A POLICEMAN has been killed on his way to work in a tragic car crash in Shepparton.
Acting Sergeant Gavin Sproule, 37, from Kialla, was driving to work when he collided with another car at the intersection of Verney Road and Nightingale Way just after 9pm on Saturday.
He was flown to hospital but died on arrival. The Shepparton-based officer is being mourned by loved ones.
Inspector Troy Hargadon paid tribute to Acting Sergeant Sproule.
“Gavin was a well respected and valued member,” Insp Hargadon said.
“He had recently spent a period of time carrying out duties as a supervisor and he was well on his way to achieving his goal of promotion.
“He was much loved and respected by all. He is remembered by his wife and children.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this tragic time.
“It will have an impact on our local members who do a wonderful job and who have lost a colleague and a friend.
“Victoria Police will continue to support our members in these tough times.”
Acting Sergeant Gavin Sproule, 37, was driving to work when he collided with another car. Picture: Supplied
Friend Annette Newman wrote on Facebook: “Rest in Peace Gavin. You will be sorely missed by everyone that knew you.”
“You will be forever missed but never forgotten. Will always love ya mate you were one in a million! And I was very lucky to call you my friend,” read another post.
A Police Association spokesman said it would provide support to Act Sgt Sproule’s family and colleagues
“The Police Association is deeply saddened by the death of one of our members, who was killed while on his way to working night shift in Shepparton,” a spokesman said.
“We offer our deepest condolences to his family, and we have reached out to them, and to the member’s colleagues who attended the scene, to offer any assistance and support they require.
“A senior Police Association representative is in Shepparton today to help guide affected members through this tragic time.”
The female driver of the other car was taken to hospital with minor injuries.
Investigators believe that a car travelling on Nightingale Way turned right onto Verney Road and collided with Act Sgt Sproule’s ute.
The vehicle flipped and came to a rest on its roof.
Off-duty police officer killed in Shepparton smash a ‘true legend’
A police officer killed in a car accident while on his way to work on Saturday night has been remembered as a “true legend”.
Acting Sergeant Gavin Sproule, a member of Shepparton Highway Patrol, was on his way to night shift when a car collided with his Toyota ute about 9pm.
The Kialla man, a father of two young children, was airlifted to Melbourne but died on arrival.
Shepparton Inspector Troy Hargadon paid tribute to his colleague on Monday afternoon.
“He was vibrant and well-respected member who is sadly missed,” he told reporters.
“[He] has been a local member for a number of years having worked in Shepparton and most recently in an acting in the role as a supervisor.”
Inspector Hargadon said a number of officers who had attended the scene on Saturday night were friends and colleagues of Mr Sproule.
“It is a significant event when people lose their lives on our roads and no doubt it always has an impact on the wider community,” he said.
“The complexity for us is that it is a colleague, and unfortunately, some of his peers and his friends, they responded to the horrible scene we were faced with on Saturday evening. They did so in such a manner that was outstanding and [I’m] certainly extremely proud of the efforts that they put in on that evening.”
Inspector Hargadon also praised the efforts of other emergency services and the greater community who provided the support on Saturday night at the scene of the crash.
He said officers who were traumatised by the incident were receiving ongoing care and counselling.
Mr Sproule, 37, has been remembered as a much-loved officer, with The Police Association said they were “deeply saddened” by the tragedy.
“We offer our deepest condolences to his family, and we have reached out to them, and to the member’s colleagues who attended the scene, to offer any assistance and support they require.
“A senior Police Association representative is in Shepparton today to help guide affected members through this tragic time.”
Tributes have poured in on social media for Mr Sproule, who was described as “a really great bloke” and “true legend” who would be sadly missed.
Investigators believe that a vehicle travelling on Nightingale Way turned right onto Verney Road and collided with Mr Sproule’s Toyota.
The female driver of the other vehicle was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.
Passed away tragically as a result of an accident on Saturday February 17, 2018.
Dearly loved husband of Jayne, adored father of Max and Beau,
beloved son of Paul and Shirley,
loved brother of Brad.
Forever Loved Sadly Missed
.
February 22, 2018
I remember Gavin as a young man growing up. Gavin was always a happy and polite young man with a wonderful outlook on life. He will be sadly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, Paul,Shirley,Brad and their families.
Brendan Gellion,
Geelong
February 23, 2018
SPROULE Gavin Matthew
Acting Sergeant 36488
The funeral service to celebrate the life of Acting Sergeant Gavin Matthew Sproule will be held at the Sir Ian McLennan Community Centre Echuca Road, Mooroopna on Monday February 26th, 2018 commencing at 1.00pm.
A private cremation will follow.
In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Victoria Police Legacy.
Gavin Sproule was a well respected police officer who started out in Horsham
Elijah Macchia
TRIBUTES are flowing for Wimmera man Gavin Sproule.
Gavin, 37, died after a car crash at Shepparton on Saturday night.
He had worked as an acting sergeant for the Victoria Police, based in the Goulburn Valley, for about 10 years.
Gavin grew up at Pimpinio before his father Paul took the reins as the police officer at Minyip.
Older brother Brad Sproule said Gavin was like any little brother.
“He was very adventurous, very boisterous, full on, flat out. But then he also had a very soft side,” he said. “He was very caring and loving.”
Brad said Gavin took those traits into fatherhood and became an exceptional parent.
Gavin and wife Jayne have two sons, Max and Beau.
“He and Jayne were a really good couple. There are always highs and lows in relationships and they just got through everything.They worked together,” Brad said.
Brad said Gavin wanted to follow in their father’s footsteps as a police officer, but tried several jobs before he embarked on that journey.
“He was a farm hand and did a bit of truck driving, but he loved the police force,” he said.
Gavin started his policing career in Horsham and later worked in Shepparton.
“When he was younger he pushed a lot of boundaries but he ended up being a very respected and very good police officer,” Brad said.
The life of Shepparton police Acting Sergeant Gavin Sproule will be celebrated at a funeral service in Mooroopna on Monday.
Acting Sgt Sproule was killed when his car and another vehicle collided at the intersection of Verney Rd and Nightingale Way just after 9pm — on Saturday, February 17.
Earlier this week colleagues remembered Mr Sproule as a ‘‘vibrant and respected’’ man.
‘‘He’s a brother, he’s a father, he’s a husband, and he’s a valued member of our organisation,’’ Shepparton police Inspector Troy Hargadon said.
‘‘To lose a life at any circumstance is a tragic event, and it has a significant impact on anybody, whether it’s a member of the police force, or a community member.
‘‘I’d like to thank the community for their support. Please stick with us, we are here, we are dedicated to serving you. We will continue to do that day in, day out, regardless of the circumstances.’’
Insp Hargadon said traffic diversions would be in place on Monday with vehicles expected to be diverted on Echuca Rd, Mooroopna.
‘‘Respectfully, we ask the community to be mindful,’’ he said.
Hundreds of people are expected to attend the full police honours service including police horses, motorbikes, vehicles and a pipe band.
Acting Sgt Sproule had been stationed at Shepparton and Mooroopna, for a number of years, and also had connections to the Cobram and Wangaratta forces.
The funeral service will be held at the Sir Ian McLennan Community Centre on Monday, February 26 commencing at 1pm.
In December 2016, Bert had fallen over and broke his leg for which he was an inpatient of Coledale Hospital for about 8 weeks.
On Thursday 23 November 2017, Bert was driving along Jervis Bay Rd, South Nowra, when his vehicle was involved in an MVA whereby Bert hit his head on the windscreen which, ultimately, led to his death. His wife, Beryl, has sustained a broken rib and is resting at home with family.
Bert’s funeral will be held on Monday 4 December 2017 @ 10am at Parsons Funerals, 34 Belmore St, Wollongong, followed by a private burial.
Bert attended the 1st ever BAS Course in Melbourne in 19?? with Dick Brook, Les Austen, Wally Dent & Max Ebrill., Wollongong BAS – ( Breath Analysis Section )
Christopher McKENNA
| 26/02/2018
Christopher McKENNA
Late of ?
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # ????
Rank: Constable
Stations: Sydney Water Police
Service: From? ? ? to9 December 1848=6years Service
Awards: ?
Born: ? ? 1826?
Died on: Saturday 9 December 1848
Age: about 22?
Cause: Drowned off Police Schooner ‘ Satellite ‘
Event location: South West shore of Bradley’s Head, Sydney Harbour
Event date: Saturday 9 December 1848
Drowned body located on Sunday 10 December 1848
Funeral date: ? ? ?
Funeral location: Devonshire St Cemetery, Roman Catholic Section Row: 1889 Cemetery Plot U-P
Buried at: ?
Memorial located at: ?
Three Constables of the Sydney Water Police drowned in this ‘on duty’ event on the 9 December 1848.
CHRISTOPHER is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *BUT SHOULD BE
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Moreton Bay Courier (Brisbane, Qld. : 1846 – 1861),
Saturday 30 December 1848, page 2
LOSS OF THE GOVERNMENT SCHOONER ” SATELLITE. “
We regret to announce the loss of the police schooner Satellite, during the gale of Saturday night.
She had started in the forenoon on a pleasure-trip down the harbour, having on board the Colonial Secretary, Captains Browne, Innes, and Batty, Mr. Mann, and several other gentlemen. On returning from the Heads, about dusk, having to beat up against a westerly wind, these gentlemen left her in the hands of the crew, three in number, and came up to Sydney in Captain Browne’s boat.
A few minutes before the gale commenced, the schooner was observed by some parties standing across from Bradley’s Head to Clarke’s Island, and it is supposed that almost instantly after she must have capsized and gone down, as no trace whatever can be found of her. The names of the unfortunate men who have thus met with a watery.grave are Crawell, McKenna, and Vincent.
The Water Police boats were all over the harbour on Sunday morning, and finding no vestige of the vessel, they commenced dragging for the bodies of Crawelland Vincent, that of McKenna having been found on the rocks near Bradley’s Head. The bodies of the other two had not been found.
The telegraph mast at Fort Phillip has also been carried away by the gale. The inconvenience to the public will be very considerable unless the Government speedily erect another.
By the assistance of two punts the Satellite was floated yesterday, and towed into Woolloomooloo Bay : From all the circumstances of this melancholy case, we think that a considerable degree of blame is attached to the parties who left the schooner in the hands of three men only, two of which were, we understand, totally unacquainted with the duties of a seaman ; more especially us, from the general appearance of the weather during the day, an experienced seaman like Captain Browne might reasonably have anticipated a storm about sun-down.
One of the bodies of the unfortunate men was found yesterday evening.
Bell’s Life in Sydney and Sporting Reviewer (NSW : 1845 – 1860),
Saturday 23 December 1848, page 2
The Loss of the Satellite.
A most unjustifiable attack on the Colonial Secretary was given to the world, or, more correctly speaking, to that very circumscribed portion of it with which the “Atlas ” is connected, in the columns of that journal on Saturday last.
The penman of the vituperative article would appear to be either of very recent importation, and consequently incompetent to treat of the conduct of the local Government and its officers, or, ( which is equally creditable to his impertinence ) has taken no pains to arrive at the truth of the accusation so unblushingly levelled at a gentleman whose public and private career has till now escaped the foul mouthed abuse of the slanderer.
Our present purpose is merely to rebut the calumny, and, if possible, shame the calumniator by the simple declaration that Mr. Thomson did NOT form one of the party on board the ill-fated ” Satellite ” on the pleasure trip which resulted in so melancholy a loss of life.
With respect to the alleged mal-appropriation of the Water Police Schoonerby her commander, in occasionally entertaining a party of friends on board, and indulging in a cruise about the harbour, we can see neither impropriety nor ” disgrace ” in so natural a proceeding. As well might the ” Atlas ” arraign every Post Captain in the British Navy, for, with few exceptions, our gallant tars do not scruple to appropriate H. M’s. boats to the occasional entertainment of their friends in harbour, and this without risk of rebuke from the Admiralty, or the censure of any, save, perhaps, that of some expuseyite canting print whose ruling principle, like that of the termagant on the eve of matrimony, is avowedly”,” to find fault where there is no occasion.”
Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser (NSW : 1843 – 1893), Wednesday 20 December 1848, page 2
The water police schooner Satellite was, late on Saturday night, recovered, and has been towed into Neutral Bay, where she now lies. She was found with all her sails set, and not a rope misplaced. She has sustained no damage worth speaking of, or at all events, not beyond what a few pounds will cover.
The body of one of the two missing policemen, a man named Craill, was found on Friday night, at Potts’s Point, lying between two rocks. It was in a fearful state of decomposition, and could with difficulty be identified. An inquest was held on Saturday. The evidence adduced was precisely the same as that given at a former inquest held on the body of the man named McKenna, and a finding of death from accidental drowning was recorded.
Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser (NSW : 1843 – 1893), Wednesday 20 December 1848, page 2
THE “SATELLITE” — Early yesterday morning, two punts is attached to the dredging machine proceeded to the spot where the police schooner Satellite had been found, near Bradley’s Head, in thirteen fathoms of water, and by means of the ?, she was towed into shallow water near Garden Island.
The body of the water policeman Craill was found yesterday on Potts’ Point, and brought to the Water Police Office, on which was ? ? will be held this day. We are as ? to state that all expenses incurred in getting up the schooner, and giving her the necessary repairs, will be borne by the party who were pleasuring in her on the day of the unfortunate disaster occurred. – Dec 16.
The police schooner Satellite having been towed into shallow water near Garden Island on Friday last, was yesterday morning got up, and the water being pumped out of her, she was towed into Hulk Bay, having sustained little or no damage.
The vessel when got up had every sail and rope set, which shows that she must have been beating up against a westerly wind, when the southerly squall caught her, and capsized her.
Bell’s Life in Sydney and Sporting Reviewer (NSW : 1845 – 1860),
Saturday 16 December 1848, page 2
LOCAL INTELLIGENCE.
Loss OF THE WATER POLICE SCHOONER, “SATELLITE.” – On Saturday last, a select party of gentlemen, accepting the invitation of Captain Browne, proceeded down the harbour on a pleasure cruise in the Satellite.
On their return about 7 p m., towards Sydney, the wind which had been variable, and blowing in sudden gusts, veered ahead, on which the party determined on leaving the schooner, and pulling to the wharf in Captain Browne’s boat.
Previous to quitting the Satellite, positive instructions were given to the three men left on board, to take in the main-top-sail, but it would stem as though they had utterly mistaken the order, as the boat had not proceeded many hundred yards before they perceived the schooner’s top-gallant-sail hoisted, and all sail set. The boat, on nearing the shore, suddenly encountered a heavy squall, which nearly capsized her, and it is presumed that the Satellite must have been struck and overwhelmed by the same, as no tidings of the unfortunate vessel could he gleaned on the following morning.
On search being made, the body of McKenna, one of the crew, was discovered cast up on the rocks near Bradley’s Head ; the bodies of his shipmates, Crawell and Vincent, have not yet been recovered.
The Schooner was subsequently found sunk, in fourteen fathoms water, and immediate steps will be taken to raise her.
Shipping Gazette and Sydney General Trade List (NSW : 1844 – 1860), Saturday 16 December 1848, page 301
We are sorry to have to announce the loss of the Police schooner Satellite, during the gale of Saturday night.
She had started in the forenoon on a pleasure trip down the harbour with the Colonial Treasurer, Captains Browne, Innes, and Batty, Mr. Mann, and others.
On returning from the heads, about dusk, having to beat up against a westerly wind, these gentlemen left her in the hands of the crew, three in number, and came up to Sydney in Captain Browne’s boat. A few minutes before the gale commenced the schooner was observed by some parties standing across from Bradley’s Head to Clarke’s Island, and it is supposed that almost instantly after she must have capsized and gone down, as she has since been found in that part of the harbour.
The names of the unfortunate men who have thus met with a watery grave, are Craill, McKenna, and Vincent.
The body of McKenna has been found on the rocks near Bradley’s Head, and that of Craill on Potts’s Point.
We are authorised to state that all expenses incurred in getting up the schooner, and giving her the necessary repairs, will be borne by the parties who were pleasuring in her on the day the unfortunate disaster occurred.
During the same gale a small coasting vessel of about ten tons, was driven ashore on the rocks near George’s Head, but fortunately no lives lest. The telegraph mast also at Fort Phillip, has been carried away by the violence of the gale.
Inquest on the body of Hugh CRAILL, whose body was taken to the Water Police Office, was head at the Hooper’s the King’s Head, Lower George-street on Saturday 16 December 1848.
Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser (NSW : 1843 – 1893), Saturday 16 December 1848, page 2
SYDNEY NEWS
( From our Correspondent )
Sydney, Thursday Evening.
THE WATER POLICE SCHOONER – No attempt could be made for the recovery of the Satellite yesterday, in consequence of the boisterous weather that prevailed.
The diving bell and the punts belonging to the dredge left Sydney before daylight this morning to make the attempt.
The bodies of the two other missing water police have not yet been recovered.
The government, I am informed, have resolved that as the boat at the time of the occurrence was out on a pleasure party, and not on ” duty “ the water police magistrate shall pay for her loss.
The police schooner Satellite, which has been dragged for during the last two days, was yesterday afternoon fell in with near Bradley’s Head, in between ten and twelve fathoms water. The steam dredge and diving bell were to proceed at daylight this morning for the purpose of recovering her. Neither of the bodies of the police constables Craill and Vincent had, up to yesterday evening, been found.
INQUEST. – An inquest was held yesterday by Mr. Ryan Brenan, at O’Dowd’s, the Forbes’ Hotel, King and York streets, on view of the body of Christopher McKenna. then lying dead at the residence of his mother, in York-street. The deceased was one of the three Water Police constables who were on board the Government schooner Satellite, when she was lost in the harbour during the sudden squall of Saturday night.
Mr. T. H. B. Venour, clerk of the Water Police Court, deposed to the finding of the body of the deceased late on Sunday afternoon, lying on the rocks on the south-western side of Bradley’s Head.
Captain Browne, P.M., stated that on Saturday the schooner had been down the harbour, and on returning to Sydney, at about seven o’clock in the evening, when off Clarke’s Island, the wind falling light, he (Captain B ) with others quitted the vessel, leaving her in charge of the deceased and two others of the constabulary named Craill and Vincent.
On leaving the vessel a caution was given to these parties to mind the southerly wind and have their sails taken in. They were directed to work up to Sydney. Captain B. and his party then pulled up, but within the succeeding twenty minutes were caught by the squall, and from its violence experienced great difficulty in reaching Sydney.
Finding on yesterday (Sunday) morning that the schooner had not come up, he proceeded down the harbour, and found on the rocks nearBradley’s Head the Satellite‘s main hatch gratings, and a table which he ( Captain Browne ) knew to be aboard of her when he quitted her, as also a hat belonging to the deceased.
Every possible enquiry had been made respecting the schooner, but although it appears she was seen shortly previous to the coming of the squall, no person could be found who had seen her struck by it.
The deceased, who was about twenty-two years of age, had been four years in the service, and a high encomium on his conduct during that time was passed by Captain Browne.
The deceased and the other men, at the time the schooner was left in their charge, were perfectly sober.
The jury returned a finding of accidental death by drowning.
We are sorry to have to announce the loss of the Police schooner Satellite, during the gale of Saturday night.
She had started in the forenoon on a pleasure trip down the harbour with the Colonial Secretary, Captains Browne, Innes, and Batty, Mr Mann, and others.
On returning from the heads, about dusk, having to beat up against a westerly wind, these gentlemen left her in the hands of the crew, three in number, and came up to Sydney in Captain Browne’s boat.
A few minutes before the gale commenced the schooner was observed by some parties standing across from Bradley’s Head to Clarke’s Island, and it is supposed that almost instantly after she must have capsized and gone down, as no trace whatever can be found of her. The names of the unfortunate men who have thus met with a watery grave, are Crawell, McKenna, and Vincent.
The Water Police boats were all over the harbour yesterday morning, and finding no vestige of the vessel, they commenced dragging for the bodies of Crawell and Vincent, that of McKenna having been found on the rocks near Bradley’s Head.
During the same gale a small coasting vessel of about ten tons, was driven ashore on the rocks near George’s Head, but fortunately no lives lost.
The telegraph mast also at Fort Phillip, has been carried away by the violence of the gale. It is to be hoped the government will lose no time in repairing this latter damage, as the loss will be a great inconvenience to the public.
Service: From 20 June 1974to 29 March 1982 = 7+years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: 6 June 1957
Died on: 29 March 1982
Age: 24
Cause: Motor Vehicle Collision – Driver – Urgent Duty
Event location: Tapleys Hill Rd, Glenelg North
Funeral date: 1 April 1982
Funeral location: Mt Gambier, S.A.
Buried at: Carinya Gardens Cemetery, Mt Gambier
Memorial located at: ?
Warren Matheson had two small children when he died. The mother ( Barbara ) of those two small children kept in close contact with the parents of Warren after his death and are still in contact to this day. Warrens, now adult children ( Brett, 38 & Hayley, 36 ) ( in 2017) and their mother ( Barbara ) travelled from Qld to Mt Gambier in November 2016 and visited the grave of Warren. Warren now has two grandsons, now aged 5 & 1. The memory of Warren is still alive and the family will never forget the loss.
Warren Mathesons’ now adult children ( Hayley, 36 & Brett, 38 ) ( as of 2017) as seen in November 2016 with Warrens’ two grandsons, now aged 5 & 1.
This photo is Warrens parents Ian and Maureen Matheson ( seated ) with the family celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary November 2016.
Certificate of Service
[alert_green]WARRENis mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green]
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
March 29, 1982 | Two young constables, Warren John Matheson, 24, and Matthew John Payne, 22, died after the vehicle they were pursuing through Adelaide’s south-western suburbs swerved into their police car. Police subsequently charged the driver of the pursed vehicle with a number of very serious driving offences.
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29 September, 2010
Police honour their comrades
By Fred Smith (Cross Media Reporter)
Community members joined Limestone Coast police at a ceremony at the Mt Gambier Police Station on Thursday for the National Police Remembrance Day.
The presence of riderless horse at a ceremony at the Mt Gambier Police Station on Thursday was a time-honoured way of paying respects to the fallen.
Such gestures have been hallmarks of military and State funerals since the nineteenth century.
Local officers arranged for the riderless horse with boots reversed in its stirrups to be part of the annual religious ceremony to mark National Police Remembrance Day.
The 16-year-old grey horse called “Limelight” was formerly a part of the South Australian Police Mounted Cadre.
In retirement, “Limelight” was brought to Mt Gambier by its former rider Senior Constable Stephanie Cooper.
After nine years with the Mounted Cadre, Senior Constable Cooper is now on general police duties in Mt Gambier.
She rode another horse “Star of Courage” to the ceremony while “Limelight” was led to it by Constable Barb Bushell.
The two horses stood guard while community members and police honoured those who had given their lives in the line of duty.
The wreath layers at the 45 minute ceremony included local resident Maureen Matheson.
She laid a floral tribute in memory of her eldest son, Warren John Matheson, who was killed while on police duty in Adelaide in 1982.
At the time of his death, he was a 24-year-old married father with an infant son and daughter.
He was laid to rest in the Carinya Gardens Cemetery in Mount Gambier.
Mrs Matheson said another young officer from this region was killed in the same motor vehicle collision which claimed the life of her son.
“He was 22-year-old Constable Matthew Payne, of Rendelsham.
“Matthew was not supposed to be on traffic duties with Warren on this day but his regular partner could not make this shift.
“Matthew is buried at Rendelsham.
“I have been coming to these annual ceremonies for several years.
“One has been held at Warren’s grave while another took place at the Rendelsham cemetery.
“In recent years, we have been holding the ceremony here at Mt Gambier,” said Mrs Matheson.
The other wreath layers were representatives of the Limestone Coast Police Local Service Area, SA Police Legacy, Mt Gambier City Council, District Council of Grant, MFS, SA Ambulance Service and the Rotary Club of Mt Gambier West.
A wreath was also placed on Constable Payne’s grave later in the day by Sergeant Richard Murphy, of the SA Police Legacy.
The master of ceremonies in Mt Gambier was Sergeant Andy Stott while the prayers were led by Police Chaplain and Mt Gambier Anglican parish priest, the Reverend Canon Brian Ashworth.
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 19 July 1989
Senior Constable – appointed 9 December 1996
Stations: D 24 General Duties, Traffic Operations Group – Melbourne Metro,
Benalla General Duties, Benalla Traffic Management Unit from 10 November 1997 – Death
Service: From 13 March 1989to 26 December 1998= 8+years Service
Awards: Victoria Police Star – posthumously in 2007. Presented to his sister – SenCon Megan De Winne.
No find on It’s An Honour
Born: ? ? 1969
Died on: Saturday 26 December 1998 about 9.35am
Age: 29
Cause: Motor Vehicle Accident – Driver – Urgent Duty -v- Tree
Event location: Midland Hwy, Yin Barun, near Swanpool, Victoria
Funeral date: ?
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial at: 1/ Benalla Police Station Memorial Garden
2/ Simon de Winne Urgent Care Centre at Benalla Hospital
Senior Constable Simon De Winne Plaque Located at 19 Bridge Street West, Police Station, Police Memorial Garden, Benalla, 3672 in Victoria in Australia. GPS Location: Lat: -36.555495 Long: 145.975424
Senior Constable Simon David De Winne was posthumously awarded the Victoria Police Star
[alert_green]SIMONIS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green]
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Funeral location: ?
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
At 9.35 a.m. on Saturday, 26th December 1998, Senior Constable De Winne was travelling south along the Midland Highway, near Swanpool, intending to intercept a vehicle for a traffic offence. He lost control of his vehicle and collided with a tree, killing him instantly.
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Simon David De Winne joined Victoria Police on 13th March 1989 and was sworn in at a graduation ceremony on 19th July 1989. Simon worked on General Duties, D.24 and the Traffic Operations Group in metropolitan Melbourne before transferring to Benalla General Duties where he was promoted to Senior Constable on 9th December 1996. Senior Constable De Winne then transferred to the Benalla Traffic Management Unit on 10th November 1997.
On Saturday, 26 December 1998, Senior Constable Simon De Winne died on duty when his patrol vehicle collided with a tree on the Midland Highway, 15 kms south of Benalla.
The Victoria Police Star was posthumously awarded to Senior Constable Simon De Winne at graduation ceremony in 2007. The award was presented to Senior Constable De Winne’s sister, Senior Constable Megan De Winne.
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Senior Constable Simon David De Winne died doing what he loved.
It was 9.35am on Boxing Day, 1998. It was wet and miserable, but Sen Const De Winne was out on our roads working while most of us were at home recovering from an indulgent Christmas feast.
Sen Constable De Winne was in pursuit of a speeding motorcyclist on the Midland Hwy near Swanpool when he was forced to terminate the pursuit as it had turned dangerous. But as he was slowing down, his patrol car slid off the road, slammed into a tree and killed the 29-year-old instantly.
Almost 15 years on, his brother Nick De Winne said the memories of his best mate were still so vivid and the pain of his tragic and unexpected death still so raw.
As Victorians prepare to remember our 131 fallen officers with National Police Remembrance Day on September 29, Nick paid tribute to the work of his brother and his colleagues.
“Simon was the type of guy who just made the best of every day, he loved life and loved being a police officer,” Nick said.
“I appreciate the work of our police more now, they deal with a lot of ferals every day,” he said. “I definitely do respect them (the police) a whole lot more.”
Nick said his brother’s zest for life continued to be an inspiration.
“Simon lived life to the full and he was just a bag of fun to be around,” he said.
Nick said for Simon joining the police force was his lifelong dream.
“He was like a father figure to us; we grew up without dad so he took me under his wing,” Nick said.
“It is shocking, nothing ever replaces it and no matter what I do I won’t be able to see him or hear him again and that’s the hardest thing.”
Sen Const De Winne joined the Victorian Police on March 13, 1989 and was sworn in at a graduation ceremony in July that year.
Like all officers, Sen Const De Winne began his career at the frontline of the force, in general duties in Melbourne before driving his passion into highway patrol.
But when country life took over, Sen Const De Winne transferred to Benalla Police Station where he accepted a general duties position before securing another highway patrol berth.
Sen Const De Winne didn’t just inspire his brother Nick or other brother Byron, he also encouraged his sister Megan to pursue a career within the force.
Megan De Winne is a police officer in Melbourne and has often starred on the television show Highway Patrol.
“Megan failed the first time but after Simon was killed she had more determination than ever to do it and she did,” Nick said.
His legacy continues to live on through Nick and his two mates from the station, Senior Constables Paul Bronsgeest and Richard Cameron.
“I guess I wonder why people speed, why they do it — I ask myself that all the time,” Nick said.
“It’s unnecessary and it’s not cool and it causes trauma. What our family has gone through I wouldn’t wish upon my worst enemy.”
National Police Remembrance Day is on September 29.
Benalla Police will host a ceremony at the station on September 28 from 9.20am. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.
The Simon de Winne Urgent Care Centre at Benalla Hospital commemorate Senior Constable Simon de Winne who was killed in the line of duty on December 26, 1998. The Simon De Winne Urgent Care Centre was opened on Wednesday 14th July 2011 by members of the Simon De Winne family.
Senior Constable De Winne was in pursuit of a speeding motorcyclist on the Midland Highway near Swanpool when he was forced to terminate the pursuit as it had turned dangerous. As he was slowing down, his patrol car slid off the road, slammed into a tree and killed the 29-year-old instantly. Senior Constable De Winne was a member of the Benalla Traffic Management Unit.
Front Inscription
Simon de Winne Urgent Care Centre
Plaque :
The Urgent Health Care Unit at Benalla Health was officially dedicated as a Police Memorial in memory of Senior Constable Simon De Winne, (27590) by Mr William Noonan, OAM Chairman, Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation on Thursday, 10th May 2012
Location of Urgent Care Centre: 45 – 53 Coster Street, Simon de Winne Urgent Care Centre, Benalla Hospital, Benalla, 3672
The Simon de Winne Urgent Care Centre at Benalla Hospital commemorate Senior Constable Simon de Winne who was killed in the line of duty on December 26, 1998. The Simon De Winne Urgent Care Centre was opened on Wednesday 14th July 2011 by members of the Simon De Winne family. Senior Constable De Winne was in pursuit of a speeding motorcyclist on the Midland Highway near Swanpool when he was forced to terminate the pursuit as it had turned dangerous. As he was slowing down, his patrol car slid off the road, slammed into a tree and killed the 29-year-old instantly. Senior Constable De Winne was a member of the Benalla Traffic Management Unit.
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Benalla Health Report – 2012
Following the refurbishment and reopening of the former emergency department in July, now known as the ‘Simon De Winne Urgent Care Centre’, a Dedication Ceremony was held earlier this year by the Police Blue Ribbon Foundation to honour Simon.
The Ceremony was attended by over 100 guests and officiated by Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner of Road Policing, Kieran Walshe APM.
We are very fortunate to have a generous community and we are extremely grateful to those who support us through philanthropy, volunteering and membership
of one of our auxiliaries. We sincerely thank them all for their tireless efforts to ensure that both patients and staff are given the opportunity to use state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.
North East Health chief Margaret Bennett, Ann Brimblecombes parents Alex and Jennifer Brimblecombe, and Deputy Commissioner Kieran Walshe at the presentation. Picture: KYLIE ESLER
THERE couldn’t be a more appropriate way of paying tribute to Sen-Constable Ann Brimblecombe than what was unveiled yesterday.
The Wangaratta police officer died in 2006 while on duty after her car veered off the road when travelling to Mitta to give school children a bicycle safety lecture.
Children’s safety was close to her heart and it’s because of her that the Wangaratta Hospital’s paediatric unit has now become a safer place.
In tribute to Sen-Constable Brimblecombe, the unit received a $30,000 donation from the police Blue Ribbon Foundation for security doors and a refurbishment to their baby room.
Jennifer Brimblecombe said her daughter didn’t like a fuss being made over her.
“She’d be thrilled to bits for the honour but she was just very happy doing her work, hoping it would stick with all the children as they grew up,” she said.
“You can’t get around the fact she’s not here but at least her work is being carried on.”
Sen-Constable Brimblecombe’s passion for educating stemmed from her original ambition to become a schoolteacher.
“She actually couldn’t get a job when she finished a teaching course. She tried very hard for a while then the next thing we knew she applied for the police force,” Mrs Brimblecombe said.
Soon after she was offered a position to teach, but instead chose the police force.
“She was a very dedicated girl. When she decided she wanted to do something that was her focus completely,” Mrs Brimblecombe said.
Unveiling the plaques to commemorate the memorial was one of the last tasks for deputy police commissioner Kieran Walshe, who will retire after 44 years of service on July 1.
He said the Victorian police force was often described as having “a ringside seat at the greatest show on earth” but it still had its lows.
“When you are in a position of authority and leadership and you hear of these things, like what happened to Ann Brimblecombe and others, they’re lowlights in the organisation,” he said.
“But when you think of the Ann Brimblecombe paediatric rooms, it just really epitomises what Ann was about.”
Funding for the urgent care unit at Benalla Hospital was also revealed in memory of Sen-Constable Simon De Winne, who died in 1998 after colliding with a tree while trying to pull a car over for a traffic offence.
Ann Brimblecombe’s life was one well spent with almost 1000 mourners turning out to Wangaratta’s Holy Trinity Cathedral yesterday to bid the Victorian policewoman farewell.
Killed in a car accident at Larsens Cutting near Eskdale, last Wednesday, Sen-Constable Brimblecombe was known about the North East for her work in schools as a bicycle education officer.
The service, conducted with full police honours, reflected her jovial nature, her sense of community and voluntaryism and most of all, her strong relationship with the region’s children.
Her older brother, Peter Brimblecombe spoke of her love for sport, the Geelong Football Club, her idol Gary Ablett and of the North East as her “spiritual home”.
“After graduating from Chadstone College, she attended teachers’ college at Bendigo and after getting her degree there were no primary teaching jobs available,” he said.
“It was then she made the decision to join the Victoria Police.”
Mr Brimblecombe said his sister had eight nephews and nieces and remembered all their birthdays, was highly active in the Wangaratta bowls club, and taught adult literacy.
“Her other great loves were dogs and chocolate,” he said.
“She was old fashioned, quirky, bright and bubbly, she had a daggy sense of humour.
“Ann was a one and only.”
The service was attended by Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police Christine Nixon and Victorian Police Minister Tim Holding.
Most knew her as Senior Ann, and pupils of Wangaratta West, Chisholm St Primary, Wangaratta Primary, Cathedral College, St Monica’s Primary in Wodonga, St Patrick’s at Wangaratta, Moyhu Primary, Everton Primary, Wangaratta West, Yarrunga, Appin Park Primary and Bright P-12 College formed a guard of honour.
Wangaratta Primary teacher David Capper paid tribute.
“She had a terrific sense of humour, she used to make the kids do her Prince Philip walk and make them say ‘just like Senior Ann’ whenever she taught them anything,” he said.
Beth Hutchinson, of Beechworth, said her daughter India-Rose, 11, taught by Senior Ann, had asked to attend the service.
“She really got through to the kids, we were ever so grateful — she’s such a loss to the community,” Ms Hutchinson said.
– By Riccarda Burley, August 22, 2006
Police form honor guard at Senior Constable Ann Brimblecombe’s funeral.
In memory of our friend and colleague Ann Brimblecombe Senior Constable 21795 `Senior Ann` Tragically killed performing road safety in active duty August 16, 2006 Member of the Wangaratta Police complex ——- Commemorates Senior Constable Ann Brimblecombe placed in the Wangaratta Paediatric Unit. The memorial plaque was officially dedicated at Batchelor’s Green on the 10th May 2012. Senior Constable Brimblecombe was a Wangaratta Highway Patrol member who was killed in a car crash in August 2006 while travelling from Wangaratta to Mitta Mitta to give a bicycle safety lecture. She was affectionately known as “Senior Ann” by children as she ran bicycle education programs throughout the North East. Address of plaque: 21 Handley Street, Wangaratta Police Complex, Wangaratta, 3677, Victoria, Australia
BRIMBLECOMBE SEN.CON. ANN JANE “SENIOR ANN” 8.12.1957 – 16.8.2006 Loved daughter of Alex and Jennifer. Sister to Peter, Claire, Ian & Ross Treasured Memories
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‘Safety – Think It .. Do It’ to win $2,000 for your school
A message about safety at your school or in the community could win your school $2,000 and also have them receive the Ann Brimblecombe Memorial Award. The ‘Caring About Regional Safety’ (CARS) program, which is now in its eighth year, is a primary school based competition that gets kids thinking about safety.
CARS began as a way to both commemorate the valuable work that Senior Constable Ann Brimblecombe did with primary school children and also help ensure her messages about safety are ongoing. Tragically ‘Senior Ann’ as she was affectionately known by hundreds of school children, died as the result of a motor vehicle accident in August 2006.
Get Your Class Involved
The competition is open to all local primary schools in NE Victoria and Southern New South Wales and asks children to actively think about safety and create a promotional poster. It could be safety at home, in the school yard or even when they are travelling.
Teachers may like to encourage students to think about a safety message that they are individually interested in or have the class decide on a safety theme that everyone can concentrate on.
Teachers should collate all their students’ posters (ensuring that each students name, class and school are written on the back) and send to the CARS Action Team before the competition closes each year.
To help stimulate the students, a representative of the police force will be available to visit every school to talk to students about safety. If your school would like to organise a visit or if you would like to find out more about CARS contact:
CARS Action Team – Senior Sergeant Michael Connors
Wangaratta Police Station
1 Handley Street, Wangaratta VIC 3677
Phone: 0357 230 830
Safety Sam – Think It .. Do It
‘Safety Sam’ is our mascot to help promote the ‘Safety- Think It .. Do It’ message. If the winning poster has the image of Safety Sam included in it, the students who created it will (pending parental approval) win a ride in a police car as well as a ride in a police boat. Download an image of Safety Sam here.
Canberra United?Verified account @CanberraUnited 10 Dec 2016 Congratulations @ashsykes91, winner of the Ann Brimblecombe Memorial Medal for Player of the Match! #BlueRibbonCup #MCYvCBR pic.twitter.com/HZjAC0OM5c
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The Blue Ribbon Cup – Melbourne City v Canberra United
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Canberra United
Melbourne City & Canberra United will play for the Blue Ribbon Cup on Saturday in their second meeting of the 2016/17 Westfield W-League season.
The Blue Ribbon Cup is held in partnership with the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation, which perpetuates the memory of members of the Victorian Police Force killed in the line of duty, by supporting worthwhile community projects within the State.
This will be the first edition of the W-League Blue Ribbon Cup, with the player of the match to be awarded the Ann Brimblecombe Memorial Medal.
Senior Constable Ann Brimblecombe passed away on duty in 2006 when her vehicle ran off the road while travelling from Wangaratta to Mitta Mitta.
Senior Constable Brimblecombe was a serving member of the Victorian Police Force for over 26 years, and was promoted to Senior Constable in 1985 after six years in the force.
Canberra United Head Coach Rae Dower, a former member of the Queensland Police Force for over 20 years, said that the occasion adds something of a personal feel to the matchday.
“It’s a lovely initiative from Melbourne City, the Blue Ribbon Cup, played for between the two teams,” she said.
“And with nearly 21 years in the Police service I’ve lost a lot of friends on the job, unfortunately, but also with some illnesses; a lot of emergency services personnel commit suicide after they retire, or whilst they’re still on the job.”
“So it certainly will be a more personal touch, and probably gives us a little more incentive to go on and win that as well.”
More information on the Blue Ribbon Foundation can be found at http://www.remember.org.au/, including information on the projects managed by the organisation, and an honour roll of those who have served.
– See more at: http://www.canberraunited.com.au/article/the-blue-ribbon-cup—melbourne-city-v-canberra-united/camla3n5avhj1y2g4ax87nq9a#sthash.9P5iK5hl.dpuf
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2016
Brimblecombe, Senior Constable Ann Jane
08/12/57 – 16/08/06
To those involved in keeping ‘Senior Ann’s’ work and memory alive for ten years. Thank you with pride and gratitude from her family.
Published in The Border Mail o – See more at: http://tributes.bordermail.com.au/obituaries/bordermail-au/obituary.aspx?pid=181073547#sthash.1Mi0dvMF.dpuf
NEVER FORGOTTEN: Claire Lewis with the pink rosemary to be planted in memory of her sister, policewoman Ann Brimblecombe who died 10 years ago. PHOTO: Wendy Stephens
TWO rosemary bushes will be planted next to an existing commemorative plaque for Senior Constable Ann Brimblecombe.
The plants will be installed at Wangaratta Police station by Ann’s sister, Claire Lewis, on Tuesday on the 10th anniversary of Ann’s death.
The former Wangaratta police officer, affectionately known as ‘Senior Ann’, was tragically killed in a car accident at age 49 in 2006, on her way from Wangaratta to Mitta Mitta to present a bike safety session.
Rod JohnsI attended and took charge at this collision a very sad day and one I reflect on often, a lovely lady who put so much energy into the children at the schools she attended. A great community loss and to her family.
Nicole ShortisI was a member at the Wangaratta bowls club with Anne and her family when this tragedy happened. It was nice to see her face come up on Facebook. Great to see such a good project come from a sad tragedy.
Greg DohertyAnne was always on the look out for teaching aids I managed to get hold of the bicycle helmet that my sons mate was wearing when he was hit by a car the inner helmet was shattered saving the boys life it made a great teaching aid for her . Anne was always pleasant to talk to despite her illness she just kept on going. She was a very dedicated person and her sudden demise came as one hell of a shock to the T.M.U office at wangaratta. Vale Annie Brimblecombe.,
Pam O’SullivanRIP Ann. I hope those school kids get the message you were on your way to deliver. You’ve shown by example how quickly and without warning death can take the life of a road user. My condolences to your family and colleagues..
Ann Brimblecombe’s students teach police a thing or too
NATALIE KOTSIOS
Winners are grinners: Sgt Michael Connors and WAW Credit Unions Peter Challis gave Wooragee pupils their prize yesterday. Picture: MATTHEW SMITHWICK
A COMPETITION designed to give children safety awareness is teaching Victoria Police a thing or two, too.
This year’s Ann Brimblecombe Memorial Award was launched yesterday at Wooragee Primary School, the winner of last year’s safety awareness competition.
The award, in its 7th year, commemorates Sen-Constable Ann Brimblecombe, the North East’s road safety in schools officer, killed in a car accident in 2006.
She was the state’s only such officer and there hasn’t been another in the North East since.
Her memory lives on through this competition, which involves North East and Albury pupils creating posters with safety messages.
Sgt Michael Connors, of Wangaratta highway patrol, encouraged children to talk about all aspects of safety.
He said their observations gave police greater insights and were often “completely different to what the police are thinking”.
“I can’t stress enough how important that is. You couldn’t gauge how many kids have been saved by Ann Brimblecombe’s message,” he said.
Wooragee’s winning entry focused on stranger danger. Other themes were cyber-bullying, kitchen safety and phoning while driving.
The winning school receives $2000 from WAW Credit Union.
Wooragee Primary School principal Christine Varker said the children were already brain-storming ideas.
She said the competition had changed how pupils thought about safety and they “now talk about much broader issues than just road safety.”
The school will spend its prize money on building a chicken coop.
“They’ve even considered the safety of the chickens,” Ms Varker said.
“They’ve ensured it will be fox and wedge-tail eagle-proof.”
North East Health chief Margaret Bennett, Ann Brimblecombes parents Alex and Jennifer Brimblecombe, and Deputy Commissioner Kieran Walshe at the presentation. Picture: KYLIE ESLER
THERE couldn’t be a more appropriate way of paying tribute to Sen-Constable Ann Brimblecombe than what was unveiled yesterday.
The Wangaratta police officer died in 2006 while on duty after her car veered off the road when travelling to Mitta to give school children a bicycle safety lecture.
Children’s safety was close to her heart and it’s because of her that the Wangaratta Hospital’s paediatric unit has now become a safer place.
In tribute to Sen-Constable Brimblecombe, the unit received a $30,000 donation from the police Blue Ribbon Foundation for security doors and a refurbishment to their baby room.
Jennifer Brimblecombe said her daughter didn’t like a fuss being made over her.
“She’d be thrilled to bits for the honour but she was just very happy doing her work, hoping it would stick with all the children as they grew up,” she said.
“You can’t get around the fact she’s not here but at least her work is being carried on.”
Sen-Constable Brimblecombe’s passion for educating stemmed from her original ambition to become a schoolteacher.
“She actually couldn’t get a job when she finished a teaching course. She tried very hard for a while then the next thing we knew she applied for the police force,” Mrs Brimblecombe said.
Soon after she was offered a position to teach, but instead chose the police force.
“She was a very dedicated girl. When she decided she wanted to do something that was her focus completely,” Mrs Brimblecombe said.
Unveiling the plaques to commemorate the memorial was one of the last tasks for deputy police commissioner Kieran Walshe, who will retire after 44 years of service on July 1.
He said the Victorian police force was often described as having “a ringside seat at the greatest show on earth” but it still had its lows.
“When you are in a position of authority and leadership and you hear of these things, like what happened to Ann Brimblecombe and others, they’re lowlights in the organisation,” he said.
“But when you think of the Ann Brimblecombe paediatric rooms, it just really epitomises what Ann was about.”
Funding for the urgent care unit at Benalla Hospital was also revealed in memory of Sen-Constable Simon De Winne, who died in 1998 after colliding with a tree while trying to pull a car over for a traffic offence.
The Wangaratta community joined forces to honour one of their most beloved police officers and continue her dedication to road safety with the launch of the Ann Brimblecombe Memorial Award today at Yarrunga Primary School.
Senior Constable Ann Brimblecombe was Victoria’s only dedicated Road Safety in Schools officer, making her “truly one of a kind” according to her colleagues.
Tragically, S/C Brimblecombe was killed in a vehicle collision in August 2006 on her way to Mitta Mitta Primary School.
Assistant Commissioner (Region 4) Bob Hastings said the award was a fitting tribute to S/C Brimblecombe.
“One of Ann’s strengths was her commitment to road safety and the impact she had on hundreds of young lives in the area,” A/C Hastings said.
“I’m very proud to launch the Ann Brimblecombe Memorial Award and I strongly believe it will continue her work in road safety.
“Victoria Police is grateful for the support of WAW Credit Union and local schools in this initiative, which allows the community to be actively involved in promoting and developing the road safety message.”
The award was the idea of a number of Wangaratta police members after Region 4 Division 5 Superintendent Jock Menzel suggested they look at a way of honouring S/C Brimblecombe’s memory.
It invites schools to ‘Care About Road Safety’ (CARS) by identifying a road safety issue and developing an action plan to combat it.
The school that submits the entry judged to deliver the most benefit to their school community will also receive $2000 from WAW Credit Union.
A/C Hastings spoke at today’s launch about the impact S/C Brimblecombe had on the community.
“Ann had her own way of passing on the road safety message, trying to make it as fun as possible and as a result her messages would be remembered,” A/C Hastings said.
“There would be many occasions where Ann would purchase small toys or action figures on her own initiative, in an effort to show kids a message she was trying to get across, such as toy rollerblades and the correct way to lace them up.
“If you went to her class, you would probably remember the big board game of safety she invented so children could remember the rules of road safety. The message at number 100 was ‘You made it to school safely – well done!’.”
A/C Hastings also reflected on S/C Brimblecombe’s generous nature and her ability to make everyone feel special.
“Ann was awarded prize money at one point by the Wangaratta Council Youth Representatives and approached Senior Sergeant Bill Gore to check she was allowed to keep it, then spent it on prizes for the kids at schools,” he said.
“She had a way of making sure nobody missed out and when there were kids who maybe needed a helmet for riding their bike to school but perhaps couldn’t afford it, Ann always made sure they had the right equipment.
“She also received money from the North East Community Road Safety Council each year to communicate the road safety message through schools and Ann always spent this money on equipment to ensure ‘her’ kids were on safe bikes.”
In an effort to promote road safety, WAW Credit Union has also lent their support to the award.
“As part of our Community Support policy, WAW Credit Union actively looks for ways to support worthwhile projects in the areas our service centres operate,” said WAW spokesperson Linda Butler.
“The work S/C Ann Brimblecombe did within our region’s schools was invaluable and so we were very excited to be asked to be part of the Caring About Road Safety initiative.
“WAW knows that these sort of activities are certain to keep the memory of Ann and the work she did ongoing for many years to come and we applaud Victoria Police and the Blue Ribbon Foundation for their work in this area.”
A/C Hastings urged all students to think about how they could best make a positive impact on their school.
“This competition is about the school community so think about the ways you can improve road safety around it,” he said.
“A safer bus shelter, a fence around your school crossing to ensure children don’t spill out on to the roadway, road signs, anything else that you can think of that will make your school safer – put it together in a submission and send it in.
“We’ll never know how many young people are alive today because of Ann’s work over the years and Victoria Police and its partners in this competition hope to see this work continue.”
THICK fog is believed to have caused a single-vehicle crash that killed a country policewoman dedicated to teaching children about road safety.
Senior Constable Ann Brimblecombe, 49, was on duty and travelling from Wangaratta to Mitta Mitta yesterday when her vehicle ran off the Omeo Highway about 2½ kilometres south of Eskdale and struck a tree.
Senior Constable Brimblecombe, a bicycle education officer, was on her way to give a lecture at the time.
Police believe she left Wangaratta at 7.30am and at some stage her car left the road in foggy conditions. It was discovered by a farmer about 11am.
She had been a police officer for 27 years and had worked at force reserve in Russell Street before being stationed at Kew.
In 1981 she was stationed at the Russell Street policewomen’s division and also served in the community police squad in Melbourne’s east. She was promoted to senior constable in 1985 and while she returned to force reserve in 1993, she transferred to Wangaratta in 1995 where she had worked ever since.
Yackandandah Primary School, where Senior Constable Brimblecombe had spent the two days before her death teaching road safety, was in shock after learning of the tragedy.
Principal Kathy Petzke said the pupils looked forward to Senior Constable Brimblecombe’s annual visit.
“It was quite an interactive program she provided with a lot of home-made props … We’re all very shocked about what has happened yet grateful for the important role she played.”
Wangaratta police acting Inspector David Ryan said her death was a great loss not only to Victoria Police, but also to the general school community.
Assistant Commissioner Bob Hastings said Senior Constable Brimblecombe regularly travelled long distances as part of her job. “She was always a very cautious and safe driver … she was well prepared and knew the country and the terrain,” he said.
“I went to visit Ann’s parents and spoke with her mum and dad and brother and sister there and they are handling it as well as can be expected.”
Police Association secretary Paul Mullett said Senior Constable Brimblecombe was a well-respected member who would be sadly missed.
Police Minister Tim Holding yesterday expressed sympathy to Senior Constable Brimblecombe’s family. “Our thoughts also go out to her friends and fellow officers,” he said. “We honour her service and are greatly saddened by the tragic circumstances of her passing.”
A Service Celebrating the Life of Constable D’Arne (Dee) De Leo will be held in the Chapel of Victoria Police Academy, View Mount Rd, Glen Waverley on THURSDAY (Jan. 19, 2017) at 2.00 p. m. , and will be followed by Burial in the Springvale Botanical Cemetery (Police Memorial Lawn) at 3.45 p. m. POLICE HONOURS
DE LEO. D’Arne. First Constable 40129 And we that are left shall never forget; rest in peace friend and colleague for the sun has now set. You will be sorely missed by all at Fitzroy Police Station. Our condolences go to Krisz, family, friends and colleagues.
DE LEO. D’Arne (Dee). First Constable 40129 A valued member of Victoria Police who will be sadly missed. Our sincere condolences to her partner, family, friends and colleagues. The NWM Divison 1.
DE LEO. Dee. The ‘Pocket Rocket’ You may have had a small footprint, but made a big impression on all who knew and met you. Our sincere and deepest condolences to Kris and family. Will be sadly missed Benalla Police Colleagues and friends.
DE LEO. D’Arne (Dee). First Constable 40129 A valued member of Victoria Police who will be sadly missed. Our sincere condolences to her partner, family, friends and colleagues. The NWM HQ.
De LEO. D’Arne. The President, Executive and Members of The Police Association mourn the passing of First Constable De Leo and extend their deepest sympathy to her family. At Rest
De LEO. D’Arne (Dee). First Constable 40129 The Chief Commissioner, Officers and Employees of Victoria Police regret the passing of their Colleague and offer their deepest sympathy to her family.
DE LEO D’Arne (Dee) You were my best friend. I trusted and respected you and will be forever grateful for the support you gave me over the last four years. I miss you – but will never forget you Rest In Peace Craig, Riikka and Kai.
A mechanical investigation will be done on the truck that killed a Victorian police officer while she was on her way to work on her motor bike.
Samandeep Singh, 26, appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday charged with culpable driving over the death of the officer on Thursday morning.
Victoria Police identified D’Arne De Leo as the woman who died in the crash at an EastLink freeway on-ramp in Wantirna just before 9am.
She was hit and trapped under the truck, dying at the scene despite the efforts of emergency services.
Singh was also charged with driving a motor vehicle in a manner that was dangerous to the public, thereby allegedly causing Ms De Leo’s death.
His lawyer Chen Yang said a 10-week mechanical investigation needed to be done on Singh’s truck, and CCTV footage would be prepared formatted for the court.
Singh, who was dressed in hi-vis clothing, did not apply for bail and he was remanded in custody to reappear for a committal mention on May 4.
Valued former Benalla police officer killed in a crash between motorbike and truck
Jane Lee
Former Benalla police officer First Constable D’Arne De Leo had only moved to Melbourne three months ago, before she was killed in a motorcycle crash.
The truck driver accused of causing her death after running a red light has been assessed as suicidal, a court has heard.
Police allege Ferntree Gully man Samandeep Singh, 26, drove through a red light at Boronia Road, Wantirna and crashed into the back of the woman’s motorcycle on Thursday morning, trapping her underneath his truck.
First Constable De Leo died at the scene.
Singh has been charged with culpable driving causing death and dangerous driving.
He appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday.
Defence lawyer Chen Yang said a forensic medical officer diagnosed his client as having “suicidal ideation” after he was arrested.
It was Singh’s first time in custody.
Fairfax Media understands police have not yet interviewed Singh, who will be re-assessed by a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse to determine whether he requires medication.
He did not apply for bail. Magistrate Andrew McKenna remanded him to appear in court on May 4.
First Constable De Leo worked at Benalla for two-and-a-half years before a transfer to Fitzroy three months ago. She was aged in her 40s and lived in the eastern suburbs.
Benalla Acting Inspector Ash Mason said First Constable De Leo was a well-respected and valued general-duties member who was only at the beginning of her career. “She had a huge career ahead of her and it’s a huge loss,” he said.
“She just wanted to get in, do her job and do it really well.”
Police Association assistant secretary Bruce McKenzie said the union was thinking of her family and the officers who had to attend the crash.
“One of our members has tragically lost her life simply by travelling to work,” he said.
“We have the greatest sympathy for her family at this time.
“We also feel for her police family and for her colleagues who attended (Thursday) morning’s tragic scene. She had only been in the force for a relatively short time.”
If you are troubled by this report or experiencing a personal crisis you can call Lifeline 131 114 or beyondblue 1300 224 636 or visit lifeline.org.au or beyondblue.org.au
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: Sergeant – OIC of Taree
Stations: ?, West Maitland ( Senior Constable ), Taree ( 22 October 1897 – 14 May 1899 )
Service: From 13 April 1876to14 May 1899=22+years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: ? ? 1847? in Canada
Event location: Nabiac Sawmill, Bullock Wharf, Wallamba River, Taree ( 19 miles from Taree )
Event date: Wednesday 10 May 1899 about 4.30pm
Died on: Sunday 14 May 1899 about 11am
Age: 52
Cause: Thrown from Police Horse Regd. # 801 whilst On Duty
Funeral date: Monday 15 May 1899
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: Dawson River Cemetery, Taree. Portion: RC Row: F/53
Taree’s Dawson River Cemetery is approximately 6km from the CBD. Take the Manning River Drive towards Cundletown and, at the airport, turn left onto Lansdowne Road. From here it is 0.6km to the cemetery lane and a further 0.5 km to the cemetery.
Memorial at: ?
[alert_red]ALFRED is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_red] * BUT SHOULD BE
This incident came to light in November 2016 and to date ( June 2018 ) his name has still not be included on the Wall of Remembrance
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Funeral location: ?
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales (Taree, NSW : 1898 – 1954), Saturday 10 February 1900, page 4
Memorial to Sergeant Stone.
It will be remembered when the late Sergeant Stone was buried at the Dawson Cemetery, in May last, a movement was made in the police force to erect a memorial headstone and iron railing. This has now been accomplished — the railing being set on brick in cement. The stone is a white marble cross, standing on a brick and cement base, the lettering being in lead, as follows :— ‘ Erected by the N.S.W. Police to the memory of Sergeant Alfred Stone. Died 14th May, 1899 ; aged, 52 years.”
The expenses have been borne by the police in the north-eastern district— and their memento is a credit to their kindness of heart and forethought.
The work was executed by Mr. David Mudford, of Cundletown.
Constable Stein acted as Secretary and Treasurer to the movement, and very great credit is due to him for the successful manner in which he carried it out. Mr. Mudford, we understand, did not charge for his labor in erecting the memorial stone and railing, and the late sergeant’s comrades feel greatly indebted to him for his kindness.
Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales (Taree, NSW : 1898 – 1954), Saturday 20 May 1899, page 5
Magisterial Inquiry.
THE LATE FATAL ACCIDENT.
On Wednesday morning last, at 11 o’clock, the District Coroner ( Mr. T. B. Boyce, J.P. ), held a, Magisterial inquiry at the residence of Mr. G. C. Hickson, Bullock Wharf, Wallamba River, touching the death of Alfred Francis Stone, Sergeant of Police. The inquiry lasted about two hours, and was then adjourned to Taree for the purpose of taking Dr. Gormley‘s evidence. Inspector Baker was present at the inquiry, and examined the witnesses.
The following was the evidence adduced : —
John Joseph Walsh deposed : I am an engineer in the employ of Mr. Hickson, at the Bullock Wharf Sawmills, Nabiac. I remember the afternoon of Wednesday, 10th instant. About 4 o’clock I saw Sergeant Stone ride up to the mill, which was then in full work — the engine and saws making the usual noise. I afterwards saw him in the mill, and bid him ” Good-day, ” and saw his horse tied up to a post of the mill. The Sergeant was in his uniform, and was thoroughly sober. About half-past 4 I saw the Sergeant come round to the front of the lathe-room, in which I was working. He was then leading his horse, and was about three or four yards from where the horse had been hanging up. He stopped the horse, and put the bridle over its head, put his foot in the stirrup, and mounted the horse, with his left foot in the stirrup, but before he was able to get his right foot in the stirrup, and become properly seated, the horse bolted at full gallop for about 10 yards, when he began to buck. The horse gave about two bucks, which took him. about twelve yards further, when the Sergeant was thrown off, falling sideways on to his head on a log. I heard the fall, and his head strike the log. I ran up to him, only being about fifteen yards from him when he fell, as I feared he would come off when I saw the horse bucking. He was lying on his back, with his eyes wide open. I picked him up— that is, lifted his head up and found a large cut on the left side of his head, at the back, about two and a half inches long, with blood pouring from it. I had deceased’s head on my knees. Several other of the mill hands came, and we bandaged his head up. He was unconscious. We then carried him to Mrs. Greenaway’s. Subsequently he spoke, but in a rambling manner. Before he was removed to Mrs.Greenaway’s a messenger was sent for Dr. Gormley, who arrived about nine o’clock in the evening. During the evening he muttered ” Oh, my head ” — but was quite delirious. I helped to lift him into a wagon the next afternoon, to be conveyed to Taree. Whilst doing so he said ” Don’t hurt me. ” He still seemed to be delirious.
Noel Eller Gorton deposed : I am a middle man at the Bullock Wharf Sawmills. I remember seeing Sergeant Stone ride up to the mill on the afternoon of Wednesday, 10th instant. He hung his horse up to the mill, walked in, and stood by the boards for a little time. He passed through then to the other end of the mill. When he was coming back we had just finished cutting the piece of timber we were at, and I met him and was speaking to him. I asked him if the affairs of the late Mr. Thomas Cocking, on whom an inquest had been held, were settled, as there was some money due to me in connection with the funeral. The Sergeant replied that he had been speaking to Mr. Flett about the matter, but it was not quite settled. The Sergeant was perfectly sober. I then went back to work, and deceased went to his horse. I saw him take the bridle off the post. The next I saw was the horse bucking over the skids, with the saddle and bridle on. Walsh, the previous witness, then called ” The man has got a fall,” and I went out to where he was. The Sergeant was laying on the ground unconscious, bleeding from a bad cut in the back of the head. He was bandaged up, and then removed to Mrs. Greenaway’s. I had known Sergeant Stone for about ten years.
Daniel Underwood Greenaway deposed : I am a bench hand at the Nabiac Sawmills at Bullock Wharf. I remember Wednesday afternoon, 10th instant. I saw Sergeant Stone leading his horse near the mill, and afterwards hang it up at the mill. The horse seemed to be fidgetty after being hung up, evidently from the noise of the mill. The sergeant after hanging his horse up walked through the mill. When coming back he talked to Mr. Gorton, the previous witness. He then went to his horse, and took it away, leading it from the mill. I saw no more of him, until I saw the horse in the air, and the Sergeant falling off. He came down on his head and shoulder on a log. I went to him shortly after, and saw Mr. Walsh holding his head up. There was a cut on the back of his head, which was bleeding freely, and he was unconscious. He was removed to my mother’s place, but did not appear to get any better — being about the same all through., Dr. Gormley arrived about half-past 8 o’clock, and attended to him, and saw him again early the next morning. He was removed the next afternoon — Thursday, the 11th instant— to Taree, never having regained consciousness. I did not consider the horse a dangerous one to ride. I saw the Sergeant riding it up towards the mill, and it was then going quietly. It was also ridden away after the accident, and after making a bit of a jump went quietly.
Frederick Ernest Stein deposed : I am a police constable stationed at Cundletown. I knew the police horse that Sergeant Stone was riding up to the time of his death. Its number was 801. The Sergeant had been riding the horse since the 20th February last, when it arrived at Taree from Maitland. I have seen him riding it, and ridden along side of him — being all day with him on the 7th April — and have seen him mount and dismount the horse without any trouble. I never saw the horse near any sawmill, or other going machinery. Sergeant Stone told me when we were riding together, that the horse was a bit too good for him, as he was inclined to buck. He also said “ I am getting old.” This was said casually, whilst talking about the horse, after I had remarked that it appeared to be a good one. Sergeant Stone was twenty-two years in the force, and had been stationed at Taree since the 22nd October, 1897, He was 52 years of age. He was a native of Canada, and has left a widow – his second wife – and a family of four sons and two daughters by his first wife. His life was insured — the total value of his policy now being £242, in the National Mutual Life Association. Bullock Wharf is 19 miles from Taree— and Sergeant Stone was in the habit of making frequent patrols here. I have seen the entry in the Duty Book at the Taree Police Station of Wednesday, the 10th May, instant, showing that Sergeant Stone left the station that morning at 10 o’clock ; on patrol to Nabiac. Deceased’s full name was Alfred Francis Stone.
The inquiry at this stage was adjourned to Taree, where it was resumed at 8 p.m., when
John William Gormley deposed ; I am a duly registered medical practitioner and Government Medical Officer, residing at Taree. On Wednesday evening, the 10th instant, I received a telegram asking me to go to Nabiac to attend Sergeant Stone, who had met with an accident. I went out and saw him at Mrs. Greenaway‘s house, close by the Bullock Wharf Sawmill. I found him in a semi-conscious condition, but unable to give any account of how his accident occurred. He was suffering from injury to the head, and had a scalp wound at the back of his head. I remained at Nabiac for the night, and in the morning he seemed if anything a little better. I then returned to Taree and had a conveyance sent to bring him in. He remained in the same condition until Friday morning, when he became more unconscious, in which state he remained until Sunday morning, dying about 11 ‘o’clock. The immediate cause of death was pressure on the base of the brain. A fall from a horse would cause such an injury — especially if he fall on his head. There was no evidence of the skull being fractured.
FINDING
The presiding magistrate recorded the following finding: — “ I am of opinion that the deceased, Alfred Francis Stone, came to his death at Taree, on Sunday, the 14th. May, 1899, through pressure on the base of the brain, caused by deceased having been thrown from his horse at Bullock Wharf, Wallamba River, whilst in the execution of of his duty as a police officer, on the afternoon of Wednesday, the 10th instant, and that the occurrence was purely accidental. ”
Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate (NSW : 1876 – 1954) , Thursday 18 May 1899, page 8
Senior-constable Patrick Hogan, of Branxton, has been promoted to the rank of sergeant, at Taree, vice Sergeant Alfred Stone, deceased.
Sergeant Hogan has been associated with the police of the district for a number of years, and has proved himself to be a capable and intelligent officer, popular with his comrades, and respected by his superior officers. .He will be succeeded by Constable McCurley, of Denman.
Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate (NSW : 1876 – 1954) , Tuesday 16 May 1899, page 8
News of the death of Sergeant Alfred Stone, of Taree, was received in the Maitland district with regret.
The deceased officer was for a number of years one of the senior-constables on the West Maitland police station, and was respected by his superiors and comrades as well as by the general public
He leaves a widow and a family of sons and daughters.
Constable Glenn Wallace, died in a car accident on Friday 19 July 1985.
It is believed that during his shift he had broken down a colleague’s front door to stop the colleague’s wife’s attempted suicide. I presume she was treated and lived.
After his shift, he went to the local pub with his mates, as was the culture in those days.
No doubt the day’s events played a big role in heading to the pub—not that a reason was ever needed.
Some time later that night he drove home intoxicated and had a head on accident with a truck, which killed him instantly.
He died in part uniform, probably with his Cronulla / Sutherland Police Rugby League team track suit top on.
He hadn’t been home, but he was deemed not to be on duty as he hadn’t gone straight home from his work place.
He was only 25. He was in the Highway Patrol at Gundagai.
A true man’s man with a heart of gold and iron fists. You wouldn’t want to take him on.
Two idiots did at Cronulla one night on night shift. He was in the station alone and ran outside to stop an assault on the street. The two idiots attacked him. He left one unconscious and the other with a broken jaw. More fool them.
He was very important to all of his family, and of course his many friends. He was our leader, albeit often unwillingly, and his loss has darkened all of us forever.
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Anthony David STREHER
| 26/02/2018
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.
