For the purposes of this website ‘Q‘ represents those Police joining between 1 March 1862 ( commencement of NSWPF ) – 23 February 1915 ( Commencement of NSWPF current numbering system )
Rank: Probationary Constable – 12 November 1900
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant – appointed ? ? ?
Senior Sergeant – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank = Senior Sergeant
Stations: Burwood? ( 1902 ), Sydney Water Police ( 1903 ), Tamworth Foot Patrol ( ? – September 1913 ), Sydney Water Police ( Cst 1/c, September 1913 – 1928 – Death )
Service: From? pre 12 November 1900 ?to24 May 1928 = 27+ years Service
Awards: was awarded a Certificate of Merit for actions involving a suicide at Watsons Bay on the 31 August 1923, as was Constable George F. DAY & Constable George MILES, from the Royal Humane Society of NSW
Posthumously commended by the Royal Shipwreck Relief and Humane Society of N.S.W. in August 1928 for his rescue efforts
Born: ? ? 1875, Victoria, Au
Died on: Thursday 24 May 1928 at 4.40am
Age: 53
Cause: Pernicious Anemia ( lack of vitamin B12 needed to produce red blood cells )
Event location: Sydney Hospital
Event date: pre 12 December 1927 – 25 May 1928 ongoing illness
Funeral date: Friday 25 May 1928 @ 1pm
Funeral location: Wood, Coffill Funerals, George St, Sydney
Wake location: ?
Funeral Parlour: Wood, Coffill Funerals, George St, Sydney
Buried at: UNMARKED GRAVE: C of E, Rookwood Cemetery, Lidcombe, NSW
Grave location: Anglican Sect 3, grave 478
Karen OZDEN. William SHAKESPEARE Unmarked grave
Memorial located at: ?
WILLIAM is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * NOT JOB RELATED
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Sydney Water Police after the 1927 Tahiti Disaster on Sydney Harbour. Waiting to be claimed. Some of the sad relics of the calamity – passengers belonging – salved by the Water Police and now waiting identification at the Water Police Court.
Sydney Water Police 1900
Sydney Water Police with the Cambria – 1930
William Shakespeare Water Police Constable Sydney May 1st, 1912 Dear Sir, We the undersigned non-coms, and comrades of the Sydney Water Police, take this opportunity of expressing their appreciation of the many excellent qualities as a man and a comrade which has characterised you during the Ten Years you have been among us as a Constable, and Skipper, of the Argus. We trust a bright and prosperous time will be yours in your new position and health and long life will crown a career of usefulness. Signed: by 29 people.
Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 – 1930),
Saturday 26 May 1928, page 4
LATE SGT. SHAKESPEARE
Representative Funeral
The funeral of the late Sergeant William Shakespeare was attended by 100 members of the Police Force, who walked behind the hearse to the Regent Street mortuary station.
The Police Band played the ” March Funebre, ” and the cortege passed through large crowds. The Commissioner of Police ( Mr. James Mitchell ) was represented by Inspector Irving.
Sydney’s worst maritime disaster occurred out of the blue on a sunny spring day in 1927. As well as the tragic loss of life, the accident is memorable for acts of heroism.
On the afternoon of Thursday 3 November 1927, commuters hurried to board the Greycliffe, a ferry operating between Circular Quay and Watsons Bay. It was known as the ‘school boat’, because so many children caught it home from schools in the city. It was a beautiful day to be on the harbour: the water was calm, the sun shone and visibility was good.
An inexplicable accident
Around 4.15pm the ferry left the quay on its usual route, stopping at Garden Island to pick up dockworkers. As it left Garden Island, the RMS Tahiti, a mail steamer carrying around 300 passengers bound for New Zealand, approached it from behind. The Tahiti with its steel bow was roughly three times the size of the wooden Greycliffe, and was moving very quickly: witnesses estimated that the ship was travelling at around 12 knots instead of the permitted 8. The smaller boat made an inexplicable turn into the Tahiti’s path. The Tahitisounded its horn and immediately cut its speed, but it was too late – the ship couldn’t stop. Passengers and crew had little time to react as the steamship hit the ferry, cleaving it in two.
Some passengers were thrown into the water by the impact, while others dived overboard. Some unlucky victims were trapped in the wreckage, including many who were sitting in the men’s and women’s saloons. The ferry’s hull sank rapidly, sucking nearby survivors underwater, with only the strongest swimmers able to reach the surface again. Other boats sped to the scene, their occupants pulling people from the water and launching lifeboats in a frantic search for survivors.
Tales of loss and survival
The NSW Water Police launch Cambriawas on a routine patrol near the accident and its officers sprang into action, speeding towards the stricken ferry. Its skipper was the notably named 53-year-old Sergeant William Shakespeare, who had joined the police in 1900 and had already performed many daring rescues. The officers tore off their boots and entered the water, assisting in the rescue of 11 people. The survivors were taken to Bennelong Point for medical assessment and to be reunited with their loved ones.
Forty people, ranging in age from toddlers to senior citizens, lost their lives in the worst maritime disaster Sydney Harbour has witnessed. Dramatic and terrifying stories emerged. Schoolgirl Gene Wise recalled opening her eyes underwater to see the Tahiti’s propeller heading straight for her, but she managed to swim out of its path. Rescuers witnessed terrible scenes, including the discovery of Mary Corby, who drowned along with her six-year-old daughter Noreen, found dead in her mother’s arms. The sad task of searching for the dead began the next day, with two divers sent down to the wreck of the ferry to collect the bodies of those trapped in the debris. The victims’ belongings were also collected and sent to the Phillip Street police station, now part of the Justice & Police Museum. Families and friends of the missing had the devastating task of identifying personal items retrieved from the harbour to assist the police in their investigations.
Sergeant Shakespeare
Three inquiries were held, including a coronial inquest held in part at the Water Police Court (now part of the Justice & Police Museum). The inquest identified a range of factors that had contributed to the accident, including the Tahiti’s speed and the peculiar design of the Greycliffe’s wheelhouse, which created a blind spot that may have obscured the captain’s view of the approaching Tahiti.
During the inquest, relatives of the dead expressed their gratitude towards Sergeant Shakespeare for his bravery and kindness. Six months after the Greycliffe tragedy, Shakespeare himself was gravely ill with pernicious anaemia. When it was announced that he needed blood transfusions, almost every man at the Water Police Station gave blood in an attempt to save his life. Sadly, Shakespeare died soon after, on 24 May 1928. He was posthumously commended for his bravery during the Greyclifferescue operation.
Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954),
Friday 25 May 1928, page 17
SERGEANT SHAKESPEARE.
William Shakespeare, sergeant first-class of the Water Police, died in Sydney Hospital at 4.40 a.m. yesterday of pernicious anaemia; Four blood transfusions had been made in an unsuccessful effort to save his life. Two of his comrades in the force, Constables Milne and Bowers, and his son, William Shakespeare, Junior, gave their blood for this purpose.
Sergeant Shakespeare joined the police force in 1900.
SHAKESPEARE.- On May 24, 1928, at Sydney, Senior Sergeant William Shakespeare, of the Water Police, Sydney, and beloved only brother of Mrs. C. W. Williams, Hawthorn Avenue, New Town, In his 53rd year.
The estate of the late Water-Police Sergeant William Shakespeare has been valued for probate purposes at £1134. Letters of administration were granted to the Public Trustee.
On Escort Duty Sergeant William Shakespeare, of the New South Wales Police Department, arrived from Sydney on escort duty by the s.s. Westralia yesterday. A Hobart prisoner, now on remand, is to be taken to Sydney to answer a charge of fraud.
Constable Ross, of Burren Junction, takes the place of Constable Smith at Tamworth, the latter having recently been transferred.
Constable Tindall, who comes from Wollongong, has been definitely appointed to Tamworth to fill the vacancy of Constable Shakespeare, who some weeks ago left for Sydney to rejoin the water police force.
First class Constable Shakespear has received notice of his transfer from the Tamworth foot police to the position which he once occupied on the Water police. During Constable Shakespear’s sojourn in Tamworth he has proved an efficient and zealous officer.
Buried at: Cremated – Garden Chapel of Castlebrook Crematorium, Windsor Road, Rouse Hill
Memorial located at: ?
Eileen Patricia WILSON – Point Duty – Sydney CBD
Eileen Patricia WILSON – Point Duty – Sydney CBD
Back Row (L-R): Marsia POTTER P/W 0013 ( was a Sgt 2/C ), June STRATHMORE ( was a Sgt 2/c ) ( R.I.P. ), ?, ? Front Row: Eileen Patricia ‘Pat WILSON, Inness ? ( R.I.P. ), ?
EILEEN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * NOT JOB RELATED
Funeral location: TBA
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
September 1955: Eileen Patrician WILSON, a Constable with the School Lecturing Section at Darlinghurst married Cecil Alfred Shaw, a Constable and member of 22 Division, Liverpool. They married at St. Patricks Catholic Church, Parramatta.
( Source: Liverpool Police History – 1788 – 2016 )
SHAW, Eileen Patricia ” Pat “
28/07/1930 – 19/07/2019
Aged 88 Years
Passed away peacefully in hospital surrounded by family.
Settled in Canley Vale home with beloved husband Cecil Ike (deceased).
Dearest sister to Josie (deceased).
Loving Mother of Wayne, Debbie, Lisa, Melinda, Nicole and Louise.
Mother-in-law to 3.
Proud Grandmother to 20 and
Great Grandmother to 7 with two little souls on the way.
In God s Loving Care
Relatives and friends of Pat are warmly invited to attend her funeral service that will be held at 1.30pm on Friday 26th July 2019, at St Matthew s Catholic Church, 12 Tebbutt Street Windsor.
Following the service, the cortege will proceed to the Garden Chapel of Castlebrook Crematorium, Windsor Road, Rouse Hill.
Hey Greg, just to let you know that mum passed away on Friday, at 22:10
Us 5 girls have been with her all day every day and all day with our children as well on Friday, as we knew time was growing shorter.
Mum was resting peacefully, probably hearing us all around her, chatter and recalling older days.
One grandson was reading out the crossword puzzle clues as we all tried to guess the answers.
It was, I suppose, an early birthday gathering for mum because she would have turned 89 next Sunday, July 28.
Debbie and Louise had planned to stay the night… we all wanted to but that was impossible.
We all slowly left through the night, one by one, with plans to return in the morning, as mum’s breathing was steady.
She was given morphine every four hours to help her rest and breathe easily, which she was.
There was no change until the last person left, leaving Debbie and Louise to settle in for the night.
3 minutes later mum’s breathing began to slow down. Minutes later she quietly slipped away,
Debbie and Louise were by her side, gently talking to her, telling her to go to Dad as they held her hands.
They said she was very, very peaceful,.
I really believe that she was waiting for us to go so she could go with dad.
On Thursday I sat by her bedside and held her hand for 9 hours. Whispering to her come by letting her know that I was not going anywhere. We were all taking it in shifts.
Every time I went to pull my hand away, just to change position, she would squeeze my hand. She knew I was there and I am just so glad I was there.Greg, all the laughs you had with mum and dad through the years and when you were patrolling with Wayne, the whole Shaw household loved your presence… except for my dog.
Thank you for your kind words too.
You are right.
Mum has been without dad for so long now.
25 years in fact!
I imagine she has gone rushing back to dad’s arms….. free from her poor old body.
NSW Police School Lecturing Unit – 11 July 1953 PIX MAGAZINE Volume 30, No. 5 ( 11 July 1953 ) Pages 21 – 23
Cumberland Argus (Parramatta, NSW : 1950 – 1962),
Wednesday 28 September 1955, page 9
WEDDING OF POLICEMAN, POLICEWOMAN
Seventy yards of billowing tulle and exquisite Chantilly lace, worn over slipper satin, went into the beautiful bridal gown, which Eileen Patricia Wilson wore at her marriage to Cecil Alfred Shaw, in St, Patrick’s Catholic Church, Parramatta.
Both bride and groom are members of the N.S.W. Police Force.
Eileen, who is the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. Wilson, of Blaxcell Street, Granville, was attached to the school lecturing division, Bourke Street, Darlinghurst.
Cecil, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Shaw, is a member of No. 22 Division, Liverpool.
Eileen’s bridal gown, together with the maid’s frock, fashioned by her friend, Mrs. E. Hawke, of Granville, featured a lace-fitted bodice, long sleeves and a lace draped apron front, continued to the back and finishing with a bustle bow and two hemline tails. The tulle skirt was cut with an eight foot train. Her short, four-tiered veil was held by a crown of lily of-the-valley.
Large camellias, surrounded by white hyacinths, comprised the bridal bouquet.
Josephine Anne Wilson, her only attendant, wore a full-length frock of salmon flecked nylon, with a plain salmon nylon apron front and bustle bow. She wore a halo of tuber roses in her hair.
Best man was Bernard Russell Shaw, the groom’s brother.
One hundred guests were received at ” Westella, ” Auburn, Lilac Ballroom, by Mrs. Wilson, who chose a blue figured nylon frock, topped with a blue and white coat.
Mrs. Shaw chose a lemon romaine beaded frock and black accessories.
The bride changed for her Coolangatta honeymoon in to a champagne, sculptured nylon frock, over which she wore a powder-blue velvet coat and a small matching petal hat.
Coroner urges six-monthly welfare checks after inquest into four police suicide deaths
Posted
In short: A Hobart coroner who investigated the deaths of four police officers who took their own lives has recommended Tasmania Police conduct mandatory half-yearly well-being screenings for PTSD.
What’s next? The Police commissioner says work will continue with the police association to implement changes
The family of one of four Tasmanian police officers who died by suicide between 2016 and 2020 say they hope the findings of a coronial inquest may prevent a similar tragedy in the future.
Coroner Simon Cooper has handed down his findings into the deaths of Constable Paul Hunt, Senior Sergeant Paul Reynolds, Constable Simon Darke and Sergeant Robert Cooke, recommending a swathe of welfare supports be implemented.
WARNING: This story touches on themes of depression and suicide.
During last year’s hearings, the court was told how overworked officers were self-medicating with alcohol and drugs, and of significant shortfalls in welfare support — particularly in areas such as fatigue management and protocols around interactions with the Professional Standards Command.
In his findings, Coroner Cooper, acknowledged the fact that these men were all serving police officers was “only part of the whole picture” of their lives, but he said he had “no doubt” that “Sergeant Cooke‘s police service was the direct cause of his death“.
But he said the provision of welfare support and whether it was adequate was a “central consideration at the inquest.”
He called for Tasmania Police to immediately develop and implement a fatigue management policy saying it was essential it was “addressed urgently”.
The inquest heard Robert Cooke had reportedly worked “16-hour continuous shifts for four weeks” during the Central Highlands bushfires in 2019.
This had left him “exhausted and barely functioning towards the end of the third week”.
“Tasmania Police had no fatigue management policy at any time, up to and including as recently as when the evidence at the inquest was publicly taken at the end of 2022,” he said.
“The absence of any fatigue management policy was, I consider, a direct factor in Sergeant Cooke’s death.”
Tasmania Police officers salute at Robert Cooke’s funeral in 2020 .(ABC News: Luke Bowden)
The coroner also recommended six-monthly screenings of all operation police officers for post-traumatic stress disorder.
“Sergeant Cooke obviously suffered from the effects of PTSD for a long time before it was diagnosed,” he said.
“Every health care professional who gave evidence … unanimously agreed that his PTSD was entirely attributable to his service as a police officer.
“Every health care professional also agreed that earlier detection of PTSD increases the chances of successful treatment and recovery.”
Tasmania Police investigating the feasibility of “introducing a points system”, whereby an officer’s exposure to severe incidents would be tracked, was also recommended.
When a “critical points threshold” was reached, an automatic referral to a psychologist should be triggered, Coroner Cooper said.
The coroner also called for better support for officers under investigation for misconduct — including ensuring that those who had their phone seized by Professional Standards be given a replacement mobile pre-programmed with well-being support numbers.
“The death of any member of the community by suicide is a tragedy,” Coroner Cooper said.
“The suicide of serving police officers, whatever their individual circumstances, is particularly tragic for serving members of the police force and the community at large.
“My sincere hope is that some improvements and learnings can emerge from the deaths of Constable Hunt, Senior Sergeant Reynolds, Constable Darke and Sergeant Cooke.”
Sergeant Robert “Cookie” Cooke was well-regarded among his Tasmania Police colleagues.(ABC News: Luke Bowden)
Families welcome findings
In a statement, Robert Cooke‘s mother Lyn and sister Michelle said they were satisfied with the findings, particularly the recommendations for a fatigue management policy and screenings for PTSD stress disorder.
“The family miss Rob terribly and hope the findings and increased support for mental health may prevent similar events in the future,” they said.
“[Our] thoughts are with all the families involved in this inquest.”
Commissioner committed to ‘safe model of policing’
Police Commissioner Donna Adams acknowledged it was a difficult time for the families and colleagues impacted by the coronial report.
She said improvements had already been made within Tasmania Police.
Strategies included “a strong peer support group, and a critical stress program” to ensure officers could access the help they needed.
But she said changes wouldn’t end there — and that Tasmania Police would work with the Police Association to examine the coroner’s recommendations.
Police Minister Felix Ellis said the government had allocated funding to “Tasmania Police and the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management’s nation-leading wellbeing program”.
“Police officers, by the nature of the job, are exposed to some pretty difficult and extraordinary circumstances, so providing that support is important,” he said.
“We want to work to make sure that policing continues to be a career or choice, and that we’re supporting our officers if they do find themselves facing challenging circumstances.”
The former partner of a Tasmanian police officer who died by suicide has told an inquest that he became fixated on jobs which involved suicide — but that he never sought help for his own mental health.
The coronial inquest is examining the death of Constable Simon Darke and the deaths of three other police officers between 2016 and 2020.
Kimberly Freeman told the court that while Constable Darke loved being a police officer, he started to become obsessed with the jobs he attended that involved death by suicide, and she had concerns about him being in possession of a weapon.
Ms Freeman said Constable Darke‘s mental status changed in the months leading up to his death in 2019.
The inquest also heard Constable Darke had worked 23 hours of overtime over three consecutive days whilst he was involved in the emergency response during the 2019 bushfires in the Huon Valley, south of Hobart.
“He told me he had been working long days so there is no doubt in my mind that he was extremely overtired,” Ms Freeman said.
“He picked up as much overtime and shifts as he could and mentioned several times that he didn’t have enough money.”
Darke ‘copped a lot of abuse’ during fire evacuations
Constable Darke‘s father Graham told the court that while he knew his son had problems with some relationships, the long hours during the 2019 bushfires and run of night shifts at a Hobart police station became too much for the 45-year-old.
“My son mentioned he had copped a lot of abuse when he asked people to leave their homes during the fires, he then went onto night shift by himself which in hindsight wasn’t appropriate,” Mr Darke said.
Another ex-partner, Shanna Sweeney, told the inquest she contacted police after Constable Darke threatened suicide in 2011 but did not believe her concerns were taken seriously.
Ms Sweeney told the court that it took a lot for her to speak up because she did not want Constable Darke to get into trouble at work, and was concerned he could be punished if he was seen as being vulnerable.
She said it was common knowledge among Tasmanian police officers that Constable Darke had threatened self-harm, even though he personally denied it.
“There was a perception he would be judged if he got help,” she said.
Ms Sweeney told the inquest Constable Darke did not really talk about his work unless it was “funny“, and never identified a particular event that would have caused him trauma.
The inquest continues.
Key points:
The inquest heard Constable Simon Darke had worked 23 hours of overtime over three consecutive days during the bushfire response in 2019
Ex-partner Shanna Sweeney said she contacted police after Constable Darke threatened suicide in 2011 but did not believe her concerns were taken seriously
She said it was common knowledge among Tasmanian police officers that Constable Darke had threatened self-harm, even though he personally denied it
In memoriam: Constable Simon Graham Darke, Tasmania Police, died suddenly on 6th February 2019. He was 45 years old.
Constable Simon Darke served as a valued member of Tasmania Police for ten years, most recently with Southern Road and Public Order Services.
He was a talented artist, bicycle racer, a caring and kind police officer, adored dad, loving son and brother. A great man who was snatched from us too soon.
He answered the call, never hesitated to help people, and he will forever live through all whose lives he touched. May he rest in peace and intercede on our behalf.
We extend our deepest sympathies to his young family and friends. May care and love of those around you provide comfort to get you through the days and years ahead.
Gone from our sight but not from our hearts.
Simon, a great artist, also owned ‘Spider Signs’ although that business was de-registered on 3 November 2008.
DARKE Family and friends are invited to attend a service to celebrate the life of Simon Graham Darke To be held at: Turnbull Funerals Chapel 71 Letitia Street, North Hobart Friday, February 15, 2019 3.00pm
Special and adored dad and daddy of Cleo, Archie (dec), Hallie and Lacey.
Loved and loving son of Jan and Graham.
Most dearly loved brother, brother-in-law and uncle of Shelley and Mark Spong, Nathan and Tegan, Mitchell, Sophie, Campbell, Abbey and Ainsley; Emerson and Ava.
Loved grandson of Patty and Fred Kean and Bill and Ailie Darke (all dec).
Talented artist, signwriter, devoted policeman.
Sorely missed, we will always love you.
February 14, 2019
Angela Gillam, Geelong, Victoria
February 14, 2019
Condolences to Darke family.
In our thoughts at this time and for whenever you may need us
Colin & Jackie McKenzie,
Howden, Tasmania
February 14, 2019
From all of us, at Salvation Army Street Teams Hobart, we would like to send our deepest sympathies and love to Family & friends of Constable Simon Darke. We are deeply saddened by his passing and we are all blessed to have known Simon.
We will surely miss his friendly chats, sense of humour and assistance at Street Teams.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Mel Street Teams,
Hobart, Tasmania
February 14, 2019
Rip Simon. You were a great friend to our family and we are shocked and saddened by your passing.
Hopefully at peace now xx
Ange & Pete Gillam
Angela Gillam, BC
February 14, 2019
Much respected and loved friend of Ken and Beryl (dec) Rayner. Simon’s friendship and care over the years has been so very appreciated and we are devastated to learn of his passing. So young and such a kind soul. We will miss you Simon.
Ken Rayner, Lauderdale, Tasmania
February 13, 2019
Condolences to all of Simons family and friends.
Forever a part of the Police family. He will be sadly missed.
Karen Westell, Hobart
February 13, 2019
Another Hero taken too soon, may you rest in peace. Condolences to your family at this time of great hurt.
Ian Hobbs, Huonville
February 13, 2019
So sorry to hear of Simons passing, our love and thoughts are with family and friends at this sad time x
Alison Hulm,
Launceston
February 13, 2019
RIP condolences to family, friends and colleagues.
Alex Robertson
February 13, 2019
Wendy Scholes,
GRANTVILLE
February 13, 2019
RIP Blue Brother.
Sincere condolences to Simons family.
Chris Richardson,
St Helens, MO
February 13, 2019
Condolences to family, friends and workmates Serving and police veterans Australia wide are hurting and our collective thoughts are with you at this time. Simon will forever be part of the Thin Blue Line
Mick Cummins,
Geelong, Victoria
February 11, 2019
We are saddened by the sudden loss of our cousin Simon. He will be sadly missed by us from far away. Our prayers, blessings, and love to my family in Tasmania.
Love Phillip, Kris, and Noah Webb, Ohio USA.
Phillip Webb,
Washington Court House, OH
February 9, 2019
Simon was a wonderful friend and neighbour and will be sadly missed. Our condolences to all the family.
Jean & Dave Wallace
February 9, 2019
DARKE Simon, Constable
Simon served as a valued member of the Tasmania Police Service for 10 years, most recently with Southern Road and Public Order Services, and his loss is felt deeply across the agency. The Commissioner, Members and Employees of Tasmania Police are saddened by his passing and offer their deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
We salute the service of Senior Constable Ricky John Hilton, Queensland Police Service, who died suddenly on 12th February 2019. He was 54 years old.
On Tuesday, 12th February 2019, Australia lost a kind police officer, a father, husband and brother, and his leaving has left our world a poorer place. He leaves behind his loving wife and two sons.
His friends describe him as a kind, humble, compassionate and considerate man.
Like a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in time of sorrow.
Gone from our sight, but not from our hearts.
Family and friends of Ricky are invited to attend a service at Centenary Memorial Gardens Chapel, 353 Wacol Station Road, Sumner, on Wednesday, 20th February, at 11 a.m. To respect his family’s wishes, please donate to Queensland Police Legacy.
Here is Ricky John Hilton’s obituary. Please accept Everhere’s sincere condolences.
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Ricky John Hilton (Ballarat, Victoria), who passed away on February 12, 2019, leaving to mourn family and friends. Family and friends can light a candle as a loving gesture for their loved one. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Ricky John Hilton to show support.
He was loved and cherished by many people including : his spouse Maree; his children, Pierce and Edward; his parents, Max and Marian; his siblings, Nicole, Yvette and Danielle; his siblings-in-law, Scott, Stephen and Mary Anne; his nieces and nephews, Thomas, Louisa, Jack, Patrick, Samuel, Isabella, Caelan, Bridie and Riagan.
Arrived in Sydney from London Police – 1855 as the Officer In Charge of the original Police detachment raised in London to form the nucleus of NSW Police
Officially joined NSW Police – Saturday 13 January 1855
Sub-Inspector – appointed ? March 1862
Inspector – appointed 1 January 1875 ?
Superintendent – appointed 1 January 1875 ?
Superintendent 1st Class – appointed 1 January 1885
acting Inspector General – 23 February 1888
Final Rank = Superintendent 1st Class
Stations: London Metropolitan Police, Sydney Metropolitan Police – Death
Service: From13 January 1855to12 December 1901 = 46 years Service
At the time of his death he was the oldest serving Policeman in New South Wales.
1855: Arrived in Sydney with fellow London Police Officer SAUNDERSON who was later to become Superintendent at Bathurst District. Both READ and SAUNDERSON were part of an original detachment raised in London to form the nucleus of the present Force. READ was the Officer in Charge of the detachment, SAUNDERSON was his second in charge and joined the NSW Police.
1875: READ was promoted to Superintendant
1888: Performed the duties of Inspector General in the absence of Inspector General FOSBERY who was absent from New South Wales for some months.
April 1900: Granted 9 months leave but was extended.
12/12/1901: Died at his residence 507 Dowling St, Moore Park. Among the many senior members of the NSW Police mourners was Inspector General FOSBERY and Superintendent SAUNDERSON, Bathurst.
It would know appear that Superintendent SAUNDERSON with whom READ arrived in 1855 may be the oldest serving NSW Police Officer at the time in 1901.
George was married twice in Sydney. His first wife died 1873 and they had 4 children. He married again in 1875 and had 5 more children. His last born was a daughter in 1886 when he was 58 years old.
Spanning over 5 levels, this updated registered 10 room boarding house with approval for a maximum of 20 occupants offers single, double & extra-large rooms, some with balcony’s and bathrooms & city skyline views. A sought after and rare find with consistent income stream and strong growth investment opportunity.
Features include large paved courtyard, communal kitchen, dining, separate living areas and a rear pedestrian lane.
Set within a fine pocket of Surry Hills and moments from famed eateries, Moore Park, Centennial Park and transport.
507 South Dowling St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010 ( cream building )
A memorial tablet to the memory of the late Superintendent George Read has been placed in the Bourke-street (Sydney) church by the officers and men of the police force.
The ceremony of unveiling the tablet took place on Sunday night ( 24 December 1905 ) in the presence of a large congregation; which included a number of officers and members of the police force.
An address in appreciation of the deceased, who was a member and trustee of Bourke-street, was delivered by Rev. J. W. Collier.
The late Superintendent Read was the honoured father of Rev. George Read of the Homebush Circuit.
Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 – 1912), Saturday 11 January 1902, page 75
Police Promotions.
The Executive Council on Tuesday approved, on the recommendation of the Inspector-General of Police, of the following police promotions : —
Superintendent Thomas Garvin (2nd class) to be 1st class from December 13 last.
Superintendent Nicholas Larkins (3rd class) to be 2nd class from July 1 last.
Superintendent Martin Brennan (3rd class) to be 2nd class from December 13 last.
Acting-Superintendent Stephen J. Cotter, appointment to that rank confirmed, and to take effect from December 13 last.
Sub -Inspector Isaac Morrow (1st class) to be Inspector from December 13 last.
Sub-Inspector John S. Clark (2nd class), drill instructor at the police barracks ( Belmore Barracks ? ), to be sub-inspector 1st class, from July 1 last.
Acting Sub-Inspectors A. A. Hojel, A. A. Sykes, H. Trenchard, J. McVane, and Thomas Kendall (storekeeper), appointments confirmed to the rank of sub-inspector from July 1 last.
Superintendent Garvin takes the position left vacant by the death of Superintendent George Read.
Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 – 1907), Saturday 21 December 1901, page 26
Superintendent Read.
The oldest policeman in New South Wales, as far as length of service is concerned, died on December 12, when Superintendent George Read, who for over a quarter of a century controlled the metropolitan district, breathed his last at his residence in Dowling-street, Moore Park. The end was not entirely unexpected by either his family or his colleagues, for Mr. Read had been in ill-health for the past six or eight months, and it was generally recognised that the end of his useful career was at hand. The deceased gentleman shared with Superintendent Saunderson, of Bathurst, the distinction of being, as stated, the oldest policeman in this State, and of the two Mr. Read held the senior position. Both officers came to New South Wales in the fifties, in a detachment of police who had been engaged in London, and who formed the nucleus of the present force. Of this detachment Mr. Read came out as officer-in-charge, having had several years’ experience previous to that in England. He and Superintendent Saunderson joined the police here on January 13, 1855. By degrees the merit of both gentlemen won for them promotion, and on January 1, 1875, Mr. Read was appointed superintendent, which is the highest position next to that of the Inspector-General. For a good many years before this, however, he had had the control of the police of Sydney. In April last year he obtained nine months’ leave of absence, and this was afterwards extended. Mr. Read, who died from senile decay, was 73 years of age. He was married twice, and several children, besides his second wife, survive him.
Mr. N. Larkin, who has been performing the duties of superintendent of the metropolitan division for some time past, was recently permanently installed in the position, and his appointment as Mr. Read’s successor has proved to be generally popular with the men of the police force. Speaking of Mr. Read’s death, Mr. Fosbery, the Inspector-General, said:-“I cannot speak in terms too high of Mr. Read’s public services, and of his integrity of purpose, and knowledge of, and close attention to, his duties during his very long and very useful career.” It may be mentioned that Mr. Read, for some months, carried out the duties of Inspector General of Police, during the absence of that officer, in 1888, from New South Wales.
Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954), Friday 13 December 1901, page 7
DEATH OF SUPERINTENDENT READ.
A PROMINENT POLICE OFFICIAL.
Superintendent George W. Read, one of the oldest members of the force in New South Wales, who was in charge of the metropolitan police district, died yesterday at 1 30 pm, at his residence, 507 Dowling-street, Moore Park.
The deceased officer, who was highly respected throughout the service, had been in bad health for some little time, and was granted leave of absence lately with a view to his retirement.
Dr. Piton, the Government Medical Officer, was his medical adviser. The late Mr. Read leaves a widow and several children.
The late superintendent arrived in Sydney in January, 1855, he being one of a number of the London Metropolitan Police who came out to the colony in that year.
He was placed in charge of the Sydney police as sub-inspector in March, 1862 – nearly 40 years ago.
On the recommendation of Inspector-General Fosbery, who always regarded him as a very worthy and conscientious officer, he was advanced to the position of Inspector on January 1, 1875, and subsequently he was made superintendent of the metropolitan district.
The deceased officer was 72 years of age.
In April last year he obtained nine months’ leave of absence, which was subsequently extended. On one occasion he carried out the duties of Inspector-General of Police during Mr. Fosbery’s absence form the State.
Mr. Read’s position was recently allotted to Mr. N. Larkin, who had been for some time in temporary control of the metropolitan police.
New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 – 1900), Tuesday 31 August 1897 (No.688), page 6239
The Treasury, New South Wales, [1942] 31st August, 1897.
It is hereby notified that the undermentioned Police Officers have been appointed by the Board of Health to be the Local Authorities under action 9, sub-section 1 (b) of the ” Public Health Act, 1896,” for the respective Police Districts mentioned, namely:—
The Inspector General of Police – Office was location at 109 Phillip St, Sydney.
New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime (Sydney : 1860 – 1930), Wednesday 29 December 1886 (No.52), page 399
[Extract from the Government Gazette.] [8521] Colonial Secretary’s Office,
Sydney, 23rd December, 1886.
Excellency the Governor, with the advice of the’ Executive Council, has been pleased to approve of the following promotions and appointments in the Police Force,
viz.
Superintendent George Read to be Superintendent, 1st Class,— to take effect from the 1st January last;
RIP Sir,
Thank you for your service ????
Please seek help
Thoughts to your loved ones, and the
Thin Blue Line BLUE HOPE
Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
Relationships Australia: 1300 364 277
WARNING: Distressing content
An Australian Federal Police officer has died in shockingly similar circumstances to another four members who took their lives in the workplace over the last two years.
The man, from Melbourne, reportedly turned his service weapon on himself in a Canberra motel room overnight while on a work trip in the capital.
News.com.au understands his body was discovered by a colleague.
It brings the total number of AFP officers to have died by suicide at work using their firearms since February 2017, to five.
An AFP spokesperson told news.com.au it could “confirm that a member of the AFP appears to have taken their own life”.
“A brief is now being prepared for the ACT Coroner,” the spokesperson said.
“The AFP is providing support to the member’s family and colleagues.”
The AFP didn’t respond to further questions.
The man — who news.com.au has chosen to not yet identify — was an Air Security Officer (ASO) responsible for the containment or resolution of high-risk security incidents on domestic and international flights.
According to the AFP’s website, the main purpose of an ASO is to respond to threats or attempts of hijack by terrorists or other criminals.
ASO’s are extensively trained in many disciplines including negotiation, defensive tactics, specialist firearm handling and small team techniques,” it reads.
The latest apparent suicide death by a member comes amid an ongoing cultural crisis within the AFP.
The embattled organisation has made efforts to increase mental health support following the spate of workplace suicides but has grappled to tackle the problem. In January this year, AFP Commissioner Andrew Colvin revealed the force was restricting its officers’ access to firearms, in direct response to the suicides.
“There is no one thing that will solve what is a complex problem but we have made changes to our firearms access policies,” Mr Colvin told the ABC at the time.
As part of that new policy, members are now required to provide a reason to check out their weapons while off duty. But for those dying by suicide while on-duty — the tally continues to climb.
One AFP officer, who spoke to news.com.au on the condition of anonymity, described the man who died overnight as a “really good guy”.
The source said he saw his friend last week and that he had “seemed OK”.
“They need a Royal commission into what’s going on. So many members are stressed,” he said.
“In all my 20 years of policing, I have never felt so deflated by an organisation.”
The workplace suicide deaths, once unprecedented, have become a disturbingly frequent occurrence within the organisation in recent years.
AFP officer Sue Jones turned her service weapon on herself in the bathroom at the organisation’s Melbourne headquarters in February 2017.
Since Ms Jones’ death, almost 100 AFP whistleblowers have contacted news.com.au to report a severe mismanagement of widespread mental health issues and a disturbing internal bullying culture within the organisation.
Many of the past and present sworn members who came forward claimed the toxic culture had culminated in the workplace suicides and warned that more deaths were inevitable.
Among them was an agent who, following Ms Jones’ death, made a chilling prediction that has since become a reality.
“It’s like looking at a whole lot of ticking time bombs and wondering which one will go off,” he said of his colleagues. Another four AFP officers have since taken their lives at work.
An independent police advocacy spokesman, who asked not to be named, told news.com.au he was concerned officers might be trying to send a message by taking their lives in the workplace.
An Australian Federal Police officer has died in shockingly similar circumstances to another four members who took their lives in the workplace over the last two years.
The man, from Melbourne, reportedly turned his service weapon on himself in a Canberra motel room overnight while on a work trip in the capital.
News.com.au understands his body was discovered by a colleague.
It brings the total number of AFP officers to have died by suicide at work using their firearms since February 2017, to five.
An AFP spokesperson told news.com.au it could “confirm that a member of the AFP appears to have taken their own life”.
“A brief is now being prepared for the ACT Coroner,” the spokesperson said.
“The AFP is providing support to the member’s family and colleagues.”
The AFP didn’t respond to further questions.
The man — who news.com.au has chosen to not yet identify — was an Air Security Officer (ASO) responsible for the containment or resolution of high-risk security incidents on domestic and international flights.
According to the AFP’s website, the main purpose of an ASO is to respond to threats or attempts of hijack by terrorists or other criminals.
“ASOs are extensively trained in many disciplines including negotiation, defensive tactics, specialist firearm handling and small team techniques,” it reads.
The latest apparent suicide death by a member comes amid an ongoing cultural crisis within the AFP.
The embattled organisation has made efforts to increase mental health support following the spate of workplace suicides but has grappled to tackle the problem. In January this year, AFP Commissioner Andrew Colvin revealed the force was restricting its officers’ access to firearms, in direct response to the suicides.
“There is no one thing that will solve what is a complex problem but we have made changes to our firearms access policies,” Mr Colvin told the ABC at the time.
As part of that new policy, members are now required to provide a reason to check out their weapons while off duty. But for those dying by suicide while on-duty — the tally continues to climb.
One AFP officer, who spoke to news.com.au on the condition of anonymity, described the man who died overnight as a “really good guy”.
The source said he saw his friend last week and that he had “seemed OK”.
“They need a Royal commission into what’s going on. So many members are stressed,” he said.
“In all my 20 years of policing, I have never felt so deflated by an organisation.”
The workplace suicide deaths, once unprecedented, have become a disturbingly frequent occurrence within the organisation in recent years.
AFP officer Sue Jones turned her service weapon on herself in the bathroom at the organisation’s Melbourne headquarters in February 2017.
Since Ms Jones’ death, almost 100 AFP whistleblowers have contacted news.com.au to report a severe mismanagement of widespread mental health issues and a disturbing internal bullying culture within the organisation.
Many of the past and present sworn members who came forward claimed the toxic culture had culminated in the workplace suicides and warned that more deaths were inevitable.
Among them was an agent who, following Ms Jones’ death, made a chilling prediction that has since become a reality.
“It’s like looking at a whole lot of ticking time bombs and wondering which one will go off,” he said of his colleagues. Another four AFP officers have since taken their lives at work.
An independent police advocacy spokesman, who asked not to be named, told news.com.au he was concerned officers might be trying to send a message by taking their lives in the workplace.
In December last year, Sergeant Samantha Baglin, 44, died by suicide in the vault room at the Australian Federal Police national headquarters in Canberra.
In November 2017, AFP member Malcolm Scott, 59, walked into the foyer of the organisation’s Melbourne headquarters and took his own life just before 9am on a Saturday.
Mr Scott’s death followed that of colleague Sue Jones, 53, a mother-of-two who died in shockingly similar circumstances in the bathroom of the same building earlier that year. Mr Scott and Ms Joneshad worked on the same team within the Melbourne branch, according to colleagues who spoke to news.com.au. Both deaths were later deemed to be non-suspicious.
In March last year, the high rate of suicide deaths and mental health conditions experienced by first responders — including emergency service workers and volunteers — prompted a federal Parliament committee to launch an inquiry into the role of the Commonwealth and the states to address the issues.
The Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) also announced an audit into the AFP’s management of mental health within the organisation. It was later revealed that two-thirds of men and women in the AFP experienced potentially traumatic events at some stage in their career.
The ANAO made six recommendations, which the AFP agreed to implement as part of its “new Health and Wellbeing Strategy for the organisation”.
The AFP also engaged the Phoenix Australia Centre to conduct an independent mental health review into the organisation and made 37 recommendations to be implemented over five years.
While the AFP has recently made efforts to improve its mental health support services for staff, many officers want more outside support.
Commissioner Colvin in May last year laid out the increasing workload on the force. The number of crimes involving victims, who might be children, had gone up 200 per cent, while cyber and corruption investigations were also on the rise.
“The demand side is increasing, there’s no question on that,” he said.
But police resources had not increased and this has added to pressure on the force.
In March this year, the AFP announced it had started a partnership with Lifeline, and would roll out a Road to Mental Readiness course over two years in a bid to equip officers with coping strategies and tools to encourage them to address mental health concerns earlier.
At the time, Mr Colvin said a critical element of addressing mental health in the organisation was cultural change.
“We still have a long way to go but if we keep implementing these positive initiatives with partners who are experts in the field we know we will make ground,” he told The Australian at the time.
AFP chief medical officer Katrina Sanders said the AFP’s 6641 members would be asked to use their imagination to prepare for stressful events, taught coping strategies such as how to use breathing to calm down and reduce stress, and given a self-assessment tool to consider their own mental fitness.
“Will it prevent further suicides? That’s also hard to say, we hope so,” she said in March.
“But certainly the research and the evidence around it is it does improve resilience and we know that’s critical to health protection.”
One AFP source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, previously told news.com.au that the organisation “needs intense scrutiny that the agencies can’t cover up”.
“We have an expression in our job: TJF — this job’s f***ed,” the source said.
“Morale is in the toilet. We know we have no support and no backing from most of the management.”
AFPA president Angela Smith said the matters raised by the whistleblowers were of “significant public interest” and that members had gone public because they were “at their wits end”.
In a previous statement, an AFP spokesman said the commissioner had “made it clear that the health and wellbeing of our people is his and the organisation’s highest priority”.
Yesterday the #fightingptsdvicpol campaign was informed that one of our VicPol members had taken his own life in the afternoon.
Senior Constable Brenton Erkens-Goss, # 42447, of Hamilton Police Station ( Victoria ) hopefully you can now rest in peace.
Brenton represented Victoria Police and attended the inaugural World LGBT Conference for Criminal Justice Professionals in Amsterdam in 2017 .
Constable Brenton Erkens-Goss was one of more than 100 Victoria Police LGBTI Liaison Officers working to build rapport and trust with the LGBTI community and help tackle prejudice-motivated crimes and family violence.
Brenton was supportive in raising awareness for mental health issues, and he recently represented the Fighting PTSD VicPol campaign during the surf to surf running event in Warrnambool with his colleagues.
To his family and work mates, my sincere condolences. Please look after each other during this sad time.
I urge all members and retired veterans to please reach out to family, friends or any of your work colleagues before making that final decision.
Please everyone check in on each other and if anyone needs assistance please utilise the contact number on our website www.protectingtheprotectors.com
Brenton was born in Alice Springs 12 April 1992.
He always had a passion to join the police force after high school but was told he was to young and needed more experiences.
Soon, in 2009, he joined the SES in Rockhampton, Qld, before the family moved down south in 2010 and, there Brenton started with the SES in Mount Gambier, South Australia.
In 2013 while he was still waiting to join the Victoria Police Force, he applied for Protective Services Officer and graduated in squad 15 on September 2013 .
As a PSO, he worked in a few different places – such as Milton, Sunshine and out of the Victoria Police Centre training new PSO‘s.
Finally he joined VicPol and enlisted at the Victoria Police Academy in Squad 15 2016/17 of which he was a Deputy Guard Leader for the Squad’s Graduation day – that being on Friday 12 May 2017.
Brenton worked in Williamstown and then Hamilton before finally going to the drug investigation unit in Portland, Victoria until his death.
Brenton remained with the SES right up until he died, aged 27.
Brenton will be sorely missed by his family and many, many friends.
Police praise officer’s work in forging relationships with LGBTIQ community
30 Jun 2019
Senior Victorian police have praised the work local officer Brenton Erkens-Goss made to forging relationships between the police and the LGBTIQ+ communities following the officer’s unexpected death.
Constable Erkens-Goss passed away on Friday, he took his own life. Prior to joining the Victorian Police, Erkens-Goss had worked as a Protective Service Officer.
Assistant Commissioner Neil Paterson, who is also the executive champion of Victorian Police Pride, praised the contribution First Constable Erkens-Goss made to building relationships between the police and LGBTIQ+ community.
“Brenton was a member of VP Pride and was a proud and out gay man who was truly valued by his work colleagues and the community he served.
“Prior to graduating as a sworn member on 12 May 2017, Brenton spent a number of years as a PSO where his enthusiasm for policing shone through. Brenton was part of the Victoria Police contingent that attended the first World LGBT+ Criminal Justice Professionals Conference in Amsterdam in August 2016.” Assistant Commissioner Neil Paterson said.
“As a member of the local Hamilton community, Brenton made many friends both at the station and in the community.”
Western Region Superintendent Glenn Owen echoed the praise for the officer.
“Brenton worked at Hamilton uniform and was recognised for his investigative talents, recently being selected to work at the Portland Tasking Team. His supervisors and work friends describe him as a highly competent, intelligent and enthusiastic member who was destined to become a detective. Brenton was also well respected in the local community and volunteered as a member of the SES.” Superintendent Owen said.
As one of 100 officers in the Victorian Police trained as a Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officer Constable Erkens-Goss had previously shared his thoughts on the program with east-coast LGBTIQ publication Star Observer.
It has been stated, by family, that Brenton was at his grandmothers 90th birthday party on the previous Sunday and there was simply “no hint” of what was to happen on the proceeding Friday.
It simply leaves you wondering, for the rest of your life, what you could have possibly done to prevent this suicide if there were no, apparent, obvious signs.
Suicidal thoughts are very silent so if you know someone who suffers with depression, tread carefully with how you treat them.
Andrew Goss
20 hrs ·
Over recent times, I didn’t see much of my nephew, Brenton Holt… life gets away from us all.
The older we get – the busier we are.
Life changes and there are more things that take up our time, more layers to our lives.
Just because you don’t see each other as often as you’d like, doesn’t mean you love them any less.
The last time I saw Brenton was last weekend for his Grandma’s 90th Birthday lunch and I am most grateful for that.
He was happy.
Talkative.
He looked well.
We spoke a lot of our roles in the operational field and ‘compared notes’ on “cells procedures” and the strange things we’d both seen.
We laughed????
A lot!!
He told me how much he was enjoying the job and the people he worked with.
I’d never seen Brenton so settled.
I simply did not realise, mate.
I just didn’t see it – at all.
However, I am now reminded again that every day is not a given.
It’s not guaranteed.
If anything, we all need to learn from this.
Check in on your loved ones.
Often.
Then…. they know.
They’re not alone.
To Jessy, Tony, Monica, Steve, Mel, Cathy , Wayne & Daniel, Michael & Pete…. my love and thoughts. No one is ever prepared for this so, look out for each other always.
R.I.P. Brenton ????
You will be missed by so many.????
Victoria Police LGBTI Liaison Officer Senior Constable Brenton Erkens-Goss took his own life on Friday.
One of over 100 Victoria Police LGBTI Liaison Officers, Brenton worked diligently to tackle prejudice-motivated crimes and family violence.
Further, he worked to build rapport and trust with the LGBTI community.
The loss of the officer came about because he ‘tragically succumbed to his inner demons,’ according to a Facebook post.
Last night, Senior Constable Ben Bjarnesen posted on Facebook about the loss.
Ben is Coordinator of the Queensland Police Service LGBTI Support Network.
Absolutely devastated to learn tonight that one of our friends and colleagues from Victoria Police, Brenton Erkens-Goss took his own life yesterday.
He was such a great guy and will be dearly missed by many. Rest In Peace brother.
Fellow Police pay tribute to Senior Constable Brenton Erkens-Goss
Also, in a touching tribute to their colleague, Cop Humour Australia spoke on the loss of Brenton.
“We have received heartbreaking news that Senior Constable Brenton Erkens-Goss of Hamilton Police Station in Victoria tragically succumbed to his inner demons and took his own life yesterday afternoon.
“Brenton was a long time follower and supporter of Cop Humour Australia, which makes this even harder for us. We wish we could have done more for him, or done more to raise mental health awareness and encourage Brenton to seek help.
“Nevertheless, we hope that Brenton is now at peace.”
The page also praised Brenton’s support in raising awareness for mental health issues.
“He recently represented the Fighting PTSD Vicpol campaign during a surf to surf running event in Warrnambool with his colleagues.
“As one of the Victoria Police LGBTI Liaison Officers, Brenton worked hard to build rapport and trust with the LGBTI community, and helped tackle prejudice-motivated crimes.
“Brenton also represented Victoria Police and attended the inaugural World LGBT Conference for Criminal Justice Professionals in Amsterdam in 2017.
“From what we’ve heard and been told — Brenton was a great copper and an even greater friend, and will be missed terribly by many.
“Our sincere condolences go out to Brenton’s family, colleagues, and friends.”
The post then spoke of the importance of seeking assistance.
“Please look after one another during this devastating time.
“If you’re feeling down, please speak to someone — reach out to family, a friend, a colleague, anyone.
“When it comes to the #ThinBlueLine you never fight any fight alone, your blue family will always be there to support you.
“Rest In Peace friend and colleague, for the sun has now set. We will remember.”
Police Liaison Officers
Despite continual progress the relationship between our communities and the police is at times difficult.
However, we must remain mindful of the valuable service provided by LGBTIQ Liaison officers across the country.
If you need someone to talk to, help is available from QLife on 1800 184 527 or online at QLife.org.au, Lifeline on 13 11 14, or beyondblue on 1300 22 4636.
CONSTABLE Brenton Erkens-Goss is hoping to do himself out of a job.
As one of more than 100 Victoria Police LGBTI Liaison Officers (GLLOs), Const Erkens-Goss imagines a future without the need for specialised support – where there is no difference and everyone is treated equally “as a person”.
“We’re not quite there yet but we’re definitely gaining ground,” he says.
After dreaming of becoming a police officer from a young age, Const Erkens-Goss now works to ensure LGBTI interactions with Victoria Police are always fair and respectful.
“Everyone deserves to be treated equally and be able to live in their own skin without having to hide who they truly are,” he says.
The force’s relationship with LGBTI communities hit rock bottom in the Tasty nightclub in 1994. Officers detained 463 patrons for seven hours, subjecting them to strip and cavity searches.
In 2014 then-Acting Chief Commissioner Lucinda Nolan formally apologised; ushering in a new era of policing to rebuild and regain trust.
Const Erkens-Goss says it was hard to hear about the disturbing raid as part of the Academy’s training, but ultimately it was indicative of a different time and a different Victoria Police.
“Originally when I was training as a Protective Services Officer, I hid it (being gay) but now the Academy is very, very supportive,” he says.
The Academy has an LGBTI Student Network and Const Erkens-Goss’ endeavours to implement his learnings from the inaugural World LGBT Conference for Criminal Justice Professionals in Amsterdam to increase inclusiveness among members.
“Victoria Police has definitely changed in the past two years,” he says, ahead of his graduation from the Constable Qualifying Program.
“Some people have never been friends with someone who is LGBTI and (they can have an attitude that comes from) ignorance or fear. It’s hard but if you have a conversation with them they become much more understanding.”
Out in the community, that understanding is also making a real difference to people’s lives.
“In one case recently I helped a trans teenager who was experiencing family violence from her father who was withholding her medication,” Const Erkens-Goss explains.
“I mediated with her dad and helped them get counselling. Her father simply misunderstood how his daughter was feeling and didn’t understand what she was experiencing, through specialised counselling this has educated him.”
But under-reporting of prejudice-motivated crimes and family violence, especially from older LGBTI victims, still concerns Const Erkens-Goss and the LGBTI liaison officers, who can informally discuss concerns, assist through the reporting process or help advise other police colleagues.
Const Erkens-Goss says Victoria Police’s involvement in events like Pride and Midsumma is far from tokenism, and shows the organisation celebrates diversity and is respectful and there to help.
“If someone asked me about joining Victoria Police I’d say ‘go for it!’ Victoria Police is an inclusive organisation with a lot of career progression.”
Hopefully, for Const Erkens-Goss that progression includes a spot in the ranks of the sought-after Dog Squad and the eventual retirement of his LGBTI liaison badge as the blue line becomes just another part of the rainbow.
Portland pair remanded in custody charged with drug trafficking
Jessica Howard
Police have seized quantities of ice, cannabis and heroin during a raid at a Portland property where a child was present.
Portland police Sergeant Martin Flannery said specialist units and uniform members executed search warrants at properties in Portland’s Wellington Road and Patrick Street in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Police allegedly forced their way into the Wellington Road house after the occupants failed to open the door.
A search of the premises revealed three syringes loaded with methylamphetamine and blood, three green lasers, quantities of a white crystal substance believed to be ice and two white iPhones containing significant drug trafficking conversations.
Police also located inside a vehicle several ziplock bags containing ice, 16 grams of cannabis on top of a child’s baby seat, three digital scales, 6.5 grams of heroin, used needles and $350 cash believed to be the proceeds of crime.
A total of 6.96 grams of ice was found inside the house and vehicle.
Sergeant Flannery said a young child was present at the time of the raid. He said the child’s mother and a man were arrested at the scene.
“This is a real concern for us, the exposure of young children to that sort of lifestyle is very alarming,” he said.
Andrew Ryan, 31, and Bronwyn Noku, 35, of Wellington Road, appeared in Warrnambool Magistrates Court on Thursday.
Mr Ryan made no application for bail and was remanded in custody until June 17.
Court documents obtained by The Standard revealed Ms Noku had admitted to buying 3.5 grams of ice to sell weekly. She told police she sold one point of ice for $50.
Magistrate Franz Holzer said Ms Noku had failed to show compelling reasons why she should be released and remanded her in custody. She will appear in court the same day as Mr Ryan.
Sergeant Flannery said the Wellington Street property had been an address of interest for some time.
“Action was taken on Wednesday as a result of information received from the community, which added to our significant amount of intelligence suggesting there was a high level of drug trafficking occurring at that house,” he said.
“This is an example of the public’s good work in assisting us to remove this sort of offending from our town. Getting these drugs off the streets reduced the harm on the community.
“This has been an ongoing investigation conducted by the Southern Grampians divisional tasking team, with the warrants executed with the assistance of Portland and Hamilton crime investigation units and Portland uniform members. It has been a really positive, team effort.
“The Southern Grampians divisional tasking team has a strong focus on minimising the harm of drugs in the community. We will act on any information and use the full extent of the law deal with it.
“Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers or myself, Brenton Erkens-Goss and Victoria Hudson at Portland police station.”
Twenty-three years after the Tasty nightclub storm, the rainbow which emerged is only getting more vivid at Victoria Police.
On paper, Constable Brenton Erkens-Goss has the perfect background to serve the community. He’s volunteered with the State Emergency Service as a road crash rescuer and has spent countless hours talking to and helping commuters as a Protective Services Officer (PSO).
But policing is about more than just what appears on paper.
“I came out to my family when I was 21 when I had my first relationship,” he said.
“They’ve always been supportive and there was a bit of ‘yeah, we know’ when I told people.”
As one of more than 100 Victoria Police Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and gender diverse and Intersex (LGBTI) Liaison Officers (also known as GLLOs), Const Erkens-Goss uses his personal experience to provide specialised support to a community which still struggles with a high level of under-reporting crime.
“In one case recently I helped a transgender teenager who was experiencing family violence from her father who was withholding her medication,” he explained.
“I mediated with her dad and helped them get counselling.
“Her father simply misunderstood how his daughter was feeling and didn’t understand what she was experiencing, through specialised counselling this has educated him.
“I strongly believe that everyone deserves to be treated equally and be able to live in their own skin without having to hide who they are.”
Victoria Police’s relationship with LGBTI communities hit rock bottom at the Tasty nightclub in 1994, when officers detained 463 patrons for seven hours and subjected them to strip and cavity searches.
In 2014, then-Acting Chief Commissioner Lucinda Nolan formally apologised; ushering in a new era of policing to rebuild and regain trust.
Const Erkens-Goss said it was hard to hear about the disturbing raid as part of the Victoria Police Academy’s training, but ultimately it was indicative of a different time and a different Victoria Police.
“Victoria Police has definitely changed,” he said.
“After the Tasty nightclub, the LGBTI Liaison Officer program was implemented to help build rapport and also to have trained and experienced liaison officers to be there to support victims of crime who may identify as LGBTI (to either sit in an interview, take a statement or investigate hate crime) but also as a knowledge bank to other members who may need some assistance.”
Const Erkens-Goss said Victoria Police’s involvement in events like Pride and Midsumma was far from tokenism, and shows the organisation celebrates diversity and is respectful and there to help.
The Academy also has an LGBTI Student Network and Const Erkens-Goss is working to implement his learnings from the inaugural World LGBT Conference for Criminal Justice Professionals in Amsterdam to increase inclusiveness among members.
“I always wanted to be a police officer,” he said.
“To get some practical experience of the realities of the job I worked as a road crash rescuer, which was very challenging but rewarding.”
Const Erkens-Goss also paced the train platforms as a PSO, which he said was great for gathering intel and helping people, before graduating from the Constable Qualifying Program.
And while it’s still early days, he hopes the next stage in his career is retirement – of his GLLO badge, when the need for specialised support is no longer required.
“We’re not quite there yet,” he said. “But we’re definitely gaining ground.”
Image: Const Erkens-Goss at the Police Academy.
Editorial: Anthea Cannon
Photography: John Pallot
GLLO/LGBTI Liaison Officers
Victoria Police has a network of liaison officers (GLLOs) who provide advice to other police and the community.
The group has more than 100 GLLOs who also attend community events and build relationships with youth and LGBTI networks.
Rest In Peace Keith, we had lots of fishing trips together and I have many memories. I am a bit shocked to read this, may the family live and love with your memory of a fine chap.
My brother Keith Dowton formerly of Nevertire passed away on the 14/6/19.Keith grew up in Nevertire son of Keith and Kitty Dowton and his 6 brothers and 2 sisters.Attended Nevertire Public School then Warren Central.
Worked on the telephone exchange in Warren before joining the Police force in 1967 and retiring in 2001 .
Commonwealth of Australia Gazette (National : 1901 – 1973), Thursday 9 July 1964 (No.60), page 2767
AS NOTIFIED BY THE POSTMASTER-GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT
New South Wales.
Postman, Fourth Division — William Keith DOWTON,………………
From Rick Del Monte regarding the passing of Steve Hearn.
RICK’S MESSAGE.
Could you let the group know that ex-cadet Steve Hearn passed away last night. He had just turned 60 in January of this year and was surrounded by family when he passed.
Steve had not been well having contracted Motor Neuron Disease (MND) some years ago and eventually succumbed to it.
He is survived by his beautiful, caring wife Ingrid and his much loved 10 year old son Brandon.
Kevin Clews and I visited Steve late last year and although he was immobile, he retained his quick wit and brilliant sense of humour.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be confirmed however, I will let you know once details are known in case any of the group wanted to pay their respects.
A truly wonderful bloke, a proud man and a loving husband and father. Another good one gone – a true friend now resting. Thanks mate. Rick
Rick Del Monte
Steve had been battling Motor Neuron disease for the past 9 years and he leaves behind his wife and a 10 year old son.
Steve – now out of pain.
Further information to follow when funeral details are known.
Cal
100619
HEARN, Stephen Duane
Of Mountain Creek, QLD.
Passed away peacefully on 9th June 2019.
Aged 60 years.
Loving Husband of Ingrid.
Dearly loved Father of Brandon, Jes, Nikki, Samantha, Sascha, Ben and Jake.
Loved Son of Stan and Jill.
Loved Brother of Louise and Melissa.
Loved Grandfather, Uncle and Brother-in-Law.
Family and friends are invited to attend the celebration of Stephen’s life to be held at the Gregson & Weight Chapel, 159 Wises Road, Buderim on Thursday 13th June 2019 at 3.30pm.
