Father of Robert Samuel LAYTON ( civilian – died Nov 2018 ) & Husband to Marian ( civilian )( R.I.P. 2020? )
NSW Redfern Police Academy Class # 095
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 10692
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 13 May 1963 ( aged 25 years, 11 months, 16 days )
Constable 1st Class – appointed 13 May 1968
Senior Constable – appointed 13 May 1972
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 17 August 1979
Final Rank = Sergeant ( 2nd Class ? )
Stations: ?, South Coast, Pt Kembla, Warilla ( Sgt ),
Service: From? ? pre May 1963?to? ? ? = ? years Service
Awards: *National Medal – granted 17 March 1989 ( Sgt ) or – granted 20 January 1981 ( Det Sgt )
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted17 March 1989
* most probably the 17 March 1989 refers to ‘our’ Robert Edgar LAYTON. There was no other R.E. Layton in NSWPF
Born: Thursday 27 May 1937
Died on: Sunday 12 May 2019 at 3am in hospital ( 2 weeks prior to his 83rd b/day )
Age: 81 years, 11 months, 15 days
Cause: Fall – striking his head – leading to his death ( suspected blood clot )
Event location: Home
Event date: Saturday 11 May 2019 during the morning
Funeral date: Friday 17 May 2019 @ noon
Funeral location: Parsons Funeral Home, 10 Woolworths Ave, Warilla ( same location as his son’s funeral )
*Family would like Medals to be worn
Wake location: ?TBA
Funeral Parlour: Parsons, Warilla
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial located at: ?
THURSDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2012 THE INAUGURAL RETIRED POLICE PIN CEREMONY AT OAK FLATS ( WARILLA ) ( LAKE ILLAWARRA ) POLICE STATION. RETIRED POLICE RECEIVING THEIR PINS AS A MARK OF RESPECT FOR THE COMMITMENT TO POLICING SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY OF NSW.
Retired Sgt Robert Edgar LAYTON ( Bob LAYTON ) # 10692 & Supt. Wayne Starling. Thursday 6 September 2012
BOB is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * NOT JOB RELATED
Funeral location:
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Marian LAYTON, thanks all members/workmates that attended Bob LAYTON’s Funeral on 17 May 201 and wishes you all, the very best.
Bob was a Sergeant at the old ( now decommissioned ) Warilla Police Station, 15 Lake Entrance Rd, Warilla, for many years.
His wife, Marian, was also a long time Cleaner at the Police Station and VKG2 ( Warilla ).
May Bob, and his son, Bob, forever Rest In Peace.
Funeral details to be announced.
Please revisit this page in order to find out about the funeral details.
Cal
130519
1968 – 1969
Parliament of NSW
Report of the Police Department
p23
BRIEF FACTS OF ACTS OF BRAVERY BY POLICE
The facts, briefly, associated with acts of bravery performed by Police during the year 1967 are as set out hereunder.
8. On 27th March, 1967, Senior-Constable Ronald John Foster and Constable Robert Edgar Layton rescued three youths from a cliff face at Macquarie Pass and recovered the body of a fourth who had suffered fatal injuries in a fall from the cliff.
NSW Redfern or Penrith Police Academy Class # ? ? ?
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 9051
Rank: Commenced Training at ? on Monday ? ? ?
Probationary Constable – appointed 30 June 1958
Constable 1st Class – appointed 30 June 1964
Senior Constable – appointed 1 July 1968
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 1 April 1974
Senior Sergeant – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank = ?
Stations: ?, Northern District ( Cst 1/c ), North Coast District ( S/Cst ), Kingscliff Lock Up Keeper ( pre 1974 ), Narrandera (SenSgt )( 1983 – 84 ), Albury ( SenSgt ) – Albury District Office as District Licencing Sgt,
Service: From? ? pre June 1958?to? ? pre 1979? = ? years Service
Awards: National Medal – granted 3 September 1985 ( Sgt 3/C ) ( Sgt 1/C )
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 3 September 1985 ( Sgt 1/C )
Born: Thursday 26 May 1938
Died on: Friday 3 May 2019 ( 23 days off his 81st birthday )
Age: 80
Cause: Illness – ?
Event location: Albury Base Hospital, NSW
Event date: Friday 3 May 2019
Funeral date: Monday 13 May 2019 @ 2pm
Funeral location: Evergreen Chapel, Lest & Son Funeral Home, 359 Wantigong St, North Albury, NSW
Wake location: ?
Funeral Parlour: Lester & Son, Albury 6040 5066
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial located at: ?
Congratulations to both Bill Morley and Warren Mitchell, who were formally presented with their Veteran Retired Police Association (RPA) membership certificates. These certificates are presented when a member reaches 80 years of age! The presentation was held, on Tuesday, 29th May, 2018, in Albury NSW, as part of our local Murray River RPA meeting. Big thanks to Superintendent Beth Docksey (Ret’d) and Brian Rosewarne for organising this important event.
Senior Sergeant Morley centre Narrandera 1983-4. You often wonder about your old Sergeants and how they are going.
BILL is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO
Funeral location:
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Police Widow – Alexandra Rose (Zan) Morley, 80 old.
Passed away 13.2.2023.
Associate/Veteran Member & Treasurer of Murray River RFPA.
Wife of William (Bill) Morley, also deceased.
It is with a heavy heart that I notify all of you that our lovely family member and branch treasurer Alexandra Rose (Zan) Morley passed away peacefully with family at her side yesterday morning in Wodonga Hospital on 13th February 2023. She will be sadly missed by all of us.
Rest in Peace Zan.
Funeral service will be held on Monday 27th February, 2023 at 2pm at the Lester & Sons, Evergreen Chapel, 359 Wantigong Street, North Albury, NSW.
MORLEY William Alfred (Bill)
26.5.38 – 3.5.19
Passed away after an illness at the Albury Base Hospital.
Beloved husband of Alexandra (Zan).
Loved father and father-in-law of David and Maree, Stuart, Carolyn and Matt.
Congratulations to both Bill Morley and Warren Mitchell, who were formally presented with their Veteran Retired Police Association (RPA) membership certificates.
These certificates are presented when a member reaches 80 years of age!
The presentation was held, on Tuesday, 29th May, 2018, in Albury NSW, as part of our local Murray River RPA meeting.
Big thanks to Superintendent Beth Docksey (Ret’d) and Brian Rosewarne for organising this important event.
via Graham Slingsby
MORLEY William Alfred (Bill)
Family and friends of the late Mr Bill Morley are informed that the celebration of his life will take place at the Evergreen Chapel, Lester & Son Funeral Home, 359 Wantigong St North Albury on Monday 13th May 2019 commencing at 2:00pm, followed by a private cremation.
Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001),
Friday 9 March 1979 (No.36), page 1089
PUBLIC HOSPITALS ACT, 1929
Appointment of Director
The Barraba Hospital
I, Kevin James Stewart, Minister for Health, in pursuance of the provisions of section 24B of the Public Hospitals Act, 1929, do by this notification appoint Mr William Alfred Morley, Police Sergeant, Corner Maude and Cherry Streets, Barraba, to hold office as a director of The Barraba Hospital, subject to the provisions of that Act, vice Mr T. Butterworth, for the balance of his predecessor’s term of office, namely, until 7th December, 1981.
Training: Empire Air Training Scheme ( EATS ) Trained in Rhodesia
Embarkation: ?
Next of kin: ?
Religion: ?
Single / Married: ?
Returned to Australia: ?
Military Awards: Distinguished Flying Cross ( Imperial ) DFC – granted 28 March 1944
Formal portrait of RAN and RAAF officers at the RAN/RAAF Australian Joint Anti-Submarine School (AJASS) at HMAS Albatross at Nowra NSW. The only identified officer is O210106 Flight Lieutenant David Valentine Paul DFC RAAF at front row far left. Flt Lt Paul enlisted on 4 January 1941 and trained as a pilot with the Empire Air Training Scheme (EATS) in Rhodesia. He was posted to 454 Squadron RAAF. Flying a Baltimore aircraft from a base in North Africa he was shot down on 4 December 1943 during a sortie over the Mediterranean. Rescued from the sea he became a prisoner of war (POW) of the Germans, finally being released in 1945 at Stalag IVb POW camp in 1945 at Muhlberg, Germany. He joined the NSW Police Force after the war and remained in the RAAF Reserve rising to the rank of Squadron Leader.
[/blockquote]
Awards: No NSWPF Awards found
Born: Thursday 10 June 1920
Died on: ? ? pre 14 May 1973?
Age: 52
Cause: Heart attack
Event location: Richmond Air Base, Richmond, NSW
Event date: ? ? pre 14 May 1973
Funeral date: ? ? ?
Funeral location: ?
Wake location: ?
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ? – usual searches fail to locate a grave or mention of death
Memorial located at: ?
Studio portrait of 403215 (O210106) Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt) David Valentine Paul DFC RAAF. Flt Lt Paul enlisted on 4 January 1941 and trained as a pilot with the Empire Air Training Scheme (EATS) in Rhodesia. He was posted to 454 Squadron RAAF. Flying a Baltimore aircraft from a base in North Africa he was shot down on 4 December 1943 during a sortie over the Mediterranean. Rescued from the sea he became a prisoner of war (POW) of the Germans, finally being released in 1945 at Stalag IVb POW camp in 1945 at Muhlberg, Germany. He joined the NSW Police Force after the war and remained in the RAAF Reserve rising to the rank of Squadron Leader.
DAVID is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
Grave location: TBA
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
David was an RAAF Pilot during WWI and, afterwards, joined the NSW Police.
He was also a member of 22 Squadron, Richmond, NSW and apparently died of a heart attack at the Squadron at Richmond in 1973.
The Sun Friday 2 Sep 1949 page 1
“LEGACY” SMILE. Traffic Constable David Paul was ” arrested ” today by Mrs. Eric Bennett, president of the women’s auxiliary of Associated Newspapers ( The Sun ) RSL sub-branch, but was ” discharged ” when he bought a button for Legacy War Oprphans’ Day. Constable Paul is one of the pilots of the NSW Police aircraft Nemesis. A former RAAF Squadron-Leader bomber pilot and DFC winner, he was shot down over Greece and was a POW in Germany for several years.
c1942 Description Informal group portrait of four graduates of an Empire Air Training Scheme (EATS) course in Rhodesia. Probably taken at the port of Mombassa, Kenya, several of these recent graduates were about to depart for service with 454 Squadron RAAF in the Eastern Mediterranean. Left to right: 406684 Sergeant (Sgt) Ralph Mervyn Simpson RAAF, killed in action on 4 December 1943, Charlie Mumford, 403215 (O210106) Sergeant David Valentine Paul and 400954 Sergeant George Townson Agg. Sgt Paul, later promoted to Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt) enlisted on 4 January 1941 and trained as a pilot with the Empire Air Training Scheme (EATS) in Rhodesia. He was posted to 454 Squadron RAAF. Flying a Baltimore aircraft from a base in North Africa he was shot down on 4 December 1943 during a sortie over the Mediterranean, Sgt Simpson being killed after parachuting from the crashing aircraft. Rescued from the sea with surviving crew members Agg, now a Warrant Officer (WO) and WO 645357 Jim Rennie RAF, Paul became a prisoner of war (POW) of the Germans, finally being released in 1945 at Stalag IVb POW camp in 1945 at Muhlberg, Germany. He joined the NSW Police Force after the war and remained in the RAAF Reserve rising to the rank of Squadron Leader.
c1942 Description Formal group portrait of recent graduates of an Empire Air training Scheme (EATS) pilot training course in held in Rhodesia. The only identified man is 403215 (O210106) Sergeant, later Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt) David Valentine Paul DFC who like all the new pilots standing in the rear and middle rows is wearing his newly presented wings.
c1965 Description Formal portrait of RAN and RAAF officers at the RAN/RAAF Australian Joint Anti-Submarine School (AJASS) at HMAS Albatross at Nowra NSW. The only identified officer is O210106 Flight Lieutenant David Valentine Paul DFC RAAF at front row far left.
Commonwealth of Australia Gazette (National : 1901 – 1973), Thursday 9 September 1943 (No.200), page 2054
ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE.
HIS Excellency the Governor-General in Council has approved of the following changes being made:—
CITIZEN AIR FORCE.
General Duties Branch.
The following non-commissioned officers (Pilots) are appointed to commissions on probation with the rank of ( Sergeants ) with effect from the dates indicated: –
No. 403215 David Valentine Paul (17th April, 1943)
* the only link is the name. Not confirmed as the same person.
Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 – 1954), Sunday 11 May 1947, page 8
This Week’s Case-book
THE DOOR WAS MADE READY FOR A RAID HUSBAND,
suspicious of his wife, loosened screws in a bolt on the front door of his flat to gain easy entry for a raid he planned to catch her with the co-respondent.
The husband, pastry cook Reginald John Ginns, of Kirribilli, was 21 when he married Doreen Frances Ginns, formerly Angove, in February, 1940, she being 22.
Ginns said he became suspicious of his wife and engaged an inquiry agent.
On the night of December 1, 1946, a man was seen to enter the flat at 7.30. The lights went off at 8.30 and were put on again at 9.25 when tea was made, according to sounds from the flat.
On December 7, the raiders forced the door. Ginns said he switched on the light and found his wife and a man on the floor of the lounge room.
A lumber jacket belonging to the man yielded the name of David Valentine Paul, of Crow’s Nest, he added.
Ginns was given a decree nisi on the ground of his wife’s adultery with Paul; he also obtained custody of the only child of the marriage, a boy of six.
National Advocate (Bathurst, NSW : 1889 – 1954), Thursday 21 October 1948, page 5
STUNT PRECEDED CRASH
TENTERFIELD PLANT FATALITY TENTERFIELD,
Wednesday.
The Tenterfield Coroner found today that Richard Colin Perram and Eileen Emily Wratten had died from burns accidentally suffered when the aeroplane in which they were flying, crashed last Sunday.
Frank Lawrence Cornford said that he was at Tenterfield aerodrome and heard Mrs. Wratten say to Perram prior to taking off ” I want you to do some loops and turns.”
When the plane took the air the pilot started to loop the loop and do steep turns and rolls. The plane then started to Shoot up the ‘drome, he said. ”
The plane was flying excessively low and when about 150 feet up the plane made a stall turn. It then went into a spin and crashed to the ground.
Within a matter of seconds it burst into flames.”
Cornford said that with others he rushed to the plane, but by the time he got there it was impossible because of the heat and flames to get near enough to be of any assistance.
Constable David Paul, of Clarence Street Police Station, Sydney, said he saw the plane in the air over the aerodrome. It was stunting at a height of about 500 feet and stall turning. In a final dive the plane passed over the head of a person on the aerodrome at about 25 feet, pulled up to a height of about 150 feet and attempted another stall turn. At the top of the turn the aircraft stalled completely and crashed.
Charlie was a former school teacher & quite academically gifted together with being an all round nice guy.
He was also the Forward Commander at the Thredbo Landslide and the ‘face of’ the Police during that event and a legend as the Commander.
We give our deepest condolences to Sue and his 7 kids.
SANDERSON David Charles ( CHARLIE )
29 April 1947- 28 April 2019
Beloved husband of Sue.
Father of Matt, Joe, Sarah, Paul, Annie, Pete and Christina.
Passed away peacefully the morning of Sunday, 28 April surrounded by his family.
Charlie will be remembered as a loving father, a dedicated Police Officer and a great mate to all who knew him.
The funeral service for Charlie will be held at St Raphael’s Catholic Church, Lowe Street, Queanbeyan on Thursday 2 May 2019, commencing at 1:30 pm.
Burial will follow at Queanbeyan Lawn Cemetery.
Published in The Canberra Times on Apr. 30, 2019
May 4, 2019
Dear Sue and family, we were both saddened and shocked to read of Charlie’s passing in our church bulletin at Mass tonight. We have fond memories of family connections in Queanbeyan and beyond. Charlie will be remembered as a true gentleman, wonderful family man and exemplary policeman. I hope we can make contact in the near future. You are in our thoughts and prayers and we send you our love.
The de Jongh family.
Pauline de Jongh, Queanbeyan, New South Wales
May 2, 2019
To Sue and family. I arrived in Canberra yesterday 1 May, as part of the Salvation Army Australia Red Shield Ride from Sydney to Melbourne. I hoped to catch up with Charlie while here, so to find he has just passed away is terrible news. We leave to ride south to Cooma today so will not be able to attend his funeral and pay my respects to the family.
I valued the friendship of Charlie and Sue during our time on Mornington Island and since, and still remember how easily he made friends during our time together on the Great Vic Bike Ride.
Rest in peace Charlie. You left a wonderful legacy in your family and your industry and we are the better for knowing you.
From Robert Cooper and Sharon Donald.
To Sue and family, after knowing Charlie through work in the New England area and with him at Lismore he was a great man, leader and friend. His family was his number one priority and he will be surely missed by everyone that has known him. Irene and I are not able to share in your grief first hand but we will from a distance. Irene and Les Bulluss.
Les Bulluss, Evans Head, New South Wales
share
April 30, 2019
Dear Sue and family, sending you love and strength at time. Melissa, Sarah and Genevieve – Rise Above – Capital Region Cancer Relief
Rise Above, Queanbeyan, Australian Capital Territory
May 1, 2019
To Sue and family. Sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing. Sad for all. RIP
Mark Francisco, Nambucca, New South Wales
April 30, 2019
To Sue and family, after knowing Charlie through work in the New England area and with him at Lismore he was a great man, leader and friend. His family was his number one priority and he will be surely missed by everyone that has known him.
Irene and I are not able to share in your grief first hand but we will from a distance.
Irene and Les Bulluss.
Les Bulluss, Evans Head, New South Wales
April 30, 2019
Dear Sue and family, sending you love and strength at time.
Melissa, Sarah and Genevieve – Rise Above – Capital Region Cancer Relief
Rise Above, Queanbeyan, Australian Capital Territory
David Aspland New South Wales Policing History Forum September 7, 2017 · I trotted along to Retired Police Day 2017 in Queanbeyan today and had a great time catching up with a few old reprobates and listening to some very interesting presentations by current police of the issues of today. Here is me catching up with Retired Superintendent Charlie Sanderson (LEFT) and Retired Sergeant Scott Ide (RIGHT).
These photos appeared in the Deniliquin Pastoral Times, February last year ( 2018 ). The first one was taken at Charlie’s sendoff from Deniliquin around 1990…they recreated the shot at the Deni Police Re-union in February last year ( 2018 ). We did indeed have fun with Charlie…may he rest in peace. The two guys to the right who did not make the reunion are Paul Hansen (glasses) and Cameron Wendt. So proud to have worked with all these fellows. Pat Seccull
Survivor found in resort rubble
Rescue workers sift through the debris at Thredbo on July 31, 1997, the day after a landslide tore through the village.
Rescuers eased aside dirt and rubble Saturday to reach a man found alive nearly 2 1/2 days after 20 people were buried by a landslide.
“A miracle has occurred,” New South Wales police inspector Charlie Sanderson said after Stuart Diver was heard by rescuers about 54 hours after the landslide swept over a ski resort. The discovery raised hope that others may have survived. The confirmed toll so far is one survivor, three bodies located and 16 people still missing. Hours earlier, police had warned relatives that there was no hope of finding anyone alive.
After digging all night, rescuers “went ballistic” when sensitive sound monitoring equipment picked up noises from under a concrete slab, said police spokesman Mark Hargreaves.
Diver was conscious during the ordeal but had little feeling in his body, police said.
Officials said Diver, a ski instructor, was in peak physical condition, which would have aided his survival as temperatures plunged to 16 degrees over the past three nights.
Despite the threat of another landslide, rescue crews – at times using their hands to avoid sending rubble into the excavated area – worked their way through debris to within three feet of Diver.
An oxygen cylinder and mask and what appeared to be a foil space blanket were passed to workers trying to reach Diver. A medical helicopter was waiting nearby to take him to a hospital.
“If we can keep this person alive, that’s marvelous,” Ambulance spokesman Steve Johnson told TV Channel Seven.
Sanderson said police were very confident of getting him out some time Saturday.
The threat of another avalanche prompted the area to be evacuated temporarily Saturday.
“In this case two ambulance people stayed in the tunnel at great peril to themselves in proximity to where this person is,” Sanderson said.
We talked about community service and community policing. I told him of the success of Sgt Neville Plush in Nimbin and how much love and support he gets and how different that was to the corrupt crew who occupied the Nimbin Police Station before Inspector Charlie Sanderson took over as Lismore Area Commander. “Community is the eyes and ears of policing,” said Callum. Later Callum came by again because he was interested in the progress of the cardboard jail.
Liverpool ( NSW ) Police Time Line ( 1788 – 2016 )
June 1973: Police Serving in the Citizens Military Forces (C.M.F.)
March/April, 1973, the 1/19th Battalion, Royal NSW Regiment, CMF, completed the last of its 3 day camps, which had been designed for the training of National Service personnel, and the first camp in which the Unit was entirely composed of volunteers.
The unit was often referred to as the ‘1/19 th Police Battalion ’, due to the number of Police who served in the Unit.
Members of the NSW Police Force in camp were :-
Captain R. R. Lidden, a Senior Constable at Scarborough Police Station; Lieutenant D. C. Sanderson, a Constable at Liverpool Police Station; Warrant Officer Class II K. W. Jones, a Constable 1/c at Bega Police Station; Sergeant P. Delamont, a Constable at the S.T.P North Sydney ; Corporal R. N. Deards, a Constable 1/c at Lake Cargelligo Police Station; Corporal J. Gibbs, a Constable at the S.T.P. North Sydney; and Private P.E. Graham, a Constable 1/c at Orange Police Station.
Interesting story about a defining moment in Emergency Rescue in Australia, the Thredbo Landslide. I was transferred to Monaro LAC a couple of months after it happened as the A/Crime Manager (I still wonder about that title, but Crime Coordinator sounds even worse 🙂 ). The Commander, Supt Charlie Sanderson was still working on the Coroners Brief. It was one of the most amazing documents I have ever read in policing. Charlie was a great detective.
Training for a nightmare: How first responders prepare for the worst
As rescuers scanned for life in sub-zero temperatures after the Thredbo landslide, the dangerously unstable site and freezing conditions stalled search efforts and caused equipment to seize.
One of Australia’s most popular holiday spots became the site of one of our greatest tragedies when 18 people died in the landslide in 1997.
It marked a turning point in the way authorities responded to natural disasters in Australia.
“We’ve gone really from a system that was ad hoc and everyone was doing the best they can to a system that’s well-maintained and regulated,” Fire & Rescue New South Wales Chief Superintendent Paul Bailey said.
In 1997, Fire & Rescue NSW had about 30 urban search and rescue trained staff — now the figure is almost 10 times that.
Training and technology have both vastly improved in the past 20 years.
Australia now has two internationally accredited urban search and rescue teams, meaning they can deploy anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice.
Six hours to get in the air
The NSW team is one of two in Australia to hold classifications with United Nations International Search and Rescue Advisory Group.
“When we’re told there’s an incident we need to be up and out of the here in six hours,” Chief Superintendent Bailey said.
“So that means getting a team of 72 people, all our equipment, which is over 36 tonnes of equipment, all together onto a cargo plane and anywhere in the world within six hours.”
Responding quickly is crucial — search and rescue crews say after around 100 hours life expectancy falls significantly.
They’ve been tested too. Firefighters say in 2011, Australian crews got to the Christchurch earthquake before some teams from Auckland.
The NSW team was deployed to the Japan earthquake and tsunami and also Tropical Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu in 2015.
To remain permanently prepared, the search and rescue teams train in gruelling and realistic scenarios.
“What we do is simulate a pancake collapse — so that’s when building floors topple on top of one another,” Fire & Rescue’s Manager of Specialised Operations Darryl Dunbar said.
“Then our crews have to make entry through those floors to gain an entry underground to access that tunnel network.”
Once teams arrive on the scene, they use an array of gadgets to search for life — including vibration sensors that can detect the slightest bit of scraping or tapping on metal or concrete.
“[Vibrations] can actually travel more than 50 metres through a structure depending on how a building has collapsed,” station officer Daniel O’Dea said.
“These crews, that’s their job to identify that sound, work out what it is exactly if it’s in fact a distress call from someone.”
“We’ve got cameras that can snake down into a void, a tiny gap that was a wide as your finger and go down through that gap to manoeuvre that to locate any signs of life.”
First responders’ training facility revealed
When the ABC visited the Ingleburn training facility, search and rescue teams were running a refresher course for firefighters.
The idea is to get as many firefighters as possible around the state trained because they are likely to be the first responders.
It begins with the basics — cutting through tonnes of concrete and then using timber as a lever to create access.
One of the firefighters on the training course was Scott Featherstone, son of Paul, the paramedic who helped Stuart Diver for 12 hours until he was freed from the concrete after the Thredbo landslide.
He said his dad’s efforts in part inspired him to become a firefighter.
“I always wanted to do something where I could [help people],” he said.
DEVOTED rugby referee Ian Hooper passed away on Saturday after suffering a fatal heart attack while refereeing a rugby union game at the Lennox Head football club.
Ambulance crews were called to the grounds after Mr Hooper, 58, collapsed seven minutes into the senior reserve grade game between Lennox Head and Ballina.
While waiting for the ambulance to arrive qualified off-duty professionals from both clubs assisted immediately with first aid protocol and united in a community effort to keep Mr Hooper alive.
Current president of the Far North Coast Rugby Referees Association, Allan Thomas, said Mr Hooper stepped in to referee the game at late notice after another referee was unable make the appointment.
“The incident occurred very early into the first half where Hoops suffered a significant heart attack, they tried to resuscitate him, which they did,” he said.
Mr Hooper later died in hospital.
Ian Hooper known as ‘Hoops’ in the middle of one of the many Rugby Referee Groups he coordinated at the Byron 7’s. (2017). Photo: William Palmer.
“That just goes to show his devotion to the game, which was his passion and something he loved doing,” Mr Thomas said.
Mr Hooper, a former NSW Police officer in Sydney for more than 20 years, relocated to Georgica before joining the FNCRRA and becoming a life time member.
He is recognised by FNCRRA as a past President, current Chairman of Coaching & Grading, current Referee Appointments Officer, Referee, and Referee Coach for this Zone & NSWCRRA who helped mentor and develop Junior and Senior Referees over many years.
“Last year he gave that up so he could focus on the development and mentoring of junior and senior referees on the Far North Coast,” Mr Thomas said.
“Hooper has made an instrumental and massive contribution to the Far North Coast Referees Association and has left a big hole in our association.
“He was a very happy fellow and got on well with all his peers. He touched people’s lives and he will be sadly missed.
“He used to play rugby union in Sydney and I was told he was a very cheeky halfback. He was charismatic.
“From a zone’s perspective, he will be sorely missed as a friend, mentor, a coach, a referee and a devoted father and husband.
“We would like the community to acknowledge the feats this person has made to the community at large.”
Long-term friend and fellow life member of the Far North Coast Rugby Union Referee Association, Stephen Miller, said Mr Hooper was not only imperative to the development of a strong referee group, but a family man who acted with the utmost integrity throughout his career.
“The conviction and devotion that he had for the country referee development program was remarkable,” he said.
“He was absolutely devoted to his partner Julie and his two boys Tom and Max.
“His personality was something else – if there was something that needed to be said, he was the one who would say it how it was.
“He was never a plain critic, but when he saw that something was wrong, he saw the opportunity for someone to right it.
“So good to work with, so dependable, so reliable.”
Mr Miller said Mr Hooper was a man who had his priorities straight and was always open to a glass of red wine and a few jokes.
Fellow member of the FNCRRA, Will Palmer said he was also an integral part of the Byron 7’s Carnival for years and co-ordinated the appointment of Referees from across Australia & Overseas.
“Without which the event couldn’t happen,” Mr Palmer said.
“Apart from being a cheeky half back in his Rugby playing days, Hoops also was a Police Officer for many years and made a valued and significant contribution to the citizens of NSW. He touched many people’s lives and will be sadly missed. RIP Hoops.”
A spokesperson from NSW Ambulance media said Mr Hooper was revived on the field by an off-duty officer before crews arrived to take him to Ballina hospital.
For the purposes of this website ‘Q’ represents those Police joining between 1862 ( commencement of NSWPF ) – 23 February 1915 ( Commencement of NSWPF current numbering system )
Rank: Constable – appointed 22 February 1879
Senior Sergeant – appointed ? ? ?
Sub Inspector – appointed ? ? 1897
First Class Sub Inspector – appointed April 1903 at Hay ( could this ‘possibly’ be ‘Q’ # 3036 ??? )
First Class Sub Inspector – appointed 1 April 1906
Superintendent Henry ‘Harry’ GRUGEON
Born c1855 at Edmonton, England.
Died 10/1/1911, Deniliquin, NSW.
32 years service.
Buried Deniliquin, NSW 1881. Married Johannah HENNESSY, Deniliquin, NSW 1897. Promoted from Senior Sergeant to Sub Inspector 1898. Was a Sub Inspector at Narrandera.
15/10/1898, in the Australian Town and Country news paper.
The police district is under the control of Sub-inspector Grugeon, and the local force comprises, in addition, four footmen and three troopers. The gaol is in charge of Senior constable Bowman.
1906. Promoted from Sub Inspector to Inspector 1906-1909. Would appear that he was stationed at Parramatta as an Inspector 1909. Promoted from Inspector to Superintendent.
17/7/1909, Evening News Newspaper
Police Superintendent Grugeon was entertained at the Woolpack Hotel, Parramatta, at a farewell fraternal gathering, on the eve of his departure for Deniliquin to take charge of the South Western Police District. The Mayor (Alderman Haugh) presided, and there was a large attendance of prominent residents, magistrates, court officials, and others.
Among the speakers were Colonel Ferris, -ex -Superintendent Brennan, Mr. M. S. Love, S.M., Superintendent Day, Mr. G. Addison, C.P.S. and Parramatta Chamber Magistrate, Father O’Reilly, Dr. Kearney, and Sergeant Lucas.
During the evening Mr. Love, on behalf of the court officials, handed Superintendent Grugeon a cheque with which to buy a buggy on his arrival at Deniliquin. (Note that he was given a cheque to buy a buggy)
14/1/1911, Nepean Times.
FATAL BUGGY ACCIDENT. Superintendent of Police Henry Grugeon, of Deniliquin, died about 6 o’clock on Tuesday morning, as the result of a buggy accident. It appears that the superintendent was out driving in his buggy, with a pair of horses, accompanied by his son Stephen and daughter Mary. The horses became restive on Mathoura road, about three and a half miles from Deniliquin, and bolted, and, on turning short, the buggy capsized, throwing the occupants out.
Mr Grugeon fell on his head, and received several nasty cuts on the head and face. He was unconscious.
His son at once went to the freezing works and telephoned to Dr. Marsden, who went out and brought Mr Grugeon to his home, where he was attended by Dr Marsden and Hoskin, but never regained consciousness.
The son and daughter received only a few scratches.
Mr Grugeon was inspector in charge of Parramatta before being appointed superintendent at Deniliquin.
At the Parramatta Police Court on Tuesday sympathetic reference was made to the death of Superintendent Grugeon by Mr E L Maitland, S.M., by Mr E K Bowden on behalf of the legal profession, and by Inspector Bedingfield ( possibly Q # 2799 ) ( deceased’s successor at Parramatta) on behalf of the police.
His death was also mentioned in ‘The Argus’ Melbourne. Not transcribed.
He left a wife, 6 daughters and 3 sons. His wife Johannah died 28/7/1945 at Lewisham Private Hospital.
2/1/2019, Deniliquin Times.
Eight honoured on police memorial wall’ –
Seven former local police officers and a former police chaplain were honoured during a police reunion in Deniliquin.
They were the first to be added to the police memorial wall at the new Deniliquin police station.
Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate (Parramatta, NSW : 1888 – 1950), Saturday 26 August 1911, page 6
On Sunday afternoon (reports the Deniliquin ‘Independent’ of August 18) a large number of representative towns people, including the aldermen, of the municipality, attended at the local cemetery to witness the unveiling of the beautiful monument erected by a section of the police force of New South Wales, to perpetuate the memory of the Late Superintendent Grugeon, who was killed by an unfortunate buggy accident in January last.
All the members of the local police force were present.
Messrs. J. and H. ( Harry )Grugeon, two of deceased’s sons, had also journeyed to Deniliquin, to be present at the ceremony.
The monument is a beautiful piece of work, and was executed by Messrs. Wilson and Co., of Bendigo, which firm was represented at the unveiling by Mr. H. M. Hammer.
The design is a very choice one, being a pedestal with carved drapery, surmounted by a beautifully carved figure representing an angel with arm extended dropping flowers on the grave beneath. The pedestal and figure are worked from the best Carram marble. The monument is supported by a base of Harcourt granite, with two sets of kerbings of the same stone. Marble posts with marble kerbings, neatly moulded, take the place of the customary iron railing, while the inside of the grave is covered with black and white marble tiles.
The monument bears the inscription, ‘In memory of Harry Grugeon, Esq., J.P., Superintendent of Police, Deniliquin, died 10th January, 1911, as the result of a buggy accident.
Aged 56 years.
‘Thy will be done, O Lord.’
Erected as a mark of esteem by the officers, non-commissioned officers, and men of the New South Wales Police Force.”
In the early part of this year, the popular Superintendent of Police at Deniliquin Mr. Harry Grugeon, J.P., died from injuries received in a buggy accident and since then the members of the New South Wales police force have decided to commemorate his memory by the erection of a monument over his grave in the Deniliquin Cemetery.
The design selected is very choice, being a pedestal with carved drapery surrounded by a beautifully carved figure representing an angel with arm extended dropping flower’s on to the grave beneath. The pedestal and figure are worked from the best Carrara marble. The monument is supported by a base of Harcourt granite with two sets of kerbings of the same stone. Marble posts with marble kerbing neatly moulded take the place of the customary iron railing while the inside of the grave is to be covered with black and white marble.
The inscription has been cut out and filled with lead, making it of a lasting character. It reads thus: – ” In memory of Harry Grugeon, Esq. J.P. Superintendent of Police, Deniliquin, died on January 10, 1911, as the result of a buggy accident. Aged 56 years. Thy Will be done O Lord. Erected as a mark of esteem by the officers, non-commissioned officers and men of the New South Wales police. ”
The work has been entrusted to Messrs J. B. Wilson and Co., the well known firm of monumental sculptors of this city and is being prepared by them at their works in Mitchell street.
A marble tombstone, suitably inscribed, has just been completed over the grave of the late Superintendent of Police, Mr. Harry Grugeon, the cost of which was borne by the police of the South-western and Parramatta districts.
The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Day, will unveil the monument at the cemetery here next Sunday.
Mr Harry Grugeon, who is leaving Narrandera, after a residence of ten years, during the greater part of which period he had been engaged in the law office of Mr Quirk, was tendered a farewell by his many friends on Wednesday evening at the Railway Hotel, and presented with a valuable gold albert.
Mr Grugeon, who is a son ofInspector Grugeon, has accepted a position with Messrs Atkinson and Warren, solicitors, of Hunter street, Sydney.
Narrandera Argus and Riverina Advertiser (NSW : 1893 – 1953), Friday 2 July 1909, page 4
LOCAL AND GENERAL.
New Justices. —
In a batch of 260 names added to the Commission of the Peace on Monday last are included the following:— Harry Grugeon, Superintendent of Police, Deniliquin……
& loving uncle of Jessica, Blake, Georgie, Grant, Zayli and Maygan.
Relatives and friends are warmly invited to attend Peter’s funeral service to be held at St Brigid’s Catholic Church, Brisbane Street, Dubbo on Monday 15th April 2019 commencing at 11am followed by interment at Western Districts Memorial Park, Boothenba Road, Dubbo.
All serving and retired Police personnel are cordially invited to attend.
In lieu of floral tributes donations to the Black Dog Institute would be appreciated & may be left with the funeral director at the service.
Peter Ensor, Mark Meredith, Warwick Campbell and Tom Magann were four of the Dubbo riders involved in the Remembrance Ride.
Warwick Campbell, Mark Meredith, Peter Ensor, Nathan Edwardson from Canberra, and Tom Magann at the Police Remembrance Ride.
A GROUP of dedicated police officers have returned to Dubbo after helping raise much-needed funds for an organisation close to their hearts.
Five officers from the Orana Local Area Command – Mark Meredith, Peter Ensor, Warwick Campbell, Tom Magann and Craig Marchant – spent three days battling cold, early starts and saddle soreness to complete the Remembrance Ride for Police Legacy.
Starting from the Police Memorial in The Domain, the Dubbo riders formed part of a group of about 125 riders that split into five pelotons for the trip down the Hume Highway to Canberra.
Day one saw them rest overnight in Mittagong, day two took them to the Police Academy in Goulburn, and the final day saw them roll into Canberra, the finish line being the National Police Memorial.
For the first time the NSW officers were joined by colleagues from the ACT and Victoria for the final leg of the event.
“When you leave the memorial in Sydney and finish at the memorial in Canberra it’s pretty touching,” Detective Sergeant Meredith said.
“You see the people who have fallen in the line of duty, and when the services were taking place there were friends, family or people who knew these officers there and you could just see the emotion they carry.
“Police Legacy is such a great cause as well, helping the families of officers that pass away or officers that fall on tough times. It’s our way of giving back and helping the people that put so much on the line.”
Part of the group, the Dubbo contingent, were friends of fallen officer, Detective Inspector Bryce Anderson, who died after being stabbed while responding to an incident in the Sydney suburb of Oakville in 2012. Detective Sergeant Meredith said having people from outside the force keen to be involved was a positive for the event, now in its fourth year.
“One of the guys that was friends with Bryce Anderson is a builder and he paid $2600 for a signed Mark Renshaw jersey at an auction we had in Goulburn on the second night,” he said. “The ride has grown a fair bit in four years to the point where there was about 125 riders this year and some weren’t even police officers.
“From our perspective locally this was the first time we’ve participated and hopefully we can be involved again next year and have more people take part.”
Dubbo police officer Peter Ensor laid to rest after his death in Fiji on April 4
Kim Bartley
Dubbo “stopped” on Monday to give a fitting and final farewell to all-around good guy and police officer Peter Ensor.
His loving family has been overwhelmed by hundreds of tributes to a humble and funny man “who touched so many lives”.
UNEXPECTED AND TRAGIC: Serving and retired police officers were among the mourners at the Dubbo funeral of Detective Senior Constable Peter Ensor who died in Fiji on April 4. Photo: Contributed
Peter Ensor
A guard of honour forms after Peter Ensor’s funeral on Monday.
Peter Ensor was in the thick of the 2006 New Year’s riot in the Gordon Estate.
Pictured with Detective Senior Constable Matthew Hemsworth.
Peter Ensor and his son Luke, a cycling star in the western region.
Peter and Luke Ensor take part in Zoo 2 Zoo.
Warwick Campbell, Mark Meredith, Peter Ensor, Nathan Edwardson from Canberra, and Tom Magann at the Police Remembrance Ride. Photo: CONTRIBUTED
Peter Ensor loved playing guitar in a band.
NSW Police ran a “full protocol funeral” including a guard of honour and the escorting of the hearse carrying Mr Ensor‘s body to the Western Districts Memorial Park.
About 1200 mourners turned out to St Brigid’s Catholic Church for the funeral.
Dubbo City Bowling Club hosted the wake where Peter’s uncle, retired Detective Sergeant Greg Salmon, said there were “so many people that you could not have fallen over”.
On Wednesday Mr Salmon and his wife Melissa told of a “hugathon”.
“If there is anything positive to come out of this it was the love in the room not just for Peter but colleagues and friends who are helping each other get through this,” Melissa Salmon said.
Born and raised in Dubbo, Peter James Ensor‘s death in Fiji on April 4 was “unexpected and tragic”.
Grief has rippled through the community no more so than on Monday when police and community members lined Brisbane street and the hearse travelling past the police station where flags were flying at half-mast.
Outside the CBD there were more people paying their respects and removing hats for a man who at every step put the community first, including the night of the Gordon Estate riot in 2006.
Mr Ensor received a commissioner’s unit citation for professionalism after the riot which he never discussed.
“He wouldn’t bang his own drum,” Mr Salmon said.
“More so, he was quiet and respectful of others and compassionate with people with problems.”
Beyond work the 50-year-old detective senior constable, a diligent forensic investigator, made community connections through cricket, cycling and playing his guitar in bands.
“Everything he wanted to do he did well,” Mr Salmon said.
“He was gifted when it came to sport but everything else came from just persistent and hard work.”
The devoted father of one would have “shook his head” at the outpouring of grief.
“The whole of Dubbo stopped and gave him the send-off he deserved,” Mrs Salmon said.
“He would never have thought that he meant that much to so many people.”
The eulogy was delivered by Mr Salmon and cousin, Senior Constable Lisa Horton, who told her colleagues “what we do is unique and it takes its toll“.
In lieu of flowers, mourners donated about $1200 to the Black Dog Institute.
Peter Ensor is survived by his wife Michelle and son Luke, a cycling star in the western region.
People in need of help can call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
In loving memory of …. Ali Shee…. Passed away peacefully. Adored ‘Mumma’, Beloved daughter and sister. Much loved ‘Aunty Al’. A fierce and fun-loving friend of many.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in memory of Alison to NSW Police Legacy or Love Your Sister (for breast cancer research). A collection box will be at the service.
Funeral Details
Parkview Funeral Home – Ballina
21 Kalinga Street
West Ballina NSW 2478
Date: 6 April 2019
Time: 10:30 am
Ali was also bit of a muso – playing in a Pipe Band
We’re very proud to be supporting Ballina Police Station in their fundraising efforts for Detective Senior Constable Alison Sheehan while she undergoes a combination of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hormone therapy to fight her rare Cancer diagnosis. Book your tickets to the Wig out for Cancer on Friday 28th of November to show your support. https://wigoutforcancer.gofundraise.com.au/cms/home
Surprise cancer diagnosis put Ali in fight for her life
by rstevens
4th Oct 2014 5:00 AM
WHEN Alison Sheehan went to her GP complaining of back pain following a freak fall at home several weeks before, the last thing she expected was a cancer diagnosis.
But this is the cruel reality facing the 33-year-old mother of one, detective, and children’s cancer fundraising champion.
“She had a number of tests and eventually they diagnosed her with breast cancer and, unfortunately, the legions had spread to her spine and lymph nodes,” friend and colleague Donna Tutt said.
“Ali has been told when she beats cancer she may be faced with a significant disability due to the damage to her spine.”
While Ms Sheehan undergoes treatment at Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra hospital, her partner Adam had to resign from his job as a manager at the Byron Bay Brewery to care for 18-month-old Jack, who suffers EoE, an allergy related inflammation of the oesophagus, which results in difficulty swallowing, chest discomfort and heartburn.
A regular fundraiser for children’s cancer sufferers in the region, earlier this year, Ms Sheehan helped raise money for Jacob Mercy-Ireland who has osteosarcoma.
“Ali cut all of her hair off to raise money and then donated it to “Beautiful Lengths” – a Pantene charity that makes wigs for chemo patients.”
A former constable with Lismore PCYC, Ms Sheehan did a lot of work with youth from the Lismore region before she was transferred to the ranks of Byron Bay detectives two years ago.
“She was the dux of our original class 14 years ago and she was the dux of the detectives’ class as well – so she had a huge career ahead of her.”
To support Ms Sheehan and her fight against cancer, Ms Tutt has organised the Paddle for Ali, on October 26.
“Come and support someone local who has been a huge fundraiser for children’s cancer.”
Participants will paddle nine kilometres along the Brunswick River, from Heritage Park, Mullumbimby, to Banner Park, Brunswick Heads. “Any type of non-motorised watercraft can be used, from canoes, to kayaks, skis and surfboards.”
An event safety briefing will be held at 9.30am, with the paddle to start at 10am.
On arrival at Banner Park, a barbecue and raffle will be held, with all proceeds going toward Ms Sheehan’s fundraising campaign.
People who are unable to paddle can still donate at any Westpac branch.
Connor & Harris LANDGRAF speak about their Step Mother ( Renae LANDGRAF ) and walking the Kokoda Track in her Memory.
NSW Police Legacy
Next up in our Police Legatee Stories series: NSWPF Probationary Constable Harris Landgraf, who’s been with NSW Police Legacy since the age of just nine years old.
“Three metres deep in the ground, covered in someone’s turds? Nah.”
Harris Landgraf is a country boy, embodying the very best of the open, friendly, and occasionally earthy outlook that entails. Approaching the end of his first year as a NSW Police Force Probationary Constable, his cheery demeanour has served him well in his chosen profession. But how did he get to this point? Let’s go back a little.
Like a lot of kids in his situation, the first that Harris knew about NSW Police Legacy was when they became a sudden presence in his life after tragedy. When Harris was just nine, his stepmother, Snr Cst Renea Landgraf, passed away. At her funeral, he had his first real experience of the love and community of the Police Family.
“There were hundreds of cops… Dad’s best mate Bushy took us there in his highway patrol car. The church was just filled with police officers. Hugs all round. It was pretty emotional.” To the young boy, it made a huge impression. “That’s when I knew the police were going to be a big part of my family.”
Harris’s father was also a police officer, but Harris didn’t initially enter the force, signing up at age sixteen to do a plumbing apprenticeship instead. At the encouragement of our Community Support Manager Leisa Doherty, he applied for, and received, the Kerslake Scholarship – an award given to fund technical education. He was thrilled at the support. “You know, being a young fella, you get five grand put into your account and all I wanted was that big drill set!”
His next big involvement with Police Legacy came through doing the Kokoda Trek in 2019. It was a transformative experience. He loved sitting around at the end of the day with all of these people who shared a similar story. “You’ve always got someone in your corner understanding where you’re coming from”
Another person on the trek that year was then-Commissioner Mick Fuller, who was hugely encouraging of Harris’s desire to become a police officer. On returning to Australia, Harris asked for, and was given “huge amounts” of support from Leisa and then-Chair Det Supt Gary Merryweather, who helped him get into the Police Academy. Leisa also put him in touch with Cain Anderson, another Police Legatee, who was going through in the class above him. The Police Family really swung into action.
Since attesting in December last year, he’s had a wide variety of experiences, and he can’t imagine now wanting to do anything else. “It’s more than just a job; it’s a passion,” he says. His Dad, now retired, has been incredibly supportive. “I’m living his dream,” says Harris. Dad calls every few days to hear the stories, and check in with how Harris is coping with it all. Things are very different to when his Dad was on the job, with police counsellors and all kinds of support services available. And Harris often finds himself checking in with his colleagues, helping them decompress from tough days.
As passionate as he is about his newfound career, he is equally passionate about Police Legacy. With the support of his Inspector, he recently organised a tri-state golf day in the region where he’s stationed, bringing together police officers from VIC, SA, and NSW, and raising more than $9,000 for NSW Police Legacy – a phenomenal feat. And apart from the money, he loves that he’s helped to share the story of why this organisation matters. “People say ‘I give money to Legacy each pay, and what do they do?’… but when I tell my story, and what I’ve been through… people say ‘look at what they’ve done!’”
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Harris LANDGRAF with Commissioner Mick FULLER
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Leisa DOHERTY, Harris LANDGRAF, Steve LANDGRAF, ?
Connor LANDGRAF, Steve LANDGRAF, Harris LANDGRAF, ? LANDGRAF
The guard of honour that paid tribute to Senior Constable Renae Landgraf. Hundreds of friends and colleagues gathered to farewell the senior constable at St Brigid’s Catholic Church yesterday.
The drums sounded and police officers saluted as they farewelled one of their own yesterday.
Senior Constable Renae Landgraf, nee Spackman, died as a result of health complications last Friday, at the age of 31.
Her sudden death has rocked Dubbo’s police family and the wider community.
Accompanied by his three sons and baby daughter, Steve Landgraf, an officer himself, was surrounded by hundreds of friends and colleagues as he farewelled his beloved wife yesterday at St Brigid’s Catholic Church.
Speaking on behalf of the family yesterday, Nicole Muir, Jodi George and Carly Stephens painted a beautiful picture of Renae’s life, moving from Western Australia at a young age with her family and residing in Narromine, where she completed her schooling and started work.
In 2001 Renae achieved her dream of being accepted into the Goulburn Police Academy, where she later graduated as probationary constable Renae Spackman.
Renae transferred to Dubbo Police Station in 2005, the same year she married her long-time friend Steve Landgraf, which her family remembers as being the happiest time of her life.
In marrying Steve, Renae welcomed with loving arms his two sons Connor and Harris and then in 2007, Renae was blessed with her first child, Ethan.
In February this year Steve and Renae had their second child, baby girl Mackenzie.
Family members said while Renae’s life was short-lived, she was able to achieve all she had dreamed to achieve and that was to become a police officer, a wife and a mother to a son and a daughter.
As a person, friends and family described Renae as being energetic, loving, fun and ambitious.
She was an extremely dedicated, mother, wife and police officer who worked hard and stuck her neck out for other people.
Superintendent Stan Single read a valedictory at the funeral outlining Renae’s police service and a description of her achievements and commendations.
Renae’s police service follows her father Neil’s army service and the policing career of her husband and role model uncle Peter.
Together with police colleagues a large contingent of nursing and medical staff attended the funeral in support of Renae’s mother, Sandra.
Renae will be remembered by her peers and family for her insistence in having all things right.
Her insistency on right and wrong and her compassion, dedication and work ethic are qualities she has imposed upon a number of junior police she has helped train.
Following the service, one section of Brisbane Street was closed off and Renae’s fellow officers, including drummers marched in front of the hearse as it made its way to the New Dubbo Cemetery for the burial.
Officers on bikes led the procession, and marked police cars transported the family.
NATIONAL POLICE REMEMBRANCE DAY TRIBUTE TO SENIOR CONSTABLE RENAE CAROLINE LANDGRAF
Page: 18486
Mrs DAWN FARDELL (Dubbo) [6.41 p.m.]: On Tuesday 29 September ( 2009 ) I attended the National Police Remembrance Day service held in the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Brisbane Street, Dubbo, at the invitation of Ross Godfrey, Police Chaplain. Similar services were held around New South Wales on that day, which no doubt many other members of this Parliament attended. The Reverend Canon Roger Zohrab, Rector of Holy Trinity Dubbo, carried out the welcome and invocation. Scripture readings and the homily followed by Police Chaplain David Warner, CGS. The solo of Amazing Grace was beautifully sung by David Cooper, RNS Dubbo. Superintendent Stan Single, APM, the Commander of the Orana Local Area Command, addressed the congregation. Police Chaplain David Warner said prayers for the New South Wales police.
Constable Jason Blake, who had not been a member of the police force for very long, read the roll of honour. I will list the names of those members of the New South Wales Police Force deceased during the period 29 September 2008 to 28 September 2009: Sergeant Sean Stephen Lamerton, General Administrative Support Officer Jane Gardiner, Constable Morgan James Hill, Probationary Constable Mason Hammond, Senior Constable Lindsay “Guy” Winkley, Senior Constable Janice Anne Hennessy, Senior Constable Ian West, Constable Gilbert Joseph Roussel and Senior Constable Renae Caroline Landgraf. Renae was one of our own from Dubbo.
Senior Constable Renae Landgraf, nee Spackman, unfortunately lost her life in May this year at the age of 31 as a result of health complications. Her sudden death has rocked the Dubbo police family and wider community. Accompanied by his three sons and baby daughter, Steve Landgraf, an officer himself, was surrounded by hundreds of friends and colleagues as he farewelled his beloved wife at St Brigid’s Catholic Church. In 2001 Renae achieved her dream of being accepted into the Goulburn Police Academy, where she later graduated as Probationary Constable Renae Spackman. Renae transferred to Dubbo Police Station in 2005. In the same year she married her long-time friend Steve, which her family remembers as being the happiest time of her life.
In marrying Steve, Renae welcomed with loving arms his two sons Connor and Harris. In 2007 Renae was blessed with her first child, Ethan. In February this year Steve and Renae had their second child, baby girl Mackenzie. Family members said that, while Renae’s life was short, she was able to achieve all she had dreamed of achieving: becoming a police officer, a wife and a mother to a son and a daughter. Friends and family described Renae as being energetic, loving, fun and ambitious. She was an extremely dedicated mother, wife and police officer who worked hard and stuck her neck out for other people. Superintendent Stan Single read a valedictory at the funeral outlining Renae’s police service and a description of her achievements and commendations. Renae’s police service followed her father Neil’s army service and the policing careers of her husband and role model uncle Peter.
Together with police colleagues, a large contingent of nursing and medical staff attended the funeral in support of Renae’s mother, Sandra. It was a sad and tragic day when Renae passed away. Renae was a vibrant community member. I knew of Renae well and the work she did with the youth in our Dubbo community. Sandra used to attend the National Police Remembrance Day service each year with Renae. She was a true Briton to attend the service on her own this year. It was a tough day for Sandra but hopefully in time it will become easier for her. Renae and Steve’s children Steven, Connor, Harris, Ethan and Mackenzie are in the good hands of their surrounding family and the police force family, as it is known. Our sympathy goes to them all. The National Police Remembrance Day reminds us of the hard work the police perform in our community but it is very tough when it involves one of our own.
Natalie was as serving police officer in NSW for many years. She now runs carer support groups in Newcastle, New South Wales and is the mother of Alicia, who underwent a right hemispherectomy to treat intractable epilepsy caused by peri-natal stroke.
