Neil wrote this song in the days following the death of colleague Olly Isaac. He hopes that this message will encourage anyone who might be struggling to reach out for help.
Written & performed by Neil Pynenburg
ISAAC, Olly
ISAAC, Olly
He wasn’t a good man He was a great man
Passed away on 16th March.
All who loved him are welcome to join his Family on Wednesday, 23rd March, at 10 a. m. , at the Broadwater Road Uniting Church, 481 Broadwater Road, Mansfield.
It is with heavy hearts that we report the death of a serving QPS member today. Our deepest condolences to family, friends and the entire Centenary Patrol Group in Brisbane. We understand that your friend and colleague was a highly valued and extremely well thought of member of your team.
To all directly involved, we cannot ease your pain but rest assured that our thoughts, and those of all your blue brothers and sisters nation wide are with you now…
Out of respect for friends and family, details at this point have been withheld. Should anyone need a little extra help right now, Blue HOPE stands ready…
Geoffrey Graham RICHARDSON
| 17/03/2016
Geoffrey Graham RICHARDSON
( late of Nelson Bay – formerly of Razorback )
aka Buddha & Richo & Jedi
Husband of SenCon Margaret King
Academy Class 272
New South Wales Police Force
[alert_yellow]Regd. # 32260[/alert_yellow]
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 15 May 1998
Constable – appointed 15 May 1999
Senior Constable –
Sergeant – appointed 26 December 2010
Stations: Campbelltown LAC – 35 Division – 15 May 1998 – 26 March 2005,
Cobar 27 March 2005 – April 2010,
Central Hunter LAC ( SenCon ) April 2010 – 26 December 2010,
Lake Macquarie LAC – ( Sgt ) 27 December 2010 – July 2015,
Port Stephens LAC – July 2015, – Death
Service: From? pre May 1998to5 March 2016 = 18 years Service
Awards: Regional Commander’s Commendation for Bravery re Off Duty arrest at Nelson Bay on 6 February 2012
Commander’s Commendation
NSW Police Medal
National Medal
National Police Service Medal – posthumously awarded on 14 March 2016
NSW Police Medal – 15 year Clasp – posthumously awarded on 14 March 2016
The Commissioner’s Commendation for Service – posthumously awarded on 14 March 2016
Born: 6 August 1972
Died on: Saturday 5 March 2016 about 11.50pm
Cause: Motor vehicle accident – driver
Event location: Lovedale Rd, Allandale, NSW
Age: 43
Funeral date: Monday 14 March 2016 @ 11.30am
Funeral location: Christ Church Anglican Cathedral, Church Street, Newcastle, NSW
Buried at: ?TBA
Memorial at: PTS12 ( PorT Stephens 12 ) police vehicle is dedicated in May 2016 to Richo with personalised number plates RCH012
[alert_green]GEOFFREYIS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green]
As a sign of respect to our colleague lost overnight in a motor vehicle accident while providing assistance to others, Windsor Police Station is flying the State Flag at half mast. Our colleague leaves behind a wife who is a serving Senior Constable and two young boys aged seven and five months.
Funeral location: ?TBA
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
RICHARDSON
Sergeant
Geoffrey Graham
Of Nelson Bay
Formerly of Razorback
Dearly loved husband of Margaret. Much loved father of Patrick and Aiden. Loved son of Lofty Richardson and Jeanette Richardson. Loved son-in-law of John (dec) and Heather King. Loving brother of Warwick, Grant, Andrew, and Adrian. Loving brother-in-law of Denise, Eric, Raymond, Gordon, Annette, Robert, and John and uncle to their families. Valued member of the NSW Police Force Family.
Family, Friends and Colleagues are invited to attend a Funeral Service to be held in Christ Church Anglican Cathedral, Church Street, Newcastle on MONDAY (March 14, 2016) commencing at 11:30 am.
No flowers by request, donations in lieu may be made to NSW Police Legacy –
geoffreyrichardson. gofundraise.com.au
France Family Funerals
Nelson Bay 4981 4488
Monday, 14 March 2016
To the Richardson Family,
Our deepest Condolences you are all.
You all are in our Prayers.
R.I.P Geoffrey
From The Entire Skaines Family
~
Lynda ( Skaines) McGuire,
Guildford, New South Wales
Monday, 14 March 2016
Wish we had been able to get to know you better. RIP.
~
Kristie and Rohan Harrison,
Charlestown, New South Wales
Monday, 14 March 2016
My heart is breaking for The Richardson family at this sad time, My thoughts and prayers are with you all, especially Margaret, Patrick Aiden and Geoff’s colleagues, as a member of the public who didn’t have the privilege of knowing Sgt Richardson, I thank him for his Service. God bless you all, You can be forever Proud of this man taken far too soon.
My husband will be playing in the Police Band today as Sgt Richardson is farewelled.
May He rest in peace.
~
Roslyn Day-Anderson,
Seven Hills nsw
Monday, 14 March 2016
Geoff it was a pleasure to work with you, your enthusiasm for our job is an inspiration. You will be sadly missed as a colleague and a friend. Love to your family and friends.
~
Nadia Theiss,
Cardiff, New South Wales
Sunday, 13 March 2016
Your name will be echoed for ever, through the corridors of Campbelltown Police Station. For your mate ship, tenacity and leadership, we thank you Richo!
~
Conchita Ray,
Campbelltown, New South Wales
Sunday, 13 March 2016
To the Richardson family we extend our deepest sympathy in your time of loss and sorrow.
Kindest thoughts.
Jim & Carole Whitfield.
Tahmoor NSW
~
Jim & Carole Whitfield,
TAHMOOR, New South Wales
Published in The Sydney Morning Herald on Mar. 11, 2016
RIP Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson thank you for your service, thoughts & prayers go out to your wife Senior Constable Margaret King, & your two young sons.
The NSW Police Force lost a highly respected and much-loved member of its family last night.
Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson from the Port Stephens LAC – NSW Police Force was killed when the police car he was driving crashed into a tree on Lovedale Road, Allandale, around 11.50pm yesterday (Saturday 5 March 2016).
At the time, Sergeant Richardson had been driving to assist colleagues who were engaged in a pursuit. He was the only person in the car at the time of the crash.
Further police and Ambulance Paramedics were called to the scene, and got there a short time later, however Sergeant Richardson had passed away before their arrival. He was the sole occupant of the vehicle.
The matter is now the subject of a Critical Incident Investigation, which will be supported by the Newcastle Crash Investigation Unit and overseen by the Professional Standards Command.
Sergeant Richardson graduated from the NSW Police Academy in 1998. He served the Campbelltown LAC – NSW Police Force as a Constable until 2005, when he was transferred to Cobar and promoted to the rank of Senior Constable.
In April 2010, he was transferred to Central Hunter Local Area Command, before moving to Lake Macquarie Local Area Command upon his promotion to the rank of Sergeant in December 2010.
He served Lake Macquarie LAC – NSW Police Force until July of 2015, at which time he transferred to Port Stephens Local Area Command.
Sergeant Richardson provided 18 years of dedicated and distinguished service to the people of NSW. He was the recipient of numerous awards, including a Regional Commander’s Commendation for Bravery after he arrested a number of offenders while off-duty at Nelson Bay in 2012.
In every sense, he was a hard-working, highly regarded, popular and committed police officer, who will be sorely missed by the organisation he so ably represented and the communities he diligently served.
Above all else, he was a loving and much-loved husband and father. His wife, Senior Constable Margaret King, and his two young sons, are naturally devastated, and we ask that their privacy be respected during this extremely difficult time.
As the men and women of this organisation always do in times of tragedy, we will band together and support Sergeant Richardson’s family , his friends, and each other, through this extremely difficult situation.
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Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson killed on way to emergency in Hunter Valley
Date
NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione has paid tribute to a police officer killed in a crash in the Hunter Valley on the way to an emergency on Saturday night.
Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson, 43, from Port Stephens Local Area Command died when his vehicle hit a tree at Allandale at about 11.50pm.
Standing outside of Nelson Bay police station on Sunday morning Commissioner Scipione said Sergeant Richardson provided 18 years of dedicated and distinguished service to the people of NSW.
“It’s a very sad day for the NSW Police Force today.”
“We have farewelled one of our officers.
“43-year-old Geoffrey Richardson from the Port Stephens Local Area Command was tragically lost to us, killed in a motor vehicle accident just before midnight last night”.
Commissioner Scipione met with Sergeant Richardson’s wife, Senior Constable Margaret King, and two children on Sunday morning to offer his condolences.
He said police had been at the family home since last night and would remain there to offer their support.
Sergeant Richardson graduated from the NSW Police Academy in 1998. He served the Campbelltown Local Area Command as a Constable until 2005, when he was transferred to Cobar and promoted to the rank of Senior Constable.
In April 2010, he was transferred to Central Hunter Local Area Command, before moving to Lake Macquarie Local Area Command upon his promotion to the rank of Sergeant in December 2010.
He served Lake Macquarie until July of 2015, at which time he transferred to Port Stephens Local Area Command.
He was the recipient of numerous awards, including a Regional Commander’s Commendation for Bravery after he arrested a number of offenders while off-duty at Nelson Bay in 2012.
In a statement, NSW Police said: “In every sense, he was a hard-working, highly regarded, popular and committed police officer, who will be sorely missed by the organisation he so ably represented and the communities he diligently served.”
“Above all else, he was a loving and much-loved husband and father. His wife, Senior Constable Margaret King, and his two young sons, are naturally devastated, and we ask that their privacy be respected during this extremely difficult time.
As the men and women of this organisation always do in times of tragedy, we will band together and support Sergeant Richardson’s family , his friends, and each other, through this extremely difficult situation,” the statement said.
Sergeant Richardson had responded to calls for help in a police pursuit through the Hunter when the crash occurred on Lovedale Road about 11.50pm.
Paramedics attended but the officer, who was the only occupant of the vehicle, died at the scene.
Details of the police pursuit through the Hunter have not yet come to light.
Newcastle Crash Investigation Unit will assist a critical incident team to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
That investigation will be overseen by the Professional Standards Command.
“All information will be provided to the coroner who will determine the cause of death and make any findings about the events leading to the officer’s death,” a police statement said.
Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
Anyone who can assist police should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Police investigating death of father-of-two sergeant in NSW Hunter Valley crash
A police sergeant who died after his squad car crashed into a tree in the NSW Hunter Valley last night has been remembered as a highly respected officer and a loving father to two young sons.
Port Stephen area Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson, 43, was driving through Allandale on his way to help other officers in a pursuit when his car ran off the road and crashed into a tree about midnight.
He was the sole occupant of the patrol car and died at the scene.
Sgt Richardson is survived by his wife, a serving member of NSW Police, and two sons.
Police say Sgt Richardson put his life on the line countless times in order to protect others, and had won bravery awards for his tireless work.
A critical incident investigation is now underway to establish how and why the experienced police officer lost control of his car rounding a bend during a routine callout.
“At the moment we don’t have too many details. It’s all subject to investigation, obviously,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Geoff McKechnie said.
“The investigation will take some time, obviously, and we may have some further information we can provide at a later time.
Act. Dep. Comm. McKechnie said his thoughts were with Sgt Richardson’s friends and family.
“He is a father of two young children, and his wife and family are currently being supported by extended family and colleagues of the officer,” he said.
“NSW Police Force will ensure that all available welfare, support and assistance is provided to his family and his colleagues as we work through this tough period ahead.”
Sgt Richardson was remembered as a dedicated police officer who provided 18 years of service, in a tribute statement released by the NSW Police Force.
“In every sense, he was a hard-working, highly regarded, popular and committed police officer, who will be sorely missed by the organisation he so ably represented and the communities he diligently served,” the statement read.
“Above all else, he was a loving and much-loved husband and father.
“His wife, Senior Constable Margaret King, and his two young sons, are naturally devastated, and we ask that their privacy be respected during this extremely difficult time.”
“As the men and women of this organisation always do in times of tragedy, we will band together and support Sergeant Richardson’s family, his friends, and each other, through this extremely difficult situation.”
The full NSW Police Force statement is below:
The NSW Police Force lost a highly respected and much-loved member of its family last night.
Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson from the Port Stephens Local Area Command was killed when the police car he was driving crashed into a tree on Lovedale Road, Allandale, around 11.50pm yesterday (Saturday 6 March 2016).
At the time, Sergeant Richardson had been driving to assist colleagues who were engaged in a pursuit. He was the only person in the car at the time of the crash.
Further police and Ambulance Paramedics were called to the scene, and got there a short time later, however Sergeant Richardson had passed away before their arrival. He was the sole occupant of the vehicle.
The matter is now the subject of a Critical Incident Investigation, which will be supported by the Newcastle Crash Investigation Unit and overseen by the Professional Standards Command.
Sergeant Richardson graduated from the NSW Police Academy in 1998. He served the Campbelltown Local Area Command as a Constable until 2005, when he was transferred to Cobar and promoted to the rank of Senior Constable.
In April 2010, he was transferred to Central Hunter Local Area Command, before moving to Lake Macquarie Local Area Command upon his promotion to the rank of Sergeant in December 2010.
He served Lake Macquarie until July of 2015, at which time he transferred to Port Stephens Local Area Command.
Sergeant Richardson provided 18 years of dedicated and distinguished service to the people of NSW. He was the recipient of numerous awards, including a Regional Commander’s Commendation for Bravery after he arrested a number of offenders while off-duty at Nelson Bay in 2012.
In every sense, he was a hard-working, highly regarded, popular and committed police officer, who will be sorely missed by the organisation he so ably represented and the communities he diligently served.
Above all else, he was a loving and much-loved husband and father. His wife, Senior Constable Margaret King, and his two young sons, are naturally devastated, and we ask that their privacy be respected during this extremely difficult time.
As the men and women of this organisation always do in times of tragedy, we will band together and support Sergeant Richardson’s family, his friends, and each other, through this extremely difficult situation.
Hunter Valley sergeant dies in crash on way to help colleagues involved in police chase
Updated
A police sergeant on his way to help colleagues involved in a car chase has been killed in a crash in New South Wales Hunter Valley.
Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson, 43, was driving his patrol car when it veered off Lovedale Street at Allandale and hit a tree late on Saturday night.
He was on his way to help colleagues involved in a car chase when the accident happened.
Paramedics were called but Sergeant Richardson, who worked at the Port Stephens Local Area Command, died at the scene.
He was the only person in the vehicle.
NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione, who has travelled to the region, said the force had lost a “very good man” in the tragedy.
“I have had a chance to meet with his family and certainly paid my condolences to his wife Margaret and his children,” Commissioner Scipione said.
“It is a terribly sad event, we’ve lost a very good man.
“He was respected, he was loved, and certainly he was one of our finest, and NSW is a much poorer state as a result.”
The accident is now the subject of a critical incident investigation to be conducted by Newcastle Local Command, Commissioner Scipione said.
“The officer was not involved in a pursuit, he was on his way to assist others that were involved in a pursuit,” he said.
Commissioner Scipione said support would be provided to Sergeant Richardson’s family, including his wife who was also a senior constable in the police force.
“My heart goes out to his family, we’ll do all we need to to make sure that they’re looked after, because they’re a really important part of our [policing] family,” he said.
Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward.
In a tribute released to media, police said Sergeant Richardson provided “18 years of dedicated and distinguished service to the people of NSW”.
“He was the recipient of numerous awards, including a Regional Commander’s Commendation for Bravery after he arrested a number of offenders while off-duty at Nelson Bay in 2012,” the statement reads.
He was a loving and loved husband and father, the statement reads, who leaves behind a “devastated” family.
In support of the Police Family your Association with NSW Police Legacy has set up a fund for the family of Sgt Geoffrey Richardson killed in a motor vehicle accident on the weekend.
The details are:
NSW Police Legacy Appeal BSB: 815 000 A/C: 282951S1 omit S1 if not transferring from a Police Bank account
(The S1 is only used for Police Bank to Police Bank transfers.)
Links to the fundraising site have also been added to the PANSW website homepage.
The 43-year-old Sergeant (Class 272 – 18 Years Service), who’s wife is Senior Constable Margaret Richardson (Nee King), was a much-loved husband and father with two young sons Patrick aged seven and Aiden five months of age.
As many members would be aware, Sgt Richardson was killed on his way to help colleagues engaged in a pursuit in the Hunter Valley, NSW.
It’s at these times the strength of the police family is fortified as we rally together to support the family and loved ones impacted by this tragic loss.
Like any member of the emergency services would know – it takes a great deal of courage to leave your own family behind to protect those you have never met on a daily basis.
It takes a particular type of person to step forward, often into harm’s way, and commit himself or herself to such a job, and to give up peace of mind to preserve it for others.
Our thoughts are with our fallen colleague, his family and friends and fellow officers at Port Stephens Local Area Command during this difficult time.
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NSW Police Force FB page: Tuesday 8 March 2016
A man has been charged with a number of pursuit-related offences after a police officer died in a motor vehicle crash in the Hunter Valley at the weekend.
About 11pm on Saturday (5 March 2016), police became involved in a pursuit with a white Ford Falcon sedan on Ken Tubman Drive Maitland, after it allegedly failed to stop.
The pursuit continued for approximately 30 minutes before police lost sight of the vehicle.
About 11.40pm, the vehicle was seen on Wine Country Drive, Lovedale, and a second pursuit began.
During the pursuit, Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson, who was making his way to assist other officers, died after his vehicle left the road and struck a tree on Lovedale Road, Allandale.
Sergeant Richardson, aged 43, was the sole occupant of the vehicle.
The second pursuit ended and the Ford was last seen on Elderslie Road, Greta.
Following investigations, about 1pm yesterday (Monday 7 March 2016), a 34-year-old man was arrested at Maitland. ( Paul JOHNSON )
Checks of the man’s licence status revealed he had been disqualified from driving for life in 2000.
He was subsequently charged with two counts police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly (Skye’s Law), driving in a manner dangerous, exceeding the speed limit by more than 45km/h, driving whilst disqualified, using an unregistered/uninsured vehicle, using unauthorised plates, having custody of a knife in a public place, and resisting arrest.
The Greta man has been refused bail to appear before Maitland Local Court today (Tuesday 8 March 2016).
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VALEDICTORY – Sergeant Geoffrey Graham Richardson???
As delivered by NSW Police Force Commissioner Andrew Scipione APM:
At about 11.50pm on Saturday the 5th of March 2016, Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson, from the Port Stephens Local Area Command, was driving to assist colleagues who were engaged in a pursuit.
The police car he was driving crashed into a tree on Lovedale Road, Allandale. He was the only person in the car at the time of the crash.
Ambulance paramedics were called to the scene by nearby residents, and they arrived a short time later. Sadly, Sergeant Richardson had passed away before they arrived.
Sergeant Geoffrey Graham Richardson attested as a Probationary Constable on the 15th of May 1998.
He commenced general duties at Campbelltown before being confirmed at the rank of Constable on the 15th of May 1999.
He remained at Campbelltown until the 26th of March 2005 when he transferred to Cobar in far western New South Wales. While at Cobar he was promoted to the rank of Senior Constable.
After just over five years at Cobar, Sergeant Richardson moved to the Central Hunter Local Area Command.
Shortly thereafter, on the 26th of December 2010, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and commenced duties at the Lake Macquarie Local Area Command.
Sergeant Richardson transferred from Lake Macquarie to Port Stephens Local Area Command – his final posting – in July 2015.
He was awarded the NSW Police Medal and the National Medal. He also received a Commander’s Commendation, a Region Commander’s Unit Citation, and many accolades from people in the community who had written in appreciation of his compassion and professionalism.
The day before Geoff’s passing, I travelled to Dungog to honour the memory of Sergeant 1st Class William Bowen, who passed away 100 years ago as the result of injuries he received while on duty.
The occasion was a commemoration; a centenary; almost a celebration of his memory. Time had eased the rawness of the tragedy of his passing.
But it brings to mind a sobering message that danger has always been a police officer’s enduring companion. It’s there both on and off duty, at the back of mind or at front, possibly in individuals or groups, in buildings, on pavements, around corners and on roads.
Police officers place themselves in harm’s way to reduce violence, crime, and the fear of crime. Sometimes their oath to protect and serve, their determination to do the best by their community, has a tragic outcome.
The price is a terrible one, but one that police officers are prepared to pay because they believe that the values we hold – and the freedom we enjoy – are worth the sacrifice.
We all pay the toll but we do not pay in equal measure; the burden falls heaviest on the families of officers who fall in the line of duty. No one feels more keenly the death of a police officer than their loved ones.
And on this occasion the loss is even more keenly felt because Geoff’s wife, Margaret, is also a police officer. Not only sharing the bond of family, but also sharing the ideals of protecting people and having to face hardship, conflict, and potential danger together.
Margaret, Patrick and baby Aiden have lost an adored husband and father. His father Graham – better known as Lofty – and mother Jeanette have lost a dearly-loved son; Warwick, Grant, Andrew and Adrian their friend, companion and brother.
However much we would like things to be different, nothing we do or say can change what has happened. All we can do is honour Geoff’s memory and hold his family in the warm embrace of the Police family.
Geoff was a much-loved and respected police officer. He was known as Geoff or “Richo”. To his close mates he was “Buddha”.
In the words of one colleague, he was a “policeman’s policeman”… committed to his job, committed to his mates, and committed to the community he served, and of which he was a part.
He was the exemplar of a family man. With his son Patrick, Geoff was involved in local junior Rugby and he was also deeply committed to his local Anglican Church – another bond that he shared with Margaret.
He took great pride in his uniform. He was always immaculately turned out and wanted other police to share that same pride. He was a protocol officer and serious about it. He understood that the way police present themselves matters; that authority brings with it a responsibility and that the symbols of office are important.
He wasn’t overbearing or a stickler. He led by example and other officers followed. He did not order or command or even badger. He didn’t need to.
And, by unanimous verdict, Geoff was not just a first-class police officer but a gregarious good bloke. A man popular with fellow officers and good with those he encountered in the course of work – he was firm with offenders but he would also empathise with victims.
One of his colleagues said of Geoff that his imposing stature and copybook attire never seemed to be a barrier to how victims responded to him. With Geoff they felt a genuine and comforting empathy in their time of need.
Geoff’s rapport with victims was part of a larger picture of a man who cared for those around him; especially his fellow officers. Geoff and Margaret were often in the vanguard of fundraising activities for colleagues in need.
Geoff himself was a peer support officer, an officer who volunteers to help colleagues in times of need. He would often reach out to colleagues he could see were in need of some support.
But it would be misleading to characterise Geoff as just a big-hearted Good Samaritan. As I said, he was equally at home handling a violent offender as he was with supporting the victim of an assault.
In fact, given the occasion, both husband and wife presented a formidable law enforcement presence.
The Region Commander’s Unit Citation he received was in recognition of bravery and commitment to duty when arresting offenders while off-duty in Nelson Bay on the 6th of February 2012.
What is remarkable about this incident is that the other recipient of that unit citation was his wife, Margaret. Together, while off-duty, they attended the scene of a collision to render assistance, but were confronted by a crowd of 10 to 15 hostile people.
Their citation read in part, “The officers responded to a motor vehicle collision to ensure the welfare of the occupants. Instead they faced a volatile and dangerous crowd who were actively protecting an offender and hindering police response.”
Despite both being assaulted, they managed to detain the driver and several other offenders, who were charged with various offences including High Range PCA, resisting arrest, hindering police, affray and malicious damage.
A key principle that underpins our Police Force is the notion that Police are the community, and the community are the Police. The reputation and success of the NSW Police Force therefore depends on the trust the community places in each and every police officer.
Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson epitomised all of the qualities needed to gain – and to maintain – that trust.
It is inevitable and appropriate that we grieve and feel his loss. To my mind, it is just as appropriate that we do his career and life proper justice; that we honour his memory by following his example.
We, all of us, can do well to look out more for others, at work and outside of work. To lead through our actions. To live our ideals.
Through his family, Geoff’s memory also lives on. And through his wife Margaret, his commitment to service will also live on.
It is my honour today, to posthumously confer three awards on Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson.
The National Police Service Medal: recognising his ethical and diligent service in protecting the community.
The establishment of the National Police Service Medal was signed by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II in November of 2010, and the Governor General awards the Medal on the recommendation of the responsible Commissioner of Police.
The 15 year clasp to the NSW Police Medal: recognising his ethical and diligent service.
After being approved by the Minister for Police and the Commissioner of Police, the medal was instituted on the 5th of February 2002. The medal is NOT awarded automatically for length of service. It is only awarded after a detailed review of the nominee’s service history to ensure the service was ethical and diligent. The clasp to the medal denotes the length of ethical and diligent service.
And:
The Commissioner’s Commendation for Service.
In part the citation reads:
…. for outstanding and meritorious performance of duty as a member of the New South Wales Police Force, from 1998 to 2016 ….
Sergeant Richardson has displayed integrity, loyalty, commitment, professionalism and devotion to duty as a member of the New South Wales Police Force and is highly commended for his service.
Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson gave his life in the very way he had lived it; in the service of others.
His loss, tragic for his family and many friends, is profound for each and every one of us. No words are quite adequate to express or diminish that loss.
His passing reminds us that preserving our values and our freedom can exact a heavy toll. A toll that is not shared equally in our community.
We farewell Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson but he will not be forgotten. As is right and proper, his name will be etched into the granite of the Police Wall of Remembrance in Sydney as a permanent reminder that he laid down his life for the people of New South Wales.
I am humbled and deeply honoured to represent every member of the NSW Police Force here today to farewell a highly-regarded police officer who served his community with courage, honour and distinction.
A husband and father.
A son and brother.
A friend and colleague.
A police officer.
Vale Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson.
Our prayers go with you … may you rest in peace.
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Boy’s poem for policeman killed in accident
By TIM CONNELL
TOM Finlay, 13, wrote a poem after he saw the funeral procession for Port Stephens police sergeant Geoffrey Richardson.
His teacher at Newcastle Grammar School had suggested poetry as a way for students to process the funeral taking place across the road at Christ Church Cathedral.
Tom’s poem is reproduced below.
The Great Knights of Port Stephens, by Tom Finlay.
Port Stephens, Port Stephens/Your knights are brave and bold
From the newest of the new, to the oldest of the old.
When criminal cometh to/Town, you mustn’t worry/For when knights hear thy/Criminals they come in quite a/Hurry.
But sometimes things don’t end/Like they do in the story,
Because some knights will end up/In heaven with all their glory.
But if your knight goes to heaven/You mustn’t feel a sting,
Because the great Richardson will/Give them their wings.
TOUCHED: Port Stephens Superintendent Chris Craner thanks Tom Finlay for his poem about police killed in the line of duty. Picture: Jonathan Carroll.
“HAVE you ever thought about it – would you ever see the police cry?”
The question at Newcastle Grammar School on Tuesday came from the Port Stephens police commander, Superintendent Chris Craner.
It was something Tom Finlay, a boy in year seven with autism, had asked himself.
Earlier this month Tom, 13, had watched from his school’s playground as the funeral procession for Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson, who had died in a crash on his way to an emergency, wound its way into Christ Church Cathedral.
“I’d just been thinking how people go to work every day, and how not everyone comes home,” he said.
“So I just wrote it.”
THANKS: Port Stephens police officers at Newcastle Grammar School thank students for their poems dedicated to their late colleague, Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson.
When Tom’s mother Michelle posted his The Great Knights of Port Stephens on social media, it got back to the police mourning one of their own.
In the superintendent’s words, “there were tears in the station”.
Some of the officers who read Tom’s poem – and the poems penned by his classmates, at the suggestion of their teacher Jordan Grant – attended Tuesday’s school assembly to express their thanks.
Outside, Senior Constable David Wynne from the dog squad introduced students to an as-yet unnamed pup being trained as a police dog, and the bravery award-winning German shepherd Ulrich demonstrated how to follow a scent.
Supt Craner said “carloads of cops” had wanted to visit the school, and he thanked Tom personally.
Shane Finlay said he was “amazed at how far” his son had come in his studies and social interactions with the help of his teachers at Newcastle Grammar and his previous teachers at the Aspect Hunter School for students with autism.
“The [autism] spectrum is wide, and in the last four years he’s really come on,” Mr Finlay said.
“I mean, he wrote that poem in 20 minutes.”
His mother Michelle Finlay added, “everything he does blows us away”.
About 1000 mourners, including NSW Governor David Hurley and Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione, attended the funeral earlier this month of Sergeant Richardson, who died aged 43.
Sgt Richardson is survived by his police officer wife Senior Constable Margaret King and their two young sons Patrick and Aiden.
New Port Stephens police car a fitting tribute for fallen brother in blue, Geoffrey Richardson
TRIBUTE: Superintendent Chris Craner and Sergeant Martine Morley with the new Port Stephens police car, which is dedicated to Geoffrey Richardson who died in the line of duty in March. Picture: Simone De Peak
THE newest addition to the Port Stephens police command’s fleet is not just any other car; it is a fitting tribute to fallen brother in blue Geoffrey Richardson.
Light blue in colour and bearing number plates that read RCH, the distinctive police car will serve as a visual memory for officers and members of the community that have been affected by Sergeant Richardson’s death.
Port Stephens Sergeant Martine Morley said it was an “honour and a privilege” to be amongst the officers who will drive the car, which arrived on Wednesday.
“It is a wonderful tribute to a fantastic officer and work colleague,” an emotional Sergeant Morley said.
“It’s really quite a special thing; a really special tribute.
“Geoff is part of Port Stephens, he always will be.
“This just reminds us of that.”
Superintendent Chris Craner said the tribute to Sergeant Richardson, who died in the line of duty on March 5, came from Port Stephens officers who wanted to do something a little different.
“We had a couple of different ideas from different staff,” he said. “We wanted to do something a little bit different.
NEVER FORGOTTEN: The newest addition to the Port Stephens police command’s fleet is a car dedicated to Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson. Picture: Simone De Peak
“It’s a change of colour, it’s a blue colour which represents a sergeant and it’s got personalised number plates that represent Sergeant Richardson.
“It’s just a nice way for the cops to look at the car and think about Geoff. And it’s a nice way for the community when you’re driving down the street to go ‘why is that a blue car?’ and find out why.
“The car tells a story and the story is Geoff. Geoff died on duty and his memory won’t be forgotten.
“You can walk out the front of the police station, have a look at this car, stop a minute, have a think about Geoff, jump in and take off.”
The car is a standard Toyota Camry. It will be driven by Port Stephens police Sergeants and used for patrols.
On the afternoon of Wednesday, 3 March 1976, about 4.50pm, when Sen Const Laube was performing a motorcycle patrol north along Coolart Road, Somerville, and collided with a car which had pulled out into his path from Eramosa Road.
Sadly, he received fatal injuries and died at the accident scene. He was 31.
Sen Const Laube joined Victoria Police on 21 February, 1964 and worked at various police stations during his career including Bourke Street West, St Kilda and Mentone before transferring to the Mobile Traffic Section in 1972.
He was survived by his wife Eve and son Steven.
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Gilbert Joseph ROUSSEL
| 17/03/2016
Gilbert Joseph ROUSSEL
New South Wales Police Force
[alert_yellow]Regd. # 43110[/alert_yellow]
Rank: Constable
Goulburn Academy class: ADPP 28
Stations: Hurstville LAC – death
Service: From? pre 28 August 2007 ( Attestation date )to 6 August 2009 = 2 years Service
Awards: ?
Born: 28 February 1973
Died on: 6 August 2009
Cause: Suicide – Service firearm
Event location: Kangaroo Valley
Age: 36
Funeral date: Monday 17 August 2009
Funeral location: St Luke’s Church, Revesby
Buried at: Woronora Cemetery
Portion DD Plq, Row Rem Plq, Plot 0006
Memorial: NSW Police force Service Memorial Wall, Sydney Police Centre, Surry Hills, F5 ( right wall )
[alert_red]GILBERT is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_red] * BUT SHOULD BE
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Constable Joseph Nash, who was in charge of the local police station, was found dead in the barrack-room at noon today.
The police authorities in Sydney have received a telegram stating that Constable Nash had been found dead with a bullet wound in the head, the circumstances of the case pointing to suicide.
An officer at Armidale has been sent to North Guyra to make full inquiries.
Pax was loyal, strong, fiercely independent, and utterly obsessed with his handler. He never gave up and took pride in serving Territorians.
He has been responsible for the apprehension of multiple offenders here in the Territory, as well as in his previous jurisdiction of Queensland.
Police Dog, Pax succumbed to a degenerative nerve problem which had been medically managed for some time. His rapid decline unfortunately robbed him of his pending retirement in April.
Norma Welsh Sympathies to Pax’s handler and friends. Pax is fine in his new surroundings, but they will take a long time to get over this frown emoticon
Like · Reply · February 20 at 12:34pm
Lynette Zanchetta Beautiful dog, loyal to the end, people could take a leaf out of his book.
Like · Reply · February 20 at 12:41pm
Judy Billman Grech RIP
Like · Reply · February 20 at 12:44pm
Jo Pollard RIP Pax.
Like · Reply · February 20 at 12:45pm
Tania Morrison Rip pax. So sorry for your loss
Like · Reply · February 20 at 12:46pm
Christina Keep Rip pax
Like · Reply · February 20 at 12:46pm
Vincent Greene Beautiful. Loyalty is priceless and beyond measure.
Like · Reply · February 20 at 12:47pm
Joanna McIntyre Beautiful dog – thankyou for your service to our community and sympathies to his handler and family
Like · Reply · 1 · February 20 at 12:48pm
Sandra Francis Thank you
Like · Reply · February 20 at 12:54pm
Vivienne Williams Rest in Peace Pax.
Like · Reply · February 20 at 12:59pm
Houeida Iskandar-Garling frown emoticon
Like · Reply · February 20 at 1:15pm
Carmen Janic RIP beautiful boy
Like · Reply · February 20 at 1:15pm
Lesley Dobbin True hero right there. Rest In Peace forevermore x
Like · Reply · February 20 at 1:15pm
Angie Adams Pax is yet another silent hero! Deserve so much more recognition for the loyalty in service these absolute beautiful dogs give! What a lucky handler to have been able to spend time with this amazing animal xox RIP xox sorry for this heart breaking loss!
Like · Reply · 2 · February 20 at 1:21pm
Annie Webster My sincere condolences.
Like · Reply · February 20 at 1:23pm
Aliex Polock
Like · Reply · 1 · February 20 at 1:42pm
Jill Leonard Always saddened by these posts. Respect.
Like · Reply · 1 · February 20 at 1:44pm
Jeanette Barnard RIP Pax… so sad you did a great job now time to rest…be at peace
Like · Reply · February 20 at 1:52pm
Julie Wilson I salute you Pax…rest easy now
Like · Reply · February 20 at 1:56pm
Rachel Young Leis RIP Pax
Like · Reply · February 20 at 1:57pm
Karen Cowan There is a rainbow waiting Pax…..RIP
Like · Reply · February 20 at 1:58pm
Sharon Williams RIP Pax, thinking of your handler right now.
Like · Reply · February 20 at 1:58pm
Susanne Sluvinsky Rest now gorgeous boy
Like · Reply · February 20 at 2:01pm
Cheryl Jeffery My sincere sympathy to his family RIP Pax
Like · Reply · February 20 at 2:02pm
Alan Hart Running free in the big yard…RIP Pax…thankyou for your services…
Condolences to your loving family..
Like · Reply · February 20 at 2:10pm
Dorn Scrivano What a beautiful dog Sooo intelligent and very.loyal luv them
Like · Reply · February 20 at 2:11pm
Deb N Alex Matthews Over the rainbow bridge, stand down pat. Thoughts with your handler mate and family and friends
Like · Reply · February 20 at 2:16pm
1 Reply
Donna White R.I.P
Like · Reply · February 20 at 2:20pm
Ellen Dwyer Hope you are happy Pax wherever you may be. You served the Police well. RIP Pax.
Like · Reply · February 20 at 2:20pm
Ron An Kirst Cox So sad
Like · Reply · February 20 at 2:26pm
Beth Mccormick RIP Pax you did a awesome job
Like · Reply · February 20 at 2:29pm
Cecil Ross They give so much and ask so little ..rip Pax. To the handler , I once lost a dog in tragic circumstance and was inconsolable , until months later I dreamt and saw a similar dog walking (on a leash) with its owner …in the dream I remarked I had owned…See More
Like · Reply · 1 · February 20 at 2:32pm
Sharlene Turner Thank you RIP Pax xx
Like · Reply · February 20 at 2:37pm
Nikki Webb RIP Pax thank you
Like · Reply · February 20 at 2:41pm
Sandy May RIP Pax and condolences to your handler/s.
Like · Reply · February 20 at 2:48pm
Melanie Monaro Job well done Pax. Rest now beautiful
Like · Reply · February 20 at 2:49pm
Robbyn Hutton RIP BSBY
Like · Reply · February 20 at 2:52pm
Robbyn Hutton Baby
Like · Reply · February 20 at 2:52pm
Lorraine Mcdougall RIP
Like · Reply · February 20 at 2:59pm
Jennifer Smith Thank you for honouring his contribution. Sounds like Pax will be missed.
Like · Reply · February 20 at 3:06pm
Maureen McCarthy So very sad. Prayers for his handler.
Like · Reply · February 20 at 3:12pm
Janine Ingle A real hero. RIP Pax.
Like · Reply · February 20 at 3:18pm
Kieran O’Brien Naydene Mutch
Like · Reply · February 20 at 3:20pm
Trish Stimson R.I.P Pax
Like · Reply · February 20 at 3:25pm
Renoir Louise RIP Pax
Like · Reply · February 20 at 3:31pm
Marie Maidens Rip Pax
Like · Reply · February 20 at 3:38pm
Michelle Helgren You gave your all Pax! Stand down & run free till you meet again! Much love & many prayers! ?
The Mercury ( Hobart, Tasmania ) Monday 19 January 1942 p 5 of 6
OBITUARY
Senior Constable Males
Senior Constable Thomas Males, whose death took place at his residence, Government House grounds, on Friday, was privately cremated at Hobart on Saturday. The mourners were his two sons, Messrs. George and Thomas Males. The Rev. J. A. Cloudsdale officiated at the service.
Examiner ( Launceston, Tasmania ) Monday 19 January 1942 p 4 of 6
Funerals
SENIOR-CONSTABLE T. MALES
The death took place at his home in Government House grounds on Friday of Senior-Constable Thomas Males, at the age of 82.
Constable Males spent the whole of the period of his service in the police force in Hobart and in the vicinity of Government House. The King’s Medal, awarded to members of the police force who have served for 25 years with good conduct, was presented to Constable Males prior to his retirement by a former Governor, the late Sir James O’Grady.
When stationed in the Queen’s Domain and at Government House, Senior-Constable Males chief duties were at Government House as orderly to the Governor. He performed duty in close touch with members of the Royal Family when they visited the state, several Governors-General and Governors, and leading members of the Commonwealth judiciary, and was always punctilious in observance of his duties. Senior-Constable Males, a member of the old territorial police, entered the service prior to the advent of centralisation. When past the age for retirement, he was appointed to special duty, thus extending his service. He was for many years escort constable for prisoners on the main line. On his retirement after 35 years, members of the police force throughout the state subscribed to a testimonial. The Commissioner of Police ( Mr. Oakes ), then superintendent, paid tribute to Senior Constable Males faithful service.
The Mercury ( Hobart, Tasmania ) Monday 19 January 1942 p 5 of 6
OBITUARY
SENIOR CONSTABLE MALES
Long Service In Hobart
Senior Constable Thomas Males, whose death at the age of 82 took place at his residence, Government House grounds, in Hobart yesterday, spent the whole of his period of service in the police force In Hobart, and in the vicinity of Government House. Prior to his retirement in 1931, he was presented by a former Governor the late Sir James O’Grady with the King’s Medal, awarded to members of the police force who have served for 25 years with good conduct.
When stationed in the Queen’s Domain and at Government House, Senior Constable Males chief duties were at Government House as orderly to the Governor, and he performed duty in close touch with members of the Royal Family when they visited the Stale, several Governors-General and Governors, and leading members of the Commonwealth judiciary, and was always punctilious in the observance of his duties.
A member of the old territorial police, Senior Constable Males entered the service prior to the advent of centralisation, and when past the age for retirement was appointed to special duty which extended his service. He was for many years escort constable for prisoners on the Main Line railway, and during one trip was Injured in a railway accident.
On his retirement, after 35 years, members of the police force throughout the State subscribed to a testimonial. The Commissioner of Police ( Mr. Oakes ), then superintendent, paid tribute to Senior Constable Males faithful service, on his retirement, and said he was held In the highest respect by the department.
The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser ( NSW )
Thursday 1 April 1886 p 2 of 8
TRESPASSERS ON CROWN LANDS.
A supplement to the Gazette, dated March 26 ( 1886 ), contains the following among a list of names of Policemen authorised to Prosecute for Trespass on Crown lands –
ANGLEDOOL – Alfred Reid, Constable.
ARMIDALE – Patrick Rafferty ( # 1415 ), Snr Sgt., William Thom ( # 4177 ) – Constable.
ASHFORD – Thomas Henry Selff ( # 3701 ) – Constable.
BARRABA – Thomas Johnston, constable
BELLINGER Rvr (Boat Harbour) – Edwin May, Constable.
Plans for new medal to recognise slain, seriously injured WA police
Nicole Cox
EXCLUSIVE
Every slain and seriously injured WA police officer would be automatically honoured with a special commendation medal to mark their selfless community sacrifice, under a new plan to be mooted at the WA Police Union conference today.
The idea, which is modelled on an award offered by Victoria Police, has been raised by outgoing union deputy vice-president Jon Groves and has won support from the state opposition and families of officers killed in the line of duty.
Opposition Leader Mark McGowan will unveil a proposal at the police union’s annual conference on Monday for a WA medal, similar to the Victoria Police Star and the US military decoration the Purple Heart, to acknowledge officers killed or seriously injured while on duty.
Under the concept, fallen officers including Constable Damien Murphy, who was run down and killed by a drunk and drugged driver in Craigie in 2007, would be posthumously awarded the medal, along with those who sustain life-changing injuries – like Senior Constable Matt Butcher, who was left partially paralysed by a “flying headbutt” during a brawl in Joondalup in February 2008.
It would apply to all work-related injuries, including psychological illnesses, regardless of whether the conditions first manifestedon or off-duty.
“The Victorian Government has struck a medal for police officers who are seriously injured or killed in the line of duty and it recognises the sacrifice, valour and contribution of those police officers,” Mr McGowan told Fairfax Media.
“It’s only awarded rarely, but it is an appropriate recognition and certainly gives families of those who have died in the line of duty some additional recognition of their mother or father, husband or wife.
“It’s also for those who are seriously injured in the line of duty – so officers who put their lives on the line and get injured as a consequence…that they are appropriately recognised for that.
“It is rare recognition, but appropriate recognition and I think that should happen here in WA.”
Mr Groves said a medal that acknowledged officers killed and maimed in the line of duty – and not only acts of bravery – was needed to highlight their community sacrifice and the risks that police officers come up against every day of their working lives.
“We need a medal that recognises the police officers in this state who have paid the ultimate price – either with their lives or their health – in serving the community,” he said.
“It’s something tangible for those who have been kicked out the door of WA Police, due to work-related illness or injury, to have in their hands to remind them of the good times and the good work they did for the community.”
WA policeman Simon Bowen was five years old when his father WA Detective Sergeant Geoff Bowen was killed by a parcel bomb at the National Crime Authority in Adelaide in 1994.
Detective First Class Constable Bowen, who has served with WA Police for seven years, welcomed the idea saying a special medal would validate the ultimate sacrifice his father made.
“I think it’s a great concept in not only is it a keepsake, but it’s something else in the present that will identify the sacrifice and the memory,” he said.
“It’s a small token that you can just marvel at and look at it and say, for my situation, the memory of Dad is never going to be forgotten not only by me but by the blokes that he used to work with and generations to come.
“It’s a small bit of recognition. It would be humbling.”
Tracey Ball, who was widowed when her husband Constable Peter Ball was run down by a car and killed while chasing a suspected car thief in Cannington in August 1998, welcomed the police medal proposal.
The couple’s daughter, Brianna, now 17, was only 18 months old when her father died in the line of duty.
“Brianna was just 18 months old so she really has no memories of her dad,” Ms Ball said.
“She’s very proud of him but she never really knew him, she never got the chance. So to have something physical and tangible that links who he was as a police officer, I think would be extremely important to her.
“My granddad served in World War I and we have his medals. Having those medals, we used to do the Anzac Day parade and we were so proud and patriotic. To have chance to have that for someone in the police force, I think would be awesome.
“I know the defence forces award medals posthumously and with Legacy the kids go on camps with the armed forces kids who talk about their dads’ medals whereas the police kids don’t have that, they don’t have anything.”
A WA Police spokesman said the force already offered several Police Commissioner’s awards for bravery and conduct including the Cross for Bravery, commendations and a group citation for conduct.
In addition, there is also the WA Police Medal for diligent and ethical service, service medals, the Commissioner’s Medal for Excellence, a Certificate of Outstanding Performance and a WA Police Cadet Medal.
The spokesman said the Western Australia Police Cross for Bravery could be awarded to officers killed or seriously injured after a specific act of bravery and members killed in the line of duty were also recognised on the WA Police Memorial Honour Roll and the National Memorial Honour Roll.
He said the “existing awards and medals are quite comprehensive” but declined to comment about the proposal for a medal for officers killed or seriously injured in the line of duty.
“I am unaware of any proposals for new medals and the department does not make a habit of commenting on speculation or possible proposals,” he said.
Comments:
les bassednean,
that is all well and good, but what do those officers who put their body on the line for their state, and then get arrested, interrogated, humiliated, insulted and shamed get?
Mrs Elliott Watt (9038)
I wonder if the medal will be awarded to officers with psychological injuries who have died from these injuries like PTSD, depression and anxiety? My husband died on duty from depression after 15+ years service….surely he, and other officers like him deserve to be recognized too?
Long overdue Perth,
This issues has been raised for quite literally decades that I have been aware of, and yet the Dep’t has chosen to ignore the injured in the hope they will leave. It is only if you suddenly become high-profile media interest then they cannot ignore you.
The embarrassing fact is as things stand, all the officers who came to Matt Butcher’s aid can be recognised, but there is literally nothing that can be given in acknowledgement to Matt himself as there was no “clever act” they can use for a special commendation. And not even Toxic Tony could spin a believable one for the actions of an unconscious man. This has been raised at the highest levels in emails that were ignored and not replied to.
If they finally come to the table on this one, great! Allow retrospectivity, even better. The men and women who put their life on the line so you can be safe deserve nothing less!
