all of the brothers and sisters we have lost to suicide. If you know someone who has lost a family member or friend to suicide, reach out to them today and tell them that you are thinking of them.
If you know someone who is struggling, “reach in, and keep reaching in”.
Retired police officer of 41 years Noel Sparks and his wife stumbled across the dilapidated grave of Senior Constable Henry James Fetherston when visiting the Maryborough Cemetery after the 2012 floods to check on Denise’s great-grandmother’s grave.
WHEN Noel Sparks stumbled across the dilapidated grave of a young policeman who died in 1885, he did not know he was starting a journey that would result in the official recognition of the officer’s sacrifice.
Mr Sparks, himself a retired police officer, and his wife Denise visited Maryborough Cemetery in 2012 to check on Denise’s great-grandmother’s grave after the floods.
With a reading from Psalms and verses by Shakespeare on the side of the monument, Mr Sparks knew immediately that Senior Constable Henry James Fetheston ( misspelt – should be Fetherston ), who was just 26 when he died, had been a well-respected member of the community.
He would spend the next five years working towards honouring Snr Const Fetheston‘s sacrifice and helping to ensure the monument marking the young man’s grave would be completely restored to its former glory.
Yesterday ( 11 August 2017 ) a crowd of about 50 police officers, the restoration team, dignitaries and the public gathered to unveil the monument.
Snr Const Fetheston was born in Ireland and was sworn into the the Queensland Police Force in 1878 after migrating to Australia.
In 1879 he was posted to Maryborough.
Snr Const Fetheston was riding through the Police Paddocks in Tinana on February 23, 1885 when his horse bolted.
As he tried to calm him, he was thrown off, landing on a log before being crushed by the falling horse.
He was found at 5am and died at 7am the next day from internal injuries. ( this sentence is poorly worded. He died on 23rd, so either this sentence is wrong or the accident happened at 5am on the 22nd February and died at 7am the next day = 23rd )
Just prior to Police Remembrance Day last year ( 2016 ), his name was added to the Queensland Police Honour Roll and the national police Memorial in Canberra, acknowledging the officer had died while on duty.
After his death the community funded the monument that stands over his grave.
It was estimated that the monument would cost at least $70,000 to build if it was made today.
The well respected young man attended Maryborough’s Anglican church regularly and was a member of the rowing club and a local cricket club.
They sought the help of Warren Harland of Wide Bay Memorials.
“We worked under his direction and Warren was responsible for the restoration of the stone works including the marble and sandstone on the monument,” Noel said.
Senior Constable Henry James Fetherston died from injuries sustained from a horse-riding incident in Maryborough in 22 February 1885. He was 26 years of age and was subsequently buried in the Maryborough Cemetery.
A substantial monument commemorates his death and appears to be in a reasonable state of repair.
The FQPM propose to examine the monument in detail with a view to arranging the cleaning and restoration of the headstone and surrounds.
The President and Secretary were fortunate to meet with retired QPS representatives who have an interest in the restoration of police graves, in particular in the Maryborough area. We spoke with retired QPS member Noel Sparks and his wife, who were keen to coordinate the necessary work on the Fetherston’ grave.
Noel has made a preliminary assessment of the work required and is of the view that the monument has been slightly undermined and requires additional support. The remaining work would include cleaning the monument, painting the iron fence and cleaning the grave surface and perhaps covering with weed mat and decorative stones.
It is believed that much of the restoration can be achieved with volunteer labour and any other work necessary quotes obtained. FQPM would consider any submissions for financial support.
Plain Clothes Constable Handran was fatally shot by Tony Leif Dolerud at Wynnum, Brisbane on 29 June 1989 while attending a serious domestic dispute in company of his partner Plain Clothes Constable ( Stephen ) Clarey ( 24 ).
Dolerud had earlier stabbed his wife in an argument and, as a friend tried to take her to safety, armed himself with a high powered rifle and began firing indiscriminately into the street.
Plain Clothes Constable Handran was fatally shot as he alighted from the police vehicle outside the man’s unit. Constable Clarey was also shot as he took shelter behind the police vehicle.
Dolerud later took his own life ( suicide ) after killing his two-year-old daughter. Four others were wounded.
On Monday 3 July 1989 Brett Handran’s family were joined by a large contingent of his colleagues including senior officers of the New South Wales, Victorian and Australian Federal Police Forces.
The Service was conducted at the Queensland Police Academy Chapel with full police honours.
BRISBANE: On the day that all the headlines were about the Fitzgerald report and its recommendations for massive changes to the Queensland police force, not many would have been thinking of Constable Brett Timothy Handran, 23, who was gunned down last Thursday when he went to investigate a domestic dispute.
His funeral was held an hour after the first embargoed copies of the Fitzgerald inquiry report were handed to state Cabinet and journalists yesterday.
More than 300 police and mourners attended the 10am service.
Constable Handran was shot through the heart at a block of welfare flats in the bayside suburb of Wynnum.
The man who shot him also killed a little girl and then himself.
Four people were injured, including another officer, Constable Stephen Clarey, 24.
The Minister for Police, Russell Cooper, told the congregation, “I express deep regret at the loss of a loved one and a fellow officer.”
Among the mourners were police representatives from NSW, Victoria and the ACT. The Queensland police contingent was headed by Acting Commissioner Ron Redmond.
Some officers at yesterday’s service could not hide their frustration over Constable Handran‘s death, at a time when police morale had taken a battering.
“If only people could accept that we are proud of our job,” one officer said. “You get abused when you hand out a traffic ticket, but there are a lot a crazies running around and it’s the police who are expected to bring them in.”
Constable Handran, a single father, was attached to the Juvenile Aid Bureau. He and Constable Clarey were in Wynnum on another police matter and were the first to respond to the emergency call.
Last week, as police gathered up their equipment and prepared to leave the scene of the Wynnum shootings, one officer said, “Constable Handran will be buried on Monday, the same day the Fitzgerald report is released. Guess which story will get the biggest headlines?”
BRISBANE: The Queensland Government has been criticised for not providing police with bullet-proof vests following a shooting in suburban Wynnum yesterday in which three people were killed.
A two-year-old girl and an unarmed policeman were shot dead outside a flat in Carmichael Court by a man who later turned a rifle on himself and committed suicide.
Police said the shooting was the result of a domestic dispute.
The Opposition spokesman on police affairs, Terry MacKenroth, said every police car in the state should have at least two vests in it to protect officers called to emergency situations such as yesterday’s siege.
“Mr. Cooper, along with every other Ahern Government minister, including Deputy Premier Bill Gunn and the Premier himself, must take the blame for the death of a young police officer today,” he said.
Liberal leader Angus Innes said the Government had promised two years ago to provide police with bullet-proof vests.
He said that it was only in June this year that 1400 bullet-proof vests for police had been finally approved.
“Police know that they are more likely to be killed attending a domestic disturbance than in any other area of police work,” Mr Innes said. .
“The minister for Police, Russell Cooper, said last night that he had ordered a meeting today with Acting Police Commissioner Don Braithwaite to investigate the incident.
“Police said a man, a woman and two children had gone to the Wynnum flat, occupied by the woman’s former de-facto husband, to collect some of the woman’s property.
Police believe an argument started, which resulted in the woman being stabbed several times in the back, chest and arm.
As she fled with her male companion the man in the flat fired a rifle from an upstairs bedroom window, wounding the man in the back.
Police said as the couple drove to a nearby doctor’s surgery for help, a woman neighbour apparently attempted to carry the injured woman’s two-year-old daughter to safety.
The gunman fired another shot from the bedroom window, killing the girl and injuring the woman.
They said two plain-clothed officers from the Juvenile Aid Bureau who were in the area went to investigate.
The gunman then opened fire on the officers as they left their car and 23-year-old Constable Brett Timothy Handran was shot in the back and later died in hospital.
His partner, Constable Stephen Clarey, 24, suffered a bullet graze to the head and was not expected to be detained in hospital overnight.
The woman, her male companion and the female neighbour were also being treated in hospital.
A police spokesman said when the Tactical Response Unit arrived, they were told an eight month-old baby boy was still in the flat with the gunman.
They forced entry through the kitchen and rescued the baby, who was crawling on the floor.
About 45 minutes later police again entered the flat and found the gunman dead in a bedroom with a gunshot wound to the head.
A man with a baby in his arms runs from the siege area.
14.8 metre Norman R Wright and Sons fast patrol launch, triple diagonal planked hull with a dynel sheath. Powered by twin 420 hp Detroit 6v 92 series motors.
‘BRETT T. HANDRAN II‘
Brett T Handran II
BRETT T. HANDRAN II – 2009
The Brisbane based ‘BRETT T. HANDRAN II‘ was delivered to the Queensland Police Service in March 2009.
Built at a cost of over $1m, and one of three similar vessels (‘W.CONROY V’, ‘LYLE M. HOEY IV’ ), the ‘BRETT T. HANDRAN II‘ was built by Austral at their Margate shipyard just south of Hobart, Tasmania.
The ‘BRETT T. HANDRAN II‘ is a 22 metre aluminium catamaran powered by two MTU Series 60 diesel engines, each rated at 499kw, with Twin Disc Quickshift MGX-51355C gearboxes driving two Bruntons five-bladed fixed pitch propellers giving a maximum speed of 26 knots (cruise speed 20 knots) and a maximum range of approximately 900 nautical miles.
FROM THE VAULT – Star of Courage: Constable Robert Rodgers
Robert Rodgers joined the Queensland Police as Constable number 5904 on 10 October 1986. He served at the following stations: City; Mooroka; Brisbane Mobile Patrols; Inala, Brisbane CIB and Wynnum and retired on 7 February 1990.
On 29 June 1989Constable Robert Rodgers and Senior Constable Peter Edwards of the Wynnum Police, were told to attend an incident at Carmichael Court where a man was going berserk with a gun and where several persons had been shot, including Plain Clothes Constable Brett Handran. Rodgers and Edwards arrived at Carmichael Court, alighted from the vehicle and took cover. Constable Rogers ascertained from local residents the approximate location of the gunman and learned that a child and woman had been shot.
Constable Rogers found a position of safety close to the gunman’s location and communicated with the man to negotiate access to the wounded people. Without thought for his own safety, Constable Rogers successfully removed the child and woman from harm’s way. Constable Rodgers was awarded the Star of Courage on 18 April, 1991 for displayed conspicuous courage.
The Star of Courage is awarded for acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril. It is the second highest Australian Bravery Decoration. Only four Queensland Police officers have been in receipt of the Star of Courage since the award was established in February 1975.
Australian Bravery Decorations date from the establishment of the Australian honours system in. The Group Bravery Citation was added in 1990. The decorations recognise acts of bravery by members of the community. There are four levels of decoration:
Cross of Valour (CV)
Star of Courage (SC)
Bravery Medal (BM)
Commendation for Brave Conduct
The book – BRAVE, written by Mark Whittaker and first published in 2011 by Pan MacMillan Australia P/L also goes into further detail about this event.
Owen Timothy HARMS
23/08/2018
Owen Timothy HARMS APM
aka Harmsy
Late of ?
Queensland Police Force
Regd. # 6052
Rank: Sergeant ? – Former member
Stations: ?, Mt Isa ( 4 years ), Gladstone Police District, O.I.C. – Miriam Vale ( past 20 years ), Rockhampton
Service: From? ? ? to1 August 2017=33+ years Service
Awards: Australian Police Medal – APM – granted 14 June 1999
In memoriam: Sergeant Owen Timothy HARMS APM, Queensland Police Service, died on 1st August 2017
In addition to Australia Police Medal and National Medal, Sergeant Owen Harms received a Certificate of Merit from The Royal Humane Society of Australasia. He was later also presented with an award and recognition for his diligence, ethical conduct and commitment to his community.
His passing is a devastating loss to his family, friends, the community and country he proudly served. We are all intensely desolated by the sting of this bitter grief.
“Step forward now, policeman,
You’ve borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven’s streets,
You’ve done your time in hell.”
Fallen in the line of duty. Gone, but never forgotten and forever in our hearts.
SHOCK: Top cop blows four times the legal limit
Sarah Barnham | 26th Jun 2017 7:20 PM Updated: 27th Jun 2017 7:43 AM
DEVASTATED: Officer in charge Miriam Vale, Owen Harms was distraught in court today as he faced up drink driving charges. Mike Richards GLA040715VALE
AFTER being on the other end of a breathalyser for 34 years, a Gladstone police officer never expected to be looking down the barrel himself.
Sergeant Owen Harms, 50, who has been stationed in Miriam Vale for the past 20 years, faced Gladstone Magistrates Court today on one charge of operating a vehicle under the influence of liquor.
Harms’ emotional plea of guilt came after returning a blood alcohol reading of .224%, more than four times the legal limit during a breath test.
Harms broke down in the courtroom upon having the charge read out to him for the offence on May 25 at Miriam Vale.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Barry Stevens said at about 3.50pm police found Harms along the Bruce Highway, a short distance from the Meadow Hotel.
The court heard Harms had come from the funeral of a close friend and decided to stop in at the pub to have a few drinks.
He left the hotel and got into his car, but upon realising he was not fit to drive, he pulled over and called his wife to come and get him.
However, Sgt Stevens said someone at the hotel alerted police to Harms’ behaviour and intention to get behind the wheel.
The police arrived before Harms’ wife.
Sgt Stevens said it was evident to the attending officers that Harms was intoxicated.
Sgt Stevens said upon the sobering fact that he had blown more than four times the legal limit, Harms became very remorseful and emotional at the scene.
He told officers he knew he was in the wrong to try to drive, but once he realised, he stopped and was waiting for his wife to come and pick him up.
SO SORRY: Owen Harms, pictured in 2015, in his role as the chairman of the Gary Larson Oval Enhancement Group. Jake Jones
However, the reason for stopping at the hotel was for something else entirely; just hours earlier Harms had been told by his doctor that he was now free of bowel cancer.
The same cancer that for the past three years had forced the officer to give up his duties on the streets, take a significant pay cut and work behind a desk.
That, paired with a heart condition, a crippling case of PTSD and severe depression and anxiety, had caused a huge burden for the sergeant and his family.
The court heard the mental conditions were a direct result of some of the scenes the officer had had to face during his confronting career.
Representing Harms in the courtroom, the Queensland Police Union’s Troy Schmidt said his client was committed to the Gladstone community and throughout his career had done and achieved extraordinary things, both as an officer and a volunteer.
“During his career this man has attended many fatals and suicides, deaths and horrific scenes,” Mr Schmidt said.
Harms again broke down in court when Mr Schmidt recounted a time where the officer was called to a job where a baby needed emergency CPR.
The CPR was unsuccessful and the baby died.
It was a memory that would always haunt the officer, Mr Schmidt said.
Mr Schmidt presented 21 good character references to the courtroom including that of deputy mayor Chris Trevor, the Miriam Vale Lions Club and Gladstone Police Inspector Darren Somerville.
The references described him to be a loving, unquestionably trustworthy and a highly commendable man.
Mr Schmidt said his client was now faced with the likely prospect of demotion and, given his requirement as a police officer to retire at the age of 60, would lose hundreds of thousands in finances.
He said his client’s family was suffering greatly.
The court heard Harms had been stood down from duties at Miriam Vale and had been working in Rockhampton.
Gladstone Magistrate Melanie Ho commended the sergeant on the work he had done for the community, and said it was quite clear the offending was out of character.
Ms Ho also noted that Harms had made the right choice in pulling over on the highway rather than continuing to drive.
He was fined $1500 and disqualified from driving for 12 months, with a conviction recorded.
Harms told The Observer he was deeply regretful for his actions.
THE first rugby league game of the season at Miriam Vale’s Gary Larson Oval will be under new lights.
Gladstone Regional Council has agreed to give last year’s residual sport and recreation funding of $21,000 to caretaker group, Gary Larson Oval Enhancement Group, which was on its knees and threatening to shut the gates.
Oval leaseholder, Owen Harms, is ecstatic about the decision, handed down in council chambers yesterday.
It means Gary Larson Oval will have $44,000 worth of new lights installed by March, allowing the small town to safely host community organisations and sporting groups at the ground.
“This will be a huge boost for our senior rugby league team, the Magpies, who rely on playing at night,” Mr Harms said.
“Now we will have fantastic new lights to play under safely.
“We were on the verge of closing the gates and if this hadn’t come through that’s what we would have been looking to do.”
In November the group, which raised $23,000 towards new lights, made a desperate plea to the council after being rejected twice for funding.
This application also fell on deaf ears, the council having said it would be unfair to other groups.
In the last round of council sport and recreational funding there were five unsuccessful applications and all were invited to vie for the $20,900.
But only the application from the Gary Larson Oval group met the criteria.
Central Queensland Motor sports Complex, Benaraby put in an application but asked for $44,000 – more than double what was on offer.
Lowmead Social Cricket and Sporting Club also made a bid for $4500 of the left over funding, but their application didn’t meet the criteria either.
Sergeant Owen Harms OIC Miriam Vale receives his award from the Assistant Commissioner Michael Dondon
Last Thursday a total of 30 Officers were recognised for their diligence, ethical conduct and commitment to their community. This represented a total of 330 years served by police in the Gladstone Patrol Group. The ceremony was attended by Assistant Commissioner Michael Condon and the District Officer Superintendent Ron Van Saane. Distinguished guests included Councillor Gail Sellers, Mayor of Gladstone, Captain Dale heimer from the 42nd Battalion of the Australian Army, Members of the Gladstone Branch of the Retired Police Association, family and friends. Assistant Commissioner Condon stated of the officers who received a medal or award were, ‘an asset to the Service and Queensland, and more than deserving.” Congratulations to all recipients your skill and dedication are inspiring.
Deserving recipients of bravery awards at Wednesday’s ceremony are (from left) Sergeant Owen Harms, Sergeant Jonathon Edwards and Sergeant Michael Phillips. Photo supplied
POLICE Sergeant Michael Phillips will forever remember the day he tried to save two boys from suffocation in a collapsed sand cave at Anges Water.
Although tragically one of the boys died at the scene, the Central Queensland officer was hailed a hero for his valiant attempt to save them three years ago.
And last week he was honoured with a bravery award.
He and fellow police officer Sergeant Jonathon Edwards were awarded Bronze Medals and Sergeant Owen Harms received a Certificate of Merit from The Royal Humane Society of Australasia at a ceremony at Government House in Brisbane last Wednesday.
Sergeant Phillips said he was very proud to have received the medal, but added that it was a “bittersweet moment”.
“It would have been nice if we were able to save both boys, but things don’t work out the way you want them to unfortunately,” he said. “It is something that I will remember for the rest of my life.”
Sergeant Phillips said when the three officers were called to the beach on August 15, 2006, they did not know what to expect.
“We were just told three boys were buried; we didn’t anticipate it being the way it was,” he said.
The three men used shovels to dig for the boys who had been trying to connect two deep tunnels when the sand collapsed on them.
The men were unable to save one of the boys trapped under almost two metres of sand.
“It took us about two hours to get him out. “We performed CPR on the boy for about 20 minutes but he died. There was nothing else we could do,” he said.
Sergeant Edwards commandeered an excavator to free the other boy, who was still trapped under the sand.
Sergeant Phillips said the boy was buried up to his neck so he did every thing he could to keep him alive.
“I got into the hole with him and held an oxygen mask over his mouth to keep his airway clear,” he said.
“Once the digger could only get so close we had to dig by hand to get him out and managed to free him.”
The youngest of three boys, all brothers holidaying from the Netherlands, managed to free himself earlier and alert two French tourists of his trapped brothers.
Those tourists were also presented with awards in Paris for their rescue efforts.
Sergeant Phillips said the little boy had been very brave and stayed very calm.
“He was excellent; I was speaking to him the whole time and we talked about sports and where he was from; he wasn’t panicking at all,” he said.
Daryl Gough from Woodbury was also presented with an award for going to the rescue of a mother and three children who were saved from drowning at Nine Mile Beach, Yeppoon, on March 23 last year.
AWARDS CQ award recipients:
Bronze Medal:
Sergeant Michael Phillips
Sergeant Jonathon Edwards
Daryl Gough
Certificate of Merit:
• Sergeant Owen Harms
• 22 residents of Qld were presented with bravery awards.
One Silver Medal, 17 Bronze Medals and 4 Certificates of Merit were presented by Governor of Queensland Penelope Wensley, AO.
Community pays tribute to police officer Owen Harms after his shock death
Chris Lees, Gladstone Observer
THE community has paid tribute to Miriam Vale police officer Owen Harms, who died yesterday.
Sergeant Harms had been stationed in Miriam Vale for the past 20 years.
True Blue Line – an organisation that posts news stories and information about emergency services, with a focus on Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and the United States, posted a tribute on Facebook today.
“Sergeant Owen Harms, with a big heart and full of compassion for everyone, was everyone’s friend and the Officer in Charge at Miriam Vale Police in Gladstone Police District, Queensland. Highly respected and much loved by many, he dedicated over 30 years of his life to protect, serve and improve the community he cherished so much,” the post reads.
There were no suspicious circumstances around his death, and it came 36 days after he had admitted drink-driving in the Gladstone Magistrates Court.
He was a decorated officer.
“In addition to Australia Police Medal and National Medal, Sergeant Owen Harms received a Certificate of Merit from The Royal Humane Society of Australasia. Described as a true blue Aussie with a heart of gold, ‘Owey’ was also presented with an award and recognition for his diligence, ethical conduct and commitment to his community,’’ the True Blue post said.
“His passing is a devastating loss to his family, friends, the community and country he proudly served. We all feel intensely desolated by the sting of this bitter grief.’’
Others joined the tributes.
“You were there for every one of us… your door was always open for us to pop in and have a cuppa and chat… you never said a bad word about anyone! You knew how to make us laugh… you always gave a hug just when it was needed… you were so dearly loved by your beautiful family and the community in which you so proudly served!” – C.S.
“Your community is broken and lost tonight, this just doesn’t seem real. You were one of the best Owey. The support you’ve shown not only our family but your community over the years will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family tonight RIP Harmsey” – A.H.
“Step forward now, policeman,
“You’ve borne your burdens well.
“Come walk a beat on Heaven’s streets,
“You’ve done your time in hell.
“Fallen in the line of duty. Gone, but never forgotten and forever in our hearts.”
The Miriam Vale Rodeo Association said he was a true hero to all that knew him.
“MV Rodeo Association wishes to extend our heartfelt condolences to Owen’s beloved family and friends during this devastating time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all,” they posted.
“Owey, you will be sorely missed mate!”
Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett took to Facebook to post his own tribute.
“Terrible sad day for the Gladstone Region as we mourn the loss of Sergeant Owen Timothy Harms,” he wrote.
“No words can describe how great a man he was and how devastating this news is. Rest in peace my friend.”
The Miriam Vale Magpies Rugby League Club remembered Sgt Harms on Facebook.
“Owen, our community pillar, our hero, our mate!,” the post reads.
“Forever etched in our hearts and minds are the memories of this tremendous man! May you rest in eternal peace Owey. We love you and will miss you terribly.
“On behalf of the Maggies family we are all holding Lyn, Brendon and Bree very close in our hearts and thoughts at this devastating time. May you draw strength and courage from the outpouring of love and support.”
GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL – GENERAL MEETING MINUTES 15 AUGUST 2017
6 of 132
MESSAGES OF CONDOLENCE
Owen Timothy Harms
Cr Trevor paid tribute to Owen Harms as follows:-
Owen Timothy Harms‘s funeral took place on 8 August 2017. It was a beautiful service for a beautiful man loved by all, now resting in peace. A community champion who selflessly put others before himself. A wonderful family man with an enormous generosity of spirit, he will be sadly missed and he was enormously proud of his family, his friends, his community and his Police Service.
As an active Police Officer he was proud of his nearly 34 years of service on the front line and all at 1, 2, 3 and 4 officer stations except 4 years at Mt Isa. Very long periods when Miriam Vale was a two officer station he spent alone without relief, on call 24/7, 80 kms of Bruce Highway in division often months at a time.
Executive Committee member for many and varied local committees including local ambulance committee, Police and Citizens Association, Lions Club, driving force behind the Gary Larsen Oval enhancement committee, responsible for building an entire Sports Complex from bare grass to a magnificent venue for use by Miriam Vale residents and support for youth, under privileged and the
elderly. Coach and manager of many junior sporting teams, foundation member of Miriam Vale Social Touch Football Association (which has lasted for 19 years and still going strong), providing a vital outlet for the town’s youth.
Recipient of the following:-
Australian Police Medal (APM)
All Police Medals
Two by Commissioner Certificates
Multiple Citizen of the Year Awards for various local government areas
Owen mentored many Senior Constables (nearly all who have been promoted) and also mentored budding Sergeants in Charge. He served long stints in the Northern Territory border at Bulleya, Burketown, Bungee, Birdsville and Mt Isa, many times alone.
Unfortunately he had a lengthy battle with various and serious health problems. His support of his community did not stop although he had these problems. He was a strong advocate for helping people with difficulties, raising funds to install a Chair Lift for disabled residents. Owen was a participant in a long running video campaign for assisting police officers with depression and anxiety issues and when successfully reliving in Senior Sergeant roles received glowing reports.
His high level of duty to the Police Service found him never receiving an Adverse Station Inspection Report and he never failed to help colleagues in difficulty at any time of the night. Owen never once refused a request for a call for service at any time of the day or night.
TRUE HERO: Family, friends and fellow officers are in shock after the death of Owen Harms.
THE community has paid tribute to Miriam Vale police officer Owen Harms, who died on Monday.
Sergeant Harms was stationed in Miriam Vale for the past 20 years.
True Blue Line, an organisation that posts news and information about emergency services, posted a tribute on Facebook.
“Sergeant Owen Harms, with a big heart and full of compassion for everyone, was everyone’s friend and the Officer in Charge at Miriam Vale Police in Gladstone Police District, Queensland. Highly respected and much loved by many, he dedicated over 30 years of his life to protect, serve and improve the community he cherished so much,” the post read.
There were no suspicious circumstances around his death.
It came 36 days after he admitted in the Gladstone Magistrates Court drink-driving.
He was a decorated officer. Sgt Harms was also beloved in the sporting community, and played an instrumental role in combining the Agnes Water and Miriam Vale teams to form the Northern Force Rugby League Club.
This Sunday a minute of silence will be held when the Northern Force play Avondale before the team run out to Eye of the Tiger – “Owie’s favourite song”, president Kym McIntosh told the NewsMail.
“It’s rocked two clubs, rocked two communities. “It’s just so sad.”
“In addition to Australia Police Medal and National Medal, Sergeant Owen Harms received a Certificate of Merit from The Royal Humane Society of Australasia. Described as a true blue Aussie with a heart of gold, ‘Owey’ was also presented with an award and recognition for his diligence, ethical conduct and commitment to his community,” the True Blue post said.
“His passing is a devastating loss to his family, friends, the community and country he proudly served. We all feel intensely desolated by the sting of this bitter grief.:” Others joined the tributes. “You were there for every one of us … your door was always open for us to pop in and have a cuppa and chat … you never said a bad word about anyone! You knew how to make us laugh… you always gave a hug just when it was needed … you were so dearly loved by your beautiful family and the community in which you so proudly served!” one wrote.
The Miriam Vale Rodeo Association and the Magpies Rugby League Club paid tribute to “a true hero”, while Gladstone Mayor Matt Burnett took to Facebook to post his own tribute.
“Terrible sad day for the Gladstone region as we mourn the loss of Sergeant Owen Timothy Harms.
“No words can describe how great a man he was and how devastating this news is. Rest in peace my friend.” ■ If you or someone you know needs help, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14.
I sit here writing this still reeling from the tragic loss of Owen Harms. Any death in the police family is a death too many. Harmsy was a true CQ legend beloved by all who knew him. To Lynette and the rest of the Harms family, you have my deepest condolences We all have demons inside us and the black dog is ever creeping. We need to remain vigilant and look after one another. To all my family, friends, and colleagues, I am always here if you need someone to talk to, a shoulder to cry on, or someone to vent frustration on. No matter the circumstances or the situation, my door is always open. I am only a phone call away.
Never think that you are alone! Life and work can become overwhelming at times and the dreaded black dog creeps up on us all. We need to stand together and help each other through these tough times and look forward to a brighter tomorrow.
I ask you all to check on a mate and make time to talk to each other. It may be difficult, but that difficult conversation may save a life.
Remember, it’s not weak to speak.
DO OUR PEOPLE MATTER?
Recent events have made many question this. It’s time to take stock and for the Service to take a long hard look at how it treats its employees. There are many areas within the organisation that need fixing, starting with the disciplinary system.
We all know it is broken beyond repair and has been for some time. It needs an urgent overhaul to stop the rot that has been going on for far too long.
Members are being stood down and suspended and left hanging while investigations take far too long: some over three years.
Members are guilt until proven innocent! How is this natural justice?
There needs to be firm time limits put on internal investigations. Perhaps more staff can be allocated to the District PPMs to expedite these investigations.
The Service has an obligation to investigate these matters, resolve them in a timely manner, and not let them drag on … and on. These delays cause angst and anxiety to not only the member but also to their families. It also places unnecessary financial hardship on members and their families.
He shared the news that it was terminal just last month, a discovery that hit his young family hard.
“I feel so sad for my boys and Tanya [Broughton], my family and friends,” he shared on June 26.
“Not sure how long I’ve got peeps.
“Grab someone and give them a hug, doesn’t matter who it is. Cherish your time and everybody, love everybody.”
He was described as a big man with a big heart who had been in the army and served his country.
Bundaberg police officer Warren Broughton (right) with friend Heath Clayton.
Friend Heath Clayton mourned the mate he knew as “Yoda”.
“It is with a very heavy heart this morning that I learned of the passing of an old friend, Warren Broughton (Yoda),” Mr Clayton shared on social media.
“Yoda passed yesterday and will be well remembered and sorely missed.
“You were always a great friend, a guarantee you would put a smile on everyone’s face and a good man too all who had the pleasure of knowing you. Time for the long sleep my old friend.
“I will be thinking of you this day, with a heavy heart but of all the good times. Goodbye mate.”
Warren was a captain, Sunbowl champion and Queensland rep for the Logan City Bengals gridiron team in the early 90s, described by Harry Alderton as “one of the best teammates to have”.
“A leader in every sense,” Mr Alderton wrote.
“Tough as nails, attacking and aggressive and always having fun. He picked you up and made the game better.”
A funeral service will be held for Warren at 10am on Wednesday, July 26 at Des Allen Funeral Home, Phoebe Cres, Bundaberg.
A memorial service will be held for Warren at 2.30pm on Thursday, July 27 at Bundaberg PCYC.
The original Logan city Bengals will be having a reunion on July 30 “to celebrate Warren and continue to raise money for his kids’ future”.
NOTHING can replace a husband, father, brother and son but the family who is about to lose this said they were grateful.
Bundaberg police officer Warren Broughton has been fighting a long hard battle with skin cancer for three years.
After taking part in a drug trial and changing his lifestyle, the melanoma on his brain started to shrink.
Family and friends were filled with hope but after his last MRI scan he was given a terminal diagnosis.
On Monday the father-of-two shared the news with his fellow police officers.
“This morning I was told I have leptomeningeal disease from melanoma,” he said.
“Unfortunately this is a terminal diagnosis for me.”
He said he was in shock and he didn’t believe it.
“(I am) completely scared s**tless,” he said.
“I feel so sad for my boys and Tanya [Broughton], my family and friends.
“I’m angry and sad.”
He went on to say he wouldn’t give up fighting and would try anything to stop the cancer.
“They want to try a combination of some immuno therapies. Massive long shot but stupid not to try,” he said.
“Not sure how long I’ve got peeps.
TERMINAL DIAGNOSIS: Warren Broughton was given a terminal diagnosis and now wants to plan ahead for his sons.
“Grab someone and give them a hug, doesn’t matter who it is. Cherish your time and everybody, love everybody.”
His brother Ben Broughton has set up a donation page to help sons Damon, 6, and Luke, 3.
He said travelling to Brisbane every three months for specialist appointments, constant worry and the nightmare of waiting for endless test results, knowing any day could be the worst day of their lives, had taken its toll on the family, emotionally and financially.
The latest news was horrific and had hit the family hard.
“Warren is an active father who takes a keen interest in bringing up his two beautiful, energetic sons,” Mr Broughton said.
“He had hoped to see his boys grow up, play sports, graduate from school and create their own lives, but now Warren and Tanya have to face facts that this is unlikely.”
Mr Broughton is described as a big man with a big heart who had been in the army and served his country.
“He is a police officer contributing to the safety of his local community,” his brother said.
He said it was difficult to ask for assistance and Warren was normally the one wearing fancy dress, such as a Star Wars costume, to raise money for charities.
“Now it’s our turn to support Warren in his time of greatest need so that he, Tanya, Damon and Luke can spend their precious remaining time together without having to worry about the small stuff,” he said.
“Warren’s key concern is for the welfare and quality of life for his sons and wife.
“While illness makes our hearts stand still, the rest of life keeps rolling and making its demands on their time and resources.”
QUEENSLAND’S police union has labelled the torment of Brett Forte’s wife today as “nothing short of a disgrace”.
Widow and fellow senior constable Susan Forte built the courage to make a midday public appearance, after spending the morning surrounded by family, friends and colleagues inside the Toowoomba police station.
About 10.45am, Susan emerged from the station with tears streaming down her face and a large bouquet of flowers in her hand.
She walked slowly towards the makeshift memorial that had been made in her husband’s honour.
Susan Forte is supported by friends and family as she visits a makeshift memorial to her husband outside Toowoomba police station. Picture: Darren England
But as she laid the bouquet down — inconsolable and barely able to stand on her own accord — Rick Maddison’s supporters saw an opportunity to let their voice be heard.
One person in a full car yelled “What about Rick?” as the Forte family huddled together, hunched over Susan in the floral sea of colours.
A gasp could be heard, but the family did not retaliate as the station wagon continued down Neil St.
Union president Ian Leavers lambasted the culprit.
“It is nothing short of a disgrace that associates of a career criminal and murderer would dare heckle a grieving widow while she pays tribute to her husband,” he said.
“Police and their families deserve better than to be treated like this.”
Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers says officers and their families deserve better
Despite the shock, Brett’s father Stuart turned and smiled as the family walked away — Susan arm-in-arm with her daughter Emma Morris.
Stuart confirmed yesterday that Brett’s funeral would be held in Toowoomba next Wednesday at the University of Southern Queensland campus.
Stuart said the family was doing its best to cope with the tragedy and the subsequent attention it had received.
Early morning visits to the Brett’s shrine outside the station have formed part of the grieving process for the family over the last two days.
Via a lawyer yesterday, Maddison’s family also spoke of their pain.
Memorial located at: ? A card left by Brett Fortes in-laws. Picture: Darren England
A statement — read out by Alroe and Sullivan’s Solicitors practice manager Michele Alroe -claimed the murderer was more than just a career criminal.
“To us he was not the one-dimensional career criminal which the media are now portraying but rather a loved son, brother, nephew, uncle, grandson, friend and mate to many and as such will be sadly mourned,” the statement read.
The statement went on to say that Maddison’s actions may never be fully understood, but it expressed condolences to the police force and the Forte family.
The streets of Toowoomba are rife with anecdotes about Maddison’s self-destructive behaviour.
Friend Anthony Hogan said Maddison was “banned from more licenced venues than he was allowed into”, but said he would never hesitate to help out a mate.
“His name can strike fear into people. He was notorious … I’ve known Rick for many years and I’m not ashamed to say,” Mr Hogan said.
“I loved the guy and I will miss him.
“I’m not defending his actions or his criminal side, nor would he want me to defend him, but those who truly know him, well there was a caring and fiercely loyal side to the man too.”
Stuart acknowledged that the Forte’s were not the only family grieving and maintained that he felt no ill-will towards Maddison for his actions.
Susan and Brett Forte on their wedding day.
Brett Forte’s funeral is expected to be held in Toowoomba next Wednesday.
Constable Forte was shot by Maddison as he gave chase to the criminal in bushland on Monday.
It is understood Constable Forte and his partner were in one of three police cars that followed known criminal Maddison down a dirt road in a “low speed chase” around 2pm on Monday at Seventeen Mile, near Toowoomba.
His colleague used her bare hands to tear a hole in the windscreen of their upturned car so she and others could drag him to safety — all while under fire from a crazed gunman with an automatic weapon.
The Courier-Mail understands Constable Forte and his partner were in one of three police cars that followed known criminal Maddison down a dirt road in a “low speed chase” around 2pm on Monday at Seventeen Mile, near Toowoomba.
In bushland, Maddison stopped and opened fire with a high-powered automatic weapon, hitting Toowoomba Tactical Crime Squad officer Constable Forte.
His vehicle and the other vehicles tried to reverse, but his rolled on the rough terrain, trapping him and his partner inside. With Maddison still firing, several officers from the second vehicle ran back to try to get their badly injured colleague out.
THE FAMILY of a gunman who shot dead Senior Constable Brett Forte have called his actions inexcusable but deny he was a “one dimensional career criminal”.
In a statement released through lawyers this morning, the family of Toowoomba man Rick Maddison expressed their condolences to the family and friends of Senior Constable Brett Forte.
“The Maddison family wishes to express our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the late Senior Constable Brett Forte for their tragic loss,” the statement read.
Senior Constable Forte’s funeral is expected to be held in Toowoomba next Wednesday.
The scene of a tense stand-off between police and Rick Maddison near Gatton earlier this week.
They said Rick’s actions could not be excused, “nor is it likely they will be ever fully understood”.
“To us he was not the one- dimensional career criminal which the media are now portraying but rather a loved son, brother, nephew, uncle, grandson, friend and mate to many and as such will be sadly mourned,” the statement read.
The family also expressed their support for QPS and thanked negotiators for their attempts to resolve the situation peacefully.
Senior Constable Brett Forte.
“We express our support for the Queensland Police Service and the often difficult and dangerous work its officers are required to undertake. We particularly wish to thank the police negotiators for their attempts to resolve a very difficult situation peacefully.
“The Maddison family thank the many people who have expressed to them their overwhelming support, sympathy, love and prayers,
“We ask both the press and public to accept the pain and remorse we are feeling and to respect our privacy at this very difficult time.”
Rick Maddison was shot dead by specialist police officers after a tense 20-hour standoff at his barricaded rural property in Adare, east of Toowoomba on Tuesday
Constable grew up to passionately follow in his father’s policing footsteps
Chris Clarke, The Courier
Senior Constable Brett Forte.
-Mail
AN OLD police hat will be placed in Senior Constable Brett Forte’s hands when he is laid to rest in the coming days.
It was the hat his father Stuart wore during his more than 42 years with Queensland Police.
More than a decade ago – soon after Brett had married the love of his life and fellow officer Susan – the respected Toowoomba officer had found the hat sitting in the laundry of his father’s home.
He claimed it and wore it as his own until his final day on Monday when he was shot and killed by a cop-fearing gunman.
The hat is a symbol of the Forte family’s affinity for policing, Stuart told The Courier-Mail yesterday.
A treasured possession that will forever remind him of the boy who would sneak out of home to turn on his old man’s police radio.
The boy who would grow up to passionately follow in his father’s policing footsteps – like Stuart had done himself years earlier.
“He’s just a hero,” Stuart said. “He was a great bloke and he needs to be remembered,” he said.
Brett – known for his humour at home and at work – wasn’t afraid to do the hard yards and he rose through the ranks by doing his time in the regions around Brisbane.
Brett Forte with wife Susan on their wedding day.
Brett’s children: Step-daughter Emma with Brodie and Samuel.
His career had him sent to Cunnamulla, west of Brisbane, before going to Toowoomba, then Caboolture and settling down in Toowoomba again.
Brett leaves behind two sons, Brodie, 9, and Samuel, 3, and stepdaughter Emma, 16.
Similarly, Brett grew up in a family of three, but it wasn’t until early adulthood that he informed his father of his desire to join the force.
While Stuart’s father had some reservations about his own son joining the force around 1970, Stuart himself was never reluctant to see his son sign up.
“(Brett) was always that way (passionate about policing),” he said.
“I wouldn’t say he was gungho, but he wanted to get in there and do the job and do the job right.
Brett’s father Stuart Forte: He was a great bloke and he needs to be remembered. Picture: Liam Kidston
“I’ve been told that he was the guy who had the knowledge of the guidelines and how you’re supposed to do things.
“If anyone wanted any advice, he’d tell them that you do it this way.
“He knew what he was doing and he was very smart in that area.”
Brett’s heartbroken stepdaughter Emma Morris yesterday laid flowers outside Toowoomba Police Station in memory of her father figure.
Bretts son Samuel, 3, is comforted at the Toowoomba police station memorial. Picture: 7 News Queensland
She echoed her grandfather’s sentiments, calling Brett a hero.
But Emma wept at the thought of her brothers growing up without the guidance she had received from him.
“Brett was just a true hero to everybody he knew … a true family man that would put his life on the line for anybody,” she said.
Slain police officer Brett Forte’s step-daughter Emma, 16, placed flowers and read cards with a friend at the Southern District Headquarters Memorial, Toowoomba. Picture: Liam Kidston
“Especially because I have younger siblings and they’re never going to remember him.”
Brett is expected to be laid to rest in coming days with his faded police hat.
But Stuart expects his son’s legacy to live forever within Queensland police ranks.
It remains to be seen whether Brodie and Samuel will follow in their father’s footsteps and continue the family tradition.
One thing Stuart will ensure is that they will grow up knowing their dad was a hero.
Arrangements for Brett’s funeral are still being discussed by his family, who gathered at the home he and Susan shared at Highlands, a suburb of Toowoomba, yesterday. The funeral will be held in Toowoomba next Wednesday in Toowoomba but the location of the ceremony is yet to be determined.
While some in the Forte family have expressed anger towards the slain officer’s killer, Stuart says he has no ill will.
“I don’t hate anybody,” he said. “Funnily enough I thought I would, but there’s no hatred there.”
A tribute outside police Regional Headquarters in Toowoomba. Picture: Liam Kidston
Such a waste…………………both to Brett’s personal family and friends and his Police Family. Why such a good soul has to be taken from this world, is beyond comprehension!! Cherryl
You’re a hero of the thin blue line. May you now rest in peace brother. Fred
No words can be said other than THANK YOU and you will be missed. noel
EXCLUSIVE: Harrowing video shows the frantic moment police race to save the life of a fellow officer and married father-of-two ‘shot dead by a wanted man armed with a machine gun’
Video has emerged of the moment police tried to save an injured officer’s life
Snr Const Brett Forte was shot and killed in the Lockyer Valley, west of Brisbane
Mr Forte was shot by a wanted man during the incident west of Brisbane
Harrowing footage shows police frantically performing CPR on Snr Const Forte
Local residents have reported hearing ‘non-stop automatic machine gunfire’
The gunman is believed to currently be holed up in a rural farmhouse nearby
Published: 22:00 +10:00, 29 May 2017 | Updated: 01:50 +10:00, 30 May 2017
Harrowing video has emerged of the frantic moment police officers bravely tried to save the life of a hero Queensland senior constable who was shot dead allegedly by a wanted man on Monday.
Daily Mail Australia has obtained video from a Lockyer Valley resident who watched with her heart in her mouth as cops worked frantically to save the life of a married father-of-two.
A known offender, Rick Charles Maddison, 41, allegedly shot Senior Constable Brett Forte at about 1.40pm during a police chase in the regional area near Toowoomba, an hour west of Brisbane.
‘A hero lost his life today,’ state police minister Mark Ryan said in a statement.
In the video, filmed on a mobile phone from the window of a nearby home, officers sprint up the road, sirens wail and police can be seen performing CPR on Snr Const Forte.
WARNING *******UPSETTING AUDIO IN THIS CLIP ***** PTSD TRIGGERS
‘Jesus Christ!’ the woman could be heard exclaiming.
Police later bellowed for her to step away from the windows due to the active shooter, sources said.
Maddison, who was believed to be armed with a machine gun, abruptly stopped and got out of his car during the chase involving two police vehicles and four officers and allegedly shot Snr Const Forte.
Maddison, from Toowoomba, then drove down a dirt road at Seventeen Mile, just northwest of Gatton.
A police vehicle is towed from the scene where Snr Const Forte was killed on Monday afternoon
It was understood the police vehicle Snr Const Forte had been travelling in rolled over after the chase resumed and Maddison also allegedly fired at a police helicopter while fleeing into bushland before entering a farm house.
The husband of the woman who filmed the video told Daily Mail Australia she was frightened and ‘freaking out a bit’ after gunfire rang out through the area.
Police officers would later carry the wounded officer off the paddy wagon onto her front lawn and ‘keep him alive’, he said.
Several locals were forced to watch helplessly behind a barricade for hours while their wives were stuck in their homes behind police lines.
Truck driver Peter Hills had been stuck outside on Adare Road for six hours when he spoke to Daily Mail Australia.
Mr Hills, who drives fresh produce for a living, said his wife called him on Monday afternoon asked: ‘Do you know if they’re shooting a movie or something?’
His partner witnessed streams of police cars, including black specialist vehicles and detective vehicles zooming down her street and then changing direction.
‘There’s a black paddy wagon, there’s another police car, now there’s an unmarked D-car… and then there was a little bit more – and then more went!’ he recounted her telling him.
‘And then all of a sudden they’ve all gone back the other way.’
Fatally wounded as he pursued the offender through the Lockyer Valley Region, Snr Const Forte was remembered as a hero by the Queensland police minister.
‘My thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of the Queensland Police Service officer who was tragically killed this afternoon while doing his job selflessly serving the people of Queensland,’ Mr Ryan said.
‘Along with millions of Queenslanders, I pay tribute to his service. He will never be forgotten. With honour, he served.’
TIMELINE OF EVENTS
– Tactical response officers travelling in two police cars tried to pull over a vehicle on Wellers Road, Seventeen Mile, in Queensland’s Lockyer Valley about 1.40pm on Monday
– Rick Charles Maddison, who was believed to be armed with a machine gun, got out of his car and allegedly opened fire on the police vehicles
– Senior Constable Brett Forte was shot
– Maddison then drove down a dirt road and it was understood one of the police vehicles rolled over after the chase resumed
– Maddison also allegedly fired at a police helicopter while fleeing into a farm house
– Snr Constable Forte was airlifted to Brisbane Hospital but was confirmed to have died by 4pm
– Police announce an emergency declaration has been declared under the provisions of the Public Safety Preservation Act and an exclusion zone has been put in place
– A manhunt begins for Maddison who is believed to be holed up in the farm house
Police are now negotiating with Maddison who is holed up in a farm house inside a locked-down area.
‘We have a person contained and at my last advice we were negotiating with that person,’ Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said at a press conference on Monday night.
Police had warned locals to stay indoors while negotiations were underway.
Local resident Kyal Pennell, 23, who was trapped in his home due to the exclusion zone, said he could hear ‘non-stop bursts of automatic gunfire’ and police sirens.
‘Every five minutes there’s gunfire. There’s been handgun shots, machine gun shots, and shotgun shots from what I can tell,’ he told Daily Mail Australia on Monday afternoon.
At 4.30pm, Mr Pennell said police holding semi-machine guns arrived at the front gate of his home to evacuate him and his neighbours from the area. Gunshot bursts were still echoing through the valley.
‘As far as I know, a couple of guys broke out of a jail and they’ve shot a police officer on the front lawn,’ one man told 9 News.
I had to go pick up the kids because the wife couldn’t get out, I was at work.’
Snr Const Forte was airlifted to Brisbane Hospital but was confirmed to have died by 4pm.
He had served in the force for 15 years and was a member of Toowoomba’s Tactical Crime Squad.
His wife, Susan, is also a police officer.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said in a statement her thoughts and prayers were with Snr Const Forte’s family and friends.
‘Every day, the brave officers of the Queensland Police Service put their lives on the line when they go to work,’ Ms Palaszczuk said.
‘Each of us should be immensely grateful for the work they do.’
In a tragic coincidence, Snr Const Forte’s death comes on the anniversary of slain Gold Coast detective Damian Leeding‘s shooting after he responded to an armed robbery at the Pacific Pines Tavern in 2011.
Heartbreaking attempt to save ‘hero’ cop caught on camera
May 30, 2017 1:51am
A DESPERATE attempt to save a dying policeman shot by a gunman in Queensland has been caught on camera.
Senior Constable Brett Forte, a father of two, was shot in Queensland’s Lockyer Valley on Monday afternoon when a man got out of his vehicle and opened fire on a number of police cars with an automatic weapon.
Police officers try to save the life of their shot colleague Brett Forte. Picture: Daily MailSource: Supplied
The heartbreaking footage, obtained by the Daily Mail, shows cops performing mouth-to-mouth and heart massage in a ditch beside a police car.
When officers notice the woman shooting the video, they yell at her to “get inside” and “get away from the window” because the shooter was still at large.
Queensland Police confirmed that Snr Const Forte had died in a statement on Monday night.
“A hero lost his life today,” Queensland Police Minister Mark Ryan said.
Officers try to revive Brett Forte. Source: Supplied
The gunman, who The Courier-Mail identified as “career criminal” Rick Maddison, is in a stand-off with police in an area near Gatton in southeast Queensland.
The incident began about 2pm when police attempted to stop a vehicle being driven by a “person of interest” on Wellers Rd at Seventeen Mile, near Toowoomba.
Snr Const Forte’s fellow officers were able to move him away and extract themselves from the scene.
Police are in negotiations with the gunman, who fled the vehicle into nearby bushland.
While neighbours reported hearing what sounded like machine-gun fire, police did not confirm details about the weapon.
Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart described the situation as an “active scene” and said the gunman was considered to be “at large”.
“Obviously we want to resolve this situation as peacefully as humanly possible,” he said.
Officers from the Special Emergency Response Team have arrived at the scene and a huge area has been locked down around Seventeen Mile, 115km west of Brisbane.
Gatton resident Kyal Pennell told news.com.au that he heard the first shots, which sounded like machine-gun fire, about 2.30pm and then a police siren for about 15 minutes.
“Then there was basically gunfire every 10 to 15 minutes from about 2.45pm through to 4.30pm,” he said.
“It was pretty scary, I wasn’t sure what to think, I wasn’t sure what was going on and I couldn’t see anything. I was only hoping it wasn’t getting any closer.”
Mr Pennell said he was eventually evacuated about 5.30pm and was now staying at a hotel with his family as police continued to hunt for the shooter.
Snr Const Forte was part of Toowoomba’s Tactical Crime Squad and worked with Queensland Police for about 15 years.
“My thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues … along with millions of Queenslanders, I pay tribute to his service,” Mr Ryan said in his tribute.
“He will never be forgotten.
“With honour, he served.”
There were also unconfirmed reports shots were fired at a police helicopter, which was forced to land for its own safety.
Police have urged nearby residents to remain inside as they try to locate the gunman.
A Queensland Ambulance Service spokesman earlier confirmed paramedics had been called to the scene to treat two people, one with critical injuries, however only one was transported to hospital.
One person was taken to nearby Toowoomba Hospital with shortness of breath.
An exclusion zone in place for the area of Fords Rd, Forestry Rd West, Sandy Creek Rd, Gerard Lane, 17 Mile, Wallers Rd and Forest Rd.
Cop shot dead as he tried to escape crashed police car
Yahoo7 News
Senior Constable Brett Forte had been pursuing the wanted violent offender when he opened fire at a patrol car.
Shortly after the officer was killed, police engaged in a shoot-out with the fugitive as residents reported hearing a volley of gunshots.
Pictured: Cop shot dead as he tried to escape crashed police car. Source: 7 News
On a country road in the rural Locker Valley is where a police pursuit came to a bloody and abrupt end.
Some residents have recorded the moment a gunman opened fire on police with a semi-automatic weapon.
It’s understood Senior Constable Brett Forte and his partner had pulled over wanted man Rick Maddison on Waller Street just after 2pm on Monday when the fugitive began shooting their patrol car.
It’s believed it rolled down an embankment during the gunfire.
The Toowoomba tactical crime officer was critically injured.
Details aren’t clear but it’s understood police had tried to return fire.
Those nearby attempted CPR however his injuries were too severe.
Police say the shooter then fled in a vehicle and then on foot.
An exclusion zone was set up across several hectares streets locked down and residents told to stay inside.
“I looked out the window, couldn’t see nothing but I could hear sirens then all of a sudden like 6 or 7 short bursts of a machine gun,” Kyal Pennell a neighbour told 7 News.
PolAir assisted from above until Maddison opened fire on the police helicopter.
“I haven’t heard police fire for about 25 minutes, half an hour, but the machine gun every five or then minutes he’s letting off like quick bursts,” Pennell continued.
It’s understood the man was wanted over a series of serious crimes – including torture.
He was being pursued at the time by Senior Constable Brett Forte, a married father of two and the son of a highly regarded retired police officer.
The tragedy comes on the anniversary of the shootings of detective senior constable Damien Leading and former deputy Commissioner Ross Barnett.
Queensland Police have requested locals avoid Wallers, Forestry, Ringwood, and Fords Rds near Seventeen Mile.
Bravery awards for police who tried to save fellow officer’s life
Brisbane Times on 28 March 2018, 6:30pm
When thousands of mourners had filed away, as slain Queensland policeman Brett Forte’s family stood by his grave for a private service, a woman approached them.
“Brett saved my life,” she said.
Thousands of mourners farewelled slain police officer Senior Constable Brett Forte at his funeral in Toowoomba.
Photo: Supplied
It’s one of many memories that make Stuart Forte proud as he struggles to come to terms with the killing that tore his family apart 10 months ago to the day.
When Senior Constable Brett Forte is posthumously awarded a Commendation for Brave Conduct on Thursday, it will be “lovely”, a fitting recognition of his sacrifice.
But it won’t stop Stuart Forte breaking down when he tries to pick out a photo to go up on the wall from his son’s wedding to still-distraught fellow officer Susan, a tribute that’s been a work-in-progress for months.
When Brett’s policing partner Senior Constable Cath Nielsen, along with Senior Constable Stephen Barlow, Acting Sergeant Scott Hill and Constable Brittany Poulton, are bestowed with Bravery Medals for trying to save his life, the 67-year-old won’t find it easy to express his thanks for what they did.
Brett Forte’s wife Susan and daughter Emma at his funeral in Toowoomba last June.
Photo: Dan Peled/AAP
Those four officers risked their lives deep in the Lockyer Valley, west of Brisbane, on the afternoon of May 29, as a cop killer sprayed them with bullets from an automatic rifle.
On Thursday, they will be among 34 Bravery Medal recipients to be honoured in this year’s Australian Bravery Awards, a federal tradition dating back to 1975.
“It’s hard to answer because we still feel the tragedy of it,” former cop Stuart Forte said.
“It’s had a huge impact on the family and everything and it’s lovely to hear when these things are going to happen and everything.
“Because it’s a recognition of the sacrifice that he made and what sort of person he was and the heroic things that went on by the other officers there trying to save him.”
The repeat offender had been convicted of assault and charged with torture at one point and had a “grievance” with the Toowoomba Tactical Crime Squad, according to police.
By the time Maddison had driven down the hill from Toowoomba, the crew from Gatton and another from Helidon had joined in.
He avoided road spikes before driving off the edge of the highway, eventually ending up on Wallers Road, where he seemed to lie in wait for the first car to come over the hill.
Senior Constable Barlow heard the shots first, before the Helidon crew started reversing back over the rise and Senior Constable Nielsen shouted for help over the radio.
Confronted with such a heavily armed offender, Senior Constables Hill and Barlow and Constable Poulton knew their cars would be too large a target, so ran along a driveway up to the scrub and down the hill to rescue their colleagues.
“It was daunting,” Senior Constable Barlow said.
“At first when we got out of the car, our training kicked in.
“ … When we got to the actual scene, the police vehicle was on its side. The siren was blaring out.
“It was quite overwhelming but, as I say, we knew what we had to do.”
All the while Senior Constable Nielsen was firing back at Maddison with nothing but her police service handgun.
When the other three arrived, Constable Poulton laid down cover fire as officers Nielsen and Barlow kicked in the window to rescue their dying colleague.
Despite the gunfire, Senior Constable Barlow started first aid, before Constable Poulton raced away from the area in a squad car with Senior Constable Forte on board, according to the bravery citation.
“We didn’t know where he was but we could certainly hear machinegun fire,” Senior Constable Barlow said.
“We didn’t know whether he had us in his sights or what he was doing.”
Realising they were outgunned, officers Barlow, Nielsen and Hill retreated once the car was safely away.
Ten months on, the extended Forte family will gather in Narangba for Easter, where Stuart promises there will be a massive Easter egg hunt as Brett loved it last year.
The 2018 awards will also recognise with the Star of Courage slain Lindt Cafe manager Tori Johnson for his role in calming the gunman in the December 2014 Sydney siege, and NSW man Antonio Rokov, who died saving the life of a 14-year-old boy in a skydiving accident.
Also in Queensland, 65-year-old Norman Olsen will be posthumously awarded a Bravery Medal for freeing a woman from her partner’s assault in Toowoomba, on February 22, 2016.
The woman was able to run from the scene, but Mr Olsen was punched in the head and fell backwards, fatally striking his head on the footpath.
Several other Queenslanders, both in and out of the emergency services, will be recognised with a Commendation for Brave Conduct.
A memorial for police dog Waco, who died after suffering heat exhaustion while trying to track down offenders in Deception Bay in February, has been held today.
Commissioner Ian Stewart joined Dog Squad officers at the QPS Animal Memorial in Oxley to honour and pay tribute to the beloved pup.
During the memorial, PD Waco’s handler ( Senior Constable Stephenson ) spoke fondly of his partner saying Waco was dearly missed by him and his family.
“Waco was my first police dog and we worked together as a team for seven years,” Waco’s handler said.
“He never hesitated to protect me and for that I will be forever grateful.”
During his time, PD Waco was responsible for locating missing people and hundreds of offenders for numerous offences ranging from armed robberies and unlawful woundings to break and enters.
Commissioner Stewart said “We remember PD Waco today with fondness and gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice he gave in serving the Queensland community.”
Waco is the first working animal recognised as passing on duty since the establishment of the QPS Animal Memorial in December 2014.
Death of a Constable. – The news reached Toowoomba on Monday that Constable Christopher McKenna, who recently filled the office of watchhouse keeper here, died in Brisbane Hospital the previous day.
Deceased, who had been some six years in the service, about 12 months ago while on duty in the Central district, burst a blood vessel, and being thereafter in delicate health, obtained an exchange to Toowoomba where he was provided with the lighter duty of watchhouse keeper.
The injury to the system, however, proved, incurable and he was perfectly aware months ago that his days were numbered.
In March last he became too ill to attend to his work, sick leave was obtained, and he went to Brisbane where he first put himself in the hands of Dr. Binns Southam, and eventually removed to the hospital, where the end came as stated.
Constable McKenna was a very amiable young man, obliging, and attentive to his duties, and will be regretted by all who came in contact with him.
The funeral of the late Christopher McKenna, constable in the Police Force, who died in the Brisbane Hospital on Sunday, left that institution at 2.30 p.m. yesterday for the Toowong Cemetery. As many of the Police Force who were at liberty to attend did so in uniform. Constable McKenna was stationed in Toowoomba and was much respected both in and out of the force.
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PHOTO: TOM HUNTLEY
