Weapons Instructors Course 1/1989 ( January 1989 ) NSW Police Academy, Goulburn Back Row ( L-R ) Phil CHARLIER, Jim FRIDAY, David WRIGHT, Gavin NICHOLSON, Peter WATSON, Peter GALLACHER, Alan PITT, Wayne HOFFMAN, Chris STONE, Peter CHAMINGS, Ray BLACKBURN, Scott IDE, Garry POWER, John LEE, Bill WHALLEY Centre Row Peter BERGERSEN, Greg SUTTON, Steve MARTIN, Peter STONE, Lindsay REGENTS, Ian LAUDER, Greg PALMER, Sonia McKELL, John ROGERS, Steve McCLURE, David MAGUIRE, Barry METZ, Dave TESTER, Paul BLOOD, Andrew NEW Front Row Tony PARSONS, Toni McMAHON, Michelle LANGERIES, Peter STARLING, Tom LUPTON, Ray JAMES, James BUNFIELD, Kerry SIMMONS, Andrew FISHER
Steve McClure – front and centre
‘Stinky’, you were a great bloke who always thought of others before yourself and were always ready to put your hand up for a great cause.
On behalf of all of us old Warilla Police, we wish you a safe journey and may you Forever, Rest In Peace.
Our deepest heartfelt condolences to Trish, Hugh and family.
POLICE SEND OFF FOR SERGEANT STEVE McCLURE AT THE BURDEKIN HOTEL, OXFORD ST, SYDNEY, FROM 5PM.
A VERY INFORMAL FUNCTION WITH ABOUT 40 PEOPLE THERE.
6″ SUBWAY SANDWICHES, CHIPS AND PIZZA WAS THE MEAL.
BUY YOUR OWN DRINKS & IT WAS A GREAT NIGHT.
Presentation at Steve’s Send Off
Mates: June 2018 Steve ‘Stinky’ McCLure & Harry ‘The Wasp’ Wawszkowicz – together again. May they both forever Rest In Peace.
Harry Wawszkowicz June 18, 2018 · Friends for life. How tome flies Hugh has grown into a fine young. with Stephen McClure and Tricia McClure.
Leigh Stewart Follow · June 17, 2018 · With Greg Costello, Vic Thestick, Stephen McClure, Brett Sergeant and David De Santi at City Diggers Wollongong.
Sunday 17 June 2018
City Diggers Club, cnr Church and Burelli St’s, Wollongong, for Cancer fundraiser for Wollongong Hospital which was Hosted by Retired Sgt Steve ‘Stinky’ McClure.
Steve is the frontman for his band, ‘The Humphreys’
Steve McClure – giving thanks at the Cancer fundraiser – Sunday 17 June 2018
The Humphreys ride again… with Stephen McClure, John Nichols and Greg Costello at Slacky Flat Bar.
Various other family and friends photos with Stinky McClure over the years.
Christine Ann DRIVAS
| 11/03/2019
Christine Ann DRIVAS
AKA Chris / Chrissie
Late of ?
NSW Goulburn or Redfern Police Academy Class # ? ? ?
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 33048
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 19 March 1999
Final Rank = Senior Constable
Stations: ?, Liverpool ( March 1999 – May 2004 ) – ( 22 Division ), Campbelltown ( 35 Division ), PCYC – Minto, VKG 2 – Oak Flats,
Service: From? ? 2000?to28 February 2013 ( Resigned )= 13 years Service
Former Liverpool & Campbelltown Policewoman collapses in city on Saturday 9 March 2019.
Chrissie DRIVAS collapsed at dinner last night in the CBD of Sydney and some off duty paramedics assisted her until the arrival of Ambulance Paramedics.
Chris passed away in the ambulance.
She was in the city and due to depart on a cruise the next day – Sunday.
Please revisit this Memorial page for funeral details when they become known.
Quandialla, North East District, Eden ( Insp. ) – ( early 1980’s ), Bega ( 1981 ), Liverpool ( 22 Division ) – ( OIC – Chief Insp – 1982 – 1984 ), Wagga Wagga ( 1984 – 1986 ) ( Supt ) – Riverina District – Retirement
Service: From 4 January 1944 to15 November 1986 = 42+ years Service
Awards: National Medal – granted 29 June 1984 ( C/Insp )
Commended 1964:
Sgt 3/c Francis ( Frank ) A. Metz is commended for the part played in connection with the search & subsequent arrest of 3 offenders, who were involved in the shooting of Constable L. J. Browning ( # 8645 ) at Nowra on the 23rd of November 1964 –
Event location: Shalom Place, Mary Potter Nursing Home, Wagga Wagga
Event date: Friday 22 February 2019
Funeral date: Wednesday 27 February 2019 @ 10.30am
Funeral location: St Michael’s Cathedral, 10 Church St, Wagga Wagga
Wake location: ?
Funeral Parlour: Alan Harris McDonald funerals – 6921 4913
Buried at: ?
Memorial located at: ?
Bob Day, Ted Cook, Ken Fitzpatrick, Cliff McHardy, Ted Houghton, Frank Metz, Colin Joyce Middle row: Dennis Toohey, Kevin Lawler, Frank Parkes, Dick Lascelles, John Eisenhuth, Bob Smith, Ron Bunt Front row: Jim Pyne, Jock O’Keefe, Fred Aldred, Charlie Crittle, Joe Hall, John Wilson, Ken Donald” width=”510″ height=”317″> Back row, l to r: Bob Day, Ted Cook, Ken Fitzpatrick, Cliff McHardy, Ted Houghton, Frank Metz, Colin Joyce Middle row: Dennis Toohey, Kevin Lawler, Frank Parkes, Dick Lascelles, John Eisenhuth, Bob Smith, Ron Bunt Front row: Jim Pyne, Jock O’Keefe, Fred Aldred, Charlie Crittle, Joe Hall, John Wilson, Ken Donald
From left closest around the table, Con. Scott Martin, Sgt Barry Stoker, Con. Dave Lonergan, Ch/Insp. Frank Metz, S/C Mark Grigg.
FRANK is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance
May they forever Rest In Peace
Frank Metz was a caring family man, a dedicated police officer and an ‘adventurer’
Wagga Daily Advertiser 13 March, 2019
Colleagues remember Frank Metz’s as a distinguished NSW police officer, but his family remember a wonderful husband and a caring father with a dry wit.
Francis Metz, fondly known as Frank, passed away on February 22 at 92 years of age. He joined the NSW Police Cadets on January 4, 1944, and that kicked off an illustrious career.
His wife, Margaret, said they met at Quandialla when Frank was there relieving the permanent officer.
“I was on a bus trip to the Ballinaclash Orchard when a busload of young people went cherry picking,” she said.
“It was raining and we had to go to the pictures, and | from there the rest is history. We were married in 1950.”
Margaret said he was a wonderful husband, father and policeman and she very proud of him in anything that he did.
Son, Robert Metz, said the movement around NSW was a real testament to the frequency of his dad’s promotions.
“Within his police career and with the moves, he eventually ended up a superintendent, the officer in charge of the Riverina District,” he said.
The Metz family moved to Wagga in 1984 for the job and Frank retired in 1986.
“They decided to enjoy their retired life together in Wagga,” Robert said.
“Lots of travel for leisure and for the family.
“While Mum and Dad’s family was expanding, he did everything he could to support his children through their journey as parents.
“Nothing was too much for Dad.”
His daughters Marianne Flowers and Louise McDermott said their father made everything into an adventure.
“He was always getting us to try new things like apples, sultanas and honey sandwiches,” Marianne said.
“When mum was working in the school holidays, dad used to take us off on day trip adventures,” Louise said.
Marianne said Frank taught all the children to stand up for what was right and to be fair and respectful and he had a dry sense of humour.
“He used to say ‘how can I soar like an eagle when I am surrounded by turkeys’,” she said.
Margaret said he dedicated his time and efforts to the Rotary, the Albion Park Bush Fire Brigade, the Retired Police Association of NSW and the Association of Independent Retirees.
“I would also like to thank the police for their contribution to the funeral,” she said. “When they stopped the traffic, I knew he would have loved that. Also, thank you to the staff at the Forrest Centre for caring for him.”
Reprinted from the Wagga Daily Advertiser.
Hi Cal,
A bit of info on Frank Metz, who I clerked for at the newly established Warilla Division. He came up from ( Inspector 3/C ) Bega Division in the very late 1970’s, and took over from Dave Cooper, Inspector 2/C, who opened the new Warilla Division ( Lake Entrance Rd ) as OIC. Dave made Inspector 1/C and moved up to the Blue Mountains somewhere.
In those days a Divisional OIC had to live within the area of his command to get the cheap rental of an “official” Police residence. There were no such “official” Police residences in the Warilla Division for the OIC, as the Division was only established when the new Warilla Police Station was built and opened in 1976, and “official” Police residences were mostly no longer being built for Divisional OIC’s. In fact the whole Government Policy on “official” residences was changing at that time and most “official” residences were reverting to “economic rental” residences, when occupants changed. There were extenuating circumstances in areas where suitable rental accommodation was not available, mostly remote country areas, but any such new residences were “economic rentals”. The one exception to all this were Lockup Keeper residences which remained with the position.
Because Frank wanted to live in Kiama, which was part of the Nowra Division at the time, but also wanted to benefit from the rental of an “official” residence, he managed to get Kiama shifted from the Nowra Division into the Warilla Division. It was a very logical move as Kiama was 10 minutes from Warilla but 30 minutes from Nowra (all with lights and siren) although Nowra and Kiama troops didn’t agree with the change at the time. Frank also wanted to live in Kiama as he was a keen bowler and belonged to the Kiama bowling club.
The new Police Stations at Warilla, Queanbeyan, and Nowra were all built and opened in the same year and I “clerked” at all of them from 1979 to 1982, ending up at Nowra Division in late 1982 (followed Ann Todkill at Nowra). I left Warilla for Queanbeyan early in 1981 where Ross Gorham was the OIC. Dennis Catt was the OIC at Nowra when I started there.
Cheers,
Ian Avery.
METZ Francis “Frank” Aloysius Frank
passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Friday 22nd February 2019 at Shalom Place, Mary Potter Nursing Home.
Aged 92 years.
Dearly loved Husband to Margaret.
Loving Father and Father in law to; John (dec’d) and Helen, Robert and Margaret, David and Pam, Barry and Elizabeth, Judi, Marianne, and Louise. Proud Granddad, Great Granddad and Great Great Granddad.
‘Eternal Rest Grant Unto Him O Lord’
A Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of Mr Francis Metz will be held on Wednesday 27th February 2019 at St Michael’s Cathedral, 10 Church Street Wagga Wagga, commencing at 10:30am.
Following the Mass the cortege will process to the Wagga Wagga Lawn Cemetery, Brunskill Road, for the committal.
Service medals to be worn.
In Lieu of flowers donations towards Dementia Australia will be greatly appreciated.
February 26, 2019
A good and decent man who served the state with distinction. RIP
Frank Goodyer,
Wagga Wagga, New South Wales
Published in The Daily Advertiser from Feb. 26 to Feb. 27, 2019
Henry James Carnegie BROWNE
| 11/03/2019
Henry James Carnegie BROWNE
AKA HARRY
Late of Atherton St, Armidale, NSW
NSW Redfern / Penrith Police Academy Class # ? ? ?
New South Wales Police Force
[alert_yellow]Regd. # 7438[/alert_yellow]
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 20 October 1952
Senior Constable – appointed 20 October 1963
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 13 August 1968 ( Balranald )
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed 1 October 1976
Final Rank = Senior Sergeant
Stations: ?, Balranald ( 1960’s – 1970’s ), North East District, Region ‘R’ ( Newcastle ), Armidale – Retirement
Service: From? ? pre October 1952?to19 June 1987 = 34+ years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: 10 March 1933
Died on: Sunday 3 March 2019
Age: 85 ( 1 week prior to his 86th )
Cause: ?
Event location: ?
Event date: ?
Funeral date: Saturday 9 March 2019 @ 11.30am
Funeral location: the Chapel of Piddington’s Funerals, 122 – 158 Uralla Rd, Armidale
By request No Flowers, Donations in lieu to Dementia Australia. A donation box will be at the Chapel.
Wake location: ?
Funeral Parlour: Piddingtons, Armidale, 6772 2288
Buried at: ?
Memorial located at: ?
[alert_yellow] HARRY is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
BROWNE, Henry James Carnegie (Harry).
3rd March 2019 of Atherton St, Armidale
Dearly beloved husband of Ellie.
Loving father of Henry (dec’d), Terence, Bernard, Warwick, Jenny, Kim and loved grandfather & great-grandfather of their families.
In his 86th Year.
Funeral Service to be held at Piddington’s Crematorium Chapel Armidale Saturday 9th March 2019 at 11.30am.
PIDDINGTON’S
AFDA
Published in The Sydney Morning Herald on Mar. 6, 2019
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BROWNE, Henry James Carnegie “Harry”
3rd March 2019 of Atherton Street, Armidale.
Dearly beloved husband of Ellie.
Loving father of Henry (dec’d), Terry & Leanne, Bernard & Shirley, Warwick & Karen, Jenny, Kym & Gordon Steele and loved grandfather & great- grandfather of their families.
In his 86th Year
Funeral Service to be held at Piddington’s Crematorium Chapel Uralla Road, Armidale Saturday, 9th March 2019 commencing at 11:30am.
By request No Flowers, Donations in lieu to Dementia Australia. A donation box will be at the Chapel. Phone 6772 2288
Published in The Northern Daily Leader on Mar. 6, 2019
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Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001), Friday 15 August 1969 (No.94), page 3136
The undermentioned Members of the Police Force to be Inspectors under the Liquor Act, 1912, as amended by subsequent Acts, for the Licensing Districts preceding their names, from the dates specified, via.:
Balranald. – Sergeant 3rd Class Henry James Carnegie BROWN, stationed at Balranald, vice Sergeant 2nd Class Thomas Frank Wotton, transferred, from 19 April, 1969.
Prayers for the Repose of the Soul will be held in St Michael’s Cathedral, Johnston Street, Wagga Wagga on Thursday 7th March 2019 commencing at 10.30am.
Following prayers, the cortege will proceed to the Wagga Wagga Lawn Cemetery.
Relatives, friends and NSW Police Service personnel past and present are respectfully invited to attend.
Published in The Border Mail on Mar. 2, 2019
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BARTON Glenn Robert
Passed away suddenly at home on Thursday 21st February 2019.
Loved son of Bill and Ada Barton (both dec’d).
Much loved and loving father and father-in-law of Stephen and Penny, Lyndelle and Paul Kelly, Tina and Jeff Newstead, Maree and David Gardner.
Adored Pop of Regan, Taylor and Saxon; Jack, Ben, Maddie, Harry and Eliza; Riley, Cooper, and Lewis; Sam and Liam.
Loved brother of Joy Jeffery.
Aged 70 years.
‘Forever in our hearts.’
Funeral details to be advised.
Published in The Daily Advertiser on Feb. 26, 2019
March 4, 2019
Sad to have to say that one member of the company has departed – only two members left of the Martin, Barton and Pharton group. Forever missed.
Kaybell
KAY HYDE, MAIDA VALE, PERTH
March 2, 2019
May you forever Rest In Peace.
https://police.freom.com/glenn-robert-barton/
Greg Callander, Goulburn, New South Wales
February 27, 2019
We will miss our loyal private friend who has departed far too soon. It was a chain of friendship that never broke, even when work finished. You will be remembered forever. We will miss the support, talks, laughs and association into the far future. Love always.
Eric & Anne Gollan, New South Wales
February 26, 2019
Frank Goodyer,
Wagga Wagga, New South Wales
February 26, 2019
Sorry to hear the passing of Glenn. A great Tiger and a great bloke
Our condolences to Lyndelle and Paul, and the rest of the families.
This is big Bobby – retired Det Sgt Bob Berthaly from the south west – he is not in a good way at the moment in ICU at Gosford Hospital. If you have a spare thought or prayer for him it would be appreciated
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UPDATE
10 January 2017
Post for James Robert “Kimbies” Berthaly – thanks people for all your kind words and waries it seems that uncle bob has turned the corner regarding the situation before Christmas. He is still in Gosford hospital but as you can see he is much much better. I did tell him it was his shout at the pub though. Mark Fordy Trace NSW Fallen Police
11 January 2017:
Thank you everyone for their messages of support for dad brought a tear to his eye reading them he made some great mates while in the job.I will set up a face book page for him when he’s home. I’m sure he will look some of you up.
Thanks Mark Berthaly
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George Lawrence BALDOCK
| 11/03/2019
George Lawrence BALDOCK
AKA Gorgeous George
Late of Minto
NSW Goulburn Police Academy Class # 265J
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 30708
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 16 August 1996
Final Rank = Senior Constable
Police Stations: Sutherland, Liverpool (22 Division )( Feb – Aug 1997 ), Cabramatta ( 34 Division ), Wetherill Park Target Action Group ( TAG )( 34 Division )( Greater Hume Region ) – Resignation
Police Service: From 18 February 1996 to11 July 2002 = 6+ years Service
Fire & Rescue NSW Service: From? ? 2002 to 27 February 2019 = 17 years Service
NSWFR Service: Senior Fire Fighter – Service # 8352
Awards: No Find on It’s An Honour
Long Service & Good Conduct Medal – NSWFR ( 2013 )
Born: 28 January 1973
Died on: Wednesday 27 February 2019
Age: 46
Cause: A medical episode during a NSWFR training exercise – Heart attack?
The Commissioner ( Fire / Rescue ) would like to advise that the late Firefighter George Baldock (8352), who passed away while serving ( NSW Fire Rescue ) on the 27th February 2019, will be farewelled on Wednesday 13th March with a Full Brigade Funeral.
Funeral details are as follows:
Wednesday 13th March 2019, at 1030 hours
William Inglis Hotel
Sales Arena
155 Governor Macquarie Drive
Warwick Farm, NSW
Brigade members attending shall attend in uniform and form a Guard of Honour.
Dress Code: Full Dress Uniform, Galatea, Peak Cap, Tie and Medals
Paul Baxter
Commissioner ( NSW Fire / Rescue )
5 March 2019
Death on Duty – 8352 Senior Firefighter George BALDOCK:
It is with the heaviest of hearts that I inform you of the passing of 8352 Senior Firefighter George Baldock.
George passed away in hospital today ( 270219 ) following a medical episode while on duty.
George has been with Fire and Rescue NSW for 17 years and worked within the Fire Safety Unit and Liverpool Fire Station.
George was a well-respected member of both his immediate team and a valued member of the wider Fire and Rescue NSW family.
We are in close contact with George’s immediate family and have directed all available resources to support his wife Bree and his three children ( who are all under 6 years old ) as well as those affected. I encourage anyone who is affected by George’s passing to utilise Fire and Rescue NSW’s Employee Assistance Program on 1300 360 364.
Some very sad news to report that one of our men has tragically passed.
George Baldock, known as Gorgeous George around our club, was on duty for the firies as he has been for 17 years when he suffered a medical episode.
George was a prolific wicket keeping all rounder for us but more importantly a great bloke and a genuine asset to any team.
Rest In Peace George. Gone way too soon
Some very sad news to report that one of our men has tragically passed.
George Baldock, known as Gorgeous George around our club, was on duty for the firies as he has been for 17 years when he suffered a medical episode.
George was a prolific wicket keeping all rounder for us but more importantly a great bloke and a genuine asset to any team.
Rest In Peace George. Gone way too soon.
George BALDOCK – Funeral pamphlet
.
George, thank you for all your friendship, your kind heart, your sense of humour and your honesty. I will always cherish our friendship and you will be forever missed. Rest easy my friend and I will see you soon
Alex lit a candle for George Baldock
George you were great to work with and we used to have ‘frank’ talks in the truck at Liverpool Police Station. You were professional, knowledgeable and had a lot of patience when dealing with me and other junior police. Every shift your hair was done perfectly with not a strand out of place, you always insisted upon driving (perhaps because you were scared of my driving) and you used to try and talk me out of getting McDonalds on each occasion. You were a great mentor to have around. Hearing the eulogies today, it appears that everyone had as much respect for you as what I did and you will be dearly missed by all.
Peita Small lit a candle for George Baldock
Lisa STALEY added memorial of George Baldock to @heaven
You were taken away from us too young. You were very passionate in everything you did. I will never forget you. You will always remain in my heart. I’m so sorry I never got to say goodbye. My heart is broken. My you Rest in Peace.
Tall, attractive Mrs. Madge Welby, said this week that she had joined the Police Force because she had always been interested in her dead husband‘s work.
Mrs. Welby is the widow of Detective-Constable E. S. (“Frank”) Welby, who died of heart trouble in March.
He had been attached to Regent Street Police Station for more than four years.
Mrs. Welby, who had just been sworn-in as a police-woman, said: “I felt I’d grown to belong to the Police Force, and I love children.
“My work in the police school lecturing section should give me the chance to satisfy both these interests.
“it will let me serve the community in the way I’d like best.”
Mrs. Welby said she had no children of her own, but “more than 30 nephews and nieces.”
Before her marriage she had worked as a machinist, she said.
IN the Estate of FRANCIS EDWARD WELBY late of Concord West in the State of New South Wales, Constable of Police, deceased Intestate – Application will be made after 14 days from the publication hereof that Letters of Administration of the Estate of the abovenamed deceased may be granted to Madge Aletia Welby the widow of the said deceased and all notices may be served at the undermentioned address.
All creditors in the Estate of the said deceased are hereby required to send in particulars of their claims to the undersigned MERVYN FINLAY & COMPANY Solicitors Newlands House 141 Elizabeth Street, Sydney.
WELBY, Francis Edward – April 8 1954 (detective N.S.W. Police) late of 204 Concord Road, Concord West dearly beloved husband of Madge aged 36 years.
WELBY.— The Relatives and Friends of Mrs Madge Welby of 204 Concord Road, Concord West, are invited to attend the Funeral of her dearly beloved Husband, FRANCIS EDWARD; to leave the Metropolitan Funeral Home, Railway Parade Burwood This Day, after service commencing at 11 a.m., for Rookwood Crematorium
METROPOLITAN BURIAL and CREMATION SOCIETY.
Railway Pde Burwood. UJ2178-9.
WELBY.— Lodge N. J. McDonald, No. 587 U G L of N S W
The Officers and Brethren of the above Lodge are fraternally Invited to attend the Funeral of their late esteemed Bro FRANCIS EDWARD WELBY For particulars see family notice.
IN the Estate of FRANCIS EDWARD WELBY late of Concord West in the State of New South Wales, Constable of Police, deceased Intestate – Application will be made after 14 days from the publication hereof that Letters of Administration of the Estate of the abovenamed deceased may be granted to Madge Aletia Welby the widow of the said deceased and all notices may be served at the undermentioned address.
All creditors in the Estate of the said deceased are hereby required to send in particulars of their claims to the undersigned MERVYN FINLAY & COMPANY Solicitors Newlands House 141 Elizabeth Street, Sydney.
This is a little story that might be of interest to some people out there. When I went through the academy in 1985, a few of our traffic lectures were given by a HWP senior constable whose name escapes me. When he gave us the lecture on drink driving offences he prefaced his talk by saying that most of us joined the police force to fight crime and we saw ourselves out there busting crims and arresting bad guys, but he added that the reality was that for most of us, our first pinch would be a “pissie,” which I guess was a new term to most of us as trainees back then.
I went to Eastwood (17 Division) from the academy ( Redfern ), where I did my six-week field training with an old senior constable called Max Blundell. Max taught me a lot of useful stuff, but as things turned out it was towards the end of my buddy training and we had not yet been called on to make an arrest. We were out in 17/1 on a day shift and we were sent by VKG to a location at West Ryde, where two men had been seen in a 1969 Holden sedan, counting a large amount of coined money and acting suspiciously.
We were backed up by a second car with another veteran senior constable named Bob Gare, (whom I found out recently is sadly now deceased), and a constable named Karen Vesper, and when we arrived we found the car. Inside there were two men as described and we spoke to them, and Max told me to get their names and details in my notebook. One guy gave his correct name of Tony Henry Winoweicki, (I guess you wouldn’t make up a name like that), but the second guy told me his name was Charles Smith. Being an eager, young probationer, I asked him if Smith was spelt the usual way, (just trying to be thorough, like I’d been taught!), and he said, “Spell it any way you like,” which I took to mean, “We both know I’ve given you a bodgy name but that’s all I’m going to give you so be satisfied with that.” The back seat of the Kingswood was almost full of coins in bags, and we arrested them and took them back to the station. This was my first pinch, but of course we had to hand them over to the detectives, who took over, interviewed them, and followed it up from there. The detectives found that they were both had lengthy histories, and in addition to breaking into a registered club earlier that day, they both had outstanding warrants, plus the guy who told me his name was Charles Smith was actually Richard Owen Lynott, who was wanted for escaping from Maitland Gaol.
We all got a good policemanship report from the boss, Inspector Ron Stephens, over that arrest, and considering it was my first ever pinch, I was always kind of pleased with the fact that it was a couple of good crims, and not a pissie. I have to admit it was more a matter of being in the right place than exceptional police work, (plus two geniuses doing a bust and then counting the proceeds in a car in a public place). A few years back I saw an article in the Sunday paper about some of the old identities in the Sydney criminal world, and Lynott got a mention. I remember thinking, “Hey, he was my first arrest.”
Bob Gare was a senior constable at Eastwood, (17 Division), when I started my probation there in 1985. I did a lot of shifts with him back then, on the car and in the station, after I finished my buddy training, and this is the first I have heard of his passing. He was dry-witted and funny, but professional and knowledgeable where it counted. I am very sorry to learn about this.
