Robert John LANE

20/07/2016

Robert John LANE

Victoria Police Force

Squad 7/65

Regd. #   15051

Rank:  Detective Senior Constable

Stations:  ?, Carlton, Russell Street HQ,  Swan Hill CIB – death

Service:  From  ? ? 1965?  to  13 July 1979 = 14? years Service

Awards:  Victoria Police Star medal – granted, to Val, 2006

Born:  12 December 1946 at Kerang, Victoria

Died on:  Friday  13 July 1979

Cause:  Murdered – shot in back of head

Event location:  Kyalite, NSW

Age:  32

Funeral date:  ?

Funeral location:  ? – Swan Hill, Victoria

Buried at:  Swan Hill Cemetery, Coronation Ave, Swan Hill

 Memorial at:  Robert Lane Resuscitation Unit at Swan Hill District Health

Dedication Ceremony was held on 28th November 2008 to open the Robert Lane Resuscitation Unit

Equipment purchased for the Robert Lane Resuscitation Unit
•    June 2008 – Patient Monitoring Equipment – $60,000 ($40,000 donated by Blue Ribbon Foundation)
•    May 2010 – Cardiac Arrhythmia Software – $5778.00
•    May 2011 – Portable Ventilator $30,999 (Included $11,000 raised from SHDH Charity Golf Day)
•    May 2012 – External Pacing Machine $12,950 ($7,000 donated by Blue Ribbon Foundation
•    June 2013 – Diathermy Equipment $22,119.90 ($10,000 donated by Blue Ribbon Foundation)

Robert John LANE

Robert John LANE

ROBERT IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance

 

 Funeral location:  ?

 

FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

About 11.30 a.m. Friday 13 July 1979 Detective Lane accompanied David Bernard Chapman an 18 year old car theft suspect, to a disused bus parked in a camp site at Kyalite Southern New South Wales.

Chapman had been living there for a short time and had told the Detective he had a receipt amongst his possessions which would exonerate him of the theft.

Whilst Lane searched the bus Chapman took out a .22 calibre rifle and shot the Detective in the head. The policeman fell to the floor and Chapman then walked up and again shot him in the head. He then dragged the corpse to a nearby pit where he dumped it. He then escaped in the police car in company with his 17 year old girlfriend Kerryn Anne Bonser. He later dumped the police car in the Edwards River 5 kilometres away and took to the bush.

Despite a massive man hunt Chapman was not located until 19 July 1980 at a property in the Kyalite District.

He admitted his guilt and appeared before Parramatta Supreme Court charged with the murder.

On 1 July 1980 he was sentenced to life imprisonment.

 

Bob Lane: Blues Honour Policeman

By: Anthony De Bolfo on: Thu 11 of Sep., 2008 23:52 AEST (7352 Reads)

(6630 bytes)

 

First published: 2006

ROBERT Lane was not yet 20 when his clearance to Carlton came through. It was May 27, 1966, five rounds into the VFL season, and for an aspiring league footballer, Princes Park was a great place to be.

Eighteen months earlier, George Harris had wrested control of Carlton after it had plummeted to its worst placing — 10th — in its centenary season, 1964.

In late 1964, Harris completed one of the game’s most audacious coups when he landed Ron Barassi as captain-coach. The Blues then entered what would be arguably their greatest era.

These were glory days for Lane, who in November 1965 earned an on-the-record endorsement from Superintendent Gilbert Trainor after graduating as a policeman. Superintendent Trainor described Lane as a “sound, reliable type who applied himself diligently and obtained good results”.

Robert John LANE
When St Kilda and Hawthorn footballers play at Telstra Dome this afternoon wearing blue-and-white chequered armbands to denote their part in the Silk-Miller Cup, the annual match in honour of two murdered policemen, thoughts will turn to the 141 men and women of the Victoria Police who have died upholding the law, and to all the loved ones they have left behind.

Among the fallen is Detective Senior Constable Lane, today survived by his wife Valerie, daughters Dana and Chelsea, and grandson Charlie Robert.

Lane’s senseless murder on the morning of Friday, July 13, 1979, made front-page news, which resulted in the swift apprehension of the perpetrator. But what appears to have been lost in time is Lane’s standing as the only league footballer to have died representing the Victoria Police.

Robert John Lane was born at Kerang on December 12, 1946, one of five sons and five daughters reared by George and Jean Lane. The Lane siblings would be blessed with strong sporting genes, with Robert excelling in football and basketball and younger twin sisters Jeanette and Helen each captaining Victorian basketball teams.

Retired policeman Gomer Davies, who lives in Lalbert, near Swan Hill, said Lane was stationed in Carlton when he embarked on his league football career. “Carlton (Football Club) got Bob down at the time he joined the police force and he played a couple of games there,” Davies said.

Ian Collins, the former Carlton president, chief executive and premiership player, remembers well his brief moments playing alongside Lane in 1966.

“He was a handy, but not great, footballer and he seemed to be a fairly quiet type,” Collins said. “I remember that he used to turn up to training in his police uniform.

“He was solidly built, but not overly tall. He was a key-position player and I played with him in both of his games in 1966 — round 13 versus St Kilda at Princes Park and the following round against Fitzroy there.”

It’s just on 40 years since Lane took the field for the Blues. He was the first to carry No. 46 into a Carlton senior game. In his first game, Lane was named 19th man, with Jim Pleydell joining him on the pine, while Richard Vandenberg (a distant cousin of the current Hawthorn captain), made his senior debut that day starting in a forward pocket and exchanging roving duties with Adrian Gallagher.

Lane and the likes of fellow country recruits Ian Nankervis, a namesake of the former Geelong player who hailed from Mildura Imperials, and Gil Lockhart, from Mansfield, were turned over by Barassi during the 1966 season. According to Vandenberg, who is now a chartered accountant in Swan Hill, the die might have been cast for Lane with the arrival of the lanky Tasmanian ruckman Peter “Percy” Jones.

In April the following year, in 1967, Lane was cleared to Williamstown. Not long after, he opted to combine his policing duties with a stint as captain-coach of Lake Boga, just south of Swan Hill, in the then Mid-Murray Football League.

Then in 1973, Lane returned to the big smoke, renewing acquaintances with Davies at Russell Street. “He was a senior detective at that stage and he was also playing for ‘Willy’ at centre half-forward in the old Channel 0 days,” Davies said.

“Three years later, he returned to take on the job as captain-coach of Lalbert. He got Lalbert to a premiership in his first year, (in) 1976, when they beat Woorinen by a point.”

Davies said Lane eventually relinquished the coaching role at Lalbert to Chris Drum, the brother of former Fremantle coach Damian Drum. “Bob just wanted to continue as a player in 1979, but unfortunately he was killed that July.”

On that Friday morning, Lane made a routine trip across the border, to Kyalite, to question a man suspected of stealing a car. Tragically, the move would cost Lane his life, as the suspect turned a rifle on him and fired three times. Lane was 32.

Davies was then left with the terrible task of recovering his mate’s body from a roadside camp by the Wakool River.

“Bob went out to do a little job which would normally have taken him about half an hour,” Davies said. “He left Swan Hill station at half-past 10 in the morning and by half-past 11, he was dead. Val was waiting for him back at the station. One of their girls was not quite three at the time and the other girl was six or seven.”

Lane was laid to rest at the Swan Hill cemetery after a service attended by more than 1200 mourners.

Yesterday, during a graduation ceremony at the Victoria Police Academy in Glen Waverley, chief commissioner Christine Nixon presented the Victoria Police Star medal to Val in memory of her late husband. The medal, introduced last year, recognises members killed or seriously injured in the line of duty.

While Val Lane preferred not to be quoted for this article, she retains a fervour for the fortunes of the team that her late husband represented.

It has not been lost on the club, either, with chief executive Michael Malouf confirming this week that Carlton would work with Victoria Police and the Blue Ribbon Foundation to honour Lane’s memory.

Such endorsement is in keeping with those in the Mallee who remember Robert Lane as a champion, on and off the field.

Richard Vandenberg said: “A lot of former players who didn’t make it went on and contributed to local communities because of the league football brushwork on them. Bob was a great leader in bush football — hard but fair, and dedicated to the sides that he coached — and the country people with whom Bob spent most of his time always appreciated it.

“He was a popular fellow, a terrific policeman.”

Anthony De Bolfo

http://www.blueseum.org/tiki-read_article.php?articleId=16

 

Murder made his careerBrett BELLIS - Retired NSWPF Inspector - article from 2002

Nick Soon

BRETT Bellis, who retired from Quakers Hill police after 41 years of service, is a walking encyclopaedia of major crimes in NSW and Victoria.

He rose to the rank of inspector and was involved in most of the major cases that made headlines from 1971 to 2011.

They included the murder of anti-drug campaigner Don MacKay in Griffith in 1978, the kidnap and murder of Renee Aitken, 5, in Narooma in 1986, and the arrests of Daniel Bernard Chapman for the killing of Detective Robert John Lane in 1980 and of Andrew Mark Norrie, who killed two men in 1986.

Mr Bellis said that among the worst cases was the killing of Michael Lewis and his wife.

He said the killer left their children, who were aged two and three, near their badly decomposed bodies and that they were there for several days until they were found.

Mr Bellis said he would never forget hearing one of them: “Mummy is turning green.” He said: “We got our man by tracking him to a special rifle that was lent to him.”

Mr Bellis, who is now a grandfather of one with another on the way, said he could never completely forget some of the other cases either.

“But retirement helps, because it allows me to spend more time travelling with my family and playing golf at Stonecutters Ridge,” he said.

Mr Bellis was one of about 100 retired police officers and their wives and husbands at Retired Police Day at Quakers Hills and Blacktown on the 150th anniversary celebrations of the NSW Police Force.

The officers received commemorative pins at Quakers Hill police station from Superintendent Gary Merryweather and at Blacktown Workers Club from Superintendent Mark Wright.

Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said the day enabled citizens and the current crop of police to recognise and commend the work of former officers.

http://www.blacktownsun.com.au/story/314551/murder-made-his-career/

Robert John LANE 2 - VicPol - Murdered 13 July 1979 Robert John LANE 3 - VicPol - Murdered 13 July 1979

http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/images/stories/historical_hansard/VicHansard_19791206_19791211.pdf

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Brett Andrew IRWIN

20/07/2016

Brett Andrew IRWIN 

Queensland Police Force

Qld Police Academy Class Group 317

Regd. #   20316

Rank:  Constable

Stations:  Ferny Grove Police Station and Fortitude Valley Police Station

Service:  From  ? December 2005  to  18 July 2007 = 1 years Service

Awards:  ? Not known on It’s An Honour

Born:  30 January 1974

Died on:  18 July 2007

Cause:  Murdered – shot with a Luger 9mm pistol at 10.47pm

Event location:  6 Regan St, Keperra, Qld

Age:  33

Funeral date:  26 July 2007

Funeral location:  St Stephen’s Cathedral, Brisbane

Buried at:  Hemmant Cemetery, 500 Hemmant & Tingalpa Rd, Hemmant, Qld

 Memorial at:  The Brett IRWIN Police Launch, Townsville

 


Brett Andrew IRWIN

 

[alert_green]BRETT IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green]

 

  

 

 

FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

 

 

Whilst executing an arrest warrant on a male person @ 11pm, who had just robbed a hotel. Brett was shot once in the back whilst running down the stairs. The bullet went through his heart, but he still managed to get on the radio and warn his partner, who was at the front of the house, that there was a man with a gun inside, and that he was shot, before passing.

He served at Ferny Grove Police Station and Fortitude Valley Police Station.

His funeral was on of the biggest in QPS history, which shows what an impact he made in just over a year of operational Policing.

 

 

Brett Andrew IRWIN – Coroners report 2009

Brett Andrew IRWIN – Griffith University case study

 

 

 

 

 

 

Police praise slain constable

CONSTABLE Brett Irwin, shot dead as he attempted to execute a warrant on a man for breaching bail conditions, had only been a policeman for a year but yesterday his colleagues said he was a fearless and courageous officer.

Tributes poured in for Constable Irwin, 33, who left the army to join the force, only to die on what should have been a routine police matter.

Constable Irwin and another young male officer went to a home in Regan Street, Keperra, in Brisbane’s north at 10.50pm on Wednesday to speak to the 29-year-old occupant about breaching his bail conditions.

Constable Irwin approached an entrance of the house while his partner remained outside.

Shortly afterwards, Constable Irwin was shot in the chest, then shouted a warning to his partner, “He’s got a gun, I’m hit” – a move Queensland Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson said had saved his partner’s life.

Last night the gunman, Craig Semirara, died in hospital from head wounds after turning the gun on himself following a standoff with police that lasted several hours.

Constable Irwin lay on the front lawn of the house the whole time, his anxious colleagues unaware if he was dead or alive.

According to a neighbour, several shots were heard and when the police tactical response team eventually stormed the home they found the injured man and retrieved the body of their colleague. During the siege, two women and two children were able to escape the house.

Colleagues said Constable Irwin’s actions were typical of the bravery he had shown during his short police career.

Constable Irwin was attached to the nearby Ferny Grove police station, where the flag was yesterday flying at half mast and a wreath of flowers had been been placed at its base.

On a police website set up to receive tributes yesterday, a fellow officer wrote about his friend’s courage.

“(Police officer) Linda Reeves says that he saved her life at the incident at the Bowls Club at Newstead,” he wrote.

“Brett was fearless. He would go into harm’s way to help his team members and members of the public needing assistance.

“Brett proved his courage and tenacity several times during his short career. Examples of this were when he subdued an offender who became violent in the courtroom whilst Brett was doing his rotation in the Brisbane watchhouse.

“This incident resulted in a phone call from the commissioner who acknowledged the good work Brett did that day.

“Another incident was recently during a break and enter at the Newstead Bowls club. On this occasion Brett and Linda Reeves were confronted by a violent male who threatened them with a star picket. Brett displayed outstanding courage and after almost having to discharge his firearm, was able to chase and capture the offender.”

Assistant Commissioner Peter Barron said Constable Irwin “was serving his community and he paid the ultimate price”.

Family and friends were comforting Constable Irwin’s devastated girlfriend of 13 years.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/archive/news/police-praise-slain-constable/story-e6frg6oo-1111113997845

 

 

 

Officer killed on duty farewelled in Brisbane

Updated

Friends and family of slain Brisbane police officer Brett Irwin have paid tribute to him at a moving funeral service in Brisbane.

Constable Irwin was killed last week while on duty.

He was shot in the chest after going to the Keperra home of 29-year-old Craig Anthony Semyraha.

He had enough time to shout a warning to his partner before he died.

Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson told the congregation at Brisbane’s St Stephen’s Cathedral it was the sort of selflessness Constable Irwin had become known for.

“Motivated, professional, courteous, inspirational, loved and courageous, Constable Brett Irwin was many things to many people,” he said.

More than 3,000 police, including officers from interstate and New Zealand, joined Constable Irwin’s family for the service.

Constable Irwin’s sister Mary Toohey also told those attending the funeral of her brother’s courage.

She told the congregation her brother was a man who was always there for his colleagues and mates.

“In one incident I remember you broke several of your ribs,” she said.

“The very next week the team was short of players so you got the strapper to tape a big piece of foam to the side of your chest and you went straight back out there to help your team.”

A ceremony was also held at the Hemmant crematorium where Constable Irwin’s former Army colleagues paid tribute to him.

Premier Peter Beattie says today’s funeral for Constable Irwin is a sad day for Queensland.

Mr Beattie says he is sure all Queenslanders sympathise with his family.

“The whole thing was such a shocking waste of life,” he said.

“It’s going to be a very traumatic day for the family and I do want to pass on the condolences of all Queenslanders.”

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2007-07-26/officer-killed-on-duty-farewelled-in-brisbane/2514240

 

 

 

3000 police at Irwin funeral

  • July 26, 2007

ABOUT 3000 police officers today gathered at a Brisbane church to farewell fallen comrade Brett Andrew Irwin.

Constable Irwin, 33, was shot dead last Wednesday night as he served a warrant to Craig Anthony Semyraha, 29, at a home in Keperra, in Brisbane’s north-west.

St Stephen’s Cathedral was standing room only as an enormous crowd farewelled the popular officer.

As well as police and family and friends, a defence contingent was present. Some mourners had returned from overseas for the funeral.

Const Irwin’s sister Mary Toohey delivered a eulogy in which she described her brother as “the youngest of six but the loudest”.

She said his nickname growing up was Esme Watson (from television’s A Country Practice) because he was always up to so much mischief.

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Const Irwin’s uncle, Tony Irwin, told mourners said the family would always be proud of their hero Brett.

“He was a person who talked the talk and walked the walk,” he said

“He was always so energetic. I could get tired (just) thinking about what he was talking about doing.”

He said Const Irwin had a passion for police work. “He absolutely loved the fact he could help people.”.

Mr Irwin said Const Irwin was fearless and always helped his mates.  “That was Brett all over”, he said.

The funeral, with full police honours, began at 11am and included a guard of honour.

It was to be followed by a ceremony at the Hemmant Cemetery and a private wake.

http://www.news.com.au/news/police-at-irwin-funeral/story-fna7dq6e-1111114042471

 

 

 

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services
The Honourable Jack Dempsey

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

New police vessel honours slain officer

Families enjoying the summer weather on the waterways and coast of Townsville will be safer following the commissioning of a new police vessel.

Police Minister Jack Dempsey said the new craft was being named in the memory of fallen Brisbane officer Brett Irwin.

“The Queensland Government has a strong plan to keep communities safe along our coast and we are proud to be delivering the second of three new police vessels,” Mr Dempsey said.

“The Brett Irwin will initially operate in Brisbane during the G20 as a command post and then be deployed to full-time operations in Townsville.

“The vessel is named after Constable Brett Andrew Irwin, who served with the QPS from December 2005 until his tragic death in the line of duty on July 18, 2007.

“Prior to joining the police, Brett had proudly served for eight years with the ADF.

“His memory within the Queensland Police Service family will never be forgotten and this lasting tribute will support his fellow officers well into the future.”

Member for Townsville John Hathaway said the Brett Irwin would support the dedicated work of the officers in Townsville.

“The Brett Irwin will serve our diverse coastal community as they enjoy days on the water in Cleveland Bay and out to Magnetic Island,” Mr Hathaway said.

“The LNP Government is continuing to achieve better outcomes and frontline services in Townsville and the addition of a new police vessel will build on that.

“Brett Irwin served his nation as part of the Australian Army and his state as a police officer, now a lasting tribute to his memory will serve the proud garrison city of Townsville.”

Commissioner Ian Stewart said the first of the three new vessels was already in service in Cairns and the third craft would be commissioned and sent to the Whitsundays by the end of the year.

“In times of disasters or major events these can be deployed as mobile command posts and as floating police stations,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“These vessels are enhanced by modern electronics and significantly increase the capabilities of the Water Police.”

The vessels are approximately 24 metres in length, their service speed is 20 knots and they have provision to launch a six metre rigid inflatable boat (RIB) from aft of the vessel.

“Our police officers will be able to stay at sea over extended periods for patrol and other duties due to the design and layout of these vessels,” said Commissioner Stewart.

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2014/10/29/new-police-vessel-honours-slain-officer

 

 

 

 

Townsville to crew new $4M ‘floating police station’

RACHEL AFFLICK, Townsville Bulletin

Queensland Police Acting Commisioner Paul Taylor and MP Sam Cox on the new Townsville Water police 4 million dollar boat the "Brett Irwin" which enters the fleet from today. Picture: Wesley Monts
Queensland Police Acting Commissioner Paul Taylor and MP Sam Cox on the new Townsville Water police 4 million dollar boat the “Brett Irwin” which enters the fleet from today. Picture: Wesley Monts

A $4 million police boat is set to revolutionise police operations on Townsville waterways.

Named Brett Irwin, in honour of Constable Brett Andrew Irwin who was fatally shot at Keperra in 2007, the new vessel will give Townsville Water Police access to one of the best-equipped police boats in the country.

After being trialled during the G20 in Brisbane last month, the boat arrived in Townsville a fortnight ago and is ready for action.

Northern Region Acting Assistant Commissioner Paul Taylor said at 24m long, the Brett Irwin would allow Townsville police to travel faster, further and in more severe weather conditions.

“It really meets a whole range of activities, such as search and rescue, policing major events where there’s water involved,” he said.

“If this vessel needs to go to sea and stay at sea there’s substantial ability to live with a degree of comfort.”

Capable of travelling at speeds of more than 30 knots, the boat will function as a floating police station from the Whitsundays to the Hinchinbrook.

It will also be used as mobile command post in disasters and major events and as a search and rescue ­platform.

Mr Taylor said there would be opportunities to collaborate with other organisations, such as Fisheries, Customs and Marine Safety.

It will be the third vessel of its type in the region.

“The vessel has a proven operational capacity,” Mr Taylor said.

“It was funded through the police budget.’’

The Brett Irwin boasts sleeping accommodation for 10 people, a commercial-style galley and holds enough diesel fuel to travel to 700 nautical miles at cruising speed – the distance from Townsville to Brisbane.

Townsville’s former police boat, the 16-year-old Len Hooper, has been decommissioned and will be sold.

http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/news/townsville-to-crew-new-4m-floating-police-station/news-story/227cc478765328758b00d44c853d5e53

 

 

 

 

 



George HOWELL

20/07/2016

 George HOWELL  KPFSM

( Howell is the second, Victorian Policeman, to be awarded the KPFSM )

Victoria Police Force

Regd. #  10323

Rank:  Constable

Stations:  ?, East Malvern, Caulfield – death

Service:  From  ? May 1948 to  1 February 1952 = 3+ years Service

Awards:  Queen’s Police Medal, as mentioned in all of these articles, was NOT awarded to George but he WAS awarded ( posthumously ) the King’s Police & Fire Services Medal – KPFSM – which was granted on 29 August 1952 for Gallantry.

Born:  ? ? 1926

Died on:  Friday  1 February 1952 – 5.40am in Alfred Hospital

Cause:  Shot – Murdered

Event Date:   Wednesday  30 January 1952 about 10.35pm

Event Location:  Normandy Rd, Caulfield, Victoria

Age:  25

Funeral date:  Monday  4 February 1952 @ 2.30pm

Funeral location:  Ewing Memorial Presbyterian Church, East Malvern, Victoria

Buried at:  Cheltenham Memorial Park, Cheltenham, Bayside City, Victoria

Plot: Plot is CE (Church of England), Monumental, Section 337, Gave 024

 Memorial at:  ?

George HOWELL

George HOWELL

 

GEORGE IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance

 

 

FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

 

On the night of Wednesday 30 January 1952 Constable Howell rode his police bicycle to the Crystal Palace Theatre Dandenong Road Caulfield. He had been assigned to investigate and prevent the numerous thefts from cars which occurred in the vicinity.

About 10.35 p.m. Constable Howell intercepted a man tampering with a Morris Minor motor car. After a struggle the man ran off and the Constable ran after him. The offender then shot the Constable in the stomach with a sawn-off .22 calibre rifle. Although unarmed and mortally wounded the Constable continued to chase the gunman before collapsing in the centre of Normanby Road. The offender then escaped.

Although in shock and terrible pain and lapsing in and out of consciousness he was able to give a description of his assailant to bystanders who assisted him and to police who arrived shortly after. Crucially to the later trial he identified a hat and other items as belonging to the offender.

Rushed to the Alfred Hospital for emergency surgery Constable George Howell died in the early hours of 1 February 1952.

A skilful investigation primarily based on articles found at the crime scene and information from Constable Howell led to the arrest and subsequent conviction of a well known and active criminal.

 

The Argus      Friday  1 February 1952     p 1 & p 16

Constable’s condition is ‘very low’

THE condition of 26-year-old Constable George Howell, who was shot by a gunman at Caulfield on Wednesday night, is dangerously low.

 The bullet entered his stomach, travelled upward, and lodged in a back muscle.

Police believe they know the gunman who fired the bullet, and are confident they will ‘ pick him up” today or tomorrow.

They think he is hiding in an inner northern suburb.

Police last night detained a man for questioning but later allowed him to leave.

Doctors in Alfred Hospital began their fight for Constable Howells’ life soon after he was admitted at 11 o’clock, on Wednesday night.

They tried for three hours to extricate the bullet but by 3 a.m. his condition was so low that they abandoned their probing.

Nearly 50 of Victoria’s top detectives including the entire homicide and consorting squad backed by fingerprint experts, have worked around the clock in the hunt for the gunman.

Before he lapsed into unconsciousness at midnight on Wednesday, Constable Howell described his attacker as about 26 years, 5ft 8in, solid build, ruddy, round face, wearing a tweed overcoat over brown sports clothes.

Interviewed in hospital, Howell said “I had nearly caught him – he turned and fired straight at me – he was so close he just couldn’t miss.”

Constable Howell told homicide detectives he saw the man trying to enter several of the cars. When challenged, the man threw a leather satchel in his face. In a chase through the railway viaduct into Smith st, the man dropped a bunch of car keys, a screwdriver, a pair of tin snips, a torch, a small tin box, and “pork pie” black hat.

Police yesterday rounded up all known car thieves tor interview. They were still interviewing people late last night.

They also interviewed owners of cars which were parked outside the Crystal Palace Theatre, Caulfield, where Constable Howell surprised the gunman. The cars were thoroughly examined for fingerprints.

Police believe the man they are seeking has three convictions for car stealing, but is not a hardened criminal.

“A hardened criminal would not have pulled a gun on a policeman,” a detective said yesterday. “An experienced crook would know he could receive only a minor gaol sentence for attempted larceny and possession of a gun and house breaking implements.

“Shooting is a major charge which most criminals try to avoid.”

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/23160492

 

The Argus      Saturday  2 February 1952     p 17

HOWELL. — On February 1 at Alfred Hospital, George, dearly beloved son of Ernest and Nellie Howell, of 9 Lord Weaver grove, Bon Beach loved brother of William, Edith (deceased) Joyce ( Mrs. Lumley ) and Rob dear grandson of Mrs Feist of Brunswick and Mr. George Howell aged 25 years ( late Victoria Police Force ) loved by all

HOWELL. — On February 1

George. dearly loved friend of Marj. and Ced Lumley, Ripponlea. So dearly loved, so sadly missed.

HOWELL – Loving memories of our dear George, passed away February 1. Sadly missed. ( Lomax family ).

HOWELL. — On February 1 at Alfred Hospital. George, dearly loved fiancé of June.

Dearly loved, sadly missed.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/23160797

 

The Argus      Saturday  2 February 1952

POLICE DRAW DRAGNET TIGHTER ROUND KILLER OF CONSTABLE

The hunt for the man who shot dead Constable George Howell at Caulfield is getting hot. Police have gathered much valuable information which may lead to his arrest.
Scores of armed police, working in twos and threes, made a series of surprise raids last night on suburban haunts and homes of known car thieves.

After a courageous fight for life, Constable Howell died in Alfred Hospital yesterday from the bullet wound he received in the stomach while chasing a car thief on Wednesday night.

Detectives have a fairly accurate description of the killer, and have narrowed the hunt down to the metropolitan area.
The man they are seeking is thought to have been responsible for about nine thefts from parked cars outside the Crystal Palace Theatre since mid-December.
The man was in the act of robbing another car near the theatre, after unlocking it, with a duplicate key, when he was challenged by Constable Howell.
He was fast seen running along Normanby Rd., Caulfield, near the railway viaduct where the shooting occurred.
The man has an unusually large head. The hat he dropped while being chased is size 7 1/4.
The hat is one of the best clues in police hands. It is a black “Continental” type “pork-pie” model, several years out of fashion.
The hat has an unusually narrow brim, and a wide black band of a type not seen on modern hats. The bow on the band is ripped, and hanging loosely.
Police also have a set of car thieves’ tools dropped by the gunman. These tools have been examined by scientific experts.
Fingerprints have been obtained from cars which had been parked outside the theatre on the night of the shooting, and police have contacted several people who saw the killer running away from the viaduct.
After Constable Howell died at 5.40 a.m. yesterday, doctors extracted from his back the bullet which had fatally wounded him. The bullet was of .22 calibre.

Police originally thought the gun used was of a heavy calibre. Now it is thought to have been a sawed off pea-rifle.
Neither the gun nor the shellcase of the spent bullet has yet been found.

The wanted man’s description is: About 26 years, 5ft., solid build, round face, ruddy complexion, large head; wearing Donegal brown tweed coat over sports clothes.

Interstate police as well as all Victorian police, are watching for a man of this description.

Homicide squad chiefs in Melbourne said last night they had already had valuable aid from the public in their hunt and would appreciate still more help.

The killer dropped, with his hat on Wednesday night, a leather satchel containing a screwdriver, a pair of tin snips for cutting leads to car radios, a broken silver brandy flask with a round hinged top and 13 labeled car keys on a ring.

D24, police radio control, yesterday broadcast a detailed description of the keys to all Victorian police stations. A check will be made on garages and spare parts stores which sell such keys.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/23160735

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/23160735/17

 

The Argus     Monday  4 February 1952     p 1 & p 18

Belief killer was migrant

THE hunt for the killer of Constable George Howell took a new turn at the weekend, when detectives began questioning European migrants.

Many senior detectives are convinced that Constable Howell’s murderer was a foreigner.

They base their beliefs on the fact that the killer wore a black, Continental type hat, and carried an unusual type of flask.

They are also puzzled that a car thief should carry a satchel.

Some detectives admitted yesterday they had no real clue to the identity of the murderer.

Fingerprints taken from cars parked outside the Crystal Palace Theatre, Caulfield, where Howell was shot, have not proved useful, they added.

None of the 350,000 sets of “prints” of Victorian people has been linked with the killer.

The homicide squad last night appealed for the driver of a grey Holden car, who was one of the first at the scene of the shooting, to call on them.

They believed that the driver of this car drove to the Crystal Palace Theatre and telephoned police from there.

Detectives believe they are dealing with an experienced car thief. It was unusual that he had not even one conviction against his name.

One detective said yesterday. “A European, however, could be quite an expert in this line, yet we would never know about him.

“The killer sounds like a European. He is reasonably short, solidly built, and has a round face.

“The fact that he carries an unusual brandy flask is a good clue.”

A hat expert told detectives on Saturday that the hat of the type left behind by Howell’s killer had not been sold in Melbourne for 10 years.

It was similar to a type which could be bought in London or in European countries, he added.

Detectives are certain the killer was an expert car thief because his equipment was so comprehensive.

State Cabinet tomorrow will consider whether to offer a reward for the apprehension of the killer of Constable Howell.

Constable Howell will be buried at the New Cheltenham Cemetery with full police honors this afternoon.

A service will be conducted at 2.30 at the Ewing Memorial Presbyterian

 

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/23160995

 

The Argus     Tuesday  5 February 1952     p 1

Police think killer not alone

DETECTIVES believe that an accomplice was keeping watch while the man who killed Constable George Howell tried to break into cars outside the Crystal Palace Theatre at Caulfield.

Those who have been hunting for the gunman since the fatal shooting at Caulfield on Wednesday night were investigating this theory last night.

Inspector H. R. Donnelly, in charge of the investigations, said last night: “Car thieves invariably work in pairs. Records prove that they seldom operate alone.”

Police think the accomplice could have been sitting in a car near the theatre, and could have driven the killer away.

The fact that the murderer vanished seconds after the shooting” suggests that he might have fled in a car, detectives say.

They appealed last night to anyone who saw a man sitting in a parked car or acting suspiciously near the theatre to call on them.

The driver of a grey Holden car who was one of the first to reach the dying constable called at Russell st. headquarters yesterday.

He could not add to the description of the killer.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/23161172

 

 

 

The Age      5 February 1952

TRIBUTE PAID TO POLICE CONSTABLE

Six thousand people, many of them aged and in tears, yesterday attended the funeral of Constable George Howell, aged 26, who was fatally wounded by a man he was chasing at Caulfield on Wednesday last.
Long before the service commenced, Ewing Memorial Presbyterian Church, East Malvern, was packed.
Thousands, including 500 uniform and plains-clothes comrades, waited in Burke road and surrounding streets.
Parked cars stretched for hundreds of yards.
In his funeral oration, Rev. C. T. F. Goy, who was a close friend of Constable Howell, said he was sure everyone shared his mixed feelings of shock, sorrow and righteous anger at the deed which had caused George Howell’s death.
He added: “We are apt to take our police force for granted until something like this happens.
“Without that police force, there would be chaos and lawlessness leading to anarchy.
“The police are the guardians of our civil security. In their duty they take grave risks; even make the supreme sacrifice.
“We honor the name of this young man who made the supreme sacrifice in the pursuing of his duty. He has set a splendid example to others.”

As it moved away from the church, the cortege was headed by mounted police and the police band, which played the Dead March.
At one stage, the procession was more than a mile long.

Burial was at Chelterham Cemetery.

–

 

The Argus ( Melbourne )     Tuesday  5 February 1952     p 5

5,000 at funeral

Constable George Howell, who was murdered on duty, was yesterday given one of the biggest funerals ever held in Victoria.

Crowds lined the roads for seven miles as the cortege moved from Ewing Memorial Presbyterian Church, East Malvern, to New Cheltenham Cemetery.

Four hundred packed into the church for the service, and 5,000 others waited outside.

Constable Howell had planned to be married in the church this month to Miss June Lomax, of Windsor.

“Died nobly”

The procession to the cemetery was over a mile long.

The Rev. C. T. F. Goy, minister of the Ewing Memorial Church, said during the service: “It is an event like this that makes us realise how much we owe to the Police Force, a service we usually take for granted.

“Constable Howell died in the noblest traditions of that service.”

Homicide detectives said last night that they were not overlooking the possibility that the man who shot Constable Howell may have had an accomplice.

They appealed to any person who saw a “suspicious character” hurriedly leave the scene of the shooting on Wednesday night about 10.35 to contact them immediately.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/23161268

 

The Canberra Times      Tuesday  5 February 1952     p 6

Constable Howell’s Fiancée Collapses

MELBOURNE, Monday.

A crowd of 400 people attended the funeral today of Constable George Howell, 26, who was fatally shot by a gunman at Caulfield on Wednesday night.

Miss June Lomax, Howell’s fiancée, collapsed during the service at Ewing Memorial Church, Malvern.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/2847920

 

Daily Advertiser ( Wagga Wagga, NSW )     Wednesday  13 February 1952     p 5

MAN REMANDED IN CONSTABLE HOWELL CASE

MELBOURNE, Tues.: In the City Court today William John O’Mealey, 28, laborer, was remanded until February 21 on a charge of murdering Constable George Howell. 25, at Caulfield, on January 30. Bail was refused.

Detective Sergeant Tremewen said Constable Howell disturbed a man interfering with cars near the Crystal Palace Theatre, Caulfield.

Constable Howell chased the man, but fell with a bullet wound in the stomach.

O’Mealey declared he was innocent.

‘During the whole of my interrogation by police I have maintained my Innocence, and still do so,’ he said.

‘I hope to prove my Innocence at the trial. I wish the public to know this.

‘Five witnesses have stated that I am not the man concerned. I believe they are eye-witnesses.’

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/145629429

 

Examiner  ( Launceston, Tasmania )     Wednesday  13 February 1952     p 4

 Accused Of Killing Constable MELBOURNE. — Thirteen days after Constable George Howell (25) was fatally shot, William John O’Meally (28), labourer, appeared in the City Court yesterday charged with his murder.
O’Meally, dressed in a light brown suit, with a white shirt and yellow tie, was refused bail and remanded to February 21.
Detective Sergeant William Charles Tremewen of the Homicide Squad told the court that at 11.30 p.m. on January 30, Constable Howell was on duty near the Crystal Palace Theatre, Caulfield and disturbed a man interfering with cars. The man ran away and Howell chased him. It was alleged that after a short distance Howell fell with a bullet wound in the stomach. He died in the Alfred Hospital on February 1.
O’Meally said, “I would like to say a few words. During the whole of my interrogation by police, I have maintained my innocence and still do.”
The charge against O’Meally is the sequel to exhaustive enquiries by police during which more than 500 people were questioned.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/52847522

 

The Argus     Friday  28 March 1952     p 5

CONSTABLE HOWELL LEFT ESTATE WORTH £1,154

The Public Trustee yesterday applied for letters of administration of the £1,154 estate of Constable George Howell, shot dead while on duty at Caulfield on February 1.

The application was made on behalf of Constable Howell’s father. Mr. E. C. F. Howell, who with Howell’s mother is next of kin entitled to share in the estate.

Constable Howell divorced his wife last year and had no children.

His estate consists entirely of personalty.

Probate duty and legal expenses are not expected to exceed £70.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/23171272

 

 

Warwick Daily News ( Qld )     Monday  5 May 1952     p 1

Queen’s Medal for Murdered Constable

Melbourne – Constable George Howell (26) , who was fatally shot while chasing a suspected car thief near the Crystal Palace Theatre, on January 30, has been posthumously awarded the Queen’s Police Medal for bravery.

The award was announced by the Chief Commissioner of Police ( Mr. Duncan ), who asked the Government several months ago to make a recommendation to Buckingham Palace.

Approval by the Queen has been published in the London Gazette.

William John O’Meally was sentenced to death in May on a charge of having murdered Howell. He is expected to appeal to the High Court.

Police said that the medal had not yet arrived here.

For Parents

It will probably be given to Constable Howell’s parents at the next State investiture.

Mr. Duncan said that he would write to Howell’s parents about the award.

“Nothing can bring back Constable Howell’s valued life,” he said; “but it is gratifying to know that the Queen has graciously recognised his extraordinary bravery. ”

“His conduct was a fine example of devotion to duty, and will always be an inspiration to every member of the Victorian police.”

Constable Howell’s award ranks with the King’s Police Medal, which former Detective Chris Coe won for bravery at Highett in 1932.

O’Meally Appeal

The grounds of O’Meally‘s appeal are being prepared by his counsel ( Mr. M. Ashkanashy, Q.C. ), and Mr. J. F, Maloney and the Public Solicitor’s office, acting as his legal advisers.

The High Court is scheduled to begin its Melbourne sittings on September 30.

The appeal to the High Court is directed against the judgment of the State Full Court in rejecting O’Meally‘s appeal that the conviction be quashed and a fresh trial ordered.

A great deal of preparation for the High Court hearing has been made already.

This includes the combination of 12 bound appeal books containing a record of the ten day’s proceedings before the Criminal Court which convicted O’Meally.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/61217563

 

 

Warwick Daily News     Monday  5 May 1952     p 1

To Face Trial For Murder of Constable

MELBOURNE: William O’Meally , (28), of Bonbeach, would stand trial at the Criminal Court, next Monday on a charge of having murdered Police Constable George Howell at Caulfield early this year, a Crown Law official said, last night.

The trial judge was expected to be Mr. Justice Coppel.  The Solicitor-General ( Mr. H. A. Winneke, Q.C. ) would be the Crown Prosecutor, and his assistant would be Mr. F. R. Nelson; The defence counsel would be Mr. J. Maloney.

The Crown law official said that about 50 Crown witnesses would be called during the trial, which would be one of Victoria’s longest for 10 years,

O’Meally is being held in the remand section of Pentridge gaol awaiting trial.

Constable Howell died on February 1 in Prince Alfred Hospital after being shot in the stomach outside the Crystal Palace picture theatre at Caulfield on January 30.

The coroner ( Mr. J. Burke, S.M. ) committed O’Meally for trial several weeks ago.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/190450620

 

The Argus ( Melbourne )     Wednesday  6 February 1952     p 1

SHOOTING OF CONSTABLE

Arrest today likely

Homicide detectives expect to end the hunt today for the killer of Constable George Howell.

Late last night they had been questioning a man for l6 hours.

The man, a 30 year-old Australian laborer, was detained early yesterday at a seaside house.

Detectives got one of their most valuable leads in the case early yesterday when a man identified the hat found at the scene of the shooting as one recently stolen from his house.

He was taken to a house in a southern suburb where he identified property stolen with the hat.

In line-up

The suspect was placed in an identification lineup at Russell st. last night.

Two women and a man alleged to have been near the murder scene attended the lineup.

State Cabinet last night decided against offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of Constable Howell’s killer.

Mr. Dodgshun, Chief Secretary, said Cabinet was satisfied it would be contrary to the public interest to offer a reward at this stage.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/23161368

 

 

 

The Argus ( Melbourne )     Wednesday  13 February 1952     p 3

HOWELL MURDER CHARGE LAID

A MAN charged in the City Court yesterday with having murdered Constable George Howell at Caulfield on January 30, declared from the dock that he was innocent.

“During the whole of my interrogation by police I have maintained my innocence, and I still do,” said William John O’Meally, 28, laborer, of Bonbeach.

“I am innocent of any such crime, and hope to prove such innocence at the trial. I wish the public to know this.”

Only six policemen and two pressmen were in the court during the 10-minute special sitting.

Folded arms

O’Meally folded his arms across his chest as the charge was read. He was remanded to February 21. Bail was refused.

Detective-sergeant W. Tremewen said that while on duty at the Crystal Palace Theatre, Caulfield, Constable

Howell disturbed a man interfering with cars outside the theatre.

He chased the man, and later fell with a gunshot wound in his stomach. He died in the Alfred Hospital on February 1.

 

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/23162678

 

The Argus ( Melbourne )     Wednesday  20 February 1952     p 12

RACV appeal for constable

The Royal Automobile Club yesterday appealed to its 120,000 members to support the fund for a memorial to Constable George Howell, who was fatally shot on January 30.

The club started the appeal with £50.

Members should send donations to the secretary, R.A.C.V., 94 Queen st., city.

The money will be sent on to the secretary of the Police Provident Fund.

 

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/23164013

 

 

The Age ( Melbourne )     Thursday  11 September 1952     p 4

Queen’s Medal for Constable Howell

Constable George Howell, the young policeman who was murdered at Caulfield in January while pursuing a suspected thief has been posthumously awarded the Queen’s Police Medal for bravery.

This is the first time a Queen’s Medal has been awarded a member of the Victorian police, and the second occasion in which a similar award has been made. Howell, aged 26, was fatally shot at point-blank range near the Crystal Palace picture theatre at Caulfield on January 31 by a man whom he had suspected of interfering with parked cars. A 28-year-old laborer, William John O’Meally, was sentenced to death in May for Howell’s murder, but has intimated that he will appeal in the High Court. An appeal by O’Meally heard by the Court of Criminal Appeal in July was dismissed. The Commissioner of Police ( Mr, A. M. Duncan ) announced the award yesterday in a special circular issued to all police stations and broadcast to patrol cars. The citation states that

the award was made ” for conspicuous gallantry in attempting the arrest of a criminal. ” Mr. Duncan said that the medal would most likely be presented to Howell’s parents at the next State investiture. He said that the Queen’s approval had been published in the London “Gazette.” He had requested the State Government several months ago to forward a recommendation to Buckingham Palace.

The only other occasion on which a similar award was made took place in 1934 when former Detective Chris Coe in May, the same year, was given the King’s Medal ( Police and Firemen-Bravery Division ) for arresting two gunmen at the Highett railway station. Coe was seriously wounded.

Constable Howell joined the force in May, 1948, and spent most of his service at the East Malvern station.

 

 

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/205419814

 

The Argus ( Melbourne )     Friday  12 December 1952     p 7

The. Governer, Sir Dallas Brooks, yesterday presented 65 awards, one posthumous, at an investiture at Government House.

Mr. Ernest Howell, father of the late Constable George Howell, was overcome with emotion when he received a posthumous award for his son’s heroism at Government House yesterday.

The citation said that Constable Howell died In the course of duty while attempting to arrest a criminal.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/23212733

 

The Argus ( Melbourne )     Monday  9 February 1953     p 2

 The O’Meally storey, No. 2

 

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/23226682?searchTerm=%22george%20howell%22,%20%22constable%20howell%22%20%22kings%22&searchLimits=l-decade=195|||sortby=dateAsc

 

The Argus ( Melbourne )     Tuesday  10 February 1953     p 2

 The O’Meally storey, Part 3

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/23226853?searchTerm=%22the%20omeally%20story%22&searchLimits=l-decade=195|||sortby=dateAsc

 

The Argus ( Melbourne )     Tuesday  10 February 1953     p 2

 The story of a social rebel

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/23226877?searchTerm=%22the%20omeally%20story%22&searchLimits=l-decade=195|||sortby=dateAsc

 

The Argus ( Melbourne )     Wednesday  11 February 1953     p 2

 Concluding the O’Meally storey

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/23227070

 

Barrier Miner ( Broken Hill, NSW )    Saturday  14 February 1953     P 1

No Appeal for O’Meally

Melbourne. — Insufficient money will stop William John O’Meally appealing to the Privy Council, his wife ( Mrs. Lois O’Meally ), said today.

She said there was now no chance of raising the money to finance the appeal. But O’Meally still wanted to appeal and would probably continue to try to get the money.

O’Meally was sentenced to death, for the murder of Constable George Howell. An appeal to the Governor failed, but later the sentence was commuted to life imprisonment without remissions.

The Cabinet decided that it would not pay the cost of a Privy Council appeal.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/49253589

 

Mirror ( Perth, W.A. )     Saturday  25 September 1954     p 13

Pentridge – where hate smoulders

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/75795439?searchTerm=%22george%20howell%22,%20%22constable%20howell%22%20%22kings%22&searchLimits=l-decade=195|||sortby=dateAsc

 

 

 



Ronald Walter McGOWN

20/07/2016

 Ronald Walter McGOWN

( late of Blackheath )

Joined NSW Police Force via NSW Police Cadet system on 22 February 1971

Cadet #  2697

Redfern Police Academy Class # 132

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. #  15631

 

Rank:   NSW Police Cadet – started 22 February 1971 ( 17 yrs, 0 months, 16 days old )

Probationary Constable – appointed 6 February 1973 ( 19 years old )

Constable 1st Class – appointed 6 February 1978

Senior Constable – appointed 6 February 1982

 

Final Rank:  Senior Constable

 

Stations:  ?, Blacktown ( 1970’s – 1980’s ), Penrith HWP ( 1980’s ), either Springwood or Katoomba, Lithgow ( G.D’s & Rescue Squad ) – Death

 

Service:  From  22 February 1971  to  10 June 1998 = 27 years, 3 months, 19 days Service

 

Awards:  National Medal – granted 21 August 1989 ( SenCon )

1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 4 May 1998 ( SenCon )

 

Born:  Saturday  6 February 1954

Died on:  Wednesday  10 June 1998

Cause:  Liver Cancer – died within 3 months of diagnosis

Age:  44 years, 4 months, 4 days

 

Funeral date:  ? June 1998

Funeral location:  Leura Crematorium

 

Buried at:  Cremated

 Memorial at:  Leura Crematorium, NSW

Rescue 27 ( Blacktown ) Ron McGOWN,
Rescue 27 ( Blacktown )  1980
Ron McGOWN

 

Rescue 27 ( Blacktown ) Ron McGOWN, Henry LEVY, Col KELSON
Rescue 27 ( Blacktown )  1980
Ron McGOWN, Henry LEVY, Col KELSON

 

Located at Leura Memorial Gardens
Located at Leura Memorial Gardens

RON IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance

Touch plate at the National Police Wall of Remembrance, Canberra
Touch plate at the National Police Wall of Remembrance, Canberra

 

Ronald Walter McGOWN
Believed to be hanging in Blacktown Police Station.

 

FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

 

Rons’ cancer was deemed a HOD from a rescue response incident in Blacktown to a chemical spill.

Trevor Watkins was also a Rescue Operator who attended the same incident and died some time before Ron of the same cancer.  Doctors linked the 2 Police to the same chemical spill event.

Trevor, however, is NOT mentioned on the National Police Wall of Remembrance. ( Last checked 25 Aug 2022 )

 

Cadets - Class 10 / 1972
Cadets – Class 10 / 1972  ( Class 132 )

Hank Vanderwaarden 2019 · Found an old photo of what I think was a Sergeants course or First Line Commanders course at Penrith Police Station around mid 1980s. Can't remember all the names but I will give it a try. <span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>Back row</strong></span>: Laurie <strong>Eddy</strong> ( # 16868? ), Greg <strong>Peterson</strong> ( # 15106 ), Warren <strong>Newton</strong> ( # 14491 ), Bob <strong>Murrell</strong> ( # 15864 ), Hank <strong>Vanderwaarden</strong> ( # 20655 ), Ron <strong>Blake</strong> ( # 10029 ). <span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>Middle row</strong></span>: <a href="https://www.australianpolice.com.au/john-robert-thomas-hamer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>John HAMER</strong></a> - instructor ( # 11103 ), Ernie <strong>Jones</strong> ( # 15468 or # 14515 ) , <strong><a href="https://www.australianpolice.com.au/gary-richard-buckley/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Gary BUCKLEY</a></strong> ( # 16269 ), Ces <strong>Kearney</strong> ( # 16804 ), Ray <strong>Filewood</strong> ( # 15912 ), Dave <strong>Clouston</strong> ( # 16727 ), Alan <strong>Targett</strong> ( # 14196 ), Helmut <strong>Myers</strong> ( # 16359 ). <span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>Front row</strong></span>: Kieron <strong>Power</strong> ( # 17384 ), John <strong>Findlater</strong> ( # 13571 ), <strong><a href="https://www.australianpolice.com.au/ronald-walter-mcgown/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ron McGOWAN</a></strong> ( # 15631 ), Gordon <strong>Middlemisss</strong> ( # 17058 ), Gary <strong>Winchester</strong> ( # 15414 ), Mal <strong>Roser</strong> ( # 16028 ).
a Sergeants course or First Line Commanders course at Penrith Police Station around mid 1980s. Can’t remember all the names but I will give it a try. Back row: Laurie Eddy ( # 16868? ), Greg Peterson ( # 15106 ), Warren Newton ( # 14491 ), Bob Murrell ( # 15864 ), Hank Vanderwaarden ( # 15760 ), Ron Blake ( # 10029 ). Middle row: John HAMER – instructor ( # 11103 ), Ernie Jones ( # 15468 or # 14515 ) , Gary BUCKLEY ( # 16269 ), Ces Kearney ( # 16804 ), Ray Filewood ( # 15912 ), Dave Clouston ( # 16727 ), Alan Targett ( # 14196 ), Helmut Myers ( # 16359 ). Front row: Kieron Power ( # 17384 ), John Findlater ( # 13571 ), Ron McGOWAN ( # 15631 ), Gordon Middlemisss ( # 17058 ), Gary Winchester ( # 15414 ), Mal Roser ( # 16028 ).

 



David Christopher BOURKE

20/07/2016

David Christopher BOURKE

Queensland Police Force

Regd. #  ?

Rank:  Constable

Stations:  ?

Service:  From  ?  to  ?

 

[blockquote]

David Christopher BOURKE - QPol - Died 2 May 1915

David Christopher BOURKE

 

Regimental number 1310
Place of birth Irvinestown, Ireland
Place of birth Fermanagh, Ireland
Religion Roman Catholic
Occupation Labourer
Address Police Station, South Brisbane, Queensland
Marital status Single
Age at embarkation 26
Height 5′ 10.5″
Weight 175 lbs
Next of kin Mother, Mrs K Bourke, 90 Coventry Drive, Dennistown, Glasgow, Scotland
Previous military service Served for 5 years in the Royal Irish Constabulary.
Enlistment date 13 January 1915
Place of enlistment Brisbane, Queensland
Rank on enlistment Private
Unit name 15th Battalion, 2nd Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number 23/32/2
Embarkation details Unit embarked from Brisbane, Queensland, on board HMAT A48 Seang Bee on 13 February 1915
Rank from Nominal Roll Private
Unit from Nominal Roll 15th Battalion
Other details from Roll of Honour Circular Enlisted 13 January 1915 – 15th Bn, 2nd Reinforcements. Taken on strength, 15th Bn, 12 April 1915. Mortally wounded, 2 May 1915.
Fate Died of wounds 2 May 1915
Place of death or wounding Gallipoli, Turkey
Date of death 2 May 1915
Age at death 26
Place of burial Chatby War Memorial Cemetery (Row E, Grave No. 83), Egypt
Panel number, Roll of Honour,
Australian War Memorial		 75
Other details War service: Egypt, Gallipoli

Embarked Brisbane o HMAT ‘Seang Bee’, 13 February 1915.

Proceeded to join Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, 12 April 1915.

Wounded in action, Gallipoli, April 1915; admitted to Egyptian Government Hospital, 1 May 1915.

Died of wounds, 2 May 1915.

Buried at Chatby Military Cemetery, Alexandria, 3 May 1915.

Medals: 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Sources NAA: B2455, BOURKE David Christopher

 

[/blockquote]

Awards:  ?

Born:  ? ? 1888 in Irvinestown, Ireland

Died on:  Sunday  2 May 1915

Place of death:  Gallipoli, Turkey

Cause:  Died of wounds

Age:  26

Funeral date:  Monday  3 May 1915

Funeral location:  Chatby Military and War Memorial Cemetery, Alexandria, Egypt

Buried at:  Chatby War Memorial Cemetery (Row E, Grave No. 83), Egypt

Memorial at:  ?

[alert_green]DAVID is mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green] * CONSIDERED POLICE JOB RELATED

 

 

 

FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal@AustralianPolice.com.au

 

 

 

 

Scottish Military History Website

Hi, I am trying to find is a David Christopher BOURKE who immigrated to Australia and was a Queensland Police Service Officer. He took leave from the police to join the Australia Army during WWI. He died on 2 May 1915. His NOK was his mother, Mrs K Bourke, 90 Coventry Drive, Dennistown, Glasgow. I am looking to see if his name appears somewhere on a local war memorial or cenotaph where his family is from. Mel

Comment by: Melanie Wilkins

26 January 2015 – 12:17:29

http://www.scottishmilitaryresearch.org.uk/letters-to-the-guest-book

 

 



Angela Rose TAYLOR

20/07/2016

Angela Rose TAYLOR

Victoria Police Force

[blockquote]The FIRST female Police Officer, in Australia, to be killed ‘ On Duty ‘[/blockquote]

Regd. #  24274

 

Rank:  Constable

 

Stations:  ?, Melbourne City Watch-House

 

Service:  From  ?  to  20 April 1986

 

Awards:  National Police Service medal – granted 2016 & handed to her parents on the 30th anniversary of the Event date ( 27 March 2016 )

 

Born:  ? ? 1964

Died on:  20 April 1986

Cause:  Car bomb explosion – Murdered

 

Event date:  Thursday  27 March 1986

Event Location:  Outside of 336 Russell Street, Police Station, Melbourne.  Known as the

‘ Russell Street Bombing ‘

Age:  21

 

Funeral date:  ?

Funeral location:  Springvale Botanical Cemetery

 

Buried at:  Cremated

 

 Memorial at:  1/  Royal Melbourne Hospital – Angie Rose Taylor Ward – dedicated to Angie

2/   Angela Taylor Memorial Foundation – presented to the Dux of each Police Academy Squad

3/   Angela Taylor Fun Run

Angela Rose Taylor

ANGELA IS mentioned on the National Police Wall of Remembrance

 

FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

Front Inscription In memory of Constable Angela Rose Taylor 24274, aged 21 years, City Watch-house, who died on 20th April 1986, as a result of injuries received when a car bomb exploded outside the Russell Street Police Complex on the 27th March, 1986.
Front Inscription In memory of Constable Angela Rose Taylor 24274, aged 21 years, City Watch-house, who died on 20th April 1986, as a result of injuries received when a car bomb exploded outside the Russell Street Police Complex on the 27th March, 1986.

 

The 1986 Russell Street bombing which tragically killed Constable Angela Rose Taylor and seriously injured 21 others.

The explosion was caused by a car bomb hidden in a stolen 1979 Holden Commodore, parked deliberately on the busy city street.

Twenty-one-year-old Const Taylor was crossing the road on a staff lunch run and only a metre away from the car bomb when it exploded. She died in hospital a month later. Const Taylor was the first policewoman to die in the line of duty.

This was Victoria’s first encounter with terrorism. Three men were convicted and two sentenced to life imprisonment.

May you forever Rest In Peace.

 

On March 27 1986, shortly before midday, Constable Taylor left the Russell Street Police Complex to collect lunches for her colleagues. As she stepped on to Russell Street, she passed within 1 metre of a car packed with gelignite. At this time, the gelignite was detonated and the car exploded, showering the area with shrapnel. Angela suffered severe burns to 70% of her body and was hospitalised as a result. However, she died on 20 April 1986.

Stanley Taylor and Craig Minogue were convicted and imprisoned over the bombing which was motivated by an intense hatred of police.

 

Victoria Police Association Journal   March 2006  p 10 & 11

It is 20 years since a car bomb exploded outside the Russell Street Police Complex – two decades since Constable Angela Taylor was mortally wounded as she crossed over Russell Street from the City Watchhouse.  The Police Association Journal editor Shirley Hardy-Rix spoke to Angela’s parents, Marilyn and Arthur Taylor to mark the anniversary of Angela’s death.

Arthur & Marilyn Taylor
Arthur & Marilyn Taylor

“It can seem like yesterday or it can seem like 20 years. But missing Angie is still as strong today as it was then; it’s just not accompanied with the pain.”

These are the words of a mother talking about a loved daughter 20 years after the criminal act that shocked the country and changed the Taylor family forever. Marilyn and Arthur Taylor admit that not a day goes by when they don’t think of their only daughter “not in a morbid way but in a joyful way”.

“We’ve made it a pleasant experience. Ange was always so full of joy and life it would be wrong of us to have a negative attitude.  She has left us with so many lovely, lovely memories. It was so lovely to have had her for those 21 years – I’ve got to be glad about that,” says Marilyn.
“Something will trigger a memory and you think of some of the things that Angela did,” adds Arthur. “She fitted so much into those 21 years. She didn’t leave any gaping holes, she filled them all in.”
Sitting in their comfortable suburban home , Marilyn and Arthur remember their Ange, the protector of her brothers Michael and Byron. Arthur is usually a man of few words but when it comes to talking about his daughter the stories flow.
“From an early age she had a sense of what was right and what was wrong,” recalls Arthur. “When Mike was young he was knock-kneed and wore leg callipers. One day some of the boys pushed him over and started to laugh because he couldn’t get up.  Angela was about four. She went inside and got the broom and chased them up the street, laying into them. When I asked her why she did that, Angie said what they did wasn’t right. It wasn’t fair. From an early age she had a sense of fair play and right and wrong.”
Marilyn remembers the good student who was a keen participant in school plays, was on the school debating team and the school council. But Angela left school at the end of Year 10 which was a disappointment to her parents. Then when the family moved to Melbourne from Canberra in 1982 Angela decided she wanted to join the police force. She didn’t want to join in Canberra because she didn’t want to spend her life guarding parliament house.
Angela wanted to do police work. Her determination saw her finish years 11 and 12 in one year. Angela Taylor went on to be the dux of her squad at the Police Academy in November 1984.

“That made me very proud.  Her graduation day was the part in my life when I was at the pinnacle, the top of the mountain. I’ve never been right up there since. I was so proud that she had helped others in her squad get through. She didn’t just do it for herself,” says Marilyn. She and Arthur were the proud parents on graduation day and happy participants in the celebrations that marked the beginning of what should have been a long and successful career.

In March 1986, Angela Taylor had just finished her probation and was working at the City Watchhouse. On March 27 – Easter Thursday – just on one o’clock, an explosion rocked Russell Street. A car bomb was detonated by a team of criminals. Angela was walking across Russell Street at that instant. Her injuries were horrendous and she would never recover. On April 20, after a long and courageous battle, Angela Taylor died.
“It is almost like we lost Angie twice. From the time of the bombing she never spoke to us again. Each of those dates is intermixed,” says Marilyn.
That day Marilyn Taylor was working at a small shop in South Melbourne. She heard on the radio that a bomb had exploded and a woman had been injured.
“I thought, ‘thank God it’s not my Ange’. I didn’t think of her as a woman, just as my Ange, my girl.”
When Marilyn Taylor walked down to the bank she saw a police car and just knew. It might have been a mother’s intuition. Marilyn wasn’t surprised to see the two police who came to tell her the news.
Arthur was also working that day and was later than usual getting home because he’d stopped to get some hot cross buns on the way. He was listening to the radio and heard the news that a policewoman was injured. He thought his daughter was safe because she was in the watchhouse.
“There was a car in the driveway and a couple of senior police. The penny dropped. I’m not a talkative person but I couldn’t shut up. I didn’t want to hear what they had to say so I just kept on talking. My worst fear was that she was dead – that’s what I didn’t want to hear.”
What followed was a rollercoaster. Marilyn and Arthur say they were carried on by events. They had no control. Their whole motivation was to be at the hospital. Each day they would get up and drive to the hospital. At the end of the day they would drive home and collapse into bed.
In 1986 Marilyn and Arthur weren’t offered any counselling to help cope with their grief.  “I thought if I saw a counsellor they would make it better – make me better but that is not what it does.”
Since Angela’s death many of those who knew their daughter have drifted out of their lives. “It is such a painful thing for so many people. Even the ones who loved Angie sometimes find it difficult to talk to Arthur and me.  And it is not that they don’t care about us, it is just too painful.”
The Police family haven’t forgotten Angela Taylor and this is a great comfort to her family. The Angela Taylor Memorial Foundation was established and the dux of every graduating squad receives the Angela Taylor Award.
These initiatives have all been part of the healing process.
Every year there is the Angela Taylor Fun Run. Marilyn and Arthur are always there to welcome the winners over the finish line and present trophies. It is an important day for them.  Marilyn admits in the early years she only went along because she had to but now she wouldn’t miss it.
“At first I did it because I had to – now I do it because I want to and I don’t know when that page turned.  Everyone who comes along – they are all special.  It gives us a lot of pleasure.”
Marilyn and Arthur receive great comfort out of the services held on National Police Remembrance Day. It is a special day in their calendar. In recent years they have become close to the Senior Police Chaplain, Jim Pilmer.
“We love Jim. He’s a special man. He is one of God’s chosen. He is a genuine man who gives great comfort to those people in the greatest pain. I love his services and we love going along to the Remembrance Day evening service. I like to hear the list of names read out and pray with the families and then go to the little chapel for private prayer. It is a closure for the day.”
Today Marilyn and Arthur are doting grandparents and spend time with their five grand-daughters. Four of these girls bear Angela’s name – Brooke Angela, Laura Angela, Alyssa Rose and Alex Jasmine Rose.
“They give another dimension, but nothing fills the hole of Angie,” says Marilyn.

In their garden are three Angela Taylor roses. They would love to see the rose named in honour of their daughter at the Police Academy and in each police station garden across the state.

Marilyn & Arthur Taylor with the Angela Taylor Rose
Marilyn & Arthur Taylor with the Angela Taylor Rose

The men responsible for the Russell Street Bombing were brought to justice. Marilyn and Arthur did attend the final day of the committal hearing at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court across the road from the scene of the bombing.
Marilyn refused to look at the faces of the men who killed her daughter. Arthur attended the sentencing at the conclusion of the Supreme Court trial. Marilyn couldn’t face it.
“That’s how we keep a positive attitude. We don’t want these people to have any other part of my life. They’ve taken away more than is almost possible to cope with. They are not going to get in because I am not going to hate them because that would be soul destroying for me and those I love,” says Marilyn.
“We’ve avoided getting angry. Sometimes it is very hard to avoid getting angry and hating. It is such a negative emotion it would take over our lives and that wasn’t going to happen,” adds Arthur.
Marilyn and Arthur Taylor are wonderful people. They are filled with love when they could be torn apart by hate. They look at all that has been done in their daughter’s memory and are filled with pride.
“We are very proud and very humbled by the legacy of having the unit at the Royal Melbourne Hospital dedicated to Angie and all the other memorials they have put up in her name. I know there are a lot of people who do a lot of work and put in a lot of time and effort into not letting Victorians forget these wonderful people who get up in the morning and put on the blue uniform because they love to do it.”

 

http://www.tpav.org.au/_documents/Journals/2006/March/2811e12e-ba48-45cd-b211-65339f4f374b/Jnl_2006_Mar_P10_11.pdf

 

The Angela Taylor rose

Release date: Fri 31 March 2006

Floribunda Rose 'Angela Rose Taylor' (Rosa)
Floribunda Rose ‘Angela Rose Taylor’ (Rosa)

Just like its namesake, the Angela Taylor Rose is vibrant, feminine and distinctive.

Clusters of deep cream and pink buds unfurl slowly to reveal sweetly scented, creamy-white flowers with a distinctive pink edging and prominent golden-yellow stamens.

Named in honour of Constable Angela Rose Taylor, who died as a result of the 1986 Russell Street police complex bombing, this rose is available by special arrangement with rose breeder John Nieuwesteeg.

The distributor, Garden Express, donates $2 from each rose sold to the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation. The foundation perpetuates the memory of police killed in the line of duty through the support of community projects across the state.

To order the rose, visit www.gardenexpress.com.au on the Internet or telephone 1800 677 437.

http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?Document_ID=4619

 

Shortly after 1.00 pm Thursday, 27 March 1986, a massive explosion occurred near the southern entrance to the Russell Street Police Complex when a car bomb was detonated. As a result of this act three people were injured, damage was caused to the façade of the police building and the central business district was thrown into confusion for hours as emergency workers struggled to cope with the disaster. Later Forensic tests showed the bomb had consisted of 50 sticks of gelignite packed into a motor car and surrounded by small pieces of metal which were meant to act as “shrapnel”. The investigation into the setting of the bomb began at once and continued for months. During that time two of the injured – Magistrate Ian West and Constable Carl Donadio recovered from their wounds. However Constable Angela Taylor who had suffered extensive burns to her body died at the Royal Melbourne Hospital 20 April 1986.

The Russell Street Bombing refers to the 27 March 1986 bombing of the Russell Street Police Headquarters complex in Russell Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The explosion was caused by a car bomb hidden in a stolen 1979 Holden Commodore.

The blast seriously injured 21-year-old Constable Angela Taylor, who died on 20 April, becoming the first Australian policewoman to be killed in the line of duty. A further 22 people were injured. The explosion caused massive amounts of damage to the police HQ and surrounding buildings, estimated at more than A$1 million.

The Age newspaper reported that the blast had such an impact because of the open-floor design of the offices acted like a claymore mine, sending more shrapnel as the blast ripped through the floors, seemingly adding more pressure to the blast as it followed its path. The station has closed down and been converted into apartments.

In the course of the investigation, a group of people including Stan Taylor, Peter Reed, Craig Minogue and Rodney Minogue were apprehended. The motive for the bombing seems to have been revenge against the police, as the bombers had previously been arrested and still resented their jail terms. In court, Taylor, Reed and Craig Minogue were convicted; Rodney Minogue was eventually acquitted on appeal.

On 7 October 1985, gelignite and detonators were stolen from the Tryconnel Mine at Blackwood. On 25 March 1986, a Holden Commodore was stolen. Both crimes were later found to provide equipment needed for the construction of the bomb.

On 25 April 1986, ten Victoria Police officers raided the Kallista home of Peter Michael Reed at 5.45 am. It was alleged that upon attempting to enforce the arrest by forcing entry to the premises, Reed produced a .455 Smith and Wesson revolver and fired at police, seriously injuring Det Sgt Wylie. Reed was then fired upon by Det Sgt Quinsee and arrested. Reed was charged with attempted murder, recklessly causing serious injury, using a firearm to prevent apprehension and possessing explosives in suspicious circumstances in addition to charges related to the Russell Street bombing. Reed later stated at his trial in unsworn evidence that:

“the police started the shooting and I only used his firearm in self defence.”

On 30 May 1986, police arrested Stanley Brian Taylor during a 2 am raid on his Birchip home. Brothers Craig and Rodney Minogue were arrested in a Swan Hill motel at 5.15 am later that day.

The crown did not allege that any person played any particular role in the bombing, but that each of them were members of a team which planned the bombing and caused the bomb to explode. Evidence against the accused was as follows:

Gelignite and detonators used in the construction of the bomb were of the same type as those stolen from Tryconnel Mine.

Gelignite was found at Reed’s house wrapped in newspaper containing fingerprints belonging to Rodney Minogue.

Craig Minogue owned a pair of side cutters which produced cuts similar to those found on detonator wires.

A file with traces of brass deposits matched with brass deposits found at the bomb site.
a block of wood from which a wooden part of the bomb had been sawn was found at Craig Minogue’s premises.
tinned copper wire, similar to that used with detonators found at the bomb site, was found at Craig Minogue’s premises.
residue of gelignite matched residue found at a previous address of Craig Minogue in Lower Templestowe.
evidence from a witness that Craig Minogue called around Easter 1986, to ask about the use of detonators.
a witness testified that Craig Minogue was seen driving a 1979 Holden Commodore around the CBD prior to the explosion.

– wiki

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=92297987

 

Young police constable, 21, killed in the Russell Street car bombing is awarded with a service medal 30 years after the tragedy

  • Constable Angela Rose Taylor, 21, was killed when car bomb exploded
  • She died of her injuries 24 days after Russell Street police station bombing
  • Young policewoman has been remembered 30 years after the tragedy
  • She was posthumously awarded the National Police Service Medal 

By Jenny Awford For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 18:10 EST, 24 March 2016 | Updated: 19:26 EST, 24 March 2016

 

The young policewoman killed after a car bomb exploded in front of the force headquarters in Melbourne has been remembered 30 years after the tragedy – and awarded a service medal.

Constable Angela Rose Taylor, 21, died from her injuries 24 days after the bombing of Russell Street police headquarters on Easter Thursday, 27 March 1986.

She was the first policewoman to be murdered in the line of duty in Australia.

Her brother Michael Taylor paid tribute to the young officer at a memorial service on Thursday opposite the old Russell Street station, saying that she always had ‘a disdain for injustice’.

He recalled how as a three-year-old she fended off bullies by swinging a broom because they were teasing him over his leg calipers.

‘She had a strong belief we should all be treated equally,’ Mr Taylor said.

Constable Taylor was posthumously awarded the National Police Service Medal at the memorial which was attended by officers, family and friends wearing pink roses in her memory.

It was given to her parents Marilyn and Arthur by Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton on behalf of Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove.

Two men were convicted of the horrific crime which left Constable Taylor dead and 22 others injured.

One of the bombers, Craig Minogue, could soon apply for bail as his 28-year non-parole period comes to an end this year.

His co-accused, Stanley Brian Taylor, 59, was jailed for life with no minimum set.

An arrangement of pink roses was seen at the memorial service to honour the young policewoman
An arrangement of pink roses was seen at the memorial service to honour the young policewoman

 

Constable Taylor was was posthumously awarded the National Police Service Medal and it was given to her parents Marilyn and Arthur by Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton
Constable Taylor was was posthumously awarded the National Police Service Medal and it was given to her parents Marilyn and Arthur by Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton

 

Former police member Carl Donadio ( centre )who was injured in the blast looks on during a memorial service to honour Constable Taylor
Former police member Carl Donadio ( centre )who was injured in the blast looks on during a memorial service to honour Constable Taylor

 

Mr Ashton said while any parole decision is up to the parole board, he hoped Minogue ‘stays behind bars’.

Minogue, who was almost illiterate at the time of his arrest has gone on to complete a bachelor of arts degree, and has also obtained his Masters and PHD behind bars.

He also runs a website, on which he apologises for his behaviour in 1986.

‘I understand the pain and suffering that I have caused. I am very sorry for the crimes of my past, and I regret those actions very much and wish that I had not done them,’ he wrote on the site.

‘Thirty years is a very long time in prison, I was 23 when I came in and I will be 53 when I am eligible for release.

‘I hope to be able to somehow pass on to others the value that I have found in education and learning during that time.

‘That contribution I can make depends to a large extent upon others, and whether or not I am going to be given a chance to make a positive contribution,’ he said.

Lawyer tearfully recalls Russell street bombing 30 years ago
Lawyer tearfully recalls Russell street bombing 30 years ago

 

Constable Taylor's parents unveil a plaque in her honour in the RMIT Alumni Courtyard in Russell Street in Melbourne
Constable Taylor’s parents unveil a plaque in her honour in the RMIT Alumni Courtyard in Russell Street in Melbourne

 

A rose could be seen on a poster at the memorial service to honour Constable Angela Taylor
A rose could be seen on a poster at the memorial service to honour Constable Angela Taylor

 

 

But Detective Inspector Bernie Rankin does not believe Minogue is reformed.

‘I am not convinced that he is the reformed Craig Minogue he is making himself out to be,’ he told 60 Minutes recently.

He went on to explain how Minogue murdered a man not long after being sent to prison for his part in the Russell Street bomb case.

‘Now if Craig Minogue is released tomorrow who’s to say it is not the old Craig Minogue who gets released.

‘What if you take his parking spot, you know, what if you bump into him in a bar?

 

http://video.dailymail.co.uk/video/mol/2016/03/24/5731756171013765268/640x360_5731756171013765268.mp4

‘He is trying to get parole and he is trying to demonstrate to a parole board he is no longer a risk,’ he said.

Mr Rankin held back tears when remembering the death of Ms Taylor three weeks after she was injured in the bomb blast.

He helped put out some of the fire on the 21-year-old officer’s clothes and hair.

‘She was thrown across street dreadfully burnt,’ he said.

‘She was a fine young woman that lost her life,’ he said choking back tears after remembering the day, April 20, he found out she had passed away in hospital.

The police officer remembers the bombers had ‘a strong desire to kill as many people and injure as many people as possible’ with their contraption.

In fact the blast could have been a lot worse, a police investigation at the time found not all of the explosives found set into the car went off as was planned because the detonator was used wrong.

At 15 seconds past one on Easter Thursday afternoon in 1986 Russell Street, Melbourne best resembled a warzone
At 15 seconds past one on Easter Thursday afternoon in 1986 Russell Street, Melbourne best resembled a warzone

 

The car bomb did not explode as planned, and could have been a lot more devastating, police say
One of the bombers, Craig Minogue (pictured both), could soon apply for bail as his 28-year non-parole period comes to an end this year

 

One of the bombers, Craig Minogue (pictured both), could soon apply for bail as his 28-year non-parole period comes to an end this year
One of the bombers, Craig Minogue (pictured both), could soon apply for bail as his 28-year non-parole period comes to an end this year

One of the bombers, Craig Minogue (pictured both), could soon apply for bail as his 28-year non-parole period comes to an end this year

Archive footage from the ABC of the devastating aftermath of 1986 Russell Street bombing
‘He is trying to get parole and he is trying to demonstrate to a parole board he is no longer a risk,’ he said.
Mr Rankin held back tears when remembering the death of Ms Taylor three weeks after she was injured in the bomb blast.
He helped put out some of the fire on the 21-year-old officer’s clothes and hair.
‘She was thrown across street dreadfully burnt,’ he said.
‘She was a fine young woman that lost her life,’ he said choking back tears after remembering the day, April 20, he found out she had passed away in hospital.
The police officer remembers the bombers had ‘a strong desire to kill as many people and injure as many people as possible’ with their contraption.
In fact the blast could have been a lot worse, a police investigation at the time found not all of the explosives found set into the car went off as was planned because the detonator was used wrong.

Constable Taylor's parents pose with an Infinity Rose which was presented to them by former police member Carl Donadio who was injured in the blast
Constable Taylor’s parents pose with an Infinity Rose which was presented to them by former police member Carl Donadio who was injured in the blast.

 

 

Angela Rose Taylor 17 - VICPOL- Murdered - Died 27 Mar 1986 - Fun Walk

 

Man jailed thirty years ago for a Melbourne car bomb which killed a young policewoman is up for parole – but one officer who was there doesn’t think he’s reformed

  • Convicted killer Craig Minogue may be eligible for parole this year 
  • Minogue was jailed for his part in the Russell Street bombing in 1986
  • A car bomb exploded near a police station killing a female officer
  • He also killed a fellow inmate once he was put behind bars
  • He has used his time behind bars to obtain a PHD 

By Belinda Cleary For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 02:09 +11:00, 21 March 2016 | Updated: 07:43 +11:00, 21 March 2016

A killer who has served thirty years behind bars for his part in the detonation of a bomb outside a metro police station may soon be eligible for parole.

Two men were convicted of the crime, Stan Taylor was sentenced to life without parole, and Craig Minogue was given 28 years without parole, which has now been served.

At 15 seconds past one on Easter Thursday afternoon in 1986 Russell Street, Melbourne best resembled a warzone.

Convicted killer, Craig Minogue, pictured, may be eligible for parole this year after serving 30 years behind bars
Convicted killer, Craig Minogue, pictured, may be eligible for parole this year after serving 30 years behind bars

 

Minogue was sentenced to 28 years without parole for his part in the notorious Russell Street car bombing on Easter Thursday in 1986 (wreckage from the explosion)
Minogue was sentenced to 28 years without parole for his part in the notorious Russell Street car bombing on Easter Thursday in 1986 (wreckage from the explosion)

A car bomb parked strategically outside the police complex exploded killing 21-year-old police woman Angela Taylor and 22 officers and civilians.

Minogue, who was almost illiterate at the time of his arrest has gone on to complete a bachelor of arts degree, and has also obtained his Masters and PHD behind bars.

He also runs a website, on which he apologises for his behaviour in 1986.

‘I understand the pain and suffering that I have caused. I am very sorry for the crimes of my past, and I regret those actions very much and wish that I had not done them,’ he wrote on the site.

‘Thirty years is a very long time in prison, I was 23 when I came in and I will be 53 when I am eligible for release.

‘I hope to be able to somehow pass on to others the value that I have found in education and learning during that time.

‘That contribution I can make depends to a large extent upon others, and whether or not I am going to be given a chance to make a positive contribution,’ he said.

Detective Inspector Bernie Raking, pictured, was at the police station when the bomb went off. He does not believe Minogue is reformed
Detective Inspector Bernie Raking, pictured, was at the police station when the bomb went off. He does not believe Minogue is reformed

But Detective Inspector Bernie Rankin does not believe Minogue is reformed.

‘I am not convinced that he is the reformed Craig Minogue he is making himself out to be,’ he told 60 Minutes recently.

He went on to explain how Minogue murdered a man not long after being sent to prison for his part in the Russell Street bomb case.

‘Now if Craig Minogue is released tomorrow who’s to say it is not the old Craig Minogue who gets released.

‘What if you take his parking spot, you know, what if you bump into him in a bar?

‘He is trying to get parole and he is trying to demonstrate to a parole board he is no longer a risk,’ he said.

 

Minogue - pictured- only admitted to his part in the Russell Street bombing for the first time in 2012, Rankin believes that was a move to prove he had reformed
Minogue – pictured- only admitted to his part in the Russell Street bombing for the first time in 2012, Rankin believes that was a move to prove he had reformed

The car bomb did not explode as planned, and could have been a lot more devastating, police say
The car bomb did not explode as planned, and could have been a lot more devastating, police say

Mr Rankin held back tears when remembering the death of Ms Taylor three weeks after she was injured in the bomb blast.

He helped put out some of the fire on the 21-year-old officer’s clothes and hair.

‘She was thrown across street dreadfully burnt,’ he said.

‘She was a fine young woman that lost her life,’ he said choking back tears after remembering the day, April 20, he found out she had passed away in hospital.

The police officer remembers the bombers had ‘a strong desire to kill as many people and injure as many people as possible’ with their contraption.

In fact the blast could have been a lot worse, a police investigation at the time found not all of the explosives found set into the car went off as was planned because the detonator was used wrong.

Minogue killed fellow inmate and convicted killer Alex Tsakmakis shortly after going to prison but was not given any additional sentencing
Minogue killed fellow inmate and convicted killer Alex Tsakmakis shortly after going to prison but was not given any additional sentencing

In 1992 Prue Bird (pictured), the grandaughter of Paul and Julie (pictured) Hetzel known accomplices of Minogue went missing, child killer Leslie Camilleri came forward 17 years later
In 1992 Prue Bird (pictured), the grandaughter of Paul and Julie (pictured) Hetzel known accomplices of Minogue went missing, child killer Leslie Camilleri came forward 17 years later

Paul Hetzel was a member of Taylor and Minogue’s gang, he helped police gain convictions, but in 1992 his partner’s granddaughter vanished.

Seventeen years later convicted child killer Leslie Camilleri came forward claiming to have killed Prue Bird of his own accord. Mr Hetzel believes she was taken from them in revenge.

‘I thought this is pay back just felt sick in the guts.’

Mr Hetzel said Minogue had threatened shortly after the explosion.

‘He was saying about that any bastard ever spoke about it and that, you know, they will be killed.

‘And that’s when he said wouldn’t it be a shame if anything happened to your little Prue.’

Mrs Hetzel (pictured left) and her husband Paul (pictured right) believe Prue was killed in an act of revenge as Mr Hetzel had given evidence against his fellow gang members in the bomb investigation
Mrs Hetzel (pictured left) and her husband Paul (pictured right) believe Prue was killed in an act of revenge as Mr Hetzel had given evidence against his fellow gang members in the bomb investigation

Angela Rose Taylor 27 - VICPOL- Murdered - Died 27 Mar 1986

Minogue denies any involvement in the girl’s disappearance and murder. But police are not convinced.

‘There is no doubt in my mind Camilleri commit crime with others and that this crime is a payback for the Russell Street bombing,’ Detective Senior Sergeant Brent Fisher told 60 minutes.

Minogue has said he intends to repay the community for his crimes by accepting the sentence, admitting his guilt and apologising, by making an effort to rehabilitate himself and by not re-offending upon release.

Minogue was not handed down extra time for the murder of his fellow inmate Tsakmakis in prison.

He is currently being held in a medium-security prison in Victoria.

The deadly bomb blast shattered precinct windows and shook up the policing community sparking a wide search for those responsible
The deadly bomb blast shattered precinct windows and shook up the policing community sparking a wide search for those responsible

Angela Rose Taylor 29 VICPOL- Murdered - Died 27 Mar 1986

Remembering Constable Angela Taylor

https://youtu.be/ktopk7Ff_iQ

Floribunda Rose 'Angela Rose Taylor' (Rosa)
Floribunda Rose ‘Angela Rose Taylor’ (Rosa)

 

Russell Street bomber dies in custody

October 19, 201610:44pm
Helen Velissaris  Australian Associated Press

Russell Street bomber, Stanley Taylor, has died in custody aged 79.

He was sentenced to life in prison for the 1986 car bomb explosion that killed a female police officer and injured 21 others outside the Melbourne police office on Russell Street.

Corrections Victoria confirmed a prisoner of that age died of natural causes at St Vincents Hospital on Wednesday.

Taylor had been ill for at least a year, according to numerous media reports.

A career criminal, Taylor was known for having a hatred for authority.

Before the bombing, he had served 17 years in prison for numerous bank robberies.

Eight years after getting out, he would commit one of the most brutal acts of terror in Victoria.

The car bomb was set up to explode at 1pm, precisely the time most people would be heading out to get their lunch.

It was stuffed with almost 60 sticks of gelignite and timed for maximum destruction.

Constable Angela Taylor, 21, was on her way to pick up lunch for her office when she was in the direct firing line.

She died of her injuries 24 days after the bombing, becoming the first Australian police woman to die in the line of duty.

The explosion was so large that debris was found three blocks away.

Police were led to Taylor and his accomplices when they were able to rebuild the car used in the attack, and found it had been stolen.

Alongside Taylor in 1988, Craig Minogue received life with a minimum of 28 years and Rodney Minogue was jailed for eight years with a minimum of six in 1988.

Another man, Peter Reed, was found not guilty but was later jailed for 13 years, with a minimum of 11, of the attempted murder of police during the investigation of the bombing.

Craig Minogue will be up for parole by the end of this year.

As with all deaths in custody, Taylor’s death will be referred to the coroner.

http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/russell-street-bomber-dies-in-vic-custody/news-story/807141b59b396179a5a45eec664f856f


Geoffrey Graham RICHARDSON

20/07/2016

Geoffrey Graham RICHARDSON

( late of Nelson Bay – formerly of Razorback )
aka  Buddha  &  Richo & Jedi

Husband of SenCon Margaret King

Academy Class 272

New South Wales Police Force

[alert_yellow]Regd. #  32260[/alert_yellow]

Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 15 May 1998

Constable – appointed 15 May 1999

Senior Constable –

Sergeant – appointed 26 December 2010

Stations:  Campbelltown LAC – 35 Division – 15 May 1998 – 26 March 2005,

Cobar 27 March 2005 – April 2010,

Central Hunter LAC  ( SenCon ) April 2010 – 26 December 2010,

Lake Macquarie LAC – ( Sgt ) 27 December 2010 – July 2015,

Port Stephens LAC – July 2015,  – Death

Service:  From  ? pre May 1998  to  5 March 2016 = 18 years Service

Awards:  Regional Commander’s Commendation for Bravery re Off Duty arrest at Nelson Bay on 6 February 2012

Commander’s Commendation

NSW Police Medal

National Medal

National Police Service Medal – posthumously awarded on 14 March 2016

NSW Police Medal – 15 year Clasp – posthumously awarded on 14 March 2016

The Commissioner’s Commendation for Service – posthumously awarded on 14 March 2016

Born:  6 August 1972

Died on:  Saturday  5 March 2016 about 11.50pm

Cause:  Motor vehicle accident – driver

Event location:  Lovedale Rd, Allandale, NSW

Age:  43

Funeral date:  Monday  14 March 2016 @ 11.30am

Funeral location:  Christ Church Anglican Cathedral, Church Street, Newcastle, NSW

Buried at:  ?TBA

 Memorial at:  PTS12 ( PorT Stephens 12 ) police vehicle is dedicated in May 2016 to Richo with personalised number plates RCH012

Geoffrey RICHARDSON - NSWPF - Died 5 March 2016

 [alert_green]GEOFFREY IS  mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green]

As a sign of respect to our colleague lost overnight in a motor vehicle accident while providing assistance to others, Windsor Police Station is flying the State Flag at half mast. Our colleague leaves behind a wife who is a serving Senior Constable and two young boys aged seven and five months.
As a sign of respect to our colleague lost overnight in a motor vehicle accident while providing assistance to others, Windsor Police Station is flying the State Flag at half mast. Our colleague leaves behind a wife who is a serving Senior Constable and two young boys aged seven and five months.

 Funeral location:  ?TBA

 

 

FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

 

 

Funeral Service Video

Funeral Service Feedback

 

 

RICHARDSON
Sergeant
Geoffrey Graham
Of Nelson Bay
Formerly of Razorback

Dearly loved husband of Margaret. Much loved father of Patrick and Aiden. Loved son of Lofty Richardson and Jeanette Richardson. Loved son-in-law of John (dec) and Heather King. Loving brother of Warwick, Grant, Andrew, and Adrian. Loving brother-in-law of Denise, Eric, Raymond, Gordon, Annette, Robert, and John and uncle to their families. Valued member of the NSW Police Force Family.

Family, Friends and Colleagues are invited to attend a Funeral Service to be held in Christ Church Anglican Cathedral, Church Street, Newcastle on MONDAY (March 14, 2016) commencing at 11:30 am.

No flowers by request, donations in lieu may be made to NSW Police Legacy –
geoffreyrichardson.
gofundraise.com.au

France Family Funerals
Nelson Bay 4981 4488

Monday, 14 March 2016

To the Richardson Family,
Our deepest Condolences you are all.
You all are in our Prayers.
R.I.P Geoffrey
From The Entire Skaines Family
~
Lynda ( Skaines) McGuire,
Guildford, New South Wales

Monday, 14 March 2016

Wish we had been able to get to know you better. RIP.

~
Kristie and Rohan Harrison,
Charlestown, New South Wales

Monday, 14 March 2016

My heart is breaking for The Richardson family at this sad time, My thoughts and prayers are with you all, especially Margaret, Patrick Aiden and Geoff’s colleagues, as a member of the public who didn’t have the privilege of knowing Sgt Richardson, I thank him for his Service. God bless you all, You can be forever Proud of this man taken far too soon.
My husband will be playing in the Police Band today as Sgt Richardson is farewelled.

May He rest in peace.

~
Roslyn Day-Anderson,
Seven Hills nsw

Monday, 14 March 2016

Geoff it was a pleasure to work with you, your enthusiasm for our job is an inspiration. You will be sadly missed as a colleague and a friend. Love to your family and friends.

~
Nadia Theiss,
Cardiff, New South Wales

Sunday, 13 March 2016

Your name will be echoed for ever, through the corridors of Campbelltown Police Station. For your mate ship, tenacity and leadership, we thank you Richo!

~
Conchita Ray,
Campbelltown, New South Wales

Sunday, 13 March 2016

To the Richardson family we extend our deepest sympathy in your time of loss and sorrow.
Kindest thoughts.
Jim & Carole Whitfield.
Tahmoor NSW

~
Jim & Carole Whitfield,
TAHMOOR, New South Wales
Published in The Sydney Morning Herald on Mar. 11, 2016

http://tributes.smh.com.au/obituaries/smh-au/obituary.aspx?n=geoffrey-richardson&pid=178002695&fhid=31487&eid=sp_ommatch&eid=sp_ommatch

 

 

RIP Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson thank you for your service, thoughts & prayers go out to your wife Senior Constable Margaret King, & your two young sons.

The NSW Police Force lost a highly respected and much-loved member of its family last night.
Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson from the Port Stephens LAC – NSW Police Force was killed when the police car he was driving crashed into a tree on Lovedale Road, Allandale, around 11.50pm yesterday (Saturday 5 March 2016).

At the time, Sergeant Richardson had been driving to assist colleagues who were engaged in a pursuit. He was the only person in the car at the time of the crash.

Further police and Ambulance Paramedics were called to the scene, and got there a short time later, however Sergeant Richardson had passed away before their arrival. He was the sole occupant of the vehicle.

The matter is now the subject of a Critical Incident Investigation, which will be supported by the Newcastle Crash Investigation Unit and overseen by the Professional Standards Command.

Sergeant Richardson graduated from the NSW Police Academy in 1998. He served the Campbelltown LAC – NSW Police Force as a Constable until 2005, when he was transferred to Cobar and promoted to the rank of Senior Constable.

In April 2010, he was transferred to Central Hunter Local Area Command, before moving to Lake Macquarie Local Area Command upon his promotion to the rank of Sergeant in December 2010.
He served Lake Macquarie LAC – NSW Police Force until July of 2015, at which time he transferred to Port Stephens Local Area Command.

Sergeant Richardson provided 18 years of dedicated and distinguished service to the people of NSW. He was the recipient of numerous awards, including a Regional Commander’s Commendation for Bravery after he arrested a number of offenders while off-duty at Nelson Bay in 2012.

In every sense, he was a hard-working, highly regarded, popular and committed police officer, who will be sorely missed by the organisation he so ably represented and the communities he diligently served.

Above all else, he was a loving and much-loved husband and father. His wife, Senior Constable Margaret King, and his two young sons, are naturally devastated, and we ask that their privacy be respected during this extremely difficult time.

As the men and women of this organisation always do in times of tragedy, we will band together and support Sergeant Richardson’s family , his friends, and each other, through this extremely difficult situation.

 

 

Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson killed on way to emergency in Hunter Valley

Date

NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione has paid tribute to a police officer killed in a crash in the Hunter Valley on the way to an emergency on Saturday night.

Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson, 43, from Port Stephens Local Area Command died when his vehicle hit a tree at Allandale at about 11.50pm.

Standing outside of Nelson Bay police station on Sunday morning Commissioner Scipione said Sergeant Richardson provided 18 years of dedicated and distinguished service to the people of NSW.

“It’s a very sad day for the NSW Police Force today.”
“We have farewelled one of our officers.

“43-year-old Geoffrey Richardson from the Port Stephens Local Area Command was tragically lost to us, killed in a motor vehicle accident just before midnight last night”.

Commissioner Scipione met with Sergeant Richardson’s wife, Senior Constable Margaret King, and two children on Sunday morning to offer his condolences.

He said police had been at the family home since last night and would remain there to offer their support.

Sergeant Richardson graduated from the NSW Police Academy in 1998. He served the Campbelltown Local Area Command as a Constable until 2005, when he was transferred to Cobar and promoted to the rank of Senior Constable.

In April 2010, he was transferred to Central Hunter Local Area Command, before moving to Lake Macquarie Local Area Command upon his promotion to the rank of Sergeant in December 2010.

He served Lake Macquarie until July of 2015, at which time he transferred to Port Stephens Local Area Command.

He was the recipient of numerous awards, including a Regional Commander’s Commendation for Bravery after he arrested a number of offenders while off-duty at Nelson Bay in 2012.

In a statement, NSW Police said: “In every sense, he was a hard-working, highly regarded, popular and committed police officer, who will be sorely missed by the organisation he so ably represented and the communities he diligently served.”

“Above all else, he was a loving and much-loved husband and father. His wife, Senior Constable Margaret King, and his two young sons, are naturally devastated, and we ask that their privacy be respected during this extremely difficult time.

As the men and women of this organisation always do in times of tragedy, we will band together and support Sergeant Richardson’s family , his friends, and each other, through this extremely difficult situation,” the statement said.

Sergeant Richardson had responded to calls for help in a police pursuit through the Hunter when the crash occurred on Lovedale Road about 11.50pm.

Paramedics attended but the officer, who was the only occupant of the vehicle, died at the scene.

Details of the police pursuit through the Hunter have not yet come to light.

Newcastle Crash Investigation Unit will assist a critical incident team to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

That investigation will be overseen by the Professional Standards Command.

“All information will be provided to the coroner who will determine the cause of death and make any findings about the events leading to the officer’s death,” a police statement said.

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Anyone who can assist police should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/police-officer-killed-on-way-to-emergency-in-hunter-valley-20160305-gnblfl.html

 

 

 

Police investigating death of father-of-two sergeant in NSW Hunter Valley crash

A police sergeant who died after his squad car crashed into a tree in the NSW Hunter Valley last night has been remembered as a highly respected officer and a loving father to two young sons.

Port Stephen area Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson, 43, was driving through Allandale on his way to help other officers in a pursuit when his car ran off the road and crashed into a tree about midnight.

He was the sole occupant of the patrol car and died at the scene.

Sgt Richardson is survived by his wife, a serving member of NSW Police, and two sons.

Police say Sgt Richardson put his life on the line countless times in order to protect others, and had won bravery awards for his tireless work.

A critical incident investigation is now underway to establish how and why the experienced police officer lost control of his car rounding a bend during a routine callout.

“At the moment we don’t have too many details. It’s all subject to investigation, obviously,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Geoff McKechnie said.

“The investigation will take some time, obviously, and we may have some further information we can provide at a later time.

Act. Dep. Comm. McKechnie said his thoughts were with Sgt Richardson’s friends and family.

“He is a father of two young children, and his wife and family are currently being supported by extended family and colleagues of the officer,” he said.

“NSW Police Force will ensure that all available welfare, support and assistance is provided to his family and his colleagues as we work through this tough period ahead.”

Sgt Richardson was remembered as a dedicated police officer who provided 18 years of service, in a tribute statement released by the NSW Police Force.

“In every sense, he was a hard-working, highly regarded, popular and committed police officer, who will be sorely missed by the organisation he so ably represented and the communities he diligently served,” the statement read.

“Above all else, he was a loving and much-loved husband and father.

“His wife, Senior Constable Margaret King, and his two young sons, are naturally devastated, and we ask that their privacy be respected during this extremely difficult time.”

“As the men and women of this organisation always do in times of tragedy, we will band together and support Sergeant Richardson’s family, his friends, and each other, through this extremely difficult situation.”

The full NSW Police Force statement is below: 

The NSW Police Force lost a highly respected and much-loved member of its family last night. 

Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson from the Port Stephens Local Area Command was killed when the police car he was driving crashed into a tree on Lovedale Road, Allandale, around 11.50pm yesterday (Saturday 6 March 2016).

At the time, Sergeant Richardson had been driving to assist colleagues who were engaged in a pursuit. He was the only person in the car at the time of the crash.

Further police and Ambulance Paramedics were called to the scene, and got there a short time later, however Sergeant Richardson had passed away before their arrival. He was the sole occupant of the vehicle.

The matter is now the subject of a Critical Incident Investigation, which will be supported by the Newcastle Crash Investigation Unit and overseen by the Professional Standards Command.

Sergeant Richardson graduated from the NSW Police Academy in 1998. He served the Campbelltown Local Area Command as a Constable until 2005, when he was transferred to Cobar and promoted to the rank of Senior Constable.

In April 2010, he was transferred to Central Hunter Local Area Command, before moving to Lake Macquarie Local Area Command upon his promotion to the rank of Sergeant in December 2010.

He served Lake Macquarie until July of 2015, at which time he transferred to Port Stephens Local Area Command.

Sergeant Richardson provided 18 years of dedicated and distinguished service to the people of NSW. He was the recipient of numerous awards, including a Regional Commander’s Commendation for Bravery after he arrested a number of offenders while off-duty at Nelson Bay in 2012.

In every sense, he was a hard-working, highly regarded, popular and committed police officer, who will be sorely missed by the organisation he so ably represented and the communities he diligently served.

Above all else, he was a loving and much-loved husband and father. His wife, Senior Constable Margaret King, and his two young sons, are naturally devastated, and we ask that their privacy be respected during this extremely difficult time.

As the men and women of this organisation always do in times of tragedy, we will band together and support Sergeant Richardson’s family, his friends, and each other, through this extremely difficult situation.

© ninemsn 2016

http://www.9news.com.au/national/2016/03/06/05/45/police-officer-killed-in-nsw-crash

 

 

Hunter Valley sergeant dies in crash on way to help colleagues involved in police chase

Updated

A police sergeant on his way to help colleagues involved in a car chase has been killed in a crash in New South Wales Hunter Valley.

Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson, 43, was driving his patrol car when it veered off Lovedale Street at Allandale and hit a tree late on Saturday night.

He was on his way to help colleagues involved in a car chase when the accident happened.

Paramedics were called but Sergeant Richardson, who worked at the Port Stephens Local Area Command, died at the scene.

He was the only person in the vehicle.

NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione, who has travelled to the region, said the force had lost a “very good man” in the tragedy.

“I have had a chance to meet with his family and certainly paid my condolences to his wife Margaret and his children,” Commissioner Scipione said.

“It is a terribly sad event, we’ve lost a very good man.

“He was respected, he was loved, and certainly he was one of our finest, and NSW is a much poorer state as a result.”

The accident is now the subject of a critical incident investigation to be conducted by Newcastle Local Command, Commissioner Scipione said.

“The officer was not involved in a pursuit, he was on his way to assist others that were involved in a pursuit,” he said.

Commissioner Scipione said support would be provided to Sergeant Richardson’s family, including his wife who was also a senior constable in the police force.

“My heart goes out to his family, we’ll do all we need to to make sure that they’re looked after, because they’re a really important part of our [policing] family,” he said.

Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward.

In a tribute released to media, police said Sergeant Richardson provided “18 years of dedicated and distinguished service to the people of NSW”.

“He was the recipient of numerous awards, including a Regional Commander’s Commendation for Bravery after he arrested a number of offenders while off-duty at Nelson Bay in 2012,” the statement reads.

He was a loving and loved husband and father, the statement reads, who leaves behind a “devastated” family.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-06/policeman-dies-in-road-crash-in-hunter-valley/7224194

 

 

 

 

http://www.nbnnews.com.au/2016/03/06/tributes-for-sergeant-geoffrey-richardson/

 

 

 

 

Supporting the family of Sgt Geoffrey Richardson

In support of the Police Family your Association with NSW Police Legacy has set up a fund for the family of Sgt Geoffrey Richardson killed in a motor vehicle accident on the weekend.

The details are:
NSW Police Legacy Appeal
BSB: 815 000
A/C: 282951S1 omit S1 if not transferring from a Police Bank account
(The S1 is only used for Police Bank to Police Bank transfers.)

Members wishing to donate to the family can also do so via the GoFundraise site: http://geoffreyrichardson.gofundraise.com.au/

Links to the fundraising site have also been added to the PANSW website homepage.

The 43-year-old Sergeant (Class 272 – 18 Years Service), who’s wife is Senior Constable Margaret Richardson (Nee King), was a much-loved husband and father with two young sons Patrick aged seven and Aiden five months of age.
As many members would be aware, Sgt Richardson was killed on his way to help colleagues engaged in a pursuit in the Hunter Valley, NSW.
It’s at these times the strength of the police family is fortified as we rally together to support the family and loved ones impacted by this tragic loss.
Like any member of the emergency services would know – it takes a great deal of courage to leave your own family behind to protect those you have never met on a daily basis.
It takes a particular type of person to step forward, often into harm’s way, and commit himself or herself to such a job, and to give up peace of mind to preserve it for others.
Our thoughts are with our fallen colleague, his family and friends and fellow officers at Port Stephens Local Area Command during this difficult time.

 

 

 

NSW Police Force FB page:  Tuesday 8 March 2016

A man has been charged with a number of pursuit-related offences after a police officer died in a motor vehicle crash in the Hunter Valley at the weekend.

About 11pm on Saturday (5 March 2016), police became involved in a pursuit with a white Ford Falcon sedan on Ken Tubman Drive Maitland, after it allegedly failed to stop.

The pursuit continued for approximately 30 minutes before police lost sight of the vehicle.

About 11.40pm, the vehicle was seen on Wine Country Drive, Lovedale, and a second pursuit began.

During the pursuit, Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson, who was making his way to assist other officers, died after his vehicle left the road and struck a tree on Lovedale Road, Allandale.

Sergeant Richardson, aged 43, was the sole occupant of the vehicle.

The second pursuit ended and the Ford was last seen on Elderslie Road, Greta.

Following investigations, about 1pm yesterday (Monday 7 March 2016), a 34-year-old man was arrested at Maitland. ( Paul JOHNSON )

Checks of the man’s licence status revealed he had been disqualified from driving for life in 2000.

He was subsequently charged with two counts police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly (Skye’s Law), driving in a manner dangerous, exceeding the speed limit by more than 45km/h, driving whilst disqualified, using an unregistered/uninsured vehicle, using unauthorised plates, having custody of a knife in a public place, and resisting arrest.

The Greta man has been refused bail to appear before Maitland Local Court today (Tuesday 8 March 2016).

 

 

 

 

VALEDICTORY – Sergeant Geoffrey Graham Richardson???
As delivered by NSW Police Force Commissioner Andrew Scipione APM:

At about 11.50pm on Saturday the 5th of March 2016, Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson, from the Port Stephens Local Area Command, was driving to assist colleagues who were engaged in a pursuit.
The police car he was driving crashed into a tree on Lovedale Road, Allandale. He was the only person in the car at the time of the crash.
Ambulance paramedics were called to the scene by nearby residents, and they arrived a short time later. Sadly, Sergeant Richardson had passed away before they arrived.
Sergeant Geoffrey Graham Richardson attested as a Probationary Constable on the 15th of May 1998.
He commenced general duties at Campbelltown before being confirmed at the rank of Constable on the 15th of May 1999.
He remained at Campbelltown until the 26th of March 2005 when he transferred to Cobar in far western New South Wales. While at Cobar he was promoted to the rank of Senior Constable.
After just over five years at Cobar, Sergeant Richardson moved to the Central Hunter Local Area Command.
Shortly thereafter, on the 26th of December 2010, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and commenced duties at the Lake Macquarie Local Area Command.
Sergeant Richardson transferred from Lake Macquarie to Port Stephens Local Area Command – his final posting – in July 2015.
He was awarded the NSW Police Medal and the National Medal. He also received a Commander’s Commendation, a Region Commander’s Unit Citation, and many accolades from people in the community who had written in appreciation of his compassion and professionalism.
The day before Geoff’s passing, I travelled to Dungog to honour the memory of Sergeant 1st Class William Bowen, who passed away 100 years ago as the result of injuries he received while on duty.
The occasion was a commemoration; a centenary; almost a celebration of his memory. Time had eased the rawness of the tragedy of his passing.
But it brings to mind a sobering message that danger has always been a police officer’s enduring companion. It’s there both on and off duty, at the back of mind or at front, possibly in individuals or groups, in buildings, on pavements, around corners and on roads.
Police officers place themselves in harm’s way to reduce violence, crime, and the fear of crime. Sometimes their oath to protect and serve, their determination to do the best by their community, has a tragic outcome.
The price is a terrible one, but one that police officers are prepared to pay because they believe that the values we hold – and the freedom we enjoy – are worth the sacrifice.
We all pay the toll but we do not pay in equal measure; the burden falls heaviest on the families of officers who fall in the line of duty. No one feels more keenly the death of a police officer than their loved ones.
And on this occasion the loss is even more keenly felt because Geoff’s wife, Margaret, is also a police officer. Not only sharing the bond of family, but also sharing the ideals of protecting people and having to face hardship, conflict, and potential danger together.
Margaret, Patrick and baby Aiden have lost an adored husband and father. His father Graham – better known as Lofty – and mother Jeanette have lost a dearly-loved son; Warwick, Grant, Andrew and Adrian their friend, companion and brother.
However much we would like things to be different, nothing we do or say can change what has happened. All we can do is honour Geoff’s memory and hold his family in the warm embrace of the Police family.
Geoff was a much-loved and respected police officer. He was known as Geoff or “Richo”. To his close mates he was “Buddha”.
In the words of one colleague, he was a “policeman’s policeman”… committed to his job, committed to his mates, and committed to the community he served, and of which he was a part.
He was the exemplar of a family man. With his son Patrick, Geoff was involved in local junior Rugby and he was also deeply committed to his local Anglican Church – another bond that he shared with Margaret.
He took great pride in his uniform. He was always immaculately turned out and wanted other police to share that same pride. He was a protocol officer and serious about it. He understood that the way police present themselves matters; that authority brings with it a responsibility and that the symbols of office are important.
He wasn’t overbearing or a stickler. He led by example and other officers followed. He did not order or command or even badger. He didn’t need to.
And, by unanimous verdict, Geoff was not just a first-class police officer but a gregarious good bloke. A man popular with fellow officers and good with those he encountered in the course of work – he was firm with offenders but he would also empathise with victims.
One of his colleagues said of Geoff that his imposing stature and copybook attire never seemed to be a barrier to how victims responded to him. With Geoff they felt a genuine and comforting empathy in their time of need.
Geoff’s rapport with victims was part of a larger picture of a man who cared for those around him; especially his fellow officers. Geoff and Margaret were often in the vanguard of fundraising activities for colleagues in need.
Geoff himself was a peer support officer, an officer who volunteers to help colleagues in times of need. He would often reach out to colleagues he could see were in need of some support.
But it would be misleading to characterise Geoff as just a big-hearted Good Samaritan. As I said, he was equally at home handling a violent offender as he was with supporting the victim of an assault.
In fact, given the occasion, both husband and wife presented a formidable law enforcement presence.
The Region Commander’s Unit Citation he received was in recognition of bravery and commitment to duty when arresting offenders while off-duty in Nelson Bay on the 6th of February 2012.
What is remarkable about this incident is that the other recipient of that unit citation was his wife, Margaret. Together, while off-duty, they attended the scene of a collision to render assistance, but were confronted by a crowd of 10 to 15 hostile people.
Their citation read in part, “The officers responded to a motor vehicle collision to ensure the welfare of the occupants. Instead they faced a volatile and dangerous crowd who were actively protecting an offender and hindering police response.”
Despite both being assaulted, they managed to detain the driver and several other offenders, who were charged with various offences including High Range PCA, resisting arrest, hindering police, affray and malicious damage.
A key principle that underpins our Police Force is the notion that Police are the community, and the community are the Police. The reputation and success of the NSW Police Force therefore depends on the trust the community places in each and every police officer.
Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson epitomised all of the qualities needed to gain – and to maintain – that trust.
It is inevitable and appropriate that we grieve and feel his loss. To my mind, it is just as appropriate that we do his career and life proper justice; that we honour his memory by following his example.
We, all of us, can do well to look out more for others, at work and outside of work. To lead through our actions. To live our ideals.
Through his family, Geoff’s memory also lives on. And through his wife Margaret, his commitment to service will also live on.
It is my honour today, to posthumously confer three awards on Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson.
The National Police Service Medal: recognising his ethical and diligent service in protecting the community.
The establishment of the National Police Service Medal was signed by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II in November of 2010, and the Governor General awards the Medal on the recommendation of the responsible Commissioner of Police.
The 15 year clasp to the NSW Police Medal: recognising his ethical and diligent service.
After being approved by the Minister for Police and the Commissioner of Police, the medal was instituted on the 5th of February 2002. The medal is NOT awarded automatically for length of service. It is only awarded after a detailed review of the nominee’s service history to ensure the service was ethical and diligent. The clasp to the medal denotes the length of ethical and diligent service.
And:
The Commissioner’s Commendation for Service.
In part the citation reads:
…. for outstanding and meritorious performance of duty as a member of the New South Wales Police Force, from 1998 to 2016 ….
Sergeant Richardson has displayed integrity, loyalty, commitment, professionalism and devotion to duty as a member of the New South Wales Police Force and is highly commended for his service.
Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson gave his life in the very way he had lived it; in the service of others.
His loss, tragic for his family and many friends, is profound for each and every one of us. No words are quite adequate to express or diminish that loss.
His passing reminds us that preserving our values and our freedom can exact a heavy toll. A toll that is not shared equally in our community.
We farewell Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson but he will not be forgotten. As is right and proper, his name will be etched into the granite of the Police Wall of Remembrance in Sydney as a permanent reminder that he laid down his life for the people of New South Wales.
I am humbled and deeply honoured to represent every member of the NSW Police Force here today to farewell a highly-regarded police officer who served his community with courage, honour and distinction.
A husband and father.
A son and brother.
A friend and colleague.
A police officer.
Vale Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson.
Our prayers go with you … may you rest in peace.

 

 

Boy’s poem for policeman killed in accident

By TIM CONNELL

 

TOM Finlay, 13, wrote a poem after he saw the funeral procession for Port Stephens police sergeant Geoffrey Richardson.

His teacher at Newcastle Grammar School had suggested poetry as a way for students to process the funeral taking place across the road at Christ Church Cathedral.

Tom’s poem is reproduced below.

 

The Great Knights of Port Stephens, by Tom Finlay.

Port Stephens, Port Stephens/Your knights are brave and bold

From the newest of the new, to the oldest of the old.

When criminal cometh to/Town, you mustn’t worry/For when knights hear thy/Criminals they come in quite a/Hurry.

But sometimes things don’t end/Like they do in the story,

Because some knights will end up/In heaven with all their glory.

But if your knight goes to heaven/You mustn’t feel a sting,

Because the great Richardson will/Give them their wings.

http://www.theherald.com.au/story/3819188/a-boys-ode-to-the-fallen-knights/?cs=12

 

 

 

Tom Finlay’s poem brings police to tears

By TIM CONNELL

TOUCHED: Port Stephens Superintendent Chris Craner thanks Tom Finlay for his poem about police killed in the line of duty. Picture: Jonathan Carroll.
TOUCHED: Port Stephens Superintendent Chris Craner thanks Tom Finlay for his poem about police killed in the line of duty. Picture: Jonathan Carroll.

“HAVE you ever thought about it – would you ever see the police cry?”

The question at Newcastle Grammar School on Tuesday came from the Port Stephens police commander, Superintendent Chris Craner.

It was something Tom Finlay, a boy in year seven with autism, had asked himself.

Earlier this month Tom, 13, had watched from his school’s playground as the funeral procession for Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson, who had died in a crash on his way to an emergency, wound its way into Christ Church Cathedral.

“I’d just been thinking how people go to work every day, and how not everyone comes home,” he said.

“So I just wrote it.”

THANKS: Port Stephens police officers at Newcastle Grammar School thank students for their poems dedicated to their late colleague, Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson.
THANKS: Port Stephens police officers at Newcastle Grammar School thank students for their poems dedicated to their late colleague, Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson.

When Tom’s mother Michelle posted his The Great Knights of Port Stephens on social media, it got back to the police mourning one of their own.

In the superintendent’s words, “there were tears in the station”.

Some of the officers who read Tom’s poem – and the poems penned by his classmates, at the suggestion of their teacher Jordan Grant – attended Tuesday’s school assembly to express their thanks.

Outside, Senior Constable David Wynne from the dog squad introduced students to an as-yet unnamed pup being trained as a police dog, and the bravery award-winning German shepherd Ulrich demonstrated how to follow a scent.

Supt Craner said “carloads of cops” had wanted to visit the school, and he thanked Tom personally.

Shane Finlay said he was “amazed at how far” his son had come in his studies and social interactions with the help of his teachers at Newcastle Grammar and his previous teachers at the Aspect Hunter School for students with autism.

“The [autism] spectrum is wide, and in the last four years he’s really come on,” Mr Finlay said.

“I mean, he wrote that poem in 20 minutes.”

His mother Michelle Finlay added, “everything he does blows us away”.

About 1000 mourners, including NSW Governor David Hurley and Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione, attended the funeral earlier this month of Sergeant Richardson, who died aged 43.

Sgt Richardson is survived by his police officer wife Senior Constable Margaret King and their two young sons Patrick and Aiden.

http://www.theherald.com.au/story/3818739/tears-for-toms-poem/

 

 

 

 

 

New Port Stephens police car a fitting tribute for fallen brother in blue, Geoffrey Richardson

TRIBUTE: Superintendent Chris Craner and Sergeant Martine Morley with the new Port Stephens police car, which is dedicated to Geoffrey Richardson who died in the line of duty in March. Picture: Simone De Peak
TRIBUTE: Superintendent Chris Craner and Sergeant Martine Morley with the new Port Stephens police car, which is dedicated to Geoffrey Richardson who died in the line of duty in March. Picture: Simone De Peak

THE newest addition to the Port Stephens police command’s fleet is not just any other car; it is a fitting tribute to fallen brother in blue Geoffrey Richardson.

Light blue in colour and bearing number plates that read RCH, the distinctive police car will serve as a visual memory for officers and members of the community that have been affected by Sergeant Richardson’s death.

Port Stephens Sergeant Martine Morley said it was an “honour and a privilege” to be amongst the officers who will drive the car, which arrived on Wednesday.

“It is a wonderful tribute to a fantastic officer and work colleague,” an emotional Sergeant Morley said.

“It’s really quite a special thing; a really special tribute.

“Geoff is part of Port Stephens, he always will be.

“This just reminds us of that.”

Superintendent Chris Craner said the tribute to Sergeant Richardson, who died in the line of duty on March 5, came from Port Stephens officers who wanted to do something a little different.

“We had a couple of different ideas from different staff,” he said. “We wanted to do something a little bit different.

NEVER FORGOTTEN: The newest addition to the Port Stephens police command’s fleet is a car dedicated to Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson. Picture: Simone De Peak
NEVER FORGOTTEN: The newest addition to the Port Stephens police command’s fleet is a car dedicated to Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson. Picture: Simone De Peak

“It’s a change of colour, it’s a blue colour which represents a sergeant and it’s got personalised number plates that represent Sergeant Richardson.

“It’s just a nice way for the cops to look at the car and think about Geoff. And it’s a nice way for the community when you’re driving down the street to go ‘why is that a blue car?’ and find out why.

“The car tells a story and the story is Geoff. Geoff died on duty and his memory won’t be forgotten.

“You can walk out the front of the police station, have a look at this car, stop a minute, have a think about Geoff, jump in and take off.”

The car is a standard Toyota Camry. It will be driven by Port Stephens police Sergeants and used for patrols.

http://www.portstephensexaminer.com.au/story/3918052/car-a-fitting-tribute-for-richardson/?cs=761

 



Ronald HYSTEK

20/07/2016

Ronald HYSTEK

aka  Wing Nut

New South Wales Police Force

NSW Police Academy – Redfern Class # 149

Joined NSW Police Force via NSW Police Cadet system on 4 February 1974

Cadet # 3001

Regd. #  17209

Rank: NSW Police Cadet – commenced 4 February 1974 ( aged 16 years, 10 months, 14 days )

Probationary Constable – appointed 21 March 1976 ( aged 19 years, 0 months, 0 days )

Constable – appointed 21 March 1977

Senior Constable – Discharged H.O.D.

 

Stations:  ?, Bankstown, Liverpool GD’s – ( 22 Division ) 1976,  Central ( 1 Division ) late 1970’s,

Albury 1980 -1981,  

Tumbarumba 1981 -1985

  Bowral 1985 – 1995

Campbelltown 1995 – 2002

Discharged 2002 ( H.O.D. )

 

Service:  From 4 February 1974  to  ? May 2002 = 28 years Service

 

Awards: National Medal – granted 28 May 1990 ( SenCon )

1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 24 March 2000 ( SenCon )

NSW Police Medal – granted ? ? ?

 

Born:  Thursday  21 March 1957

Died on:  Friday  3 April 2009

Cause: Cancer of the stomach

Age: 52 yrs  13 days

 

Funeral date:  Thursday  9 April 2009

Funeral location: Uniting Church, Bowral

 

Buried at: Cremated, ashes taken.

 Memorial at:  ?

Ron was instrumental in starting the push bike

safety program in the Southern Highlands in the late 1980’s

RON is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * NOT JOB RELATED

 

FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

 

May you forever Rest In Peace Ron.

 

I think Ron used to play in the Carlton Football Premiership for Campbelltown around 1985.

Ron used to also Trade under Ron Hystek Home Handyman in the Southern Highlands, NSW.

Final farewell for loved policeman

MORE than 300 people gathered at Bowral’s Uniting Church last Thursday to remember Highlands policeman Ron Hystek, who recently lost his fight with stomach cancer.

Bowral police honoured the 28-year veteran of the force, who spent a decade walking the beat in Bowral, with a guard of honour.

Following the service Ron’s eldest son Wayne and wife Julie drove the casket on a home-made trailer with a Ulysses motorcycle group escort to Mittagong Showground before the casket was transferred to a hearse.

Senior Constable Hystek joined NSW Police in 1974; he was stationed at Bowral from 1985 to 1995 before transferring to Campbelltown until his discharge in 2002 on medical grounds.

He was awarded the National Medal and the NSW Police Medal.

Wayne Hystek said his father touched a lot of people and the family was “blown away” by the turnout to the service.

Ron Hystek started the Where’s Wally Ron charity to raise funds for cancer and arthritis research after he was diagnosed with stomach cancer in May 2007.

For the full story see the Southern Highland News, Wednesday, April 15

http://www.southernhighlandnews.com.au/story/1062442/final-farewell-for-loved-policeman/

Ulysses Motor Cycle escort of the coffin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Sydney Morning Herald     Tuesday  10 August 1999   p2

After a shooting incident in 1993, Senior Constable Ronald Hystek refused to wear a firearm or carry handcuffs. He has also had his police driving certification withdrawn for nodding off at the wheel. The 25-year veteran, who has not been fully operational since the shooting, claims the Police Service has discriminated against him over promotions. Constable Hystek has taken the service to the Government and Related Employees Appeal Tribunal, where he wants seven days he took off work last year………

have his medical expenses paid by the Police Service. Constable Hystek won a previous decision before the tribunal over hurt-on-duty leave claims for time he took off in 1994. That leave, he said, was due to stress caused by a faulty departmental investigation into the shooting, for which he was deemed negligent. He had opened fire on the vehicle as it sped through an intersection near Bowral during a pursuit. The hearing continues.

 



Kevin John LAUBE

20/07/2016

Kevin John LAUBE

Victoria Police Force

Regd. #  14707

Rank:  Senior Constable

Stations:  Bourke St West, St Kilda, Mentone, Mobile Traffic Section ( from 1972 )

Service:  From  21 February 1964  to  3 March 1976 = 12+ years Service

Awards:  ?

Born:  ? ? 1944

Died on:  Wednesday  3 March 1976

Cause:  Motor vehicle accident – Police cycle – rider

Event location:  Coolart Rd & Eramosa Rd, Somverville, Vic.

Age:  31

Funeral date:  ?

Funeral location:  Springvale Botanical Cemetery, Victoria

Buried at:  Cremated

 Memorial at:  ?

Kevin John LAUBE - VicPol - Died 3 Mar 1976

[alert_green]KEVIN IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green]

 

 Funeral location:  ?

 

 

FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

 

 

On the afternoon of Wednesday, 3 March 1976, about 4.50pm, when Sen Const Laube was performing a motorcycle patrol north along Coolart Road, Somerville, and collided with a car which had pulled out into his path from Eramosa Road.
Sadly, he received fatal injuries and died at the accident scene. He was 31.

Sen Const Laube joined Victoria Police on 21 February, 1964 and worked at various police stations during his career including Bourke Street West, St Kilda and Mentone before transferring to the Mobile Traffic Section in 1972.

He was survived by his wife Eve and son Steven.

 

 

 

 



Geoffrey Leigh BOWEN

20/07/2016

Geoffrey Leigh BOWEN

Western Australia Police Force

on secondment to National Crime Authority, Adelaide, S.A.

Regd. # ?

Rank:  Detective Sergeant

Stations:  ?, Geralton, C.I.B., Drug Squad – W.A., National Crime Authority – Adelaide – death

Service:  From  30 August 1976  to  2 March 1994 = 17+ years Service

Awards:  National Medal – granted 28 May 1992

Born:  ?

Died on:  2 March 1994

Cause:  Murdered – parcel bomb

Event location:  Former NCA Office, 124 Waymouth St, Adelaide, S.A.

Age:  36

Funeral date:  ?

Funeral location:  ?

Buried at:  ?

 Memorial at:  ?

 

 

[alert_green]GEOFF IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green]


  

 

 Funeral location:  ?

 

 

FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

 

 

Detective Sergeant
Geoffrey L BOWEN
Adelaide SA (on secondment from Western Australia Police)
2 March 1994
Jurisdiction:
Western Australia
Details of Death:

Murdered in Adelaide, SA whilst on secondment to the National Crime Authority. BOWEN was killed when he opened a letter containing a bomb at the Adelaide Headquarters of the NCA. He joined the Police Force on August 30 1976.

http://www.npm.org.au/bowen-0

 

 

http://policelegacywa.org.au/downloads/newsletters/4022TrueBlueApril09.pdf

 

 

Plans for new medal to recognise slain, seriously injured WA police

 Nicole Cox

 

EXCLUSIVE

Every slain and seriously injured WA police officer would be automatically honoured with a special commendation medal to mark their selfless community sacrifice, under a new plan to be mooted at the WA Police Union conference today.

 

The idea, which is modelled on an award offered by Victoria Police, has been raised by outgoing union deputy vice-president Jon Groves and has won support from the state opposition and families of officers killed in the line of duty.

Opposition Leader Mark McGowan will unveil a proposal at the police union’s annual conference on Monday for a WA medal, similar to the Victoria Police Star and the US military decoration the Purple Heart, to acknowledge officers killed or seriously injured while on duty.

Under the concept, fallen officers including Constable Damien Murphy, who was run down and killed by a drunk and drugged driver in Craigie in 2007, would be posthumously awarded the medal, along with those who sustain life-changing injuries – like Senior Constable Matt Butcher, who was left partially paralysed by a “flying headbutt” during a brawl in Joondalup in February 2008.

It would apply to all work-related injuries, including psychological illnesses, regardless of whether the conditions first manifested on or off-duty.

“The Victorian Government has struck a medal for police officers who are seriously injured or killed in the line of duty and it recognises the sacrifice, valour and contribution of those police officers,” Mr McGowan told Fairfax Media.

“It’s only awarded rarely, but it is an appropriate recognition and certainly gives families of those who have died in the line of duty some additional recognition of their mother or father, husband or wife.

“It’s also for those who are seriously injured in the line of duty – so officers who put their lives on the line and get injured as a consequence…that they are appropriately recognised for that.

“It is rare recognition, but appropriate recognition and I think that should happen here in WA.”

Mr Groves said a medal that acknowledged officers killed and maimed in the line of duty –  and not only acts of bravery – was needed to highlight their community sacrifice and the risks that police officers come up against every day of their working lives.

“We need a medal that recognises the police officers in this state who have paid the ultimate price – either with their lives or their health – in serving the community,” he said.

“It’s something tangible for those who have been kicked out the door of WA Police, due to work-related illness or injury, to have in their hands to remind them of the good times and the good work they did for the community.”

WA policeman Simon Bowen was five years old when his father WA Detective Sergeant Geoff Bowen was killed by a parcel bomb at the National Crime Authority in Adelaide in 1994.

Detective First Class Constable Bowen, who has served with WA Police for seven years, welcomed the idea saying a special medal would validate the ultimate sacrifice his father made.

“I think it’s a great concept in not only is it a keepsake, but it’s something else in the present that will identify the sacrifice and the memory,” he said.

“It’s a small token that you can just marvel at and look at it and say, for my situation, the memory of Dad is never going to be forgotten not only by me but by the blokes that he used to work with and generations to come.

“It’s a small bit of recognition. It would be humbling.”

Tracey Ball, who was widowed when her husband Constable Peter Ball was run down by a car and killed while chasing a suspected car thief in Cannington in August 1998, welcomed the police medal proposal.

The couple’s daughter, Brianna, now 17, was only 18 months old when her father died in the line of duty.

“Brianna was just 18 months old so she really has no memories of her dad,” Ms Ball said.

“She’s very proud of him but she never really knew him, she never got the chance. So to have something physical and tangible that links who he was as a police officer, I think would be extremely important to her.

“My granddad served in World War I and we have his medals. Having those medals, we used to do the Anzac Day parade and we were so proud and patriotic. To have chance to have that for someone in the police force, I think would be awesome.

“I know the defence forces award medals posthumously and with Legacy the kids go on camps with the armed forces kids who talk about their dads’ medals whereas the police kids don’t have that, they don’t have anything.”

A WA Police spokesman said the force already offered several Police Commissioner’s awards for bravery and conduct including the Cross for Bravery, commendations and a group citation for conduct.

In addition, there is also the WA Police Medal for diligent and ethical service, service medals, the Commissioner’s Medal for Excellence, a Certificate of Outstanding Performance and a WA Police Cadet Medal.

The spokesman said the Western Australia Police Cross for Bravery could be awarded to officers killed or seriously injured after a specific act of bravery and members killed in the line of duty were also recognised on the WA Police Memorial Honour Roll and the National Memorial Honour Roll.

He said the “existing awards and medals are quite comprehensive” but declined to comment about the proposal for a medal for officers killed or seriously injured in the line of duty.

“I am unaware of any proposals for new medals and the department does not make a habit of commenting on speculation or possible proposals,” he said.

 

Comments:

  • les bassednean, 

    that is all well and good, but what do those officers who put their body on the line for their state, and then get arrested, interrogated, humiliated, insulted and shamed get?

  • Mrs Elliott Watt (9038) 

    I wonder if the medal will be awarded to officers with psychological injuries who have died from these injuries like PTSD, depression and anxiety? My husband died on duty from depression after 15+ years service….surely he, and other officers like him deserve to be recognized too?

  • Long overdue   Perth, 

    This issues has been raised for quite literally decades that I have been aware of, and yet the Dep’t has chosen to ignore the injured in the hope they will leave. It is only if you suddenly become high-profile media interest then they cannot ignore you.
    The embarrassing fact is as things stand, all the officers who came to Matt Butcher’s aid can be recognised, but there is literally nothing that can be given in acknowledgement to Matt himself as there was no “clever act” they can use for a special commendation. And not even Toxic Tony could spin a believable one for the actions of an unconscious man. This has been raised at the highest levels in emails that were ignored and not replied to.
    If they finally come to the table on this one, great! Allow retrospectivity, even better. The men and women who put their life on the line so you can be safe deserve nothing less!

http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/plans-for-new-medal-to-recognise-slain-seriously-injured-wa-police-20141123-11sgts.html