48 minute documentary Written by Michael Daley, Produced by Bruce Buchanan and Production company is ABC.
SYNOPSIS:
Anzac Day, 1983, from dawn to dusk. The coverage includes the Women Against Rape demonstration, and personalities involved are Sir James Rowland, Governor of NSW; the men of the Australian Army’s 8th Division; Gallipoli survivor Charles Bingham; Paul Smith, RSL Chief Marshall of the march; a Legacy family; and Roy de Coque of the NSW Police Academy, with his horse, Dandy.
Roy liked Triumph motorcycle and he also enjoyed Blues Music.
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Scott Allan GRAY
| 25/11/2014
Scott Allan GRAY
( late of Wangi – formerly of West Wallsend )
New South Wales Police Force
[alert_yellow]Regd. # 30399[/alert_yellow]
Rank: Leading Senior Constable
Stations: Burwood ( 9 Division ), Gosford ( 30 Division ), Lake Macquarie, Toronto
Awards: NSW Police medal for Diligent & Ethical Service – granted on 13 February 2007
Service: From 16 February 1996 to 6 September 2007 = 11+ years Service
Born: 2 November 1970
Died: 6 September 2007
Age: 36
Cause of Death: PTSD leading to suicide – hanging
Funeral date: 12 September 2007
Funeral location: Lake Macquarie Memorial Park, Ryhope
Cremated: with his ashes laid to rest on Mount Sugar Loaf, Newcastle
Memorial: NSW Police force Service Memorial Wall, Sydney Police Centre, Surry Hills, D8 ( right wall )
[alert_red]Scott is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_red]
Scott Allan GRAY
Scott GRAY and his two children. Taken in July 2007 a couple of months before he died.
FURTHER INFORMATION IS REQUIRED RE THIS MEMBER.
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Funeral details were first published in the Newcastle Herald on 10 September 2007
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NSW Fallen Police facebook page:
Hey Scottie
Thinking about you today mate can’t believe it’s been 7 years since the unbearable became too much. Always wish some miracle intervention had happened but alas, it did not & your decision to leave was made.
Mate so many fun shifts together over the years along with the bad ones & the complete shit fights. You always had my back at a job. Somehow we always managed a laugh irrespective of how bad the job was. Seeing you off was a tough day.
Always remembered Senior Constable
You take care now
I’m sure our paths will cross again one day.
Cheers to you!
Peter GouldA fine epitaph for a fallen brother. RIP Scott Gray. Well done Dave Wilkinson.
Like · Reply · 4 · Yesterday at 2:18pm
Dave WilkinsonThanks Peter
Like · Reply · 2 · Yesterday at 2:27pm
Clare HeissThis is just beautiful to see you honour Scott with these words. As the sister of a police officer who also took his life on duty, I can imagine the family would feel so comforted to see this post also. RIP Scott, you are in good company xx
Like · Reply · 5 · Yesterday at 2:33pm
Janet HillRIP Scot!
Like · Reply · 2 · Yesterday at 2:33pm
Junelle DohertyWhat wonderful words. Well said. Amen !
Like · Reply · 2 · Yesterday at 2:34pm
Dave WilkinsonThank you Clare for saying so just find it hard that it really still is a taboo topic. Especially when you here management talk it up for the media but in reality they don’t give a damn
Like · Reply · 5 · Yesterday at 2:36pm
Clare HeissExactly Dave, that’s why our family and others will continue to speak out for those that cannot – until they are honoured as they should be on the Wall, and so the Police Force acknowledge their deaths as well as their lives. #onewallforall
Like · Reply · 2 · Yesterday at 2:40pm
Mac McGillicuddyBeautiful words Dave Wilkinson. Vale S/Con Scott Gray.
Like · Reply · 1 · Yesterday at 2:40pm
Michelle MadirazzaRIP Scott Gray!
Like · Reply · 1 · Yesterday at 3:11pm
Keith BrennanRIP brother
Like · Reply · 1 · Yesterday at 3:31pm · Edited
Kimberley GalvinA beautiful post and so lovely to see that Scott is close at heart even though some years have passed. As a Police widow to suicide this shows me love and comfort. What a great mate you are.x
Like · Reply · 4 · Yesterday at 4:01pm
Dave WilkinsonThank you for your kind words Kimberley
Like · Reply · 1 · Yesterday at 7:48pm
M-ark W-aspeeWell said mate… RIP brother in blue…
Like · Reply · 1 · Yesterday at 4:03pm
Frank SkinnerWell done
Like · Reply · 1 · Yesterday at 4:18pm
Sharon Johnson NicholsRIP Scott
Like · Reply · 1 · Yesterday at 4:26pm
Paul GlockRIP.
Like · Reply · 1 · Yesterday at 5:14pm
Mark KitchenerI never knew you Scott but I hope you Rest in Peace and thank you for your service.
Like · Reply · 2 · Yesterday at 5:23pm
Andy Peverillwell said brother I am sure no one will speak of me like that. Rest in Peace Scott
Like · Reply · 3 · Yesterday at 5:35pm
Dave WilkinsonYour getting stronger everyday Andy & not going anywhere so nobody will need to speak about you wink emoticon
Like · Reply · 3 · 13 hrs
Kel NightingaleWell said Dave. The ‘real’ Police family will always remember the other forgotten heroes. Rest in peace brother in blue
Like · Reply · 3 · Yesterday at 7:44pm
Stuart NorrisRip Scott
Like · Reply · 1 · 22 hrs
Val TurnerR.I.P.
Like · Reply · 1 · 15 hrs
Amanda StevensonRIP Scott
Like · Reply · 1 · 15 hrs
Karole Westmay you be resting in peace and the golden rays in heaven shine on you
Like · Reply · 1 · 6 hrs
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Garry William COLLIS
| 25/11/2014
Garry William COLLIS
AKA Gaz
Late of ?
Father to Dave COLLIS # ?????
NSW Redfern Police Academy Class # 123
New South Wales Police Force
Uniform # 1987
Regd. # 14192
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 22 May 1970
Constable 1st Class – appointed 22 June 1975 ( loss of 1 month Seniority )
Sergeant – appointed 14 February 1986
Final Rank = Sergeant
Stations: ?, Hamilton?, Mayfield?, Wallsend
Service: From? ?pre May 1970 ?to? ? 1999 = 29 years Service
Awards: National Medal – granted 8 June 1988 ( Sgt )
1st Clasp to the National Medal – granted 2 December 1995 ( Sgt )
Born: Tuesday 1 July 1947
Died on: Tuesday 23 December 2008
Age: 61 yrs 5 mths 22 days
Cause: Depression – Suicide
Event location: ?
Event date: ?
Funeral date: Tuesday 30 December 2008
Funeral location: St Peter’s Anglican Church, William St, East Maitland @ 2pm
Wake location: ?
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: East Maitland Cemetery, Raymond Terrace Rd, East Maitland
Headstone inscription: In The Arms Of The Angels Garry William Collis ‘Gaz’ 1st July 1947 – 23rd December 2008 Aged 61 Years Our Much Loved & Loving Husband Of Yvonne Devoted Dad & Pa We Will Love You Never Forget You And Always Be With You You’ll Be In Our Hearts Forever
Memorial located at: ?
Garry COLLIS
GARRY is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * BUT SHOULD BE
GARRY is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
beloved father and father-in-law of PAUL and DEBORAH, DAVID and GILLIAN, YVETTE and PETER, PHILLIP and KYLIE,
adored Pa of JOSHUA and SAMUEL; SARAH and MADELINE; EMILY and DYLAN and much anticipated child of Phillip and Kylie.
Loved brother of GRAHAM, loved brother-in-law of LYN, KEVIN and ROS, AINSLIE and ROB and loved uncle of their FAMILIES.
Respected former member of the NSW Police Force and loved friend to many.
Family and friends are invited to attend the Service in Celebration of GARRY`s Life at St Peter`s Anglican Church, William St, East Maitland today TUESDAY 30th December 2008 at 2pm.
A private burial will follow.
Flowers would be appreciated but donations to Beyond Blue would be preferred and may be left at the Church. “May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind always be at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face and the rains fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”
Suicidal officer with a gun, but this time tragedy averted
“Perhaps it was a cry for help by the officer that has prevented this from ending tragically” … police in yesterday’s stand-off.
Les Kennedy and Ben Cubby May 1, 2007
THE desperate officer arrived at Earlwood police station yesterday afternoon via a rear courtyard, got his service pistol, returned to his car and put the gun in his mouth.
But a crucial phone call saved him. Minutes earlier, the officer, a 39-year-old senior constable with the highway patrol, had phoned a fellow officer in despair.
This call, about 2.15pm, generated immediate confusion, as police prepared for a siege. Soon the area around Earlwood’s highway patrol headquarters was cordoned off and swarming with about 50 police, including members of the State Protection Group and an armoured van.
Negotiators were brought in, as hundreds of onlookers crowded the Earlwood shopping strip.
After a “delicate and sensitive” stand-off lasting nearly three hours, the negotiators persuaded the officer to surrender at 5.05pm.
“The fact that there was some contact with another officer – perhaps it was a cry for help by the officer that has prevented this from ending tragically,” a police official told the Herald last night.
The acting Assistant Commissioner, Frank Mennilli, confirmed the phone call had probably saved the situation, but could shed no light on why the officer, a married man who had been in the force for 20 years, might want to take his life.
At least seven NSW police officers have committed suicide since 2001, five of them in a police station. More police have died from suicide while on duty than anyother cause.
Last month the Police Commissioner, Ken Moroney, expressed his concern at the rate of suicides and the need for commanders to recognise symptomsandintervene. He said senior officers would be trained to recognise psychological distress. “It may be that by taking an early intervention role we can lead people into the right programs,” he said.
Mr Moroney added that many police had been reluctant to seek help about personal problems while coping with the pressures of their job.
Officers at Sutherland and Menai are still struggling to explain why a new recruit, Constable Greg Norman Lundberg, 29, fatally shot himself while working alone in the station at Menai in January. He left no note and did not appear depressed to his colleagues.
At Chatswood police station in November 2005, Detective Senior Constable Patrick Clearyshot himself dead before colleagues arrived for work.
And in August 2004, Detective Sergeant Steve Leach killed himself with his pistol at police headquarters at Parramatta.
Following yesterday’s stand-off, Mr Mennilli said outside Earlwood police station: “There was a telephone call made
to another officer and the police responded to that telephone call.”
The officer was taken into custody and his health and welfare needs will be assessed.
The NSW Police Force has been rocked by the actions of another apparently suicidal officer.
This time a high-ranking officer is in a coma hospital after trying to commit suicide in a hotel room, The Daily Telegraph reports.
Superintendent Paul Nolan, 54, was recently suspended from the force because he is under investigation by the Police Integrity Commission.
He was found unconscious about midnight on Tuesday.
The nature of the PIC investigation is unclear.
This latest incident comes after Commissioner Ken Moroney last week expressed concerns about mental health issues among the force, publicly telling his officers that it was “OK to cry“.
In January, 29-year-old Constable Greg Lundberg committed suicide with his pistol in Menai police station due to personal problems.
Last month a 39-year-old senior constable barricaded himself inside Earlwood police station and threatened to take his life.
Earlier this month, 27-year-old Constable Nathan Hearps from Quakers Hill plunged to his death from a Surry Hills apartment block, News Ltd reports.
From Berrick Boland – Saturday 11 June 2016 – 8.21pm
Hi Member and Guests,
Have just got off the phone with 2 ex police and friends of our member, M………..I………… of P……………, she has been admitted by Ambulance to ……………… hospital last night after calling Lifeline and then the Ambulance.
She has apparently stated to her friends at the hospital today, she took 2’300 mgs of the pain killer Lyrica prescribed for her back injury received while on duty with the NSW Police force, she has been using a walking cradle for the last 2 years.
She further stated to her friends, she had researched the effects of overdosing on Lyrica on the internet and ascertained a certain dose would leave her in a vegetative state and she didn’t want that, it was death or nothing, when she had reached swallowing at least 8 from her memory, she stated to have a floating sensation and her family and niece’s started to flash in her mind and she started to get scared, she called Lifeline and told them, she states they told her to get off the phone and call an ambulance, which she did, the ambulance arrived and conveyed her to ………………. hospital, where she remains in a stable condition.
Apparently her blood pressure was extremely high and they needed to stabalise that last night fearing a stroke and she has agreed at this stage to remain in hospital until further specialists can see her after the long weekend on Tuesday.
The main reason given to her friends, EML Insurance were pushing her to visit another IME which she says was unnecessary and she only receives $440,00 pw, and couldn’t afford the $100.00 taxi fare,EML insistedshe pay up front and they would reimburse her later?.
Admin.
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INCIDENT FOUR
Struggling ex-cops given a lifeline in NSW
By AAP
Detective Senior Constable Allan Sparkes was a celebrated rescue hero and recipient of the highest honour for civilian bravery when he decided to end his life.
“It was October 4, 1998. I kissed my wife and goodbye and went to work with my revolver. I pulled one of the bullets out and had a look at it for a few seconds, before putting it back in,” he told a roomful of the state’s top brass at the launch of a support program on Wednesday.
“Then I walked off to the bathroom to shoot myself.”
A colleague walked in just in time, taking the gun out of his hands and helping him home.
Only a few months earlier, Mr Sparkes became one of only six Australians to win the Cross of Valour after risking his life to rescue an 11-year-old boy washed down a drainpipe during flash flooding.
He almost drowned in that rescue, and the trauma from that added to a lifetime of exposure to brutal crimes and accident scenes, pushing the “strong, tough” policeman to the brink.
However, the moment that hit him the hardest was when he was discharged from the police force against his own will.
“To receive a phone call saying you’re out, that was probably one of the most damaging experiences I’ve ever endured,” he said.
“I had to find my worth again, to prove to myself that I was still a man, a husband, a father capable of protecting and looking after my loved ones.”
Now a motivational speaker and Black Dog ambassador, Mr Sparkes says a program such as Backup for Life, launched by the NSW Police Force on Wednesday, would have helped struggling policemen like him recover from trauma suffered in the line of duty.
The program aims to support retired cops who struggle with isolation and a lack of purpose, as well as their psychological and physical scars.
The launch comes days after revelations that a culture of shame and silence towards mental health and PTSD issues still abounds in the NSW Police.
Police Minister Troy Grant acknowledged the cultural issues but said the force was still evolving in its processes for dealing with trauma.
He drew upon his own experiences “dancing with shadows” during his 22-year policing, saying if he hadn’t received professional help he wouldn’t have made it through.
The NSW government has contributed $2 million to the program.
* Former NSW police officers seeking support can contact 1800 4 BACKUP
* Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
1st Clasp to the National Medal – granted 24 March 2000
Born: 3 August 1954
Died on: Thursday 20 November 2014
Cause: Bowel Cancer
Age: 60
Funeral date: Thursday 27 November 2014 @ md.
Funeral location: St Phils Anglican Church, 402 Port Hacking Rd, Caringbah.
Buried at: Cremation – Woronora Crematorium 2pm
Memorial location: ?
Photo(s)
[alert_yellow]GEOFF is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow]
Need Further information
Location of Church Service
May you forever Rest In Peace.
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Cornelis Gerardus ‘ Kees ‘ VERHAGEN
| 25/11/2014
Cornelis Gerardus ‘ Kees ‘ VERHAGEN
New South Wales Police Force
Inspector
Regd. # 14986
Stations: Penrith, Zetland
Awards: National Medal – granted 2 November 1988
1st Clasp to the National Medal – granted on 4 September 2001
Born: 16 January 1948
Died 10 February 2004
56 old
Illness – Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder
and Metastic Prostate Cancer.
Funeral: ?
Buried / Cremated: ?
Leading Aircraftman Kees Verhagen. Memorial – Richmond RSL. Location: panel 4, row 4 column 1
Leading Aircraftman Kees Verhagen. Memorial – Richmond RSL
ii. KEES (CORNELIS) VERHAGEN
Inspector Verhagen was attached to the Radio Communications Branch. He had amongst other duties been involved in technical issues related to specifications and tendering for changes to the police radio system. The contract for this tender was awarded to Motorola.
The circumstances of the tender process became the subject of an Internal Affairs investigation and later a Police Integrity Commission hearing, no action was taken against him.
Verhagen became ill and was diagnosed and discharged from the NSW Police with Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder and Metastic Prostate Cancer. He died in February 2004.
[alert_blue]Kees is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_blue]
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By Kim Newman-Fitt: He was in charge of NSW communications and a long time ago was a senior constable at Penrith, repairing radios etc. After that he was promoted (directly, because of his special electronic skills) to Inspector to run a division in Waterloo. Inspector Verhagen was also a brilliant artist and sold many of his paintings around the world mostly to other Police (Possibly had a gallery in the Blue Mountains).
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Service: From 1 April 1987 to 3 August 2004 = 17 years, 4 months & 2 days Service
Awards: No Find on Australian Honours
Born: Friday 9 November 1956
Died: Tuesday 3 August 2004
Cause: Illness – possibly cancer???
Age: 47 years, 8 months, 25 days
Funeral date: ?
Buried at: Walgett in the R.C. section of Walgett Cemetery. plot 117K
Memorial: Annual ‘E A’ Dennis Memorial cricket match
………Another police officer also was mourned today – Senior Constable Ian Ross Dennis, based in Walgett, north-west NSW, who died in hospital after a short battle with an illness, aged 47.
Mr Moroney paid tribute to both officers, saying they had been outstanding servants of the police force.
“It’s important on these occasions that we honour and acknowledge that service and that commitment,” he said.
“It’s a very sad day for the organisation to lose officers of this calibre who have selflessly served the people of this state to the very best of their skill and ability.
NSW Fallen Police FaceBook GROUP: 25 November 2014
Ian BorlandIan started out as a probationary constable at Bathurst where he worked for several years before he transferred. Prior to entering the Police he worked for the now defunct Evans Shire Council as s Grader driver. He was brought to Bathurst from Walgett to play rugby league for Bathurst St Patrick’s Club. He was also an accomplished boxer. He fought for the Australian attire at Exhibition Hall, Brisbane where he was beaten on points and collapsed after the bout. It was discovered he had glandular fever and blood poisoning yet he fought the full twelve rounds. After the bout he was not offered a rematch. He and his wife Anne were tireless workers within the aboriginal community here in Bathurst.
Castlereagh’s Cricketing Comrades celebrate ten years of restoring community spirit
– ‘EA’ Dennis Memorial Shield –
Castlereagh LAC Police and the Walgett Community took to the field on 26 October 2014 to commemorate the 10th Annual ‘E A’ Dennis Memorial cricket match.
The celebrated event was initiated in 2004 to honour the memory of the late Senior Constable Ian Dennis, an Aboriginal police officer formerly based at Walgett and Lightning Ridge.
As the temperature soared to 39.2 degrees, players from both sides demonstrated enthusiastic cricketing skills and a strong sense of community spirit. “The match is all about building better relationships between our police and our community. We all want the best for our community, and if we work together we have a better chance of reducing crime and re-offending”, said annual match organiser and Castlereagh LAC Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer (ACLO) Graham Ruttley.In a close-fought battle reminiscent of Ashes tests from yesteryear, the 20/20 match resulted in a hotly contested draw.
The much-admired Senior Constable Dennis died in 2004. He is survived by his wife Ann Dennis, and their three children. Ann Dennis said Ian would be proud of the comradeship and encouragement displayed on the pitch.
“I can’t believe it is ten (10) years since Ian had died. Ian had overcome many obstacles and challenging adversity to fulfil his dream of becoming a Police Officer with the NSW Police Force. This cricket match provides the only opportunity in our community for Aboriginal people to engage in a different more positive way with local police officers,” said Ann Dennis.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Castlereagh LAC for their continued support. It is through the hard work, persistence and dedication of the Police ACLO Graham Ruttley, that this is an overwhelming success. Castlereagh LAC Superintendent James Stewart believes that Ian’s legacy recognises the importance of Police being seen as part of their community. “Ian is often remembered by townspeople and police as being community minded, dedicated to his family and a good Police Officer. The EA Dennis Memorial Shield is a fitting way to recognise his contribution to the community of Walgett, and for Police to be seen as part of the community.”
The event is integral to improving communication and understanding between Castlereagh LAC police and the Walgett Aboriginal Community. It aligns with the Aboriginal Strategic Direction (ASD) 2012-2017, through the promotion of Aboriginal community ownership and involvement. It addresses all four of the priority areas as outlined in the ASD 2012-2017 document; particularly Priority 2 (Improve Communication and Understanding between police and Aboriginal People), by fostering the belief that police are an essential part of the community, and offering positive role models and connections for troubled youth and families.
The match is supported by an ASD Crime Prevention Grant as a key initiative to address the over-representation of Aboriginal people in the criminal justice system.
The match is strongly tied to Goals 16 and 17 of the NSW 2021 (State Plan), through its focus on preventing and reducing crime, and decreasing juvenile and adult re-offending. “Sport is an essential part of our community. Through sport we can cross cultural and societal gaps, and encourage participation and integration. Events like the ‘EA’ Dennis cricket match can lead to better understanding, cooperation and partnerships within our local community,” said Castlereagh LAC Crime Coordinator, Sergeant Lisa Jones.
A respected and admired policeman described as “a role model for the Aboriginal community” has died in hospital.
Senior Constable Ian Ross Dennis was admitted to Sydney’s Prince of Wales Hospital on Monday but died from a viral infection yesterday morning .
The 47-year-old father of three was born and raised in Walgett, and after joining the force he served in country communities including Dubbo and Lightning Ridge.
Mr Dennis started off his career as a panel beater in Walgett before he went to work in Bathurst as a plant operator for Evans Shire Council.
He stayed there for 13 years, until at the age of 30 he decided to become a police officer.
Mr Dennis proudly graduated from the NSW Police College in Goulburn in 1987.
“To lose an officer not only of Senior Constable Dennis’ calibre, but a man of his integrity, is a terrible loss,” NSW Police Commissioner Ken Moroney said.
Castlereagh Local Area Commander Superintendent Stan Single also paid tribute to a colleague and good mate.
“He was a wonderful character and was always happy, always there with a joke,” Superintendent Single said.
“Senior Constable Dennis was an excellent role model for the Aboriginal community.
When he first joined the force Mr Dennis was a general duties officer at Bathurst until December 1992.
In July 1997 Mr Dennis moved to Dubbo and was among our local ranks for three years until early 2000.
He then moved to Lightning Ridge for two years and eventually returned to Walgett police station, where he was serving until his death.
Mr Dennis is survived by his wife Anne, their sons Damian and Timothy, a daughter Geraldine and two grandchildren.
Tributes are being paid to a Walgett-based policeman who died in hospital in Sydney yesterday after a viral infection.
Senior Constable Ian Ross Dennis, 47, had been admitted to the Prince of Wales Hospital in July.
Senior Constable Dennis worked as a panel beater and plant operator in Bathurst before joining the police force where he served in Tamworth, Lightning Ridge, Dubbo and Walgett.
Castlereagh local area commander Superintendent Stan Single says Senior Constable Dennis was an excellent role model for the Aboriginal community.
He participated in the Walgett community, spending a lot of time with the town’s young people.
Senior Constable Dennis was married with three children.
