[alert_yellow]THOMAS is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO
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Front Inscription
On July 25th 1857, Senior Constable Thomas Cooke single-handedly faced down a rioting mob of several hundred miners at the Golden Point diggings.
The insurgents were on their way to destroy a camp of Chinese miners, who were at the time extremely unpopular on the gold-fields.
Probably no-one would have then blamed Constable Cooke if he had backed down and allowed the mob to pass, but through his courage and determination to see the rule of Law enforced, he prevented what would otherwise have been a shameful massacre.
Let his name be remembered in honour.
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Senior Constable Thomas Cooke
Senior Constable Thomas Cooke : 28-May-2011
Photographs supplied by Kent Watson
Plaque commemorates Senior Constable Thomas Cooke.
In 1857, Thomas Cooke, undoubtedly saved the lives of a number of Chinese miners from a public riot that could have had grave consequences for the young colony of Victoria. The foray commenced near the bottom of Golden Point, and out about a mile from the chief camp. The ringleaders of the affray tore down and destroyed mining equipment owned by the Chinese and the situation escalated.
Senior Constable Cooke boldly placed himself in front of the mob and by his presence of mind, tact and discretion, lives were probably saved, and the Chinese camp not destroyed. A compromise was reached, giving the Chinese permission to remain for several more days. On leaving the police force Cooke took up the running of The Panama store at Chewton and suicided by hanging on the 28 August 1882.
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Anthony David STREHER
| 29/04/2015
Anthony David STREHER
New South Wales Police Force
Goulburn Police Academy – Class 246
Regd. # 27835
Rank: Commenced Training at Goulburn Police Academy on Sunday 29 July 1990 ( aged 19 years, 3 months, 2 days )
Probationary Constable – appointed Friday 25 January 1991 ( aged19 years, 8 months, 29 days )
Constable – appointed – “probably” 25 January 1992
Stations: Marrickville – Death
Service: From 29 July 1990 to22 January 1995 = 4 years, 5 months, 24 days Service
Age at Leaving: 23 years, 8 months, 26 days
Time in Retirement: 0
Awards: ? – nil found at It’s An Honour
Born: Tuesday 27 April1971
Died on: Sunday 22 January 1995
Cause: injuries received in MVA – Off Duty whilst returning home from duty
Event location: Mittagong
Age: 23 years, 8 months, 26 days
Funeral date: ?
Funeral location: St Mel’s Catholic Church, Narrandera
Buried at: Narrandera Lawn Cemetery, 289 Douglas St, Narrandera
GPS of Narrandera Cemetery: Lat/Long: -34.74169,146.54273
Constable Anthony David STREHER
Grave of Anthony David STREHER
ANTHONY is NOT mentioned on the National Police Wall of Remembrance, Canberra * NOT JOB RELATED
ANTHONY IS mentioned on the NSW Police Wall of Remembrance
Grave location:
Local news for Harden-Murrumburrah & surrounding areas
Robyn Molloy, daughter of Bob and Helen Molloy of Harden and sister to Graham, Judith and Phillip has been living in Perth for many years. Robyn attended Murrumburrah Public School and completed her studies as Dux of Murrumburrah High School in 1989. She took up a position as a cadet journalist with News Limited in Sydney working on the Daily Telegraph, The Mirror and The Sunday Telegraph in 1996. She met and married Anthony Streher, a police officer from Narrandera, in a beautiful ceremony in her parent’s garden. Sadly, only five weeks later Anthony was involved in a fatal car accident on the way home from work. After this tragic event Robyn travelled the world for a time and did travel writing for the UN in Laos. Upon returning to Australia, she made Perth her new home and worked on the Sunday Times whilst contributing to the West Australian. A total change of pace came with running Old Macdonald’s Farm for 9 years.
The business transported baby farm animals around schools, shows and nursing homes all over the state. A return to journalism came after Robyn had her 3rd boy. But this time she found that technology had undergone a major transformation. Instead of ‘bricks’ for phones and fax machines the internet had become the main mode of communication. Robyn fast tracked computing skills with Curtin University and took lessons in shorthand. She soon found herself on a News Website contract, then the Examiner in a part time position. She is now the editor of four newspapers under the Examiner umbrella. Robyn is a passionate photographer however, her writing skills have attracted attention of late. She has recently been honoured by being shortlisted as a finalist in the Western Australian Media Awards. Robyn, although the Editor says she still loves to write. To be eligible for the awards, journalists were asked to submit three feature stories.
She chose stories on emergency services workers on the front line as she found the people working in this area fascinating and they all had diverse stories to tell. One of her stories featured a hearing impaired fireman, another featured a policeman who had been a professional dancer in Asia before coming to Australia. The third story was about an ICU nurse and how he and his colleagues worked intensively to save people whilst at the same time working at preparing loved ones for the possible loss of that person. When asked if she had met any well known people in her career. She said that when she was in Sydney she had met quite a few, but then went on to say that she had met Tony Abbott and Julie Bishop recently as Don Randell’s electorate office was next door and they were in WA for the Canning By-election. She says she is honoured to be considered for the award as her colleagues produce high quality work. Robyn and her partner Andrew have 4 children, Jayden 13, Cameron 11, Lachlan 9 and Ryan 8. We would like to take this opportunity to wish her well from the Twin Town Times.
Service: From ? ? 2000 to 23 April 2015 = 14+ years Service
Awards: ?
Born: 3 April 1964 @ 11.30 at Westholme, West Grove, Allenton, Derby, England
Died on: Thursday 23 April 2015 in Picton
Cause: Bowel cancer
Age: 51
Funeral date: Wednesday 29 April 2015 @ 2.30pm
Funeral location: Forest Lawn Crematorium, South Chapel, Camden Valley Way, Leppinton
Buried at: Cremated
**Note: The family would like to invite you following the service, to join them in celebrating the life of Stuart at the Antill Park Golf Club, Jarvisfield Road, Picton.
In lieu of flowers, the family have requested any donations be made to the charity as shown. Thank you.
Stuart CHELL
[alert_blue]STUART is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_blue] * NOT JOB RELATED
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Stuart Thomas Chell
Born in Derby, England on 3 April 1964
Passed away in Picton, Australia on 23 April 2015
Aged 51 years
Stuart Thomas Chell was born at 11:30 on the 3rd of April 1964 at Westholme, West Grove, Allenton, Derby. He was the second son to proud parents Patricia and Terence Chell and beloved brother to Mark, Tracey and Matthew. He loved and was loved dearly by his wife Kylie and his son Thomas, who was the love and light of his life.
Stuart was a great character and his infectious smile, laugh and humor made him many life long friends.
Stuart lived life to the fullest and was always ready for a beer, a laugh and to sit and watch the Cricket, Soccer, League or Darts. He loved this even more if it was with a mate or 10.
In 2000 Stuart finally found the career he was meant for. He became a Police Officer and worked his way up to become Detective Senior Constable Chell in the Unsolved Homicide Squad. He loved his job with a passion and dedication that made us all proud.
On Australia Day 2014 we discovered that Stuart had bowel cancer which had spread to his liver and was told of his grave prognosis. Even with all the treatment, and pain that comes with Cancer Stuart never complained and still always tried to be his happy fun loving self. He fought till the end but it finally got the better of him and he passed peacefully at home on the 23rd of April surrounded by his family.
Stuart will be greatly missed by all his family, friends and colleagues but his cheeky smile and sense of humor will always be remembered.
Rest in Peace Stu – don’t create too much havoc up there! xx
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Steve, Julie and family send their love and heartfelt thoughts across the pond to Kylie and Tom and their families at this very sad time. XXXXX Stuart made a difference to many lives and will be remembered with much love and laughter. xxxxx
Steve and Julie Parkin posted a message
LEICESTER
Francis Andrew MURRAY
| 29/04/2015
Francis Andrew MURRAY
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # ?
Rank: Mounted Constable / Corporal 2 ALH
Stations: ?, Tamworth
Service: From ? to ?
Enlisted with A. I. F: 25 August 1914 at Lismore.
Awards: ?
Born: ? ? 1892 at Tamworth, NSW
Died on: 28 April 1917
Cause: Cancer
Location of Death: Randwick Medical Hospital, NSW
Age: 24
Funeral date: 1 May 1917
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: Kootingal-Moonbi cemetery, 20 k’s north of Tamworth upon George St, Moonbi
[alert_blue]FRANCIS is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_blue] * NOT JOB RELATED
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In Egypt in late 1916 sought medical treatment for a very painful left shoulder. Could not raise his arm above shoulder height. His condition worsened and was sent back to Australia arriving 21/2/1917 for treatment at the Randwick Medical Hospital. X-rays reveal that he had in-operable bone cancer of the left humerus ball joint and stem which had also affected his lungs.
Died 28/4/1917 at the Randwick Hospital. Funeral occurred on 01/05/1917 and is buried in the Moonbi cemetery, 20 k’s north of Tamworth.
Elise Veronica KREJCI
| 29/04/2015
Elise Veronica KREJCI
( late of Shellharbour, NSW )
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 41513
Commenced Training at Goulburn Police Academy on Monday 2 May 2005? with Class # ???
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Stations: Wollongong – Death
Service: From ? 2005 to 20 April 2008 = 3 years Service
Awards: ?
Born: Wednesday 26 May 1976
Died on: Sunday 20 April 2008
Cause: Injuries received in a motor vehicle accident – Off Duty
Event location: Picton Rd, Cataract Dam
Age: 31 years, 10 months, 25 days
Funeral date: Tuesday 29 April 2008
Funeral location: St Agatha’s Church, Pennant Hills, at 11am on Tuesday
Buried at: North Rocks Cemetery, North Rocks Rd, North Rocks, NSW ( with her Mother – Ann )
Grave location: Sect. B, Row 8, Grave 2
GPS -33.768712, 151.040709
Engaged just two days … Elise Krejci.
ELISE is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * NOT JOB RELATED
Grave location:
Herald Sun 22 April 2008
Elise couldn’t wait to tell her news to police mates
WITH a new engagement ring worn proudly on her finger, Elise Krejci could not wait to return to work to share the news with her police colleagues.
After accepting a romantic Gold Coast proposal from boyfriend and workmate Brett Wright on Saturday, the 31-year-old Wollongong constable was rostered back on duty at 6.30am yesterday.
But Constable Krejci did not make it back to work to share her happy news as she was killed in a road crash on Sunday.
And the popular officer’s engagement ring was locked in a safe at Wollongong police station, removed from her finger by a numbed colleague.
Constable Krejci was returning home from a week-long holiday with Senior-Constable Wright and his three children – aged seven, 10, and 13 – when the Holden Commodore she was driving slammed head-on into a Ford Fiesta at Cataract in Sydney’s southwestern outskirts, killing her instantly.
As Sen-Constable Wright, 36, remained in a serious condition with spinal injuries at Wollongong Hospital, family and colleagues yesterday spoke of the cruel twist of fate that robbed of a life together. Stephen Krejci told The Daily Telegraph how his younger sister had phoned home overjoyed at her engagement after Sen-Constable Wright’s proposal on Saturday.
The couple had been together for about a year and Constable Krejci was excited about becoming a stepmother.
“She was so happy about it (the engagement). Everyone was very happy,” Mr Krejci, 38, said.
“They were planning on building a house in Wollongong. They had bought the land and had it all planned out. They had everything to look forward to.
“It’s just a tragedy. She was such a warm, friendly person. We’re all a bit numb.”
Mr Krejci said his sister, who would have turned 32 on June 3, joined the police about four years ago. She was following in the footsteps of her younger sister Anna, who worked at Wollongong police as a school liaison officer.
She was working in the same 20-officer general duties team as Sen-Constable Wright and cherished being close to her sister – two girls in a family of five brothers.
“She transferred to Wollongong only a few years ago to be close to her family and friends,” Mr Krejci said.
“That’s where she met Brett. They’d been together about a year. I just hope that he can recover.”
Colleagues, including officers who attended the crash site on Picton Rd, near Cataract dam, remained in shock with a chaplain and psychologist offering counselling.
Wollongong crime manager Inspector Mark Lavers said Constable Krejci “was such a lovely girl. We have 240 people here and a lot of them will be upset.”
Police believe that the crash occurred after Constable Krejci’s Holden Commodore hit a patch of water and aquaplaned into the Ford Fiesta in heavy weather.
Sen-Constable Wright’s three children escaped the crash unhurt.
The driver of the Ford, a 23-year-old Lurnea man, was flown to Liverpool Hospital with hip, leg and facial injuries.
A female passenger in that car was taken to St George Hospital in a stable condition.
The crash yesterday, and right, Elise Krejci. Photo: David Tease and Syliva Liber
Daniel Emerson
April 21, 2008 – 9:34AM
A policewoman who yesterday died in a traffic crash that seriously injured her partner, a fellow officer, became engaged to be married two days ago, their commanding officer has revealed.
Constable Elise Krejci, 31, and Senior-Constable Brett Wright, both attached to Wollongong local area command, were travelling along Picton Road at Cataract at about 1pm yesterday when their Holden Commodore collided with a Ford Fiesta.
Constable Wright’s three children were in the back of the car and suffered minor injuries.
Constable Wright remains in a serious but stable condition in Liverpool Hospital with a fractured hip and spine and internal bleeding.
“I just found out they were engaged two days ago,” he said.
Inspector Lavers said Wollongong highway patrol officers who did not work with the pair were first on the scene.
Command of the crash scene was transferred to Illawarra police and crash investigation officers as soon as possible to reduce the trauma for officers who had worked with the police couple.
Wollongong officers have received counselling.
“We have had psychologists and police chaplains at the station,” Inspector Lavers said.
He said the deceased officer, from Shellharbour, was very popular.
“She’s a lovely girl and a good officer,” Inspector Lavers said. “We never had to chase her up for her work. She was well respected by her peers and senior management.”
Constable Krejci was first stationed at Wollongong in December 2005,
Police said the 23-year-old driver of the other car, a Ford Fiesta with L-plates, suffered hip, leg and facial injuries, and was taken to Liverpool Hospital in a stable condition. His female passenger was taken to St George Hospital.
The Illawarra Mercury today quoted the officers’ team leader, Inspector Brian Wyver, saying each of the five teams at Wollongong Police were made up of 20 officers and camaraderie in the teams was strong.
“She has been in the police for about two years and she was well-liked and it was a close team,” he said. “Brett was her fiancé and he is on that team as well . . . it’s just a sad day.
“Morale is always good and this is where they really get behind each other.
“It’s a sad day and they are dealing with it in their own way.”
Inspector Wyver said Constable Krejci enjoyed bush walking with Constable Wright and others in the team.
He said they both had family in the Wollongong area and that Constable Krejci’s sister, Anna, was a school liaison officer with Wollongong Police.
We had that perfect love, says killed cop’s fiancé; Elise Krejci
Fond memories … Brett Wright and Elise Krejci with Brett’s three children.
HE calls her his soulmate and just 10 days ago Brett Wright was ecstatic when a smitten Elise Krejci agreed to become his wife.
The Wollongong policeman was yesterday lying in hospital with a broken back and his “perfect” woman’s engagement ring hanging from his neck as he bravely prepared a eulogy for the love he cruelly lost in a road crash.
Six days after Constable Krejci was killed as the couple returned from a family holiday, Senior-Constable Wright spoke for the first time about the “wife” he planned to spend his life with.
“We had that absolute perfect, beautiful, wonderful, true love. We were true soulmates,” the 36-year-old told The Daily Telegraph from his Wollongong hospital bed.
“Elise was the perfect partner in every way. She lived to please me and I lived to please her and that’s what made us happiest. We spent virtually every moment together from the time we got together until Sunday.
“Every day was perfect. I’m so fortunate to have had my time with her.”
The couple met when Constable Krejci moved to Wollongong two years ago. They had a fairytale romance, moving in together two days after their first kiss during a holiday with colleagues last September.
When Sen-Constable Wright gave his 31-year-old love a commitment ring a month later, she immediately placed it on her wedding finger and began calling him her husband.
That destiny was to be fulfilled, with the couple already booking their church and reception, before Sen-Constable Wright proposed 10 days ago.
Yesterday, the grieving officer spoke of memories of their final days and plans for children, before their car slammed head-on into another vehicle, driven by a learner driver at Cataract, just 20 minutes from their Wollongong home.
Choking back tears, Sen-Constable Wright said he was feeding his fiancee a mandarin when the car hit water on Picton Rd and collided with oncoming traffic.
He passed out for several minutes before waking to find Constable Krejci dead and his children, Sarah, 13, Renee, 10, and Matthew, 7, crying in shock.
“I just remember the car started to aquaplane and I could see us sliding towards the other car and thinking ‘this is not good’, then I think I passed out and the next thing I woke up and the car was on its side,” he said.
“It happened so fast, one minute we were laughing and sharing a mandarin and then . . .”
The policeman, who will deliver a eulogy from a stretcher at Constable Krejci’s funeral on Tuesday, broke down as he showed photographs of their engagement and final holiday together.
The couple had driven to the Gold Coast with Sen-Constable Wright’s children, spending a day at Movie World and soaking up the sun, before going to Port Douglas on April 15, where the wedding proposal occurred.
“It was just the most perfect day. I’m just glad we were given that last holiday with the family,” he said.
“We were brought safely all the way back to Wollongong and when we were back she was taken.
“But I believe she was taken because there’s another purpose for her. She’s got other things to do now and I believe I was left behind because I’ve still got the kids to look after.
“When my time is finished I know that she’ll be up there waiting for me. She’ll probably say something along the lines of: ‘What took you so long?’
“That’s what I believe. To believe anything else would be too painful.”
Sen-Constable Wright said, although his back and hip were broken, his spinal cord was not damaged and he was determined to return to work at Wollongong, where a plaque will be erected to commemorate Constable Krejci. He also vowed to build their dream home on the block of land in Wollongong’s south.
“I’ll do everything the way we planned, I know she’ll be looking down.”
A Requiem Mass will be held for Constable Krejci at St Agatha’s Church, Pennant Hills, at 11am on Tuesday, followed by a burial service at The North Rocks Cemetery.
The Daily Telegraph 30 April 2008
On stretcher Brett Wright lays true love Elise to rest
True love … Policeman Brett Wright and his fiancee Elise Krejci.
True love … police officer Brett Wright on stretcher at the funeral of his fiancee Elise Krejci. Picture: Channel 9
True love … a photograph of policewoman Elise Krejci adorns her coffin. Picture: Channel 9
WHAT began as the hardest journey Brett Wright would ever make ended, fittingly, in an emotional send-off for Elise Krejci, his “perfect, beautiful, wonderful, true love”.
The Wollongong policeman and father-of-three travelled by ambulance from Wollongong Hospital to St Agatha’s Catholic Church in Pennant Hills yesterday, where he joined family and friends at his fiancee’s funeral.
Speaking from a hospital bed and supported by emergency services personnel, Senior Constable Wright spoke for almost 20 minutes about his love for Constable Krejci, his “soulmate”.
He is still recovering from injuries to his spine, lung and ribs, which he sustained in the accident that killed Constable Krejci, 31, on April 20.
The couple was returning from a family holiday on the Gold Coast with his three children when the Holden Commodore she was driving collided with a Ford Fiesta on a wet and slippery Picton Rd.
She had accepted his proposal of marriage a day earlier and couldn’t wait to return to work to share the news with colleagues and friends.
Yesterday, the 200-strong crowd also heard a series of other tributes from a number of Constable Krejci’s friends and relatives, including her sister Anna, brother Paul and 13-year-old step-daughter Sarah.
Her duty officer, Detective Inspector Brian Wyver, said she had become an integral and essential part of his team, despite having being stationed in Wollongong for only a relatively short time.
Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione, who attended the funeral, said Constable Krejci’s family had supported each other through the death of her mother Elaine, who succumbed to ovarian cancer in 1999.
Their “strength and stoicism” was again evident yesterday, he said.
“All in all, it was one of the tearier and more emotional funerals I’ve been to but when you lose one of your own, it becomes doubly sad,” he said.
“Elise was a beautiful girl – very stunning in appearance, well-travelled, well-educated and very respected. She was a teacher and a nurse, and then she joined us.”
Mr Scipione said he had been struck by the courage of Constable Krejci’s father Ernie. “The tragedy, when you reflect upon what’s happened here is that no parent should ever have to bury one of their children – the time is not right,” he said.
“She has left this Earth far too early, at 31, and certainly we’re much poorer, as an organisation, for having lost her but at least we knew her and in terms of policing, she was an important part of the landscape wherever she worked.”
Bruce I am lost without u…you are Locked safe in my heart….36020…
Memorial: NSW Police Force Service Memorial Wall, Sydney Police Centre, Surry Hills, F13 ( right wall )
BRUCE is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * NOT JOB RELATED
Bruce IS mentioned on the NSW Service Memorial Wall, Sydney Police Centre F3 ( Right Wall )
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Bruce GALLAGHER
Snr Const Gallagher’s daughters Jordann and Jessica with their father’s hat and photo. Picture: SYLVIA LIBER
Illawarra Mercury 28 April 2008
Thin Blue Line pays silent tribute to one of their own
IN a week clouded by grief, the region’s police demonstrated a show of unity yesterday at the funeral of colleague, Senior Constable Bruce Gallagher.
Onlookers were held breathless as more than 160 police formed a guard of honour and another 40 officers, led by Lake Illawarra police Superintendent Mick Plotecki and two mounted riders, escorted the cortege from Hansen & Cole at Kembla Grange.
Snr Const Gallagher‘s daughters Jessica, 17, and Jordann, 15, did their father proud, marching with his police hat and photo.
The 39-year-old Lake Illawarra police officer died suddenly from a heart attack last Thursday.
Jessica and Jordann remembered their dad as a loving man who was always ready with advice and support.
“I was always so proud to tell people my dad was a police officer,” Jessica told yesterday’s service.
“Dad, I am so grateful you taught me so much in life … I know you would not have left us if you didn’t think we could cope.”
Jordann added: “From the very first time you held me to the last time you saw me, you were always there for me no matter what, and I will never forget those memories.” Brother Mark Gallagher read a message on behalf of Snr Const Gallagher‘s wife Shirlena.
“You were my best friend, my husband and father to our two wonderful girls, but most of all you are my soul mate … I will never let you go. You will stay in my heart forever. Wait for me sweetheart, because one day I will be in your arms again.”
Mr Plotecki said Snr Const Gallagher displayed a strong work ethic that had earned him many accolades from the time he joined the force in May 2002. ( 2001 )
“Bruce’s name was often put forward as being involved in very meritorious and commendable police work,” he said.
“I have no doubt he had the potential and capability to add an even more significant contribution to his chosen profession.
“My last duty as Bruce’s commander is to pass on a message to his family, on behalf of the people of NSW. It’s a simple message, consisting of two words: ‘Thank you’. You were a real credit to your police uniform.”
Chief Inspector Bob Noble said that after meeting Snr Const Gallagher‘s wife and daughters, it was clear he was a reflection of a loving, supportive environment.
“The importance of family support in policing is paramount and it is for this reason that Bruce’s family has been, and will forever remain, a part of the police family,” he said.
Chief Insp Noble read a letter from colleague Senior Constable Chris Warren who said his close friend’s sudden death had left everyone in a state of shock.
The two men had joined the force at the same time, representing “two older blokes who were fulfilling a lifelong desire”.
Police chaplain Gordon Bradbery, who conducted the service, encouraged Snr Const Gallagher‘s grieving police colleagues to look after themselves.
Shirlena Gallagher, wife of the late Senior Constable Bruce Gallagher, joined police yesterday in remembering those lost. Picture: WAYNE VENABLES
Illawarra residents have been urged to “whinge” less and appreciate the good work of the NSW Police Force.Uniting Church minister and police chaplain Reverend Gordon Bradbery told yesterday’s Police Remembrance Day service that people “whinged” too much about peripheral concerns when they should be thankful for the things that were really important.
Assistant Commissioner Robert May, Wollongong Police Commander Wayne Dedden and Lake Illawarra Commander Mick Plotecki were among those who attended the service at Wollongong’s Wesley Church on the Mall.
Shirlena Gallagher, wife of Senior Constable Bruce Gallagher who died of a heart attack on April 17, also attended the 20th annual national day of remembering.
Another Illawarra officer to lose her life in the past 12 months was Constable Elise Krejci, who was killed in a car accident on Picton Rd, three days after Snr Const Gallagher’s death.
Back from a visit to Third World countries in South America, Rev Bradbery told the service that he had witnessed terrible scenes that made him appreciate living in Australia. “What a great country we live in, what a land of opportunity,” Rev Bradbery said. “But suddenly I am aware that on occasions like this, when we gather to remember the safety and security that we have in our community, how it has come at a cost. “I am conscious of the fact there are men and women who have lost their lives in the interests of policing this state – what it is when we don’t have to live in a land where our police wear flak jackets and carry machine guns.” He said that in appreciating these blessings, the community must also acknowledge they had come at a cost, sometimes in police lives.” They have gone beyond, they have given not only of themselves, but ultimately their breath and their pulse.”
Funeral location: White Lady Funerals, 270 Kelvin Grove Road, Kelvin Grove, Qld
Buried at: ?
MEMORIAL SERVICE:
Being held, Friday 24 April 2015 at the Cammeray Golf Club, Park Ave, Cammeray, NSW, from 11.30am – 2pm
Memorial Gathering location:
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[alert_blue]SANDRA is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_blue] * NOT JOB RELATED
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KOVAC, Sandra Robyn
(nee Rowland).
Sadly passed away on 12.04.2015
Aged 73 Years
Beloved wife of Steve. Cherished mother and mother-in-law of Steven and Jane, and Michael and Kate. Adored Nan of Lucinda, Angus, Lachlan, Indigo, Ruby and Ede.
Will be sadly missed by all her family and friends.
A Memorial Service for SANDRA will be held on the 24th of April from 11.30am to 2.30pm at Cammeray Golf Club, Park Avenue, Cammeray.
Kelvin Grove 3356 1784
An Australian Company
Published in The Sydney Morning Herald on Apr. 15, 2015
Stations: ?, Nth Queensland in different centres. O.I.C. – Bundaberg, Maryborough, Acting Inspector at Chllagoe. O.I.C. – South Brisbane, Hamilton & various other Brisbane stations.
Service: From ? ? 1905 to ?
Awards: ?
Born: ?
Died on: 14 January 1928
Cause: Heart condition
Age: 46
Funeral date: ?
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: ? in Sydney alongside of his 3 brothers & mother
[alert_blue]HEDLEY is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_blue] * NOT JOB RELATED
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Northern Star ( Lismore ) Thursday 26 January 1928 page 12 of 12
DEATH OF SERGEANT BOVARD
Mr. N. C. Hewitt writes:— Old residents of Lismore will regret to learn of the death of Sergeant Hedley Bovard, of the Queensland Police Force, who was for over twenty years a resident of Lismore. His death took place at the Mater Misericordiae private hospital, South Brisbane, on January 14th at the early age of 46 years.
The late Senior Sergeant Bovard was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Bovard, for many years resident in Ewing Square, Lismore.
Coming to the district when quite a small boy the family for some years were engaged in farming at Goonellabah on the farm now owned by Mr. Alf. James. This was in the latter “eighties.” He was educated at the Goonellabah public school. When the family removed to Lismore, if I mistake not, he entered the employ either of Mr. W. D. Lamotte or of Mr. C. Balzer, who had livery stables in Molesworth-street near the Freemasons’ Hotel.
In 1905 he joined the Queensland police and was for some years stationed in North Queensland in different centres and in difficult situations, afterwards being in charge at Bundaberg and Maryborough. Later he was acting-inspector at Chillagoe, but the climate forced him to apply for a change to the south. Then he was placed in charge at South Brisbane, Hamilton and various other Brisbane stations. His men under him held him in the highest regard.
As one remarked to the writer “If Bo. could not do you a good turn he would never do you a bad one.”
Quite recently Sergeant Bovard developed heart trouble and at the end of September he had to go into hospital. His two sisters, Mrs. Lee and Mrs. Pitt, went up from Sydney and he appeared to make a wonderful recovery. He decided to retire on a pension well earned for service in the climatically unfavourable North.
Early this year the heart trouble returned with dramatic suddenness and his sisters, including Miss Ethel Bovard, were summoned from Sydney when alarming symptoms manifested themselves. His condition rapidly became worse and he passed away peacefully as stated.
His death came as a shock to his comrades as well as to his sisters. The remains were taken to Sydney for interment beside those of his mother and three brothers and were accorded a State servant’s funeral, attended by all the available members of the force.
Sergeant Bovard’s death is a particularly sad one. By his passing the last surviving male member of the Bovard family passes away without leaving a descendant to carry on a name that was honoured in Lismore a quarter of century ago.
Fifteen years ago the family included four strapping sons – young men of fine physique of whose lives one could have taken a lease.
The first break came when Senior Constable Claude Bovard of Wellington Police Force died under pathetic circumstances. Then during the pandemicCecil (who served his apprenticeship with the Northern Star) of the G.P.O. staff died from influenza, shortly to be followed by his elder brother Percy of the same department, from pneumonia.
Percy was one of the first, if not actually the first telephonist in Lismore.
The shock of losing her three sons was too much for the grief-stricken mother who shortly afterwards was called to her rest. Now the sole surviving son in the prime of life has been carried to that bourne whence no traveller returns.
The deceased gentleman was a devout member of the Church of England. To the bereaved sisters the sympathy of all who remember the family will go out.
This is the third death within six months of sergeants of police in Queensland who hailed from the Richmond River — Sergt. King, Sergt. D’Arcy McDonough and Sergt. Bovard — and it can be written of each that he was a credit to the sons of the Richmond River district who in peace or war have won new fame and glory.
[alert_yellow]ARTHUR is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO
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Arthur Alexander John Ford died 19/12/1927 aged 49 from self inflicted gun shot wound to the head. He lived in Glebe with his wife and was stationed at Petersham at the time.
He shot Mrs Florence Laws in a lane way off Norton St, Leichhardt close to Parramatta Road. Mrs Laws lived in Stanmore.
The inquest stated that she was shot twice. Other accounts said that 5 shots were fired. Fords wife stated that he had ‘troubles’ following fractures to the base of his skull and above his left eye (not known if they were job related) and suffered fits of violence.
A couple of letters were not admitted into evidence but it was noted that Ford loved his wife.
Death is due to temporary insanity.
The information came out after the inquest. Unbeknown to Mrs Ford maybe until his final day(s) Ford had ‘known‘ Mrs Laws for some time. In one of the letters that was not read at the inquest he professors his love for his wife and said to her ‘you know all’ I think meaning he told her of Mrs Laws.
The letter that Mrs Laws wrote told of her deep love for Ford and just wanted to be with him. It would appear that on the day of their deaths, she had a dental appointment in Norton St, Leichhardt and she said to the dentist “I have a friend waiting outside”.
A friend says that he would hear the voice of his very young daughter who had died 2 years previously asking him to play a particular tune on the pianola (perhaps due to the affects of his head injuries).
Now comes the finale. He is buried in the Presbyterian section of Rookwood Cemetery. A report in the press has it that just as they finished the readings over his coffin, the coffin of Mrs Laws passed by and she was buried “a few yards” from Ford.
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Northern Standard ( Darwin ) Tuesday 20 December 1927 page 3 of 4
STANMORE SHOOTING
Sydney, Monday.
Mrs. Florence Ellen Laws, of Percival Road, Stanmore, wife of a master builder, was shot dead in a lane off Norton Street, Leichhardt, yesterday morning, following a quarrel with Constable Arthur Alexander John Ford, of Petersham. The policeman is alleged to have killed Mrs. Laws and to have turned the revolver on himself. He also died. Ford fired five shots, four of which took effect on the woman, who died instantly. Ford was also married. When his wife heard, of the tragedy she collapsed.
Truth ( Sydney ) Sunday 25 December 1927 page 13 of 20
MYSTERY LETTERS IN LEICHHARDT LOVE SHOOTING
‘MY OWN DEAREST LOVE’ Passionate Expressions to Policeman Who Killed Woman and Then Himself
“ALL MY LOVE UNTIL I SEE MY DARLING!”
MYSTERY letters, pulsating with terms of love and endearment, were found in the pockets of tall, strapping, handsome Constable Arthur Ford when he and Mrs. Florence Laws met death from revolver bullets in a little dead-end lane at Leichhardt on Tuesday morning. They were all unsigned. Only crosses to denote kisses concluded their amatory passages..
WHO – were these letters from? That is a big question for the Coroner when he delves into the tragedy that shocked the city, wrecked two homes and took a handsome man and an attractive and sunny-natured woman, from the earth. A wondering, heartbroken wife weeps silently in a little home in Glebe, mourning the death of her husband. “A fine man, Mr. Ford,” everyone said. He was big and straight and frank.
But on Wednesday he was buried, having gone from life by his own hand. On the fourteenth of this month he went off duty from the Petersham police station— ill. The next day he saw a doctor, who prescribed, and gave him a certificate which substantiated his application – for sick leave. His poor health apparently preyed upon his mind — a mind worried a good deal about other things. His mother had died and he mourned her passing. But there was more. And his thoughts turned to a little home in Percival-road, Stanmore, and to a little woman who lived there with her husband and her family.
Constable Arthur Ford and Mrs. Florence Laws were very firm friends and probably more, if the letters were penned by her, then they were lovers — passionately enamored. In her Stanmore home an astonished husband and father grieves at almost incredible news. Reddened, tear-stained eyes tell of the anguish of three sons, the youngest about 15, and of a pretty daughter. Their mother was her usual bright and cheery self on Monday morning. She left home, trim, petite, dark and well dressed and called at the grocery store just around the corner in Parramatta road. She left and walked smartly along Parramatta-road to Norton-street, where she went to the dental surgery of Dentist C. G. Everingham.
She was well-known there as a genial, lovable and striking woman, with a radiant personality and an unfailingly bright outlook on life. The adventure of existence was real to her. She revelled in it, and she had the happy knack of making others feel that life is worth while. At the surgery she submitted a plate to be repaired. It had been broken— by being dropped on to the floor, she explained. It was broken in such a way that a blow on her mouth might have conceivably been the cause. Only a few minutes she had been in the surgery, chatting away, when she excused herself by saying that a friend was waiting outside for her. The pair spoke on the pavement, and he walked along with her about ten yards, leading the way into a little dead end laneway between two houses facing Norton-street.
There the man, 49 years of age, and the woman, who was 12 years his junior, but who looked only 30, had a conversation which will never be known. Something was worrying Ford, and he told her about it.
Was there another man, – apart altogether from the husband? Or did he want her to be his own, and give up her home and children? The Coroner will he faced with a difficult task in elucidating this.
Whatever the discussion, they disagreed. Ford spoke plainly and bluntly.
The woman sensed danger and wanted to get away. In a frenzy he grasped her and tore her clothing. Then she saw the deadly service revolver being drawn out. There was one awful second of realisation. She screamed. In a frightful tattoo five shots barked out in rapid succession, tearing into her body on their work of destruction. The bullets emerged and bespattered the wall. She crumpled up and, with a little murmuring cry, fell dead, the red blood of life pouring from her, staining the green grass that grew along the wall at the side of the lane.
Without any hesitation Ford turned the revolver on himself. Just one shot. It was aimed true, and it seared through his head and brain. He was breathing still when horror-stricken people rushed to the laneway, but he died after being hurried away towards hospital.
Six shots had been fired. Two lives were taken. And a ruptured romance the cause of it all. Just what they were to each other is the problem that at once presents itself. The wife of Ford, attached and devoted to him, was in a state of collapse when police officers had told her the facts of the tragedy.
The husband of Mrs. Laws could shed little light on the matter beyond saying that he had met Ford, had, in fact, been introduced to him by his wife, who told him that Ford had helped her with a punctured tyre one day. Patrolling Parramatta-road, the stalwart constable must have met the woman in difficulties with her car. She drove herself about and had been a motorist for years, having in her home no lack of anything she desired; good clothes, jewellery, a car, and seemingly no lack of ready cash. Her husband is a master carrier, partner in a business concern. Whatever their association was it must have been heart whole. If the batch of letters found on the dead man came from the woman. Mr. Laws told the police that the writing was like that of his wife. Many of the screeds were on red ruled foolscap paper. Most had been posted in Sydney, and some in Annandale, but not one bore a signature except the crosses, crosses, crosses.
Sometimes the mystery she who wrote them would add a cross or two to the back of the letter for good measure. ‘My Own Dearest Love,’ was the favored form of introduction. Then the screed went on to messages of burning affection. “I’m sitting all alone thinking of my sweetheart,” read one. “I’ve been doing that all day. I’ve never been deceitful to you since I’ve known you. . .” and more like that. “I feel I must see you before I go to bed at night, and in the morning I wake up at four or five and think of my loved one . . ” One letter was apparently in reply to a criticism levelled regarding attendance at a dance, or possibly to forestall criticism. “I went to a dance last night,” wrote the mystery woman of the letters. “I danced with only one person all night, and I was wishing that you were with me . . .” And then followed fervent passages addressed to “Dear Sweetheart” speaking of lovely kisses and declaring that if he ever tired of her it would kill her. But apparently, if Mrs. Laws was the writer, poor Ford grew anything but tired of her. His passion seemed to transcend all reason, all restraints. Two of the letters in the batch are particularly significant regarding an obviously clandestine association, and the difficulties of avoiding detection. One letter, with no other date than “Sunday, 5 p.m.,” I read: “My Own Dearest Love,— I got your letter in the box this morning, sweetheart, at ten-past six, early for Sunday morning. I tried to keep awake on Saturday night, so I could hear you pass, but sleep overtook me. I woke about four o’clock this morning, and never went to sleep after thinking of you, darling, and of the happy hours we spent together. My Dear Arthur, you still seem to doubt me that I love you. I wish you would not think that. I have proved, dear, how much I do LOVE YOU, and I will never, never give you up. I read your sweet letter over and over again, and loved it. I was thinking of you out in the cold on Saturday night at the dogs. Darling, you must have nearly freezed. Did you ring here about 9.30? Somebody rang, and I thought it might have been you. Somebody else answered the ‘phone, and there was no answer. If you ring me on Tuesday let it be after 4. G. goes then. All my love and thoughts till I see my darling. X X X X X x F.L. x x xxx The F.L., thinly traced in a multitude of kisses, seems to have been the only attempt at signature. Both letters were capitals.
Another letter spoke of the suspicions that had been raised by the association of the writer and the Constable.
Dated only ‘Sunday,’ in much the same way as the other, it read:— My Own Dearest Love,— I’ve been thinking of you, love, since I saw you yesterday. You shouldn’t have come over to the car to speak to me after what I told you in the morning. I was that upset I didn’t know what I was talking about. Arthur, dear, you ought to have a little consideration for me when you know how I’ve been talked about. I Just feel I could clear a thousand miles away. Darling, when you see the little kid, N, I mean, don’t ask about me. I will tell you why when I see you. I will try and see you on Wednesday at lunch-time. I will drop you a note before then, sweetheart. All my love till I see you, dear. Then followed those little crosses that mean kisses – thirteen of them. An unlucky number !
The Sydney Morning Herald Friday 13 January 1928 page 12 of 20
LEICHHARDT TRAGEDY.
CONSTABLE “UNDOUBTEDLY INSANE.”
CORONER’S VERDICT.
” There cannot be the slightly doubt that Ford was suffering from some temporary insanity, ” said the Acting City.
Coroner (Mr. Flynn) at the conclusion yesterday of an inquiry into the death, on the morning of December 19, of Arthur Alexander John Ford, aged 49 years, a police constable, stationed at Petersham, and Mrs. Florence Ellen Laws, aged 37 years, of Percival-road, Stanmore, in a lane off Norton-street, Leichhardt.
The evidence was to the effect that Ford, after a quarrel with Mrs. Laws, drew his service revolver, and fired two shots at her, killing her instantly. He then turned the weapon on himself, inflicting a wound in the side of the head, from the effects of which he died a few minutes after admission to the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
Summing up the evidence, Mr. Flynn said the letters left behind by Ford showed that he regarded his wife with deep affection. All the evidence indicated that be was subject to an increasing mania for some time before his death, and the tragedy had occurred in one of his fits of violence.
Linda Beatrice Ford, wife of the constable, said that he had suffered, some considerable time before the occurrence, two fractures of the skull, one at the base and the other over the left eye. Shortly before the tragedy, he had continually complained of gnawing under the points of fracture. Witness had also noticed a change in his mental disposition. One night, seated at the pianola, he had asked for the roll “Rock of Ages,” stating: “Margery is calling me to play it.” Margery, witness explained, was an adopted daughter, who had been dead two years. On December 18 Ford told witness that he had a confession to make, and spoke of a woman named Florrie. Ford was perfectly sober when he left home on the morning of the tragedy. He was not a heavy drinker.
At this stage a letter was produced, and objected to by counsel for the relatives. In upholding the objection, Mr, Flynn said Ford was obviously insane when he wrote it. It was addressed in very affectionate terms to his wife. Another letter, found on the dead man, was not admitted, the Coroner explaining that it was a letter, couched in affectionate terms, from a certain person to Ford.
The Coroner found, that Mrs. Laws died from the effects of bullet wounds inflicted on her by Ford whilst he was suffering from some temporary mental aberration, and that Ford died from wounds self-inflicted whilst in the same condition of mind.
Mr. Sproule (of Messrs. R. D. Meagher, Sproule, and Co.) appeared for the relatives of Ford; Mr. Thomas Green for the relatives of Mrs. Laws; and Inspector Horsell for the police.
When Constable FordmurderedMrs. Laws and then shot himself at Leichhardt recently, he completed a tragic triangle of death. He was the third constable who has served at Grenfell to die by violence.
Constables Claude Bovard and George J. Duncan were the other two. Over ten years agoFord and Bovard served together at Grenfell, and Duncan was stationed there soon after they left.
