By all accounts, Rocket was a strong and fit man who did many laps of the swimming pool over the years.
Now out of pain.
Further information will be included in this Memorial Post when it becomes known.
Cal
150219
[divider_dotted]
Australian police leave Cyprus ending ‘rite of passage’ after 53 years
Nicosia: With its flag lowered one final time, Australia has ended 53 years of helping to keep the peace on ethnically divided Cyprus by pulling out its last three police officers serving with a United Nations peacekeeping force.
Australian UN police officers fold the Australian flag during a flag-lowering ceremony to end Australia’s peacekeeping contribution in Cyprus on Friday.Credit:AP
Some 1600 Australian police officers have served in Cyprus since 1964 following the outbreak of violence between the island’s Greek and Turkish communities.
Three Australians were killed in the line of duty in what was their country’s first policing contribution to a peacekeeping mission.
A flag-lowering ceremony at the Cypriot capital’s defunct airport, which serves as the UN force’s headquarters, brought together many officers who served in Cyprus over the decades, including one who was in the first 40-strong contingent, 79-year-old Ian Hardy.
Ian Hardy, centre, was among the first Australian police officers on the island 53 years ago.Credit:AP
“Cyprus has been a rite of passage for Australian police,” retired police superintendent Phil Spence said, adding that all officers who went on to lead other peacekeeping missions elsewhere in the world were veterans of Cyprus.
Australia’s federal police commissioner, Andrew Colvin, said that what served Australians well over decades of service was a “steely determination” and a practicality underneath Australians’ famed laid-back style.
It was the excellent rapport with ordinary Cypriots that saw Australian police through the toughest times, said Allan Mitchell, 70, who served on Cyprus during the northern summer of 1974, when Turkey invaded and split the island along ethnic lines following a coup by supporters of union with Greece.
Australia was also the first peacekeeping contributor to deploy a female officer to Cyprus, in 1988. Its last contingent commander is also a woman – Inspector Bronwyn Carter.
Australian police assistant commissioner Chris O’neill salutes during a flag-lowering ceremony to ended Australia’s peacekeeping contribution.Credit:AP
Colvin said Australia is willing to share its federal policing experience if talks now underway succeed in reunifying Cyprus as a federation.
A 2015 rethink of Australia’s overseas peacekeeping commitments called for the redeployment of personnel on missions closer to home and to help combat the threat of terrorism.
Some 69 police officers from countries including Ireland, India and Italy augment 835 troops wearing the UN’s blue beret in Cyprus.
Australian police officers fold the Australian flag during a flag-lowering ceremony. in Nicosia, Cyprus.Credit:AP
Passed away peacefully on 2nd February 2019 at Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital
Aged 71 Years
Late of Kioloa
Formerly of Kiama
Beloved husband to Maureen.
Loved father-in-law of Jason & Jacqui, Dean & Hekoi.
Adored Poddy to his many grandchildren.
Brother and brother-in-law of Robert & Noleen, Kevin and Debbie.
The relatives and friends of Tom are invited to attend his Funeral Service to be held at the Kioloa/Bawley Point Community Centre, Murramurang Road, Kioloa Friday 15th February 2019 at 11:00 am.
Followed by Private Cremation
In lieu of flowers donations may be left at the service for Milton Ulladulla Hospital Auxiliary for much needed equipment.
JOAN MUDIE GAY 8 February 2019
Passed away peacefully at Bourke Street Health Service, Goulburn.
Much loved wife of William Gordon (dec).
Loving mother and mother-in-law of Peter, Robert & Marcell, Maureen & Terry, Patricia & Barry and Margaret.
Very proud and loving nan to her seventeen grandchildren and a much loved great ‘Nanny Gay’ to all of their children.
Aged 89 years.
‘Forever In Our Hearts’
Joan’s family and friends are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Funeral commencing at 1:30pm Friday 15 February 2019 at St Peter & Pauls Cathedral, Bourke Street Goulburn. A private cremation will take place.
R. J. Sidney Craig Funeral Directors
EST. 1837 – AFDA / FDA (NSW)
298 Sloane St, Goulburn NSW 2580
Telephone: (02) 4821 2122
Loving Husband of 41 years. Loving Father, Grandfather and Brother.
Family and Friends are invited to attend a Funeral Service for Colin to be held in Pinnaroo Cemetery Chapel, 285 Graham Road, Bridgeman Downs on Monday 11th February 2019 commencing at 10am.
TRADITIONAL FUNERALS
Redcliffe – 3284 …
A Family Company
Wallace DENT
| 15/02/2019
Wallace DENT
AKA WALLY
Late of Balgownie
NSW Redfern Police Academy Class # ? ? ?
New South Wales Police Force
[alert_yellow]Regd. # 8822[/alert_yellow]
Uniform # 361
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 28 October 1957
Constable 1st Class – appointed 28 October 1963
Senior Constable – appointed 1 July 1968
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 1 October 1973
Final Rank = Sergeant
Stations: Wagga Wagga HWP ( 1959 – 1964 ), South Coast District, Pt Kembla HWP, Warilla HWP, Wollongong HWP ( 1964 – ), attended the 1st ever BAS Course in Melbourne in 19?? with Dick Brook, Les Austen, Bert Hammond & Max Ebrill., Wollongong BAS – ( Breath Analysis Section ), Pt Kembla GD’s ( 1975 or 76 )( Sgt 3/c ), Traffic Office – Warilla 1980 ( Sgt 2/C ) until having a heart attack & going out HOD in 1982 or 1984.
After HOD, worked at Bramble Armoured division as a Security Guard in 1988 for 15 years.
Service: From? ? pre Oct 1957?to? ? 1982 or 1984? = ? years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: 13 August 1937 – Wollongong
Died on: Thursday 7 February 2019 during the a.m. in Thrroul
Age: 81
Cause: Natural causes – Old age
Event location: the Links Palliative Care, Wollongong
From the moment that Dan walked into Lifehouse he felt cared for and safe. Every Doctor, Nurse and staff member treated him with amazing respect and kindness. Even at the hardest times Dan would give the Doctors his trademark thumbs up to let them know that he was OK.
We appreciate you supporting the amazing work that Chris O’Brien Lifehouse does and know that your donation will make a difference.
Tim had attended the Pistol Range at Lucas Hts for Firearm Training in his own private vehicle and was returning to Liverpool Police Station to return his firearm when this collision occurred.
It has to be asked whether this collision would have been survivable, for Tim, had he been in a modern police vehicle with air bags.
Tim’s Life Support was turned off on Friday morning due to the horrific and non survivable injuries that Timothy suffered in this collision.
Funds to support Tim’s wife and unborn child. Please follow the hyperlink just above and donate.
Death of NSW Police Force officer, Probationary Constable Timothy Proctor
The NSW Police Force regrets to inform the community of the death of a serving police officer after a crash in Sydney’s south last week.
Probationary Constable Timothy Proctor, aged 29, died in hospital this morning (Sunday 3 February 2019) following a four-vehicle crash at Lucas Heights on Thursday 31 January 2019.
P/Cst Proctor attested as part of ‘Class 333’ on Friday 27 April 2018 and was working in general duties at Liverpool City Police Area Command.
Commissioner Mick Fuller has extended his condolences to the Proctor family on behalf of the NSW Police Force.
“My thoughts are with Timothy’s wife Dianne, his family, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“Timothy was certainly well on the way to a wonderful policing career and was well respected by his colleagues and all who knew him.
“He joined the Police Force after being a volunteer fire-fighter and had a tremendous passion and commitment for all emergency services and the community,” Commissioner Fuller said.
P/Cst Proctor’s family has requested their privacy at this time.
‘Well respected’ policeman Timothy Proctor dies after head-on collision
A NSW police officer who was involved in a head-on crash in Sydney’s south last week has died in hospital.
Timothy Proctor, 29, a probationary constable who worked in the Liverpool region, was driving northbound on Heathcote Road at Lucas Heights about 2pm on Thursday when a Honda Civic crossed to the wrong side of the road and crashed into him and two other cars.
Mr Proctor was cut out of his car and rushed to Liverpool hospital, where he remained in a critical condition until his death on Sunday morning.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller paid tribute to Mr Proctor’s time in the police force and offered his condolences to the man’s family.
“Timothy was certainly well on the way to a wonderful policing career and was well respected by his colleagues and all who knew him,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“He joined the police force after being a volunteer firefighter and had a tremendous passion and commitment for all emergency services and the community.
“My thoughts are with Timothy’s wife Dianne, his family, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time,” he said.
Police Association of NSW president Tony King said his staff were “providing support on the ground with the family, friends and colleagues at the hospital since this tragedy unfolded and we will continue to support them as they attempt come to terms with the tragic loss”.
“Collisions like this are always difficult but it hits even harder when it one of your own involved,” Mr King said.
In the collision, the Honda Civic was driving southbound in the 100km/h zone when it failed to negotiate a bend, continuing straight and clipping a Toyota Yaris before it hit Mr Proctor’s red Honda Jazz.
The 65-year-old female driver of the Honda Civic was taken to Liverpool hospital, where she remained in a critical condition on Sunday.
Police said a Mitsubishi Triton which had been driving behind the officer was unable to stop in time and was also involved in the crash.
Two teenagers in the Triton and the driver of the Yaris were not injured.
Vision of the crash, broadcast by Nine News on Friday, shows the Civic travelling in the left-hand lane before it drifts across the middle lane and hits the officer’s oncoming hatchback.
Van driver Kamran Rowshanzadeh, whose dash cam recorded the crash, said he initially thought the car was trying to cut into his lane without using its indicator.
“Next thing I know it was actually drifting,” he said.
He was able to swerve around the cars as they impacted in the single northbound lane. “The car literally came off the ground and the back kicked up and I dodged it. It was just so sudden and so quick,” Mr Rowshanzadeh said.
He added that he heard the officer brake at the last second.
Mr Proctor graduated from the NSW Police Academy in April 2018, as part of class 333, and was one of 15 officers posted to the Liverpool region.
Speaking to the Liverpool City Champion shortly after his graduation, Mr Proctor said he was formerly a volunteer firefighter and had worked in IT repairing laptops before deciding to pursue a career in policing.
He said he had grown up in the area and noticed a “bad perception” of police, which he wanted to change.
A group of 15 police recruits who’ve just graduated from an intense 9-months’ training at the Police Academy were welcomed to Liverpool police station last Monday.
The group were part of Class 333 – 164 policemen and 70 policewomen who are set to complete 12 months’ on-the-job training while studying for an Associate Degree in Policing Practice before being ranked as constables.
A couple of Liverpool recruits shared their hopes and dreams, including Hinchinbrook identical twins Marc and Nathan Brown. “You could say we’re inseparable. We took different paths at the end of high school. Nathan did a trade, I did accounting. But I got bored and wanted to do something to help people and something different each day. This is what I’ve wanted to do since I was a kid and it’s definitely a lot more interesting than spreadsheets!” said older twin Marc. “We made the change at the same time but they split us up with me at Liverpool and Nathan at Green Valley. We still might end up together eventually. It’ll be good fun!”
Marc’s background in martial arts inspired him to choose a career where he could be more active. He’s looking forward to tackling community problems such as domestic violence and drugs. “I’m over-the-moon about starting here.”
Brother Nathan, 24, hopes they get to work together. “That was the plan. It ‘d be fun to see the reactions. We know each other and how we react to things. But we’re also pretty competitive – especially at the academy. They kept us apart when they could and it was probably best.”
Nathan has a background in rugby and hopes to work with disadvantaged youth.
Another recruit is Camden resident Clare Leone, 25. Instead of working in general duties for a three-year probationary period after 18-months she’ll transfer to forensics. “I was constantly changing my mind and then uni started and I really loved science and not doing the same thing each day. Whereas with other scientific jobs you’re often stuck in a lab all day. I’ll still be in the NSW Police Force. I’ll be specialising in fingerprinting at Parramatta. I found it really fascinating – not one person has the same fingerprints. To be able to pursue that as a career is really interesting.”
One recruit who began policing a little later is Prestons’Timothy Proctor, 28: “I wanted to be a firefighter and volunteered for a while but it’s extremely selective and that made me look at alternatives. I worked in IT as a laptop repairer but it was limiting and so I pursued policing. When growing up I noticed the bad perception of police due to corruption. I want to change that. I believe growing up here I have a good understanding of the cultural groups, too.”
Two drivers involved in a horror head-on car crash in Sydney’s south remain fighting for life in hospital, as shocking footage obtained by 9News has showed the moment both vehicles collided.
Emergency services were called to Heathcote Road, north of New Illawarra Road in Lucas Heights, about 2pm yesterday following reports four cars had been involved in a serious crash.
Dashcam footage of the incident shows a Honda Civic, travelling south on the road, crossing a lane of traffic and then onto the wrong side of the road.
The vehicle first nudged an oncoming Toyota Yaris before smashing head-on into a Honda Jazz, driven by 29-year-old male probationary police officer Timothy Proctor from the Liverpool City Area Command.
Both the officer and the 65-year-old female driver of the Civic had to be cut free from their vehicles, and remain in critical conditions today at Liverpool Hospital more than 24 hours after the crash.
It is understood the officer had just completed a training exercise at a facility in the area and was travelling in his private vehicle to Liverpool Police Station to drop off his firearm, at the time of the incident.
After being pulled from the wreckage of his vehicle, he was placed into an induced coma at the scene.
Following the initial point of impact, a Mitsubishi Triton driven by a 19-year-old woman crashed into the woman’s Civic.
The teenager, her 18-year-old male passenger and the 63-year-old driver of the Yaris all escaped injury.
“Obviously, police turning up to a police officer injured is extremely upsetting for first responders – and it was a devastating accident,” acting inspector Melissa Thompson told reporters yesterday.
The horror collision forced the closure of Heathcote Road for six hours yesterday afternoon as major crash investigators examined the scene.
Kamran Rowshanzadeh
Witness Kamran Rowshanzadeh, an electrician from Moorebank who was on his way to a call-out job at the time of the incident, said he first thought the Civic was trying to cross into his lane at about 100km/h.
“It was split second, and the next thing I know is the high impact,” he told 9News.
“The car literally came off the ground and the back kicked up and I dodged it.
“I just heard (Mr Proctor) brake at the last second. It’s like 200km/h int a wall.
Three people, including an on-duty police officer, have been hospitalised after a multi-vehicle crash in Sydney’s south.
Just after 2pm today, police, paramedics and fire crews were called to Heathcote Road, north of New Illawarra Road in Lucas Heights, after reports three vehicles were involved in a serious crash.
Seven ambulance crews and a medical team were called to the location and NSW Fire Rescue were required to help free one person trapped.
A police officer aged in his 30s, and a female driver of another vehicle were both taken to Liverpool Hospital in a critical condition.
A third person was taken to Sutherland Hospital.
The officer had just completed a training exercise at a facility in the area and was travelling in his private vehicle.
Traffic is heavy in the area and Heathcote Road remains closed in both directions with diversions in place at Alec Campbell Drive and New Illawarra Road.
Police are warning drivers to expect delays and make alternative arrangements if possible.
The crash investigation unit is currently at the site.
Parso was a Supervising Sergeant at Warilla HWP during the late 1980’s – early 1990’s before his retirement which was brought on by a massive heart attack he suffered one day whilst rock fishing down Gerroa / Gerringong area.
Stemming from that heart attack, he ‘flat lined’ for a considerable time in the back of the Ambulance whilst being transported through Kiama and was brought back by Ambulance Officers.
In 2013 Parso had been unwell with further heart problems but it was ultimately Cancer which took his life.
We extend our condolences to Carol and family.
FUNERAL PHOTOS.
The power of social media demonstrates that friends will come from far and wide. The family didn’t expect this many to turn up for Parso’s funeral. They even came down from Qld. This is the respect that mates had for Parso.
Anyone wishing a copy of these photos in a higher resolution – contact Cal at the email at the bottom of the page. 87 photos in this collection.
It is with great sadness that another WA Police officer ( male ) has taken their own life overnight. If you know their name please do not divulge it, thank you.
If you need to speak to someone please reach out to anyone be it a friend, relative, Soldiers and Sirens, Soldier On, MHERL even if you reach out through Facebook please just know you can talk to someone. We do understand a number of us have been on the edge before and know what its like.
CURTIS:
The Funeral Service for the late David Harold Wright Curtis of Vitali Crescent, Kalgoorlie will assemble at the main entrance of the Goldfields Crematorium, Memorial Drive, Kalgoorlie for a Cremation Service at 10.30am on TUESDAY (12.2.2019).
IVAN VUKOVICH
Kalgoorlie 9021 2023
Member AFDA
Published in The West Australian on Feb. 5, 2019
Senior police officers lead the funeral procession for Senior Constable Dave Curtis. Picture: Tori O’Connor
‘He loved us so much’: Son of WA cop who took his own life speaks out
Senior Constable Dave Curtis was the sort of cop who would consistently reach out to other officers going through a tough time.
Affectionately known as ‘DC’ by colleagues, he would routinely get in touch with fellow officers who’d been assaulted on the job, making sure they were okay.
He was also known to speak at various police-related and other community events over the years without a microphone – such was the power of his booming voice.
It always got people’s attention.
But Senior Constable Curtis – who first joined WA Police as a cadet in November 1982 – stunned his fellow officers and family by taking his own life in January.
He was just 53.
“The last time we saw one another was at my son’s belated birthday party the weekend before,” his son John Curtis said.
“At the time, he seemed deflated.
“You always offer some assistance or some time to talk, but in this particular circumstance he didn’t see it fit to speak to anyone about it.”
‘He just loved us all so much’
John Curtis said his father told him shortly before he died he would never have to worry about him “doing something stupid”.
“So obviously to get the subsequent news was quite a shock,” he said.
“He’s not the kind of person who would have liked to have burdened anyone with his trouble.
“He didn’t want to shift that burden that he was wearing elsewhere to help himself.
“He loved everyone around him, he didn’t want to cause them any harm or stress.
“He just loved us all so much.”
Senior Constable Curtis’ death is understood to be one of several police suicides across the country in recent weeks and months.
The “tragic and unnecessary deaths” – the Police Federation of Australia says – “demonstrate that holding the thin blue line comes at a very significant cost”.
Senior Constable Curtis’ passing has also once again put a spotlight on the psychological toll policing and other frontline emergency work has on people.
It is for this reason WAtoday has begun a three-part series on the issue starting from today. On Thursday, we will explore the newly restructured police unit tasked with helping officers and their families with mental health issues, and the toll PTSD has on serving and former cops.
‘I’m still stunned by it’
Close friend and fellow WA cop Geoff Stewart said he’d been left rocked by the passing of his mate and colleague.
“The thing I liked the most about him was his integrity,” Superintendent Stewart recalled.
“In all the time I knew him, I never saw him get angry or hear him talk ill of his colleagues. He knew the value of a team.
“DC’s passing has rocked us all and I’m still stunned by it.
“Every police station has a DC. That one individual who is the centre of the place, keeps things ticking and always had the interest of the team at heart.
“Look up country copper in a dictionary and there will be a picture of DC.”
Superintendent Stewart said Senior Constable Curtis was one of several officers stationed at Newman who had to deal with the tragic events of a police air wing crash in the regional town in 2001.
The crash claimed the lives of four police officers.
“That would have left an impact on anyone and I know it did for DC,” Superintendent Stewart said.
Another fellow police officer who knew the 53-year-old said: “He was a typical, old-school, country copper.
“Firm but fair, with a big heart and very community-minded.
“It makes me sad that a strong, resilient man who had given so much and seen so much, got to a point in his life that he could not go on.”
‘We are hurting’
At the time of his death Senior Constable Curtis was a branch official and a director of the WA Police Union.
“He genuinely cared for the welfare of his fellow officers,” WA Police Union boss and close mate Harry Arnott said.
“Around the board table, he always provided a considered, highly-valued opinion.
“A man of few words, when he spoke, people listened and he was a strong voice for regional coppers.
“We are hurting because we have not only lost a great police officer and union man, we’ve lost a great mate.”
A Senate report released in February recommended a range of changes with regard to how governments respond to the mental health concerns of first responders, like police officers and paramedics.
Among the report’s 14 recommendations was a suggestion that compulsory mental health awareness training be introduced in every first responder organisation across Australia.
Research released last year by Beyond Blue found one in three police officers and other emergency service workers experienced high or very high psychological distress compared to one in eight Australian adults.
The research also found police officers and other emergency service workers report suicidal thoughts twice as often as other adults.
John Curtis said he hoped his father’s passing would prompt other people who may have such thoughts, or who are battling any mental health issues to speak up.
This Guest Book will remain online until 8/03/2019.Learn More
Friday, 1 February 2019
CURTIS (Dave):
On behalf of the WA Police Union Directors and Staff, we extend our sincerest condolences to Kerrie and family on the passing of their beloved Dave.
Dave was loved by everyone and our thoughts are with you all at this very difficult time.
It is with great sadness that we inform you of the sudden and tragic passing of a serving WA Police Force officer overnight and we have lost one of our finest.
Dave was a wonderful supporter of the band and was also a member of our Friends of the Band Program.
Sincerest condolences to all Dave’s family and friends.
If you need to speak to someone we urge you to please, please, reach out.
Talk to your colleagues, a friend or loved one or make that call to one of the numbers below or the Helpline for wherever you reside.
Some details on the officer in WAPOL that was lost to the world this week.
PUTP unfortunately has recently lost one of our own but known personally of 3 police related deaths in the last 2 months. We grieve still.
Our thoughts go to family of this officer both blood and in blue.
In memoriam: Senior Constable David ‘Dave’ Curtis, WA Police Force, died suddenly on the night of 30th January 2019
Senior Constable David Harold Wright Curtis dedicated 34 years of diligent service to the community of Western Australia. His larger-than-life personality and his willingness to help impressed many in the Goldfields region and beyond. His presence made a significant impact in Western Australia and his leaving has left our world a poorer place.
Dave Curtis was a wonderful supporter of Police Legacy and many other community initiatives, including his contributions to Polair 64 memorial and events. The support he offered to members following the tragedy at Newman will forever be remembered; he held the community together through very trying times. As the Eastern Region Director, he was a valued Member and contributor to the WA Police Union for more than a decade.
As he leaves behind his loving wife and children, he is reunited with his late father and step-daughter. Dave Curtis will forever be remembered for his many accomplishments, and as a great friend, colleague and a true gentleman. His loss has left us all feeling deeply desolate with grief.
Our hearts go out to his family, friends, colleagues; everyone who loved him. May peace and comfort find them during this incredibly difficult time.
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.
FAREWELL TO A ‘GENTLE GIANT’
Jason Mennell Wednesday, 13 February 2019 10:44AM
There was a huge outpouring of solidarity as more than 200 police officers from across the State yesterday joined family and friends to farewell Senior Constable David Curtis at a touching funeral service in Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
At the service he was described by friends and colleagues as a “gentle giant” who always put others before himself.
But underneath his sunny and selfless nature, Sen. Const. Curtis faced emotional turmoil and to the stunned dismay of friends and family he made the decision to take his own life last month at the age of 53.
His death came after 36 years with WA Police, in a career which began at Kambalda in 1982. He went on to serve at Kalgoorlie Police Station, Mt Magnet Police Station and Newman Police Station.
At the funeral service yesterday, an emotional former policeman and State Member for Kalgoorlie Kyran O’Donnell, who knew Sen. Const. Curtis for 30 years, told the Kalgoorlie Miner his friend would be sorely missed.
“We are always there to support each other but we weren’t there for Dave,” he said.
“We didn’t know. It’s just a waste.
“If we can learn by this by learning to identify this in the future, it won’t happen again.”
Mr O’Donnell said he had never seen so many officers at a funeral before and it was a fitting send-off for a “gentle giant”.
“He was one of the nicest guys,” he said. “No one ever had a bad word about him. It didn’t matter whatever you asked of him, he did it. He was one of those coppers he would still be there hours after his shifts, finishing jobs to help others and he wouldn’t even claim overtime.”
The service began with a solemn procession led by police motorbikes and cars travelling down Memorial Drive as officers stood tall on either side of the road with hands held stiffly at their sides.
The vehicles were followed by 12 members of the WA Police Pipe Band who played a selection from the Retreat Slow Marches.
Behind the pipe band, senior police officers marched ahead of the hearse carrying a casket that was flanked by close friends and family members. The procession peeled off into the Kalgoorlie Cemetery where people who could not fit inside the Kalgoorlie Crematorium Chapel stood outside to listen to the service.
During the service the chaplain said the selfless officer must have been facing emotional turmoil before he made the decision to take his own life.
He said the sudden death of Sen. Const. Curtis would have left family, friends and colleagues questioning what they might have done to intervene beforehand, but that they should not be hard on themselves.
A friend of Sen. Const. Curtis, Anita Grace, talked fondly about the officer’s time in Newman.
She said Sen. Const. Curtis was popular with the Martu people in the region and was “a big man with a big smile” who “always had time to chat”.
Superintendent Geoff Stewart who served with Sen. Const. Curtis in Newman said friends and family had been left “stunned” by the tragic news.
“He was a big man and he left a big impact on all of us,” he said.
“It wasn’t only what he did but it was how he held himself. The man had integrity.”
Supt Stewart said a light aircraft crash, which killed four police officers in January 2001 in Newman had left an indelible mark on his former colleague.
WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson, who was also at the service, told the Kalgoorlie Miner the police force was like a family.
“This is unsurprising for me as commissioner to see this demonstrable show of unity, but we are really here to care and support Dave’s immediate family and recognise his service over many, many years,” he said.
“For us it is a touching, sad and sombre moment but it’s very important that we also celebrate his life and give support to his family, friends and colleagues.”
Allen Joseph MURPHY
| 15/02/2019
Allen Joseph MURPHY
AKA SPUD
Late of Orange
NSW Redfern Police Academy Class # ? ? ?
New South Wales Police Force
[alert_yellow]Regd. # 9509[/alert_yellow]
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 2 November 1959
Passed away peacefully surrounded by family at St. Francis Aged Care. Loving husband of Jan.
Much loved father, grandfather and great grandfather
“In God’s Loving Care”
Aged 89 Years
Funeral details to be announced at a later date.
NORMAN J PENHALL FUNERALS AFDA, FDA of NSW
33 William Street, Orange Phone 63623751
Our family caring for your family
January 31, 2019
Thanks Big Al for your enduring love
and support. So glad that I got to call you my father. Love you so much xx
*
January 31, 2019
I love you, Pop.
Thank you for loving me, for encouraging me.
I am so proud to be the granddaughter of such a kind, faithful, hard-working, downright good bloke.
All I know from working with him that he was a devout catholic, had 13 children and was a shearer when he wasn’t working as a cop. He was a sergeant and a truly good man and I remember him saying when cigarettes got to $2 a pack he would quit and he did.
[divider_dotted]
