Memorial location: All Nations Park war memorial, Separation St, Northcote, Vic.
James, Andrea and Joshua Kilmartin.
First Constable Andrea Walsh at a service honouring the late Sergeant Brian Kilmartin.
Servicemen and women honoured the late Sergeant Brian Kilmartin.
[alert_blue]BRIAN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_blue]
* NOT JOB RELATED
The Funeral of Sergeant BRIAN KILMARTIN will be held in the Chapel of the Victoria Police Academy, View Mount Rd, Glen Waverley on THURSDAY (October 10) at 2.00 pm.
POLICE HONOURS
Brian’s interment will take place at the Tatura Lawn Cemetery (Winter Rd) on FRIDAY (October 11) at 12.00 noon.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Heart Foundation would be appreciated. Envelopes at the Service.
The Age, Tuesday October 8, 2013
Messages:
KILMARTIN. Brian Gerard.
11.6.1964 – 30.9.2013
Beloved husband of Andrea.
Loved and loving father of Joshua and James.
Youngest son of Tom (dec. ) and Pat (Kyabram/Tatura) and brother of David and Chris, Tony and Angela, Dennis and Rosemary, Brendan and their families.
KILMARTIN. Brian. Killer, you are a legend of the job and will never be forgotten.
Steve “Trigger and Robyn Waite.
KILMARTIN. Brian. Always knowledgeable, always approachable. Best Sergeant we ever had. Rest In Peace
Nick and Jo Parissis.
KILMARTIN Brian Sergeant 24519
Members past and present of Northcote Police Station are saddened by the sudden loss of our highly respected work colleague and friend.
Killer, you were a man of few words but those words were always full of wisdom and humour. You will be sadly missed.
Condolences to Andrea, Josh, James and the Kilmartin family.
KILMARTIN. Brian. Sergeant 24519
Management and Staff of North West Metro Region, Division 5 extend their deepest sympathy to Andrea, Josh and James on the loss of Brian. Our thoughts are with you.
KILMARTIN. Brian. Sincere sympathy to our friend Andrea and Joshua and James on the loss of your beloved husband and father, Brian. He will be sadly missed
David, Rosemary, Linda, Sheryl, Judy, Grace, Alyx and all at North Balwyn Eye Clinic and Specialist Centre.
KILMARTIN. Brian. The Members of the Doncaster Junior Football Club are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of our fellow member and friend. Sincere condolences to Andrea, Josh and James.
KILMARTIN. Brian. You will be missed by all of your old detective buddies and friends at the High Street Blues.
KILMARTIN. Brian. Thank you for your friendship, memories and wonderful sense of humour. You always made me laugh. I can’t believe you’re gone. Much love to Andrea, your beautiful boys and the Kilmartin family. Muzza Porter and family.
KILMARTIN. Brian. Sgt. 24519 Good man, great Sergeant Sadly missed by all at Reservoir Police Station.
KILMARTIN Brian Loved son-in-law of Judith Robinson, brother-in-law and uncle of Louise, Sarah and Aaron, Aimee, Samuel and Jessie Lucas; Peter, Sharon, Christopher, Laura and Alex Robinson; Paul, Elsa, Matthew and John Robinson. Simply the Best
KILMARTIN. Brian. Sergeant 24519 The Chief Commissioner, Officers and Employees of the Victoria Police Force regret the passing of their colleague and offer their deepest sympathy to his family.
KILMARTIN. Brian. Cherished nephew and Godson of Bill (dec. ) and Marie Davies. Loved cousin of Jill, Denise, John, Anne, Nick and Cathy. Forever in our hearts
KILMARTIN. Brian Gerard. Loved brother of Dennis and Rosemary. Uncle of Thomas and Anna. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal.
KILMARTIN. Brian. From those heady days at Carlton and Fairfield until now. Killer, you will be sadly missed. Ray and Leanne Foster.
KILMARTIN. Brian. The President, Executive and Members of The Police Association mourn the passing of Sergeant Kilmartin and extend their deepest sympathy to his family. At Rest
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Northcote police officer posthumously honoured with Breavington Award
Julia Irwin, Northcote Leader
A NORTHCOTE police officer known for quietly going beyond the call of duty was posthumously recognised for his outstanding service to the community.
Peers at Northcote police station were unanimous in their decision to honour the late Sergeant Brian Kilmartin with the Breavington Award, which was presented to his widow Andrea and sons Joshua, 16, and James, 14, after a ceremony at All Nations Park war memorial last week.
Sergeant Kilmartin died from heart failure on September 30 last year, aged 49.
The award for policing excellence is presented annually in memory of former Northcote police officer and World War II prisoner of war Corporal Rodney Breavington.
Northcote police Senior Sergeant David Yates described the late Sergeant Kilmartin as a dedicated, kind and caring police officer.
“He was particularly caring when it came to the elderly,” Sen-Sgt Yates said.
“When an elderly man was reported missing in Fairfield, Brian came back on his own time and continued the search. That was the kind of man he was.”
During Tuesday’s ceremony, a plaque honouring Sergeant Kilmartin and former posthumous Breavington Award winners Senior Constables Mark Bateman and Fiona Robinson (killed in a car crash in May 2000), was unveiled on the war memorial usually reserved for military personnel.
Corporal Rodney Breavington, a former Fairfield resident, was executed by the Japanese in Singapore in 1942 during World War II after escaping from a prison camp where thousands of allies were held.
He and three other prisoners were forced to dig their own graves before facing a firing squad.
Breavington pleaded with his executioners to shoot him and free the other men but his captors ignored the plea.
He refused a blindfold and clutched a photo of his wife as he was shot dead.
Darebin RSL spokesman Bill Mountford said police, like other servicemen and women, put their lives on the line.
He said it was fitting that recipients of the Breavington Award who’d lost their lives while serving their communities should get recognition with a plaque on the war memorial.
But Mr Mountford said he hoped there would be no need for any more plaques to be awarded posthumously.
Memorial: the “Chuck Connor” trophy for “reteam on Course Dux”
Glenn Connor
24 September 2000
Acting Sgt Glen “Chuck” Connor, 38 old, who lived at Otford, died about 11am in a hang gliding collision at Stanwell Tops.
He had a female passenger from Albion Park Rail and collided with another paraglider, being piloted by Vitali Kouznetsov from Hurstville as the second glider took off from Bald Hill they became entangled. The woman and Vitali survived the crash.
Glen was also the owner / operator of “Skybound Hang Gliding School” and had been a qualified hang gliding instructor since 21 July 1983 with approximately 1850 hours hang gliding experience.
Glen’s wife, Sue and brother Adrian were on the hill and witnessed the accident.
Glen used to work at Wollongong G.D’s, South Region Dog Squad around 1992 & his dogs name was ‘Jet’ and, from memory, Wollongong Prosecutors.
At the time of his death he was stationed at Sutherland Prosecutors.
May Glen forever Rest In Peace.
Accident location
Illawarra Mercury Page 11 Wednesday 21 March 2001
Armed hold up at service station. Illawarra Mercury page 9 Monday 10 February 1992 with police dog Jet
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Hang-gliders hurt in Stanwell Park crash landing
BRETT COX
Two hang-gliders had to be rescued by helicopter from a rock at the bottom of a cliff after they were injured during a tandem flight at Stanwell Park.
The delicate rescue operation occurred under a darkening sky after an unexpected change of wind forced the emergency landing about 4.30pm yesterday.Hang-glider operator Tony Armstrong, 55, of the Stanwell Park Hang-gliding and Paragliding School, was initially knocked unconscious while landing on the rock.
He was later taken by helicopter to St George Hospital with head injuries and is in a stable condition.
The other man, an Irishman in his 30s visiting Australia on a working holiday visa, received cuts to his leg and was driven by ambulance to Wollongong Hospital.
Mark Mitsos, secretary of the school, told the Mercury northern suburbs man Mr Armstrong had more than 25 years’ hang-gliding experience and had spent thousands of hours in the air off Bald Hill.
“There was a very sudden change in wind direction and he effectively had to make an emergency landing down at the bottom – and there’s not too many options down there,” Mr Mitsos said.
Local hang-glider Matt Radzyner said sudden wind changes at Bald Hill were almost impossible to predict. He praised Mr Armstrong.
“He would have been in control the whole time and he obviously put his passenger first because his passenger had much lesser injuries.
“He took the brunt of the crash.
“The injured Irishman used his mobile phone to call five friends waiting on Bald Hill, who walked 40 minutes down a steep track to the men’s aid.
Ambulance officers began the trek just after 5pm, but the rescue helicopter reached the injured men first and winched them back to the top of the cliff.
The friends were transported to a nearby beach.
The most high-profile hang-gliding accident in recent times at Bald Hill occurred in September 2000 and left two dead.
Police officer Sergeant Glenn Connor, of Otford, was flying tandem with an Albion Park Rail woman when their gilder became tangled in the lines of a paraglider being flown by Hurstville man Vitali Kouznetsov.
Probationary Constable – appointed 27 January 1989
Senior Constable – death
Stations: Windsor, Penrith HWP ( 9 years ), Manning Great Lakes LAC ( from April 2005 – 31 July 2007 ) Forster HWP – death
Service: From? ? 1988 to 31 July 2007 = 19+ years Service
Awards: Police Valour Award – presented on 7 August 2007 ( posthumously ),
Region Certificate of Appreciation,
State Emergency Service Medal.
No find on It’s An Honour
Born: 5 July 1967
Died on: Tuesday 31 July 2007
Cause: Died from injuries received, as a pedestrian, whilst Off Duty, saving the life of another
Event location: Manning St, Tuncurry
Age: 40
Funeral date: Monday 6 August 2007
Funeral location: Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, Taree
Buried at: Manning Great Lakes Memorial Gardens Portion: Mon Row: B129
Memorial: 1/ NSW Police Force Service Memorial Wall, Sydney Police Centre, Surry Hills, D30 ( left wall )
2/ Manning Great Lakes – Manning 206 HWP vehicle bearing personalised number plates
Paul William MORRIS & Tracey Fergus
Manning Great Lakes 206 ( Manning 206 )
Manning Great Lakes 206 ( Manning 206 )
[alert_green]PAUL is mentioned on the NSW Police Force Service Memorial Wall at the SPC
D 30 Left Wall[/alert_green]
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The Daily Telegraph 31 July 2007
Pedestrian cop killed in smash
The scene… where two off-duty police officers were struck by a car on the NSW mid-north coast today.
AN off-duty policeman has died after being pinned between his car and a second vehicle which crossed to the wrong side of a road on the NSW mid-north coast, police say.
Senior Constable Paul Morris, 40, died on Wharf Street, Tuncurry about 12.55pm (AEST) today after he was struck by the car, NSW Police Commissioner Ken Moroney said.
Mr Moroney said a second off-duty officer, a 36-year-old woman, was also injured in the incident but had been treated and released from Tuncurry Hospital.
“We understand at this time that a motor vehicle approached from the opposite direction and, for reasons yet to be established, it appears to have mounted a median strip,” Mr Moroney told Southern Cross Broadcasting.
“It has travelled onto the incorrect side of the road and struck Senior Constable Morris, who was pinned beside his vehicle. He was killed by his injuries.”
The incident was witnessed by fellow officers, police said in a statement.
Mr Moroney said the policeman was a single man who was “close friends” with his female colleague.
The driver of the other vehicle had been taken to hospital in a state of shock, he said.
Mr Moroney and Deputy Commissioner Andrew Scipione were tonight on their way to Tuncurry.
Police Minister David Campbell offered sympathy to the families of the two officers.
Highway patrol officers “held back tears” as NSW Police Commissioner Ken Moroney offered them support over the death of an off-duty colleague in a freak car accident.
One witness told police Senior Constable Paul Morris died as he pushed his girlfriend, an off-duty officer who was injured in the incident, out of the way of an out-of-control car on the NSW mid-north coast on Tuesday.
Snr Const Morris, 40, died on Wharf Street, Tuncurry, about 12.55pm (AEST) after he was struck by the reversing car that pinned him to his own vehicle, police said.
A 36-year-old woman, who was in a relationship with Snr Const Morris, was also injured in the incident but had been treated at Manning Base Hospital and discharged.
Mr Moroney and Deputy Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione rushed to Tuncurry late on Tuesday to console local officers, some of whom saw the fatal collision.
Tony Ritchie, spokesman for the commissioner, said Mr Moroney and Mr Scipione also visited Snr Const Morris’ parents on Tuesday night to offer their support.
“There was a gathering of highway patrol officers in another house,” Mr Ritchie said.
“They walked through, shared the comfort, shook hands and watched as big men held back tears as they talked about friends.
“Same with the parents, they offered what comfort they could.”
Mr Ritchie described the collision near the Bellevue Hotel, a favourite haunt of off-duty police, as “freakish”.
He said it appeared the car that hit the officers, described as a silver Subaru station wagon by one witness, became locked in reverse as it tried to park.
Another witness told police the car’s tyres were smoking as it veered out of control, he said.
“(Snr Const Morris) was standing on a median strip, he was just about to walk across the road to get into his car,” Mr Ritchie said.
“He had to literally walk across one lane to get into his car and (another) car in some bizarre way somehow locked itself into reverse and comes veering across one lane … over the median strip and knocked him further across the road into his car.
“(The car) could have been one foot either way, six inches either way and (Snr Const Morris) would have said ‘Gee, what was that all about’.”
Mr Moroney’s spokesman said police were still looking for witnesses but one had told them Snr Const Morris tried to save his girlfriend.
“One of the witnesses said he’s pushed her out of the way as the car’s come across the road,” he said.
“But (the witness was) looking the other way, mind you, and it was all in a split second.”
Mr Ritchie said police were still considering whether it was appropriate to charge the driver of the Subaru, who was also injured in the incident.
THE distraught girlfriend of a policeman who died while pushing her from the path of an out-of-control car has described how the hero officer’s actions saved her life.
Tracey Fergus was yesterday suffering physical injuries and a broken heart after the death of Senior Constable Paul Morris, her boyfriend of four years.
As the couple crossed the main street of Tuncurry, on the NSW mid-North Coast, on Tuesday afternoon a car suddenly reversed towards them.
Sen-Constable Morris tried to push Ms Fergus, who is also a police officer, out of the way, but both were struck by the vehicle.
The off-duty highway patrol officer took the full force of the car and died at the scene from massive injuries.
“That was Paul, he tried to push me out of the way as best he could,” a shattered Ms Fergus told The Daily Telegraph yesterday.
“He was the best person in the world. He had a heart of gold.”
Nursing visible injuries from the incident, Ms Fergus smiled as her boyfriend’s family told of his three great loves – his girlfriend, his family and his fishing. “I sometimes wonder if fishing might have come first,” Ms Fergus said with a smile.
Just three weeks ago, Ms Fergus organised a surprise 40th birthday party for Sen-Constable Morris.
“I didn’t know whether he’d kill me for organising it or if he’d be OK about it,” Ms Fergus said.
But there was no mistaking how the policeman felt about the gesture.
The officer’s mother Marie Morris revealed: “He said to me afterwards ‘Mum, she is the best thing that has ever happened to me’.”
The investigation into the incident continued yesterday, with crash unit officers from Newcastle closing off Manning St in the town centre while they retraced the pair’s movements.
Sen-Constable Morris and Ms Fergus had been to a shop and were on a median strip waiting to get back to their car when the accident happened.
“It looks as if he’s been reversing back and somehow he’s come spearing across and hit the two officers, who were standing on the median strip,” a police spokesman said.
The 61-year-old male driver of the car was assisting police with inquiries late yesterday.
A full police funeral will be held for Sen-Constable Morris next week.
“He was a terrific policeman and he had the best group of workmates you could ever have,” his mother said.
The officer’s grieving colleagues visited his family after the accident, as did Police Commissioner Ken Moroney and Deputy Commissioner Andrew Scippione.
Workmates struggling to come to terms with the popular officer’s death have been offered counselling.
REST IN PEACE SENIOR CONSTABLE Paul MORRIS
31 July 2007
NSW POLICE FORCE
A DEVOTED partner, professional colleague and great mate is how Senior Constable Paul Morris will be remembered.
His three great loves in life were his partner Tracey, his family and his fishing, although not necessarily in that order – his brother Peter revealed at his funeral service.
Hundreds of people attended the full police funeral at Taree’s Our Lady of Rosary Catholic Church including Commissioner Ken Moroney, Deputy Commissioner Andrew Scipione and colleagues from Sydney and the Manning Great Lakes.
The Manning Great Lakes highway patrol officer was killed in a freak traffic accident in Tuncurry last Tuesday.
In an act of bravery, the off duty officer who was standing in Manning St with his partner Senior Constable Tracey Fergus, jumped in front of her, protecting her from an out of control car which had crossed the median strip.
He bore the the brunt of the impact and later died at the scene.
Senior Constable Morris joined the NSW Police Force as a trainee in 1988 and later assigned to Windsor following successful training. He moved into the highway patrol sector and this included a nine year period with the Penrith Highway Patrol. He successfully transferred to Manning Great Lakes Command in April 2005 where he continued his role in keeping the road toll down.
Commissioner Moroney said Senior Constable Morris’ death was a tragic loss.
“Senior Constable Paul Morris was the type of professional police officer the NSW Police Force could not afford to lose.”
He added he was honoured to confirm Senior Constable Morris had been appointed a posthumous commendation for bravery in recognition of his actions in Tuncurry last Tuesday when he put his own life on the line to protect his partner Senior Constable Tracey Fergus.
“I pay a special tribute to his partner Tracey and parents Bill and Marie for the dedication and support they unreservedly gave to Paul throughout his career. I offer my deepest sympathy on his tragic and untimely death.”
Peter told the congregation his brother’s death had left a huge hole in their lives.
“We have lost our best mate,” he said.
“While he may not be here in body he will be here in spirit.
“He had one of the biggest hearts. Paul you are our hero and we won’t forget you.”
A message read on behalf of Tracey gave a true picture of her life partner.
“He was a true gentleman. He was my soul mate. Not a day went by when he didn’t have a smile on his face or come out with a cheeky one-liner.
“It’s not often in a lifetime you meet a man like Paul Morris.
“Thank you for honouring him.”
Local Area Commander Superintendent Peter Thurtell said Senior Constable Morris was a true professional, working hard to keep local roads safe.
“Paul was our friend and he will always be.
“Paul was our colleague and he will always be.
“He was the essence of what is good about policing and he will always be.”
“Tomorrow and beyond the police family will now turn its attention to Tracey.
“This is, I believe, how Paul would have insisted it be.”
Senior Constable Paul Morris posthumously received the Certificate of Service, Region Certificate of Appreciation and State Emergency Service Medal.
Selfless act of a courageous man … police colleagues carry the coffin of Sen-Constable Paul Morris. Picture: Rob McKell
ON crutches and visibly injured, Tracey Fergus yesterday recalled the golden heart of her hero boyfriend who sacrificed his life to save hers.
The injured policewoman smiled bravely as she accepted a police valour award for Senior-Constable Paul Morris at his funeral service.
He was killed last Tuesday while pushing Ms Fergus out of the path of an out-of-control car. The couple had been crossing the main street in Tuncurry, on the mid-North Coast, when a car driven by an elderly man veered towards them.
Police Commissioner Ken Moroney told mourners at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church in Taree that it was the quick-thinking actions of Sen-Constable Morris in pushing Ms Fergus out of way that saved her life.
“He is awarded for his selflessness and courage and for the swift and evasive action to remove his partner out of harm’s way,” Mr Moroney said.
In tributes farewelling the officer, the congregation heard of Sen-Constable Morris’s love of life, his family, his friends and his job in highway patrol – a role he carried out for 19 years.
“He was a highly regarded and respected man who served the community with courage, honour and distinction,” Mr Moroney said.
Despite her injuries, Ms Fergus smiled graciously as she accepted the Police Commissioner’s Commendation for Courage medal on Sen-Constable Morris’s behalf.
In a eulogy read on her behalf, Ms Fergus said Sen-Constable Morris was a gentle, loving and caring man who had a heart of gold.
“Paul was a true gentleman not a day went by when he didn’t have a smile on his face,” Ms Fergus wrote in the eulogy.
Superintendent Peter Thurtell described Sen-Const Morris as the “consummate professional” with an love of highway patrol.
“His colleagues looked forward to working a shift with him because they could be guaranteed hard work as well as good fun and lots of laughter,” Supt Thurtell said. “He is the essence of what is good about policing and he will always be.”
At the end of the funeral service, Sen-Constable Morris’s coffin was driven through a guard-of-honour, formed by officers who gathered to to farewell their colleague.
In a tribute to the highway patrolman, the procession was lead from the church by his former police car, Manning 206.
HE was from the old school breed of cops, a senior constable who had the respect of the public and would rather help people than lock them up.
George William Jones was possibly best known for his involvement in the pursuit of two of the nation’s most notorious killers – Allan Baker and Kevin Crump – convicted of the 1973 murders of Ian Lamb and Virginia Morse.
On that day in November, Senior Constable Jones was a passenger in a police car with his partner Senior Constable John Millward.
The pair were in a high speed pursuit of two armed criminals – Baker and Crump – travelling in a stolen car when Baker began firing shots at them from a .308 calibre rifle.
A bullet from the rifle shattered the police car windscreen, hitting Senior Constable Millward in the forehead.
Senior Constable Jones took his partner to hospital before rejoining the pursuit.
Baker and Crump were captured on the banks of the Paterson River at Woodville a few hours later after a dramatic shoot-out.
For his efforts, Mr Jones received a Queen’s Commendation for bravery and a Commissioner’s Commendation for his outstanding courage and devotion to duty.
This high profile case led Mr Jones to become a household name across the country.
But according to his family, Mr Jones was regularly having guns pointed at him by desperate criminals.
“He didn’t back down from a fight, he was a courageous guy,” Mr Jones’s son Mark said.
“There were other occasions he had guns pulled on him and the like and there was a bloke who he was trying to get into the cells who rammed his face into the lock on the door.
“He copped a few hidings but the interesting thing was, often we would be out somewhere and someone would come up and shake his hand and chat with him and when he left Dad would say ‘I locked him up once’.
“How he looked after people and the way he treated them made people like him regardless of what side of the law he was on – he was a fair and honest copper and well respected.”
Born on July 31, 1924, in Dudley, Mr Jones lived in Weston until he enlisted in the RAAF on November, 1942, as a leading aircraftman.
He fought in New Guinea and was discharged in April, 1948, before launching a 31-year career in the NSW police force.
Mr Jones was stationed in Sydney, Broken Hill and for the last 17 years of his service was a senior constable at Maitland.
After his retirement, Mr Jones worked at Tocal College as the afternoon supervisor for 15 years.
He married Margaret in Sydney in 1960 and had three children – Robyn, Bryan and Mark – and seven grandchildren.
Mr Jones’s daughter Robyn said her father had a lot to do with Maitland PCYC.
“He used to take drunk drivers home and young kids as well who were on the streets,” she said.
“There was a lot of respect for police back then and Dad wanted people to not dislike or fear the police.
“He had been shot at heaps of times and had a few close shaves but he wouldn’t tell you many stories because he didn’t like to brag.
“The big one was Baker and Crump, that’s what he got the bravery awards for, but he did heaps of other things that weren’t acknowledged.
“He was a good dad.”
Friends and family attended a moving funeral service at East Maitland Presbyterian on September 6.
George William Jones was an old-school Maitland cop who was always willing to help others and was someone who could be trusted.
Mr Jones died last Tuesday at his East Maitland home with his devoted family by his side.
He was born on July 31, 1924, in Dudley and lived in Weston until he enlisted in the RAAF on November 18, 1942 as a leading aircraftman.
He fought in New Guinea and was discharged on April 14, 1948.
Mr Jones served with the NSW Police Force from 1948 until 1979.
He was stationed in Sydney, Broken Hill and for the last 17 years of service was a senior constable at Maitland.
After his retirement from the police service, Mr Jones worked at Tocal College as the afternoon supervisor for 15 years.
He married Margaret in Sydney in 1960 and had three children – Robyn, Bryan and Mark, and seven grandchildren – Lisa, Justin, Rochelle, Sophie, Nicholas, Abbey and Max.
Mr Jones was a keen lawn bowler, fisherman and supporter of his children’s sports.
He was involved in a number of clubs and associations across Maitland.
Mark described his father as a “larger-than-life character.”
“Dad was known wherever he went, especially in Maitland,” he said.
“He loved a beer and a bet with his mates and always had a project on the go.
“Dad was known to be fair and honest in the community and to his family he was a loving,
caring husband, dad and granddad who loved being with his family.”
A funeral service for Mr Jones will be held at East Maitland Presbyterian Church, George Street, at 9.30am Friday.
HIS ROLE IN CRUMP ARREST
The-late Maitland police officer Senior Constable George Jones is recorded in Australia’s history for his part in the capture of two of nation’s most notorious killers – Allan Baker and Kevin Crump – convicted for the 1973 murders of Ian Lamb and Virginia Morse.
Mr Jones received a Queen’s Commendation for bravery and a Commissioner’s Commendation for his outstanding courage and devotion to duty at East Maitland on November 13, 1973.
On that day, Senior Constable Jones was a passenger in a police car with his partner Senior Constable John Millward.
The officers were in high speed pursuit of two armed and desperate criminals – Baker and Crump – travelling in a stolen car.
Baker fired shots at them from a .308 calibre rifle.
Senior Constable Millward was the driver of the police car and had closed up to the vehicle containing the wanted men despite rifle fire.
He had managed to get within pistol range and Senior Constable Jones fired a number of shots.
A bullet from the high-powered rifle shattered the police car windscreen, hitting Senior Constable Millward in the forehead.
“He had an amazing escape from death but was wounded and forced to give up the chase,” criminal court judge Mr Justice Taylor said at the time.
“These two officers displayed great courage in endeavouring to close with the vehicle of the accused in the face of sustained rifle fire.”
Soon after Senior Constable Millward was shot, another police vehicle received a radio call to take up the chase and Senior Constable Jones took his comrade to hospital before rejoining the pursuit.
A high-speed chase continued with Baker kneeling on the front seat of the stolen car and firing at police.
Many of the shots hit the front of the car containing Detective Senior Constable John Snedden and Detective Senior Constable Wayne Hore.
The officers took evasive action by swerving the car from side to side.
On a number of occasions the car driven by Crump slowed a near halt to allow Baker to take better aim through the back window of the car.
Baker’s and Crump’s car was pursued until it ran into a lucerne paddock near the Paterson River at Woodville where they jumped from the vehicle, each carrying a rifle.
Detectives Snedden and Hore chased Baker and Crump on foot.
The wanted men stopped halfway across a paddock and, falling to their knees aimed and fired their rifles at police, who threw themselves to the ground.
Baker and Crump ran into thick bush and scrub along the riverbank and police continued their search, joined by a number of other officers responding to radio calls.
Baker and Crump were found hiding in sections of the river and were arrested.
Mr Taylor commended the four police officers for bravery in an unprecedented gesture by a criminal court judge during an extraordinary sitting of the Sydney Central Criminal Court in 1974.
He said the police had exposed themselves to great risk of being shot when they were armed with service pistols against high-powered rifles.
“These men displayed bravery and devotion to duty which calls for commendation,” he said.
Baker and Crump were sentenced to life imprisonment following their capture by police at Maitland in November 1973.
Mr Taylor said: “You have outraged all accepted standards of the behaviour of men. The description of ‘men’ ill becomes you. You would be more aptly described as animals, and obscene animals at that. I believe that you should spend the rest of your lives in jail and there you should die. If ever there was a case where life imprisonment should mean what it says – imprisonment for the whole of your lives – this is it.”
Service: From ? ? 1996 to 22 September 1999 = 3 years Service
24 old
Suicide – shot – Service Pistol to chest
Stationed: Mt Druitt, Quaker’s Hill, Seven Hills, Penrith, Ermington Police Station – Plain clothes – Anti Theft Squad – Death
Funeral: Winston Hills on 28 September 1999
Rachael was a plain clothes constable performing proactive duties at Ermington, NSW.
Rachael suffered psychological injuries which were later declined by the insurer.
She slipped into a greater depression and subsequently died from a self inflicted gun shot wound from her own Service weapon, whilst On Duty, after she drove to Eric Primrose Reserve, Rydalmere.
A beautiful smile no longer shines, but her light lives on in the hearts of her loved ones and friends.
May Rachael forever Rest In Peace.
Collin Patrick McEVOY
| 08/10/2013
Collin Patrick McEVOY
aka Col & Ace
Regd. # 283
Rank: Superintendent – retired
Stations: ACT & Australian Federal Police
Service: From 12 December 1966 to? ? ? = 30 years Service
Awards: National Medal – granted 18 May 1983
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 29 November 1992
Born: ? ? ?
Died on: ? October 2013
Cause: Illness
Age: 66
Funeral date: Monday 2 September 2013 @ 11am
Funeral location: St John the Apostle, Blackman Street, Holt, ACT
Buried at: Gungahlin Cemetery
Son of Frank and Pat (both deceased) of Cronulla, retired Superintendent with 30 years of service in the ACT and Australian Federal Police.
Passed away peacefully in Canberra after a short illness.
Much loved husband of Ann. Father of Sharon, Brett, Andrew (deceased) and Samantha. Father-in-law of Andy, Tamara and Martin. Cherished grandfather of Skyla, Amy, Keeva and Jessie. Loving brother of David, of Adelaide.
Respected, admired and sadly missed by his extended family and many friends and colleagues. A dedicated police officer, a loyal man.
Aged 66.
The funeral service for Col will be held in St John the Apostle, Blackman Street, Holt, ACT on Monday 2 September 2013 commencing at 11.00am.
A burial will follow at the Gungahlin Cemetery. All welcome
In lieu of flowers, donations to Petrea King’s Quest for Life Foundation are encouraged www.questforlife.com.au or Quest for Life Foundation, PO Box 390, Bundanoon NSW 2578.
Belconnen 6251 2344.
Proudly Australian
Member AFDA
Published in The Sydney Morning Herald on August 31, 2013
Son of Frank and Pat (both deceased) of Cronulla, retired Superintendent with 30 years of service in the ACT and Australian Federal Police.
Passed away peacefully in Canberra after a short illness.
Much loved husband of Ann. Father of Sharon, Brett, Andrew (deceased) and Samantha. Father-in-law of Andy, Tamara and Martin. Cherished grandfather of Skyla, Amy, Keeva and Jessie. Loving brother of David, of Adelaide.
Respected, admired and sadly missed by his extended family and many friends and colleagues. A dedicated police officer, a loyal man.
Aged 66.
The funeral service for Col will be held in St John the Apostle, Blackman Street, Holt, ACT on Monday 2 September 2013 commencing at 11.00am.
A burial will follow at the Gungahlin Cemetery. All welcome
In lieu of flowers, donations to Petrea King’s Quest for Life Foundation are encouraged www.questforlife.com.au or Quest for Life Foundation, PO Box 390, Bundanoon NSW 2578.
Belconnen 6251 2344.
Proudly Australian
Member AFDA
– See more at: http://tributes.smh.com.au/obituaries/smh-au/obituary.aspx?n=collin-mcevoy&pid=166696532&eid=sp_ommatch&eid=sp_ommatch#fbLoggedOut
Nicholas Michael SKOMAROW
| 08/10/2013
Nicholas Michael SKOMAROW
aka Nick
New South Wales Police Force
from NSW Police Academy Class 195/C
Regd. # 21006
Uniform # 3854
Rank: Training – commenced Monday 14 March 1983 ( aged 23 years, 5 months, 12 days )( 2 months, 20 days at Academy )
Probationary Constable – appointed 3 June 1983 ( aged 23 years, 8 months, 4 days )
Cause: Surgical Operation complication stemming from HOD Injuries
Age: 53 years, 10 months, 25 days
Funeral date: Friday 30 August 2013 @ 10.30am
Funeral location: Wollongong Church of Christ, O’Briens Rd, Figtree
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial: NSW Police Force Service Memorial Wall, Sydney Police Centre, Surry Hills, D6 ( right wall )
NICK is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *BUT SHOULD BE
An application was made for Nick to be included on the National Police Wall of Remembrance, Canberra, and the NSW Police Wall of Remembrance, Sydney due to the fact that he died as a result of complications stemming from a medical operation in direct consequence to his Duty related Injuries. The Commissioner, Scipione, supported it but the Commander, Wollongong, at the time did NOT support the application and, to this day ( 22 March 2018. Rechecked 13 Jan 2021 – still doesn’t appear ), Nick only appears on the Police Force Service Memorial Wall at the Sydney Police Centre, Surry Hills and NOT the Police Wall of Remembrance.
As an aside, his Widow IS receiving a Police Pension as the matter was considered H.O.D.
Sgt Nick Skomarow in 2003
Sgt Nick Skomarow in 2003
It is with the deepest and heartfelt sadness that I let you all know that another one of our Illawarra mates has passed on.
Nick Skomarow was a 54 year old Sergeant, currently stationed at Wollongong, who had a 14 hour operation on his neck 8 days ago ( Friday 16 August ) at Figtree Private Hospital whereby he had 3 or 4 vertebra removed due to old HOD injuries suffered whilst on operational duties with the HWP.
Around 9.30am this morning ( Saturday 24 August, 2013 ) Nick was found deceased in his hospital room.This is now a Coroners matter but it is believed that he may have suffered from a blood clot ( not confirmed ).
Nick was in “the job” for 30 years and was a bloody good bloke.
He had also been stationed at Sutherland, Broken Hill and Liverpool HWP at one stage.
On behalf of the troops still in “the job” and those of us now out of “the job”, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Nick and give our condolences to Nick’s wife, Coralie and their families.
Nick, may you forever Rest in Peace mate.
A Full Police Funeral will be held this coming Friday, 30 August, 2013, at 10.30am at Wollongong Church of Christ, O’Briens Rd, Figtree.
The family will then attend the Wollongong Crematorium for a committal service and the wake will be held at Wests Leagues Club, Unanderra.
* * *
SKOMAROW Nicholas (Nick)
of Cordeaux Heights Taken from us too early on August 24, 2013. Adored and loving husband of Coralie.
Loving son of John and the late Tammy.
Adored father and father in law of Amanda, Aaron and Cassandra.
Much loved Poppo of Jayden. Loved brother of Victor and a dearly loved brother in law.
A much loved cousin, nephew and uncle, and a great friend and colleague to many.
Aged 53 Years
We will miss you A special person, no one can replace. Our memories of you will be treasured forever.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Nick’s funeral service to be held at Newday Church (Church Of Christ), O’Briens Road, Figtree on Friday at 10:30am. Following the service his funeral will proceed to the Main Chapel, Wollongong City Memorial Gardens Crematorium, Berkeley Road, Unanderra.
* * *
Photos taken by Retired SenCon Greg Callander (contact details at base of website). No copyrights attached to photos used by friends and family of Nick.
These photos are uploaded at 1.5meg but the originals are 35 meg each if anyone needs higher quality for printing etc. There are 140 photos:
Nick worked at Pooncarrie many moons ago and was instrumental in the arrest of Darryl Suckling for several murders of young women.
Daryl Suckling’s arrest in remote NSW in the late 1980s revealed his disturbing connections with the disappearance of Jodie Larcombe from Melbourne. Charged with the murder of Jodie, then a sex worker on St Kilda’s streets, Suckling was allowed to walk free, as police investigators struggled to prove a homicide without a body. He’d previously escaped conviction more than once after brutally abducting several women.
Frustrated by legal obstacles and bad luck, one officer resigned from the force in disgust, but the case was never forgotten and investigators closed in as Suckling stalked his next victim. The grisly murder linked St Kilda with the lonely, windswept sandhills of the NSW outback near Mildura, and brought two hardened policemen close to a brave family pushed to breaking point – in the end, it was too much for Jodie’s mother, who committed suicide when Suckling appealed his eventual conviction.
Suckling is now one of 15 prisoners serving life in NSW, never to be released.
Nick also had a boat, when he was stationed out at Broken Hill, called ‘ TJF ‘. This usually means ‘ The Job’s Fu*@ed ‘.
Grave vandals smash 45 headstones
Posted
Vandals have desecrated 45 graves at Wollongong Cemetery on the New South Wales south coast.
Police say the graves in the old Wesley section of the cemetery have had their headstones smashed beyond repair. They are some of the cemetery’s oldest graves.
The damage bill is estimated at $100,000.
Acting Inspector Nick Skomarow says vandals attacked the graves on Wednesday night.
“Unknown persons have entered the Wollongong Cemetery on Kenny Street and during this time 45 marked graves located in the southern end of the cemetery had their headstones smashed beyond repair,” he said.
Acting Inspector Skomarow says police are appealing for information on those responsible for the attack.
“Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or may have information that may assist investigators in identifying those responsible for the damage to contact Wollongong Police or Crime Stoppers,” he said.
GPS of Grave: Lat: -34.4880559530445 Long: 150.81964650639043
Memorial: NSW Police Force Service Memorial Wall, Sydney Police Centre, Surry Hills, A29 ( left wall )
Chief Inspector Graeme Donnelly
GRAEME is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance* NOT WORK RELATED
Death of Chief Inspector Graeme Donnelly, 52 old around 11.30am, today, Friday 16 August 2013, who was riding his push bike with a mate around Lake Illawarra ( the actual lake ) this morning and was riding up Mt. Terry when he stopped and said to his mate that he didn’t feel well.
Whilst standing next to his bike, he suffered a massive heart attack.
An Off Duty passing Paramedic commenced CPR and called for assistance. Helicopter assistance was also considered and I am informed that the Paramedics worked on Graeme for a lengthy and extended period and was conveyed to Hospital under Police escort but, unfortunately, he never regained consciousness from the time he fell.
He was aged 52 and was a Chief Inspector ( for those who don’t know him ) and a really nice bloke.
May he forever Rest in Peace and look over the rest of us.
The funeral for Graeme will take place on Monday, 26 August, at 1.00pm at St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral in Harbour Street Wollongong. Guest’s to be seated by 12.40pm.
I would expect this to be a big funeral with standing room only – out onto the street.
He was a highly respected policeman who sought relief from his demanding role as chief inspector in his passion for cycling.
Tributes have flowed for long-serving officer Graeme Donnelly, 52, who died of a heart attack while riding around Lake Illawarra last Friday.
Friend and cycling companion Wally Erven said Insp Donnelly loved cycling because it allowed him to de-stress.
“Being in the police force, it gave him a separation,” he said.
Insp Donnelly was the father of junior Australian cycling champion Aaron Donnelly – and Mr Erven said the apple hadn’t fallen far from the tree.
“Aaron’s not a professional cyclist for no reason – it’s in his genes and he got that from his father.”
Wollongong acting superintendent Tim Beattie said the policing community had been shocked to learn of Insp Donnelly’s death.
Insp Donnelly spent his career based in Wollongong until about 12 months ago when he transferred to Sydney and was attached to a specialist police unit.
“Graeme was a highly respected member of the police force who performed a significant amount of his service in the Illawarra area,” Supt Beattie said. “He is regarded by all those who knew him as being a good bloke.”
A tribute has also been posted on the Cycling NSW website.
“His loss is greatly felt by the Illawarra Cycle Club and the NSW cycling community,” the statement read.
Insp Donnelly’s funeral will be held at Wollongong Catholic Cathedral, 36 Harbour Street, at 1pm on Monday.
He was one of a kind and his death will leave a hole in the life of his family, friends and the police force.
On Monday a sea of blue police uniforms surrounded an overflowing St Francis Xavier Catholic Cathedral in Wollongong as officers paid their last respects to Chief Inspector Graeme Donnelly.
Insp Donnelly, 52, died on August 16 after having a heart attack while riding around Lake Illawarra with friends.
Yesterday his cycling companions joined police colleagues and formed a guard of honour stretching from the cathedral along Harbour St.
Insp Donnelly’s colleague Peter Lindwall and friend Neil Foster gave a joint eulogy.
They described the high-ranking officer’s passion for the police force and his love for his wife Kerri and sons Aaron and Brad.
Mr Lindwall said the sheer number of fellow officers in attendance, including NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione, was testament to how highly Insp Donnelly had been regarded in the community.
“He was a person no-one ever had a bad word to say about,” Mr Lindwall said.
He also made reference to Insp Donnelly’s previous career as a butcher and his skills behind a barbecue.
In a statement read at yesterday’s service, Aaron Donnelly said his father’s entire life had been dedicated to helping others.
“I don’t think there’s a person here who hasn’t been impacted by his kindness,” he said.
Mr Donnelly’s wife Kerri said her husband had been a “selfless” man who gave his time “to so many people”.
In a statement also read to the service, she recalled how proud he had been when his Brad announced he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a police officer.
Mr Scipione also spoke at the service and posthumously awarded Insp Donnelly the National Police Service Medal.
WEDNESDAY 6 APRIL 2016 GRAVE OF GRAEME FRANCIS DONNELLY GRAVE IS ON THE EAST SIDE OF ROAD, PAST THE NEW CRYPTS THAT ARE CURRENTLY BEING BUILT WHICH ARE ALSO ON THE EAST AND TO THE NORTH OF THE OFFICE. THE GRAVE IS ABOUT 3 – 4 ROWS BACK FROM THE ROADWAY AND FACES AWAY FROM THE ROADWAY.
