Elliott Peter WATT

| 15/02/2016

Elliott Peter WATT

Western Australia Police Force

Regd. # ?

Rank: Sergeant

Stations: ?, Kondinin, Collie ( acting OIC ) – death

Service: From ? ? ? to 22 December 2008 = 15 years Service

Awards: ?

Born: 31 July 1972

Died on: 22 December 2008

Cause: Suicide – Service firearm – in the Station Armoury

Age: 36

Funeral date: ?

Funeral location: ?

Buried at: ?

Memorial at: ?

Date of Inquest: 13 – 16 February 2012

Date of Inquest finding: 20 March 2012

ELLIOTT is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * BUT SHOULD BE

Funeral location: ?

FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

Police officer’s death not suspicious: police

Updated 24 Dec 2008, 7:20am

Police from the internal affairs unit are investigating the death of an officer at the Collie Police Station, south of Perth.

Sergeant Elliott Watt was found dead in the armoury room of the station yesterday.

Police say he shot himself with a police issued firearm.

Speaking outside the station this morning, Commissioner Karl O’Callaghan said local officers were shocked.

“This has affected all of the police officers and their families,” he said.

“It’s a very a tragic situation that’s occurred at a difficult time of the year when we’re moving up to Christmas.”

Sergeant Watt was the second in charge at the station and had been in Collie for 12 months.

He leaves behind a wife and four children, aged 11, five, three and 18 months.

His death is not been treated as suspicious, and his fellow officers are being offered counselling.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2008-12-23/police-officers-death-not-suspicious-police/248500

Coronial inquiry into police officer’s suicide

Updated 13 Feb 2012, 8:40pm

Map: Collie 6225

The Perth Coroner’s Court has heard that exposure to a number of critical incidents, including fatalities, could have contributed to a police officer’s suicide.

The Coroner has begun an inquiry into the death of Elliot Peter Watt, 36, at the Collie police station in 2008.

Sergeant Watt, who was the acting officer-in-charge of the station, had four sons.

His body was discovered in the station’s armoury alongside his police-issue firearm.

The Coroner is investigating what impact the daily access to firearms had on the sergeant and whether WA police had adequate mental health safety checks in place.

His wife, Emma Watt, told the court her husband was deeply affected by his work.

Mrs Watt told the inquiry her husband’s mental health started to deteriorate when he was stationed in Kondinin and he had to attend a number of critical incidents with limited or no back up.

She said these included a serious car accident involving children, a farmer’s suicide and an unsuccessful attempt to resuscitate a footballer.

Mrs Watt said he was never offered counselling by WA Police and bottled up his emotions.

Earlier today, the court was told Internal Affairs investigated Sergeant Watt’s death and found there was no single work related incident that triggered his death.

The family’s lawyer said the critical incidents were just as likely to contribute to the suicide as any family problems.

The inquiry also heard Sergeant Watt was depressed in the the years leading up to his death and was looking for another job.

The inquest continues tomorrow.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-02-13/coronial-inquiry-into-police-officer27s-suicide/3827158

The wife of a policeman who shot himself while on duty at a WA country police station has described how he broke down the night before crying and said he had enough of work but didn’t know what was wrong.

Elliott Peter Watt, 36, took his own life with a police pistol in the armoury of Collie police station on December 22, 2008 – his first day back after a three week break.

An inquest is now examining the tragedy and whether strategies can be used to avoid a repeat of the police suicide.

Today, Emma Watt described how her husband, a father of four, had displayed a dramatic change in his behaviour in the days leading up to his return to work, showing feelings of agitation, withdrawal, and finding a lack of pleasure in the things he used to enjoy.

She said his dislike of going to work had reached the point where she had to wake him up for work, prompt him to shower and lay out his uniform with the belt through the loops and items in his pockets so that he would attend.

The night before he killed himself, she had asked him what was wrong, she told the inquest today.

“He just looked at me and said ‘I just don’t know’,” she said.

“He said that just everything was getting to him… he said he had enough as far as work went…. (but) he didn’t want to leave us financially with no income.”

Mrs Watt said he had eventually withdrawn from her again, prompting her to call Lifeline in hysterics.

The inquest has heard earlier evidence that Acting Sen. Sgt Watt had dealt with “critical incidents” during one stint at a country police station including the failed resuscitation of a young man.

He had also attended a serious car crash in which a child was badly injured and the suicide of a farmer in his car after which he had to clean the blood-stained ute and return it to the farmer’s wife.

The inquest heard Acting Sen. Sgt Watt, who had 15 years experience in the police force, worked by himself for extended periods while stationed at country towns and had $35,000 worth of annual leave owing when he died – the equivalent of about five months’ leave.

Mrs Watt today said she had believed her husband was depressed. But she rejected suggestions his state could have been solely due to the domestic pressures of having young children and a relatively new and senior job.

She said she had not called a doctor because her husband, who she described as quiet and private, had been angry when she once suggested he could be depressed.

However, after her call to Lifeline on December 21, 2008 she had made plans to visit a GP with her concerns – a visit she had unfortunately scheduled for two days after her husband shot himself.

Mrs Watt said she had assumed the police force looked after its officers and that annual checks would be conducted on their mental health.

She told the inquest she would have contacted the police force’s health and welfare division earlier in the year with her concerns about his increasing mood swings but that she had been unaware of the division.

Mrs Watt said her husband was unlikely to ask for assistance from within the police force, but she believed information about the health and welfare division should also be provided to partners of police officers.

The inquest has heard an internal police investigation found there was “no one specific incident” that seemed to prompt Acting Sen. Sgt Watt’s suicide, though the investigator agreed his involvement in critical incidents could have affected him.

The report instead suggested non-work issues could be to blame.

The inquest heard training and education about stress management was required for police but they were also expected to ask for assistance.

Det-Sgt Judith Seivwright, who conducted the internal police report on the suicide, denied suggestions that officers feared asking for counselling or assistance would be viewed negatively by senior officers.

The inquest continues.

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14

https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/wa/a/12904977/cop-broke-down-night-before-suicide/

Burden too much to bear for policeman Elliot Watt who shot himself

Nicolas Perpitch
The Australian
February 15, 2012 12:00AM

COUNTRY policeman Elliott Watt cleaned up after a farmer’s suicide, tried unsuccessfully to resuscitate a young footballer and was brought to tears by a child’s injuries from a car crash in the months before he told his wife he did not want to go to work anymore.

The senior sergeant shot himself at the Collie police station in Western Australia’s southwest after telling his wife everything was getting to him.

In an inquest that is throwing a spotlight on the difficult work of police in isolated rural stations, Watt’s widow, Emma, said her husband killed himself because he did not want his moods affecting their three children. He took his life three days before Christmas 2008.

The night before, Watt broke down and told his wife everything was getting to him and he had had enough of work.

Giving evidence yesterday, Mrs Watt said she had to get her husband out of bed each morning, make sure he had a shower and make him get dressed and go to the station.

She had earlier told the court about three critical incidents her husband had been involved in while he was the officer in charge at Kondinin, a town of 300 people 275km southeast of Perth.

She said she had found her husband crying after attending a car accident in which a child was injured. He had tried unsuccessfully to resuscitate a young football player, and he had to clean the ute of a farmer who had killed himself in it with a shotgun.

She said her husband had become withdrawn after the transfer to Collie.

She said he had expressed feelings of “nothingness”, played less with the children and could not sleep or concentrate.

The next morning, Watt showered and dressed himself. “That’s why the day he died was so unusual,” she said.

Later that day, he took a gun from the station’s armoury and shot himself.

If you are depressed or contemplating suicide, help is available at Lifeline on 131 114.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/burden-too-much-to-bear-for-policeman-who-shot-himself/story-e6frg6nf-1226271242316

Coroner calls for police wellness checks

Posted 10 Mar 2012, 12:13pm

The Police Union says it is unfortunate the suicide of a police officer had to be the catalyst for reform in WA’s police service.

The coronial inquest into the death of Acting Senior Sergeant Elliott Watt concluded yesterday.

Sergeant Watt shot himself at the Collie Police Station in 2008.

Coroner Alistair Hope has recommended WA police conduct annual health and wellness reviews on every police officer in the State.

The President of the Police Union Russell Armstrong says more resources are needed.

“Not enough staff within health and welfare, four clinical psychologists for nearly 6000 people and we’re dealing with 24/7 critical incidents,” he said.

“And that is not enough staff, so it’ll have to be resourced and resourced very quickly.

“It’s long overdue and should have been put in place a long time ago,” he said.

WA police are yet to review the recommendations.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-10/mental-health-checks-for-police/3881424

Office of the State Coroner, Western Australia – Annual report – 2011 – 2012

Elliott Peter WATT

The State Coroner conducted an inquest into the death of Elliott Peter Watt (the deceased) with an Inquest held at Perth Coroner’s Court on 13‐16 February 2012. The State Coroner found that death occurred on 22 December 2008 at Collie Police Station, Collie, as a result of gunshot wound to the head in the following circumstances ‐

The deceased was an acting Senior Sergeant of police with Western Australian Police (WA Police) at the time of his death on 22 December 2008. The deceased was born on 31 July 1972 and so was 36 years of age at the time of his death.

The deceased died at the Collie Police Station as a result of a self inflicted gunshot wound. At the time he was the relieving Officer in Charge of the Collie Police Station, the day of his death
was his first day back at work after a period of three weeks long service leave.

On the day of his death the deceased worked from 8am and had been conducting his normal duties as the Officer in Charge of the Police Station throughout the day. It appears that he was last seen at about 3:45pm.

The deceased was discovered in the armoury at 4:25pm having died of a gunshot wound to the head.

The deceased used the Glock pistol which had been allocated for his own use to shoot himself while alone in the armoury of the Collie Police Station.

None of the police officers on duty at the Collie Police Station heard the shot being fired and none were alert to the possibility that the deceased might be about to take his own life prior to his doing so.

The State Coroner found that the death arose by way of Suicide.

The State Coroner observed that it was important that families of serving members are alert to the available services as it is often family members who are most aware of changes in a person suffering from mental health problems.

In that context the State Coroner made the following recommendation –

I recommend that WA Police take action to better promote information in relation to available services to families of serving members.
The State Coroner observed that the deceased’s colleagues were not alert to his deteriorating mental condition. This was in large part because the deceased concealed his condition from them, but it is also clear that they had received little training in the management or identification of persons suffering from depression.

Evidence at the inquest revealed that for officers taking on senior management roles, while training in respect of these issues is available, it is at present not a mandatory requirement.

The State Coroner made the following recommendation –

I recommend that training in respect of the identification and management of officers suffering from stress or depression should form part of the training for police officers entering management roles.

The State Coroner made the following recommendation in respect to improving the recording of conversation with the Health and Welfare Branch of WA Police in the context of evidence relating to contacts which had not been recorded or filed –

I recommend that WA Police ensure that there is in place appropriate computer software which will enable the recording of all contacts to the Health and Welfare Branch relating to individual officers where concerns have been expressed as to the welfare of those officers.

The State Coroner observed that the evidence in this case has highlighted the fact that policing can be a demanding and stressful occupation.

The deceased was described as a very good officer who was generally highly regarded and yet none of his work colleagues had any real appreciation of his deteriorating mental health.

In the State Coroner’s view there needs to be some form of regular health review or wellness review of every police officer in WA Police.

In this context the State Coroner made the following recommendation –

I recommend that WA Police put in place a system which would ensure that in respect of every member there is some form of wellness review conducted or at least offered each year which will identify significant changes in physical and mental health.

A letter dated 20 March 2012 addressed to the Minister for Police invited the Minister to respond to the State Coroner’s recommendations. At the time of publishing the annual report a response had not been received from the Minister’s office.
http://www.coronerscourt.wa.gov.au/_files/Coroners_Court_Annual_report_12.pdf

Emma McLaren‎ to Thin Blue Line – Australia

Thin Blue Line – Australia

Sunday 14 February 2016

FURTHER INFORMATION SOUGHT FROM EMMA.

I remember my husband spending 3 nearly whole days in 45*C + heat scrubbing a farmers ute to give back to his widow. It had sat in full sun for nearly a week and as the OIC in a country town you do it yourself – and he wouldn’t let me help, he always wanted to protect me from the nasty side of the job. 3 days stressing it was pristine, immaculate; nothing left to distress the farmers family further. He didn’t realise the toll it took on himself. He was Beginning to realise he was battling inside his own mind with these thoughts….I still remember him saying to me ” Everyday. Everyday I get kitted up and think how easy it would be. ”

It will be 8 years this year. And still no closer to acknowledging those already lost, and helping, saving, those suffering.

So sad….Everyday I think, how easy it would be. Easy it would be to stop talking and start doing. Helping. Acknowledging. Remembering. Sharing. Supporting. And stop this waste!

Retired WA policewoman seeks compensation

AAP

December 9, 2016 11:12am

A POLICEWOMAN and mother-of-four who fell into financial ruin after the accumulated psychological trauma of her work forced her to medically retire has appealed to Queen Elizabeth II in her bid to seek redress.

Wendy Kennedy, 49, served in the West Australian force for 15 years, seeing horrendous crimes such as a woman who had been stabbed and thrown through a window by her partner.

She saved people from ending their own lives, but other times, nothing could be done.

The images are burnt into her mind and still haunt her.

She lists off the many times she was in mortal danger – a broken bottle attack while working pregnant as Katanning’s first female police officer, running from a man who came at her with a machete, seeing an axe about to fall on her before her partner jumped on the assailant.

It still rattles her to recount the time a car ploughed into her mounted police colleague as they patrolled a dark Perth highway at 2am.

“I watched him go over the car,” Ms Kennedy told AAP.

“We didn’t wear hard hats. There was no requirement – our uniform was an Akubra hat.”

His head hit the cement. He was convulsing, his head in blood, his horse was hurt.

“I thought ‘my partner’s dying’.”

She rushed to his aid and he thankfully pulled through, but no-one asked her if she was okay and she was sent straight back to work.

Ms Kennedy, who suffers post-traumatic stress disorder, says the mental health of officers is not properly monitored, and she’s backing the Medically Retired WA Police Officers Association in calling for regular wellness checks, particularly after traumatic jobs.

Such checks were a key finding from an inquest into the death of Collie policeman Elliott Watt, 36, who fatally shot himself in the station’s armoury in December 2008 on his first day back from long service leave.

For Ms Kennedy, her psychological health is turning a corner thanks to the support of the association and her psychologist Joseph Presti.

And after not being well enough to work for the past 12 years, she’s now managing four hours a week as a personal trainer.

Her clients, who have become friends, understand if she has to reschedule because some days are better than others when you suffer from PTSD.

But she’s so broke, she’s on the brink of being evicted.

Even her superannuation fund was closed after fees ate up all that was in there.Sick of asking for help from Centrelink, Ms Kennedy has gathered strength to fight for the recognition and financial redress she feels she deserves after all of her public service.

“I put on my life on the line and I’ve seen the most gruesome stuff,” she said.

“I shouldn’t have to live like this.”

She’s preparing her first application for an ex-gratia payment from the state government, with the WA Police Union officially declaring her case has merit.

The rare act-of-grace payments are currently the only way medically retired officers are financially acknowledged, although they are usually for physical injury, and while a worker’s compensation scheme is now finally on the cards for police, it won’t be retrospective.

Like all WA police, she’s not considered an employee of the state, so Ms Kennedy has written to the woman she promised to serve – the Queen.

Australian readers seeking support and information about depression can contact the Depression Helpline (from 8am to midnight) on 0800 111 757.

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.

http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/retired-wa-policewoman-seeks-compensation/news-story/b65c71f1f51b1342a4040f3c8cd4c2f5

Project Recompense

Prepared by the WA Police Union

November 2014

p 32

The Watt Inquest

An inquest into the death of Sergeant Elliott Peter Watt (who, at the time of his death in December 2008, was a serving WA police officer) was undertaken in February 2012. The Watt Inquest outlined that Sergeant Watt had deteriorating mental health, characterised by:

Irritable moods, generally quite snappy and grumpy;

Pushing his wife away, threatening separation;

Expressing unhappiness in areas of his work and life;

Isolation;

No motivation;

Being short-tempered and moody; and

Becoming completely absorbed in computer games

109

It was noted that Sergeant Watt had experienced three specific traumatic incidents in his career, being: the attendance at a car accident that had involved young children; the attendance at a suicide by a farmer in which Sergeant Watt had to clean the utility involved before returning it to the family; and the prolonged, attempted resuscitation of a young footballer, who later died

110

It appeared that as Sergeant Watt’s job responsibilities increased, his stress levels increased and his mental health declined. Despite an informal mental health assessment by his senior management

111

none of Sergeant Watt’s colleagues “had any real appreciation of his deteriorating mental health”

112

The coroner made several very important comments regarding police officer health and safety as it was noted that “serving police officers can be

vulnerable to serious mental health problems as a result of their work”

113

. The coroner noted that:

Being transferred to certain locations can place pressures on police officers;

Police officers “face regular exposure to stressful situations including violence inflicted on them and others, trauma and death scenes”

114

;

109

Coroner’s Court of Western Australia,

Inquest into the death of Elliott Peter Watt

, Government of Western

Australia, Perth, 2012.

110

Ibid, p. 10.

111

Ibid, p. 17.

112

Ibid, p. 36.

113

Ibid, p. 29.

114

Ibid.

“The health and welfare of serving police officers requires ongoing monitoring and support”

115

;

“It is the responsibility of the Health and Welfare Services of WA Police to educate and train personnel in the management of stress, and in particular, post-trauma stress”

116

;

“Officers involved in critical incidents may suffer problems months or even years after those incidents and so there is an ongoing need to monitor [police officer] health and wellbeing”

117

; and

It is vital that “families of serving members are alert to the available services as it is often family members who are most aware of changes in a person suffering from mental health problems”

118

The inquest outlined four recommendations:

WA Police must take action to better promote information in relation to available [mental health] services to families of serving Members

119

;

Training for police officers entering management roles should include identification and management of officers suffering from stress or depression

120

;

WA Police is to ensure that appropriate computer software is in place to enable the recording of all contacts to the Health and Welfare Services relating to individual officers where concerns have been expressed about the welfare of those officers

121

; and

WA Police must put in place a system which would ensure a wellness review be conducted (or at least offered) to every member, in order to identify significant changes in physical and mental health

122

The coroner was adamant that there needed to be some mechanism within WA Police to regularly review the mental and physical health and wellbeing of every WA Police officer

123

. Significant changes such as “an increase or decrease of over 10kg in weight over a 12 month period, significant deterioration in fitness, unexplained mood changes or an officer becoming more isolated from his or her colleagues” were flagged as being important to note within these welfare checks

124

. The coroner also acknowledged, to some extent, the stigma associated with admitting to suffering from stress or from mental health problems and the likelihood this declaration has on promotional opportunities.

The recommendations outlined in the Watt Inquest were also referred to within the Toll of Trauma Inquiry

125

https://www.wapu.org.au/images/ReportsSubmissions/WAPU_ProjectRecompense_Compiled.pdf

Rodney Lionel KEMP

| 15/02/2016

Rodney Lionel KEMP

aka Rod aka Kempy

Queensland Police Force

Regd. # ?

Rank: Detective Inspector

Stations: ?, Warwick, Mt Gravatt police station, South Brisbane District – death / retirement

Service: From ? ? 1979 to 5 February 2016 = 37 years Service

Awards: National Medal – granted 2 February 1996

Born: 11 February 1959

Died on: Friday 5 February 2016 * 6 days shy of his 57th birthday

Cause: suspect Heart attack

Age: 56

Private Funeral date: Wednesday 10 February 2016 *1 day before, what would have been, his 57th birthday

Private Funeral location: ?TBA

Buried at: ?TBA

Public Memorial Service at: The Chandler Theatre on Friday 12 February 2016

Detective Inspector Rod Kemp joined the police force 37 years ago.

ROD is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO

FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

Today ( Friday 5 Feb. 2016 ) Qld Police and the police community lost a true gentleman and leader. On what was to be [alert_red]his last day in the job before retiring[/alert_red] from a remarkable career, Detective Inspector Rod Kemp was taken from his family and his police brothers and sisters from a suspected heart attack.

Rod was a well respected leader, detective and above all else a good decent bloke who always put his staff first and above what was expected of him.

Our thoughts are with Rods family dealing with a sudden loss of him at a time that should have been one of celebration.

Vale Detective Inspector Rod Kemp – Qld Police Service.

Top cop Detective Inspector Rod Kemp dies on the way to his own retirement lunch

in 4 minutes

KATE KYRIACOU The Sunday Mail (Qld)

The Courier Mail

QUEENSLAND police are mourning the loss of one of their own after one of the state’s top detectives died suddenly while on the way to his own retirement lunch.

Detective Inspector Rod Kemp, a “gentleman” of the police service, died from a suspected heart attack while returning to Mt Gravatt police station on Friday.

His closest friends and colleagues – some who had worked alongside him since the 1980s – were readying for his farewell when the news came through.

Insp Kemp, who was to turn 57 on Thursday, was a highly respected investigator and led some of the state’s biggest murder investigations.

Assistant Commissioner Bob Gee said Insp Kemp had been due to retire after 37 years as a police officer.

Insp Rod Kemp is believed to have died from a heart attack, days short of his 57th birthday.

“(He) was one of the most respected and well-liked officers I have ever known,” he said. “He reached the top of his game professionally and had the respect and admiration of all his colleagues, and more importantly, the wider community.”

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/top-cop-detective-inspector-rod-kemp-dies-on-the-way-to-his-own-retirement-lunch/news-story/99662ef7f65584dcdbddaf0771abb524

Queensland detective Rod Kemp dies from suspected heart attack

February 7, 20164:15pm

QUEENSLAND police has extended its sympathy to the family of a respected detective who died on the way to his own retirement lunch.

Detective Inspector Rod Kemp, a “gentleman” of the police service who was to turn 57 this week, died from a suspected heart attack while returning to Mt Gravatt police station in Brisbane on Friday, the Courier Mail reported.

His colleagues were preparing for a farewell lunch ahead of his retirement after 37 years as a police officer.

“RIP Detective Inspector Rod Kemp,” the Queensland Police Service said on Facebook on Sunday morning.

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues.”

Assistant Commissioner Bob Gee spoke highly of Inspector Kemp, a married father-of-three sons — including one son who was also a police officer.

“(He) was one of the most respected and well-liked officers I have ever known,” he told the Courier Mail.

“He reached the top of his game professionally and had the respect and admiration of all his colleagues, and more importantly, the wider community.

“Rod was the complete gentleman who took the time to listen and care for people. He touched the lives of many as an experienced leader and investigator.”

Insp Kemp was a respected investigator who led some of Queensland’s biggest murder investigations.

Recent cases included the 2014 death of a French tourist whose body was found in a Brisbane park, and the suspicious death of Brisbane mother-of-four Anthea Mari.

Colleagues paid tribute to the top cop on social media.

“Rod Kemp was a man that loved his family and stood by his brothers and sisters in blue,” Les Melville wrote on Facebook.

“Rank was not an issue with him, because he related to the person. He was a true friend to his mates, he was a true boss to his troops and above all, was a caring and honest man.

“Personally, I always saw him as a friendly, open and understanding man.”

http://www.news.com.au/national/queensland/news/queensland-detective-rod-kemp-dies-from-suspected-heart-attack/news-story/d705d165c29a13aa809f05ceecb22a02

Brisbane police detective inspector Rod Kemp farewelled at memorial service

February 12, 2016 5:44pm

Brittany Vonow The Courier-Mail

DETECTIVE Inspector Rod Kemp has been remembered as a gentleman at Queensland Police memorial service.

The day after what would have been his birthday, hundreds of police gathered at The Chandler Theatre to remember the detective inspector who spent more than three and a half decades in the service.

Kemp passed away on the way to his own retirement farewell lunch last Friday.

Tributes by colleagues Detective Senior Sergeant Tony Geary and Detective Acting Inspector Tim Leadbetter were read with an address from son Alex Kemp.

“I’m not here to talk about the murders that were solved or the jobs taken care of under Rod’s leadership, I’m not here to talk about his work ethic. Those qualities and abilities are evident from everyone here today,” Det Acting Insp Leadbetter said.

“However, I would say Rod instantly gained respect and admiration of us all. Rod was not respected because of his rank… He was respected because of the man he was.”

He said there was nothing more important to Det Insp Kemp than his family, including his two grandchildren.

“Rod was the ultimate caring boss,” Det Acting Insp Leadbetter said.

Police Commissioner Ian Stewart delivered the police valedictory.

Inspector Lee Jeffries (left) and inspector Peter Doyle (right) arrive with fellow police officers at the Memorial Service for Detective Inspector Rod Kemp, The Chandler Theatre, Chandler. Photographer: Liam Kidston.

Son Alex Kemp said his dad would have turned 57-years-old yesterday.

“We will knew dad was the pick of them, he was obviously a good police man but can I tell you he was a better husband and father,” he said.

Mr Kemp said his dad loved being in the police service.

“The timing and circumstances of dad’s death are tragic and he deserved a lot better but don’t think for one minute he died an unhappy man,” he said.

“He could have not been loved anymore and he loved his job.”

The family held a private funeral on Wednesday.

The service also included a photo montage of moments in Kemp’s life.

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/brisbane-police-detective-inspector-rod-kemp-farewelled-at-memorial-service/news-story/82b2adaff5232885bd9829a6a118e82e

Survive the Streets – Down Under

February 5 ·

Today Qld Police and the police community lost a true gentleman and leader. On what was to be his last day in the job before retiring from a remarkable career, Detective Inspector Rod Kemp was taken from his family and his police brothers and sisters from a suspected heart attack.

Rod was a well respected leader, detective and above all else a good decent bloke who always put his staff first and above what was expected of him.

Our thoughts are with Rods family dealing with a sudden loss of him at a time that should have been one of celebration.

Vale Detective Inspector Rod Kemp – Qld Police Service.

Colin Bell Rest in Peace Rod, condolences to his family.

Like · Reply · 5 · February 6 at 9:21am

Naomi Baldwin Our thoughts & prayers are with his family ,friends & colleagues at this sad & difficult time . RIP sir & thank you for your service ?

Like · Reply · 5 · February 6 at 9:18am

Ted Collins So unfair. Dedicated. Rest in peace sir. Duty done. What a shame. Condolences from the blue line of nsw .

Like · Reply · 14 · February 6 at 12:23am

Christopher Busch He never promised us that life would be fair, just that it would be worth it, and I would say that this man’s life truly was “worth it”.

Like · Reply · 8 · February 6 at 5:23am

Dee Cee R.I.P brother. Your job here is done.

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 4:52am

Toni Leanne Davies Hell it sucks, rip now. You deserve it!

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 6:16am

Liana Stewart RIP God bless you

Like · Reply · 4 · February 6 at 7:40am

David Streher RIP sir.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 9:06am

Pieter Strik RIP

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 3:41pm

Greg Callander https://police.freom.com/rodney-lionel-kemp/

Like · Reply · February 7 at 1:20am

Les Melville Rod Kemp was a man that loved his family and stood by his brothers and sisters in blue. Rank was not an issue with him, because he related to the person. He was a true friend to his mates, he was a true boss to his troops and above all, was a caring and honest man. Personally, I always saw him as a friendly, open and understanding man. Very much Respect, and, Vale Rod Kemp.

Like · Reply · 230 · February 6 at 2:29am

Debbie Fennell Les, your words describe Rob perfectly especially that rank was not an issue with him, because he related to the person. Well said.

Like · Reply · 14 · February 6 at 7:40am

Brett William Well said Uncle Les!!!

Like · Reply · 5 · February 6 at 9:25am

Tony Lohmann A perfect description of a true gentleman and honourable officer. RIP Rod.

Like · Reply · 7 · February 6 at 11:55am

George Bernhard Shaw He really was one of the good guys and a true gentleman

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 2:10pm

Wendy Webster Here Here to all of these words

Like · Reply · 1 · February 6 at 7:49pm

Peter Scott Not what I’ve heard …

Like · Reply · February 7 at 9:18pm

Sandra Weijters He also treated admin staff with great respect as well, thank you for the person you were.

Like · Reply · February 8 at 12:41pm

Write a reply…

Kylie Warburton R.I.P. blue brother as your watch is over!

Like · Reply · 133 · February 6 at 12:58am

David Edwards I’m so thankful to have known Rod over many years and have had the pleasure of spending many good times with him and his family at bbqs, race meetings and a couple of wild fishing trips. It was only a few weeks ago where our paths crossed once again at…See More

Like · Reply · 51 · February 6 at 9:13am

Carly Braggermeister Anyone who ever worked with Rod knew what what a great person and police officer he was. My heart sank deep when I heard this news. The world is a little bit worse off today. Thank you Rod Kemp for all you have done for me during my career. Some people are givers, others takers. Rod was a giver. Rest in peace mate.

Like · Reply · 33 · February 6 at 8:49am

Netty Hall A truly well respected boss, Kempy would always stop and have a chat to any ranking officer in passing. He would often joke about the comedy Summer Heights High with me but most of all would talk about his family and grand children with joy. A genuine …See More

Like · Reply · 32 · February 6 at 1:47pm

2 Replies

Sonia Anderson I am so very saddened. Rod was such a warm, caring, beautiful man. He led the investigation into the murder of my daughter, Bianca Faith Girven. Rod was so respectful, the gentlest of men. I am sure my Bianca is giving Rod a hug right now. My love to Rod’s family and colleagues. He served well ?

Like · Reply · 35 · February 6 at 10:50am

Shayne Maxwell Rod was a champion bloke. He was loyal to his officers and a great supporter of the Qld Police Union of Employees. Thanks Rod. Your were a true brother in blue. May God call you into arms in Heaven. RIP

Like · Reply · 36 · February 6 at 7:07am

Jon Birt In about 7 years at SBD CIB, I never once remember seeing you without a warm smile and the time to say hello and have a chat. Such an intelligent, genuine, fair, friendly and caring man, these traits made you a great leader of men and your troops alway…See More

Like · Reply · 24 · February 6 at 10:05am

Manny Pap It was one the of saddest days of my life yesterday having spoken to Rod in the morning and an hour later attending and reporting on his death. I do have the wonderful memory of having a laugh with him when we spoke. He will be missed.

Like · Reply · 23 · February 6 at 12:18pm

Kay Muddiman Heartbreaking to read. RIP Detective Inspector Rod Kemp, and sincere condolences to your family. Life can be truly unfair.

Like · Reply · 17 · February 6 at 8:35am

Kya Lee Unbelievably sad, I cannot fathom that after lifetime of serving and sacrificing for his State and the people of it, his life was ripped from him the day he was due to begin his retirement. Yet those in society, who contribute nothing continue to breath and contribute nothing. May you be resting in peace D/Insp Kemp.

Like · Reply · 16 · February 6 at 2:04pm

Noel Stehbens Went to the academy and was sworn in with Rod. Was a great police officer and a true gentleman. It was a privilege to have known him. RIP Rod your life has been cut so short. Condolences to all your family and friends.

Like · Reply · 12 · February 6 at 11:03am

Diane King Such a shame to give your working life to a job like that and not get to enjoy the golden years at all. Hope he wasn’t alone at the end. RIP

Like · Reply · 15 · February 6 at 8:09am

Shannon Newson Rest in peace. Our thoughts, love and prayers go out to the Kemp family, including our very own ‘Kempy’ from our blue line family.

Like · Reply · 22 · February 6 at 3:22am

Greg Smith RIP Sir. For your brothers and sisters in blue you will be sadly missed. To your family and friends my prayers are with you.

Like · Reply · 16 · February 6 at 5:36am

David Lane So sad mate. Our thoughts with your family. Always with a wry smile no matter what. Great bloke survived by wonderful memories. Auto Theft and the boys, specials at the Norman Hotel and many more. Vale Rod Kemp

Like · Reply · 5 · February 6 at 4:29pm

Blake Hazeltine He has done his time in hell the best way one could. He can now rest, and look over all his family and the TBL.
Rest Easy Officer.

Like · Reply · 8 · February 6 at 1:27am · Edited

Kerrie Leigh Miles Very Sad & Yes He’ll be Watching Over Them All

Like · Reply · February 6 at 3:54pm

Write a reply…

Tonya Carew Taken far too soon RIP Rod Kemp. Should have been the first day of his life in retirement Condolences to Rods family and colleagues

Like · Reply · 6 · February 6 at 11:03am

Mikal Coolsen RIP Sir, you were a down to earth decent bloke who had time for anyone from all ranks. A true gentleman that will be sadly missed. My thoughts go out to the Kemp family. They no doubt will now be feeling the embrace of the blue family.

Like · Reply · 5 · February 6 at 5:13pm

Bonnie Dovaston Having had Rod as a customer at our coffee shop, my heart sank when i heard the news today. He always talked of his family with great pride, & was always respected by the people around him. He will be greatly missed. From Bonnie at Astro Petes cafe

Like · Reply · 5 · February 6 at 5:37pm

Bear Casson RIP old mate from your mates from your old school years , was a top bloke then ,have not seen Rod for decades but by the messages on here he never lost that gift of being a top bloke. Cheers to you Rod up there I’m sure you will be still looking over everyone down here. To his family we are sorry for your loss

Like · Reply · 5 · February 6 at 7:01pm

Kate Pausina Missing you so much already Kempy. You were a great boss & and an even better person. We will remember your wicked sense of humour & and infectious laugh.

Like · Reply · 11 · February 6 at 10:37am · Edited

Bec Bailey Thoughts and prayers are being sent to his family, friends and QPS. May his spirit fly free and peace be his keeper

Like · Reply · 5 · February 6 at 8:12am

Michelle Saunderson Wow what a tribute …. Inspector Kemp you were well respected and well loved – although I only worked with you a few times it was always a pleasure – a great tribute to a great man – RIP – you will be missed greatly

Like · Reply · 6 · February 6 at 7:25pm

Ivan Bennison RIP. So sad for his family on a day that should have been the start of a new phase in his life. Condolence to his family and blue family.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 3:15pm

Adam Anthony RIP kind sir, thank you for your service protecting our lives and property. Thoughts for your family, friends and colleagues

Like · Reply · 8 · February 6 at 2:39am

Mel Starkas Rest in peace and vale Rod. You were one of the good ones. Thoughts are with his family and close friends.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 12:37pm

Jess JJ I cannot imagine the pain his family must be going through on a day that was supposed to be a celebration. A lovely man taken too soon. RIP Sir.

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 2:48pm

Grant James I had the pleasure of working with Rod on several occasions. He was a true gentleman and a great boss who took a genuine interest in his staff. Such a sad loss made even more tragic by the timing RIP mate

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 11:04am

Eve Kerlin My heart and thoughts goes out to Rods family. What a senseless tragedy. Rod was a great friend and workmate of my late husband Stewart, he was truly one of the good ones. So sad.

Like · Reply · 10 · February 6 at 7:49am

Samantha Dawson Respect for our men & women of Australia’s police force . An unforgiving job at times which doesn’t always receive the admiration it deserves

Like · Reply · 7 · February 6 at 8:20am

Leigh Allingham How sad is that, he died on his last day in the job. Condolences to his family & friends & may he RIP in the skies above.

Like · Reply · 4 · February 6 at 9:10am

George Lewis This is overwhelmingly sad. This dear man, had worked so hard, given so much. The fragility of life in sharp focus. Thank you for your service. Sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 4:07pm

Whitney Jane We will miss you, Uncle Rod. Never forgotten xx

Like · Reply · 26 · February 6 at 12:51am

Ben Mawhinney RIP Sir and it was a privledge to know and work alongside you. You will be sadly missed and with honour you served.

Like · Reply · 12 · February 6 at 8:03am

Mark Pryer Kempy was the boss we all wanted and I was thankful to have been under his command.

Although the QPS lost one of our favourites his family have lost so much more and our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time.

Like · Reply · 6 · February 6 at 5:55pm

Mark Slater R.I.P. Truly a sad day for family, friends and the QPS. A true gentleman who deserved so much more from life.

Like · Reply · 5 · February 6 at 6:41am

Irene Swain Condolences to his family, friends and work mates RIP Rod Kemp and thank you for being there for us, the public

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 12:30pm

Pam Robson Rod was a true gentleman …pleasure to have known and worked with him….condolences to Rods family ….RIP gentleman xx

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 1:29pm

Clayton Sinclair I recently retired and my wife and I have plans and we are so upset for Rod and his family. The thin blue line just lost an invaluable part of the chain.

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 1:24pm

Ian Fischer I’ve worked as a volunteer with the QPS for over 22 years and have nothing but respect and admiration for the vast majority of Officers! A tragedy to happen on the last day of work, life’s kind of not fair sometimes!

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 11:17am

Edward-Keg Paroz Life is not always fair and in this case a tragedy. RIP sir, your tour is over. Condolences to your family, friends and colleagues.

Like · Reply · 1 · February 6 at 10:53am

CJ Bird He was a great person. He will be truly missed. RIP Sir.

Like · Reply · 22 · February 5 at 11:38pm

Sesilia Kafaloto Andrews RIP to a dedicated officer, leader and brother in blue. Praying and sincere condolences to your family .. #RESTINPEACE

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 8:59am

Bec Thompson RIP Sir. Your watch is over. Sincerest condolences to your nearest and dearest and the greater police family.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 9:37am

Anne Winterflood Our community is a little worse off today with the loss of Rod. Our thoughts and love goes out to Kathy and family, Una, Russell, Julie and Mark. xx

Like · Reply · 4 · February 6 at 11:12am

Jaimielee Wilson So so sorry jenna, alex, hayley and Kathy. Uncle Rod was a beautiful man and will be sorely missed. Lots of love xoxoxx

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 3:36pm

Gayle Mcdowall Such terrible news for the family your job is done mate RIP My most sincere condolences to the family and friends

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 1:42pm

Judy Somerville Walsh My Goodness, I cant believe that this has happened we lived beside them for 10 years, he was such a lovely fellow and to happened on his last day of work. I am just stunned…..

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 5:29pm

Chris Lewis Iam gutted to think this man, who gave so much to the community, did not get to enjoy the fruits of his labour. This is truely a sad day!

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 7:30pm

Jason Conroy I did not know you Rod or your family. I mean absolutely no disrespect when i say this but, I want to echo Leif Hovland‘s comment, this is truly fucked!! To me this proves there is no god! A man who was a great worker, mate, boss, leader who sacrificed…See More

Like · Reply · 14 · February 6 at 11:53am · Edited

Gail Wilshire That is a beautiful poem, I wish I could share it on facebook, for all the policemen out there. BEAUTIFUL.

Like · Reply · February 6 at 7:54pm

Jason Conroy Gail Wilshire here you go.

http://www.policepoems.com/FinalInspection.htm

Police Poems – The Final Inspection

The policeman stood and faced his God, Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shining. Just as brightly as his brass.

policepoems.com|By Terrance D Martin

Like · Reply · February 6 at 9:30pm

Lee Adams Well said Jas

Like · Reply · February 7 at 6:59pm

Write a reply…

Danielle Baldock Thoughts with QPS and his family and friends. RIP Sir.

Like · Reply · 8 · February 6 at 12:07am

Julie Pryer R.I.P Rod Kemp and condolences to his family, he will be missed by all

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 11:43am

Zabrina Clark RIP Sir. Great bloke, great boss, lovely to talk to. So glad our professional paths crossed. You will be missed dearly by all. Sympathies to you family & friends.

Like · Reply · 10 · February 6 at 6:44am

Melanie Hickson RIP Detective Inspector Kemp.. Thinking of all of you who worked with him and his family.. X

Like · Reply · 1 · February 6 at 6:38pm

Rita Morrison So sad to loose a good man especially when he and his family had so much to look forward too

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 3:54pm

Sue Dawson So sad. A true gentleman who will be missed. My thought are with his family.

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 10:09am

Stephen Crouch So sad, RIP Detective Inspector Kemp. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Like · Reply · 6 · February 6 at 11:16am

Chris Eastment Was that Rod Kemp from GHS? In the year ahead of us Narelle Smith?

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 3:27pm

Narelle Smith Yes indeed Chris Eastment. Handsome and funny.

Like · Reply · 1 · February 6 at 5:46pm

Chris Eastment Sad news.

Like · Reply · 1 · February 6 at 5:53pm

Write a reply…

Audrey White R.I.P Detective Inspector Rod Kemp.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 6:10pm

Lynda Trotter As the wife of an officer who himself has very recently retired…..this news is very tragic. My heartfelt prayers to his family and friends.

Like · Reply · 5 · February 6 at 4:16pm

Shivaugn Barclay RIP Sir. Thoughts are with your family, friends and colleagues

Like · Reply · 7 · February 6 at 12:30am · Edited

Belinda Veziroglu RIP, prayers for his family and to those who loved him ?

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 1:43pm

Don Schouten Thoughts are with the family of such a thoroughly good and decent bloke. Why is it that all the good ones are taken to soon. Just gutted to hear such sad news.

Like · Reply · 6 · February 6 at 9:39am

Melanie Duda RIP, condolences to his family blood and blue.

Like · Reply · 5 · February 6 at 8:24am

Kym M Charlton Oh, how sad. He was a fine officer. Condolences to his family and colleagues.

Like · Reply · 5 · February 6 at 1:48am

Ellie Humphris RIP Sir. Such a tragedy for his family, friends and work colleagues. Sending thoughts and prayers.

Like · Reply · 10 · February 5 at 11:44pm

Lisa Parry So sad, known to our family, my condolences to Rod’s family…to soon and too sudden

Like · Reply · 4 · February 6 at 12:53pm

James Aaron Rip and much love to the kemp family

Like · Reply · 6 · February 6 at 8:33am

Susanne Hughes Rip what a great man you are we stand for you x

Like · Reply · 5 · February 6 at 8:39am

Craig Sculli Rip… May you have some peace now n watch over us all from above…

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 10:22am

P.g. Mac a wonderful work colleague. My heart goes out to Cathy Howard and family. Aldo to the rids work friends and community he served so well. G

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 2:54pm

Shelley Greene We are so saddened to hear this news. Sending our love, support and wishes onto all affected and Rod’s lovely family xx

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 10:09am

Hosie Family R.I.P brother your watch is over rest now and take your place on the beat in heaven.

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 4:36pm

Karina Tres Thoughts are with your family and friends

Like · Reply · 5 · February 6 at 7:48am

Teigan Carrera RIP. Prayers to his family and friends.
Thank you for walking the thin blue line. ?

Like · Reply · 5 · February 6 at 3:40am

Gaye Jordan This is way too sad.. RIP Sir.. Thank you for all your dedication and deepest condolences to your family

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 1:00pm

Craig Horacio Hermanigildo Wanty The world has lost a true gentleman RIP Rodney

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 3:41pm

Claire Peace That’s so sad, i have heard this happen so many times people just retired and there heart gives , it’s as if the stress of the job just subsides and the body can’t handle time massive change, so sad for this family cxx

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 10:04am

Trish Gilluley Heartbreakinggod bless his family.

Like · Reply · 5 · February 6 at 7:04am

Amy Canavan So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and Prayers are with your Family and Friends.

Like · Reply · 4 · February 6 at 2:12am

Alex Pagonis Genuinely loved & respected leader in the most difficult line of work on earth . RIP Kempy

Like · Reply · 7 · February 6 at 6:00am

Deb Does Track Rest in peace Sir. Our thoughts go out to the Kemp family.

Like · Reply · 6 · February 6 at 6:22am

Gerard Hobbs One of nature’s true gentleman.

Like · Reply · 5 · February 6 at 9:24am

Kristy Beaumont Thank you for your service sir. Your duty is done. May you rest in peace ?

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 10:02am

Jackie Warn RIP sir. Thankyou for your service. You’re family in blue will take care of things.

Like · Reply · 4 · February 6 at 8:54am

Penny Schurr With Honour you served, Sir. RIP our brother in blue

Like · Reply · 5 · February 6 at 8:32am

Bill Fortier Rest in Peace Brother we honour you…

Like · Reply · 5 · February 6 at 8:54am

Mike Sierra RIP sir, a true gent and a top bloke, no one had a bad word to say about him. Gutted, a very sad day

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 11:16am

Maria Vierveyzer Such sad news! My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 4:04pm

Claire Danvers RIP so sad to have died on his last day of duty. Condolences to his family, friends and associates.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 4:45pm

Ren Nay RIP sir. My thoughts are with your family!

Like · Reply · 5 · February 6 at 8:18am

Paulie Cameron RIP sir such a sad loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to family, friends and fellow colleagues.

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 8:36am

Lisa Bowman Such a sad loss!! Such a wonderful person, my heart goes out to his family

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 9:34am

Mark Gaw Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Hayley

Like · Reply · 5 · February 6 at 8:05am

Debbie Waters Thats is s terrible loss to a family who deserved to spend the rest of this gentlemen well deserved retirement

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 12:14pm

Nikki Lee Very sad. Thoughts to his his family & friends.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 8:36am

Doug Murdoch Had the pleasure of Rod’s company back in his Warwick days..He was such a great bloke…farewell

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 11:48am

Debbie Wharton Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and work colleagues at this difficult time xo

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 12:50pm

Amanda Kidd Sending love and thoughts to his family and friends. Xo

Like · Reply · 4 · February 6 at 9:03am

Francine Rigby RIP Sir. Sincere condolences to his beautiful family.

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 2:22pm

Lynette Flay A cruel twist of fate. RIP Rod, and God bless your family.

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 8:26am

Kym Breeze Wishes to all that knew him, that is so sad to hear. x

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 10:49am

Deborah Holland A very sad loss. Thank you Rod for all you did for my family – for my niece Bianca Faith Girven. Rest peacefully

Like · Reply · 4 · February 6 at 11:25am

Kate Barry Love and thoughts to the Kemp family xxx

Like · Reply · 4 · February 6 at 9:55am

Narelle Smith I went to school with Rod. My thoughts are with family and friends. Very sad. Greg Smith

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 2:06pm

Wil Cooper Thank you for your tireless service to the community. Rest in Peace

Like · Reply · 5 · February 6 at 8:06am

Jo Swan I sat with him in science at high school.. Proud of whom he became.. But too young to go

Like · Reply · 1 · February 6 at 4:19pm

Denise King RIP Kempy. Condolences to your family. Such a beautiful person.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 2:43pm

Dawn Currey Prayers and thoughts to family, friends and colleagues at this time.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 6:35pm

Stacey Gabrych How very sad… Sending love and prayers to his loved ones and colleagues.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 4:33pm

Karen Elford So very sad. Thinking of your family during this hard time. He sounded like such a terrific man.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 4:25pm

Lisa Brockwell So sad. RIP Rod. Such a lovely gentle man. Thinking of you Kathy, and all the Kemp family x

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 11:16am

Jessica Jane Rossmann RIP Sir, taken before you could enjoy the fruit of your labour.

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 8:56am

Clayton Luke I remember DI Kemp to be a really friendly man. RIP and condolences to family. Awfully sad news.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 1:32pm

Helen Wyatt My thoughts are with the family…taken too soon. RIP Sir

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 6:55pm

Simone Clark Oh no how sad, my condolences to the family n friends.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 9:42am

Spearing Rachel That is so sad. Another great man taken too early.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 5:44pm

Cheddar Kuhney RIP Sir. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this sad time.

Like · Reply · 11 · February 6 at 12:18am

Jamie Leopard RIP, condolences to the family – he didn’t get to walk off gently into the night!

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 6:31am

Damian Callander Condolences from all the Aussies in the MET Police in London!!!!

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 7:32pm

Leisa Pullar Thoughts and prayers for you Rod….thank you

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 4:40pm

Barry Graham Very very sad, our thoughts are with his family at this time. The day you join ‘The Job’ a little note should be written at the bottom page of your life reading something like ‘Because of the sacrifices you made protecting others from the evil we know exists you are entitled to retire and have a long and happy retirement’

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 1:35pm

Bonnie Jade Rest easy! Thanks for all you did for my family

Like · Reply · 8 · February 6 at 9:49pm · Edited

Glen Antonie That is very sad news. RIP sir. We have lost one of the greats.

Like · Reply · 9 · February 6 at 9:30am

Michelle Coggers RIP Insp. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family Hayley (hugs)

Like · Reply · 6 · February 6 at 12:13am

Neil Maclean Very sad. Our thoughts are with your family Kempy. You will be missed.

Like · Reply · 6 · February 6 at 12:40am

Nathan Snell Now that is just plain unfair. Thin Blue Line thins again..

Like · Reply · 8 · February 5 at 11:46pm

Leif Hovland Sorry, but to put it bluntly, that’s fucked!!
This job takes years off your life, I love it but I want to retire one day and have a good few quality years out of the job!!!
RIP sir, condolences to his family!!!

Like · Reply · 66 · February 6 at 1:15am

Kim Lambert My initial reaction, exactly as yours

Like · Reply · 1 · February 6 at 12:06pm

Chele Clifton Happens far too often. This is my biggest fear for my ex husband

Like · Reply · February 6 at 12:33pm

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Fiona Kibble RIP Sir, you served well and good. My condolences to your family at this tragic time.

Like · Reply · 4 · February 6 at 9:08am

David Parascandalo RIP boss. A great leader and a very decent bloke.

Like · Reply · 7 · February 6 at 8:56am

Lucylu Simmons RIP thank you for the comment to our community forever in your family’s hearts

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 7:33am

Meg McArthur No words. Very, very sad. You will be missed Kempy x

Like · Reply · 6 · February 6 at 12:31am

Michelle Schneider Very very sad. A true gentleman. Love to Cathy and family xxx

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 4:33pm

Maree Teys So sad. Our thoughts are with your family

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 8:06am

Joy Henderson So bloody sad, especially for his family!

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 11:09am

Linda Schultz Rip. Thoughts and prayers go out to your family.???

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 10:43am

Giovanni Pietropaolo Sincere condolences to family and friend’s

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 12:53pm

Ray Doyle Such a lovely fella, so unfair. RIP Kempy.

Like · Reply · 5 · February 6 at 3:36am

Gurn Mets Condolences to his family, colleges & friends, RIP Sir.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 12:39pm

Tiffany Salinas Very sad news. Our condolences to his family and friends. Sending prayers

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 11:43am

Jeannie Noidea Most of all….A Gentleman
Cheers Kempy x

Like · Reply · 5 · February 6 at 12:16am

Diane Dunn Deepest sympathy to all of his family.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 4:43pm

Debbie Hicks Very sad news. Condolences to his family and friends.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 5:53pm

Carol Davis I remember Rod at Westlawn School, he was a great guy even back then. So terribly sad

Like · Reply · February 7 at 12:48pm

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Suze Rogers RIP Sir, Thoughts are with your family.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 5:36pm

Julie de Paauw That’s awful. Poor fella never even got to enjoy his retirement. RIP

Like · Reply · 4 · February 6 at 7:29am

Bernie Meehan So sad condolences to Kathy and family he was a top bloke.

Like · Reply · 4 · February 6 at 12:35pm

Artie Van Panhuis Tragedy. A very sad loss for everyone. Our thoughts and prayers for family and loved ones.

Like · Reply · 4 · February 6 at 7:39am

Paul Bagnall RIP Sir your duty is done. We will remember you always. Lest we forget.

Like · Reply · 4 · February 6 at 7:01am

David Simpson A tragic loss, a real champion, RIP Kempy

Like · Reply · 4 · February 6 at 9:37am

Kaz Norton Happens a lot, is almost as if with their job over, so are they! Very hard for the family’s

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 1:39am

Sammy McBride RIP, condolences to all family and friends – with honor he served

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 11:27am

Rebecca McDonald It’s terrible that it didn’t get to enjoy one day of retirement. A lovely man. RIP Sir.

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 10:30am

Carolyn Brunker Thoughts and prayers for all

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 1:52pm

Wayne Mason Our thoughts go out to the Kemp family during this most tragic time – R.I.P.

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 10:02am

Minnie Ann Terrible news. Condolences to Rod’s family.

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 12:43am

Chrissie McLeod So very sad, condolences to family and friends.

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 7:26am

Pam Woods Cannot believe the sad news! Our thoughts and wishes are with you all.

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 11:57am

Colin Naylor Thank you for your selfless service! RIP. Families are forever

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 6:52pm

Tony Turner Very sad. Condolences to family and RIP Inspector Kemp

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 11:59am

Arena Percival Heartbreaking to read what happened, so sad

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 1:20pm

Kerrie Elaine Farleigh That is really sad! Prayers with the family and work mates!

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 7:38am

Dana Jennings How sad, after all those years of service to be denied his just reward. R.I.P.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 1:18pm

Marlene Grayston My condolences to the family
♡

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 8:47am

Dylan Gray Shannon Gray exactly what we were talking about the other day. So sad and shitty.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 11:12am

Joanne Lockhart R.I.P. Thank you for your protection and service frown emoticon

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 10:01am

Peter Kennedy RIP Rod thinking of you at this sad time Cathy and family xxx

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 12:00pm

Tracey Davey Chase So so sad ? Just about to relax and enjoy retirement. Not fair!!

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 11:10am

Leah Evangelisti Thinking of you all. Alex Kemp and Laura Kemp x

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 5:58pm

Tedd E Mac RIP Sir. your dedicated life deserved so much more than this

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 4:09pm

Kylie Blumson What a wonderful officer and great team player. You will be sadly missed. RIP

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 12:17pm

Shane Blank What happend .please pas on respects

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 11:43am

Tracey Lynch Absolutely tragic, condolences to all

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 3:18pm

Ali Ridgwell So sorry to read this post. Our heartfelt thoughts prayers and support to Rod’s family and friends and to our interstate colleagues in Blue. Thank you for your dedication and time to the Force. RIP in the arms of Angels. ?

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 10:08am

Richard Handel Such a sad sad time for this Man’s family and friends,
To do such inportant and selfless work for Mankind.
He is now on that permanent ‘Retirement’ holiday…..

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 8:59am

Matt Krieghoff RIP, and thank you for your service.

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 6:24am

Gay Jeffries How very sad. Deepest sympathy to his family and loved ones.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 10:29am

Bill Lovini RIP officer. Condolences to your family and to colleagues and friends. Thank you for your diligence in caring and looking after our community

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 10:51am

Tom Eadie Condolences to the family

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 6:46am

Brayden Douglas My deepest condolences.

I do just want to check though… He seriously was one day from retirement? Like every cop ever to die in a movie?

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 1:26pm

Sibilla Clifford Heartfelt sympathy to his loved ones, friends & colleagues.
RIP

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 1:39am

Natika Wright Oh what a cruel blow to the family
Thoughts and heartfelt sympathy to them all x

Like · Reply · 4 · February 6 at 9:01am

Leanne Smith My thoughts are with your family, friends and loved ones. X

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 2:25pm

Maree Alayne Dickson A wonderful man in EVERY sense RIP Rod Xxx

Like · Reply · 5 · February 6 at 1:57pm

Jim Bellos Beautifully said. Loved by everyone. Taken too soon.

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 4:48pm

PHsteven Charles A true gentleman and top bloke

Like · Reply · 4 · February 6 at 8:28am

Lee Matthews Love you uncle Rod xx

Like · Reply · 8 · February 6 at 9:26am

Chris Stueybolt Stuart My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sorry for your loss Julie Cowie , Mitchel Cowie , Andy Cowie, Lee and Graham.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 4:38pm

Mitchel Cowie thanks bolt

Like · Reply · February 6 at 4:54pm

Rochelle Morgan So sorry to hear your sad news guys x

Like · Reply · February 6 at 8:50pm

Write a reply…

Jo Jo Murnane RIP Sir, a true gentleman.

Like · Reply · 5 · February 6 at 8:48am

Shrek Cahill RIP & Stand Down Sir your work is done.

Like · Reply · 6 · February 6 at 1:05am

Michelle Kitchiner May he Rest in Peace.

Like · Reply · 4 · February 6 at 12:20am

Toni Edwards Sincere condolences for your loss

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 6:01pm

Julie-anne Cross Hear Hear. A Worthy Man

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 6:20pm

RossDeb Simpson Will be sadly missed by all. RIP Rod.

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 9:27am

Melina Laria May he rest in peace.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 11:40am

Jess Neil Rest in Peace and thank you.

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 8:24am

Kelly Neil rip sir. thoughts with your family.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 7:04pm

Shirley Connor RIP Rodney… What a gr8 guy he was

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 5:38pm

Julie Haseler RIP Kempy….. A wonderful man.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 11:18am

Kerin Goodluckwithat Souey No rhymes, no reasons. Rest In Peace. ?

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 3:32pm

John Dallow

Like · Reply · 8 · February 6 at 5:21pm

Cameron Pope Just plain sad and wrong …. RIP Sir

Like · Reply · 9 · February 6 at 12:05am · Edited

Neil Purvis RIP brother in blue.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 10:38am

Bettina Wilson Rest in peace. You will be missed

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 3:00pm

Adrian Sala A great boss and a genuinely good bloke to know and work for…RIP

Like · Reply · 6 · February 6 at 12:03am · Edited

Joe Aboud RIP Rod. A tragic loss.

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 8:22am

Cheryl Stallwood R.I.P
Sad for family, police family& friends frown emoticon

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 12:28pm

Pete Vincent

Like · Reply · 4 · February 6 at 3:17am

Ramona De Silva O’Rourke What a shock, very sad.

Like · Reply · 5 · February 6 at 8:09am

Joy Tardent

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 6:30am

Karan Hibbs

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 11:19am

Cindy Buchan Thoughts and heartfelt gratitude

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 8:14am

Crystal Lee RIP sir u will be missed

Like · Reply · 4 · February 6 at 8:03am

JT Bell We will miss you Kempy

Like · Reply · 4 · February 6 at 7:35am

Jacqui Meggitt How devastating. May you rest peacefully Sir.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 1:21pm

Mary Oneill Life can keep so cruel, R.I.P .

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 9:20am

PG Bags RIP, devastatingly sad.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 2:26pm

Lorraine Colton Harris Aaaaawwww how sad RIP

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 5:59am

Philip Harling I’m so sorry to hear that!

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 9:16am

Katrina Cambridge So unfair. Prayers for his family xx

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 7:35am

DA Ahearn Absolutely tragic frown emoticon

Like · Reply · 6 · February 6 at 12:08am

Melissa Gillam how sad. Condolences to his family.

Like · Reply · 4 · February 6 at 8:44am

Daniel Haddadi RIP sir , u will be missed

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 3:07pm

Kim Henderson Rip sir

Like · Reply · 9 · February 5 at 11:47pm

Kathy O’Leary How unfair!!!! Much love to you all.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 7:01pm

Stu Mac RIP, what a tragedy.

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 12:04am

Dennis Hayes RIP Kempy. The post says it all.

Like · Reply · 4 · February 6 at 7:36am

Louise Marie Devastating – RIP Sir

Like · Reply · 4 · February 6 at 9:03am

Katie Johns Thinking of everyone

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 2:33pm

Liz Cooper RIP Rod Kemp…..

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 6:53pm

Cameron Bell RIP. Sir. Thank you for your dedicated service.

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 7:48am

Veronica Pullen RIP Sir much respect

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 2:50pm

Jan Flanders This is so sad. RIP Sir.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 11:17am

Audrey Norris Words cannot express. ..bye Kempy…..

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 9:02am

Neil Passfield R.I.P. Sir… Thank you for your protection…

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 9:24am

Sharna Howitt-Steven RIP Sir.

Like · Reply · 5 · February 6 at 5:43pm

Brenden Blackford wow that sucks frown emoticon

Like · Reply · 4 · February 5 at 11:39pm

Denise Maddock Rip Rod Kemp.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 5:30pm

Gary Eddiehausen RIP Brother.

Like · Reply · 5 · February 6 at 12:02pm

Shirley Glover RIP sir and thank you

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 11:17am

Cranky Ron RIP boss

Like · Reply · 5 · February 6 at 5:27am

Tony Martin Rip, stand at ease,

Like · Reply · 3 · February 5 at 11:59pm · Edited

Lisa M Herne Tucker Sorry for his loss

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 2:42am

Kylie Griffith So sad. Thank you for your service. RIP XX

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 2:17pm

Phillip Armstrong Sorry for your loss

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 8:36am

Bunny Warren Rest in Peace.

Like · Reply · 4 · February 6 at 12:09am

Karen Rose That’s really sad

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 3:55pm

Paul Costanza RIP. Thank you for your service.

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 12:17am

Melz Belz An absolute tragedy. RIP sir.

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 8:37am

Lisa Susan Rest in peace

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 2:18am

Ben Henderson RIP boss

Like · Reply · 4 · February 6 at 9:17am

Wayne Silver RIP blue brother

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 10:07am

Ian K Fauth Rest in peace Rod.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 6:48pm

Anissa Tessmer This friggen job

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 8:52am

Chris Challis R.I.P Blue Brother

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 11:15am

Millie Dower Gosh so sad…RIP Kempy. Thoughts & prayers to his family and friends xo

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 12:13pm

Charlie Hart Heartman RIP frown emoticon

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 12:04am

Maria Borg So sad RIP.

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 7:35am

Leigh Martyn Horrible news

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 7:24pm

Stark Lola How very sad RIP

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 3:26pm

Debbie Austin-Flood Very sad and unfair. R.I.P.

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 9:35am

Kerri Teri Rest easy Sir.

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 9:29am

Kevin Thomas Not fair. RIP.

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 9:40am

Julie Dobinson So very sad RIP

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 11:34am

Peter Crepin R.I.P. Sir.

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 3:38pm

Brendan Blyth RIP Sir

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 6:56am

Maria Matheson Truly tragic frown emoticon

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 10:40am

Renée Mich RIP SIR

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 8:45am

Robbie RobRob Danger Lowcock So sad, Val Sir

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 3:25am

Ben Johnson RIP sir

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 9:42am

Dan Guppy R.I.P Sir

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 10:07am

Scott Alexander Oh my, RIP inspector.

Like · Reply · 4 · February 6 at 8:47am

Mick McCrory Too sad.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 11:28am

Kerrie Leigh Miles Respect

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 3:52pm

Ange Muir RIP. So sad.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 10:39am

Tricia Millar

Like · Reply · 3 · February 5 at 11:50pm

Paul Gordon Respect

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 10:15am

Amelie Furler Oh god

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 7:52am

Kath Watters So sad

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 7:00am

Robyn Lovejoy R.I P.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 2:43pm

Donna Murray R.I.P

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 7:24am

Melissa Taylor RIP too soon

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 6:28pm

Leanne Jacob RIP

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 10:02am

Candice Reilly So sad.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 1:15am

Rosemary Platen Vale….frown emoticon

Like · Reply · 2 · February 5 at 11:53pm

Patricia Desmier R.I.P.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 7:58am

Gareth Stewart RIP mate.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 8:58am

Molly Seibel Very sad loss

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 4:35pm

Lisa Hudson RIP BIB

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 12:02am

Rhonda Butler Bitschkat RIP Sir

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 9:20am

Barbara Donovan RIP Rod

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 2:06pm

Msl Dalkie RIP Sir.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 2:25am

Tara Lea RIP Sir

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 10:01am

Jodi Bell RIP sir

Like · Reply · 2 · February 5 at 11:50pm

Philippa Gibson Sad, so sad

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 6:32pm

Junelle Doherty RIP SIR !

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 7:18am

Jo Crossley RIP X

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 3:05am

Luke John Not fair. R.I.P Sir.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 9:28am

Megan Rowe Terrible

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 1:26am

Rhonda van Kempen So very sad

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 9:03am

Barb Lewis RIP!!!

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 12:35pm

Sharon Manson Very sad

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 11:03am

Judy Percy So sad

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 5:50pm

David Heck R.I.P.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 8:48am

Angela Waite So sad .. RIP

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 3:54pm

Ajay Wilko RIP :0(

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 1:17am

Fee Codz RIP Sir

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 12:01am

Jo Jo Maree RIP Sir

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 12:54am

Barbara Gilders So sad!! R.I.P

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 2:42pm

Desley Neal RIP Officer. So sad.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 1:59pm

Karen Toms How sad

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 2:46am

Paul Wynne R.I.P BROTHER.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 6:47pm

Jennifer Perring Such a shock. RIP Rod.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 4:45pm

Cathy Best So very sad. RIP.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 7:12pm

Barry Hansen Rip sir

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 9:22am

Jay Pee Jeffrey RIP Sir

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 9:20am

Sally Lloyd RIP x

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 12:00am

Maggie Shannon RIP! So sad

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 4:10pm

Casanova Soh Rip sir.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 8:57am

Mel Campbell Rest now sir

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 8:18am

Govinator Tom RIP Sir…

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 7:22am

Rose Khoury R i p

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 4:25pm

James Flores RIP Boss

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 9:31am

Barb Brotherson R I P Rod

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 7:40am

Mick Manski Top bloke

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 7:40am

Wayne Alberts So sad R I.P

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 7:13pm

Brad Cottam RIP Sir.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 10:47am

Deb Ster RIP x

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 12:13am

Marcel van Grinsven R.I.P. Rod.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 11:18am

Simon Little RIP Sir

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 7:32am

Kathryn Ford Hard to ‘like’ this post…but what a tragic loss…RIP Sir.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 1:19pm

Mark Kelley Australia salutes you, sir!

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 7:22am

Annabelle Davisio RIP sir

Like · Reply · 1 · February 6 at 12:39pm

Julie Fitzsimon Oh dear. How very sad.

Like · Reply · 1 · February 6 at 10:39am

Peta Yarbie Rip Sir.

Like · Reply · 1 · February 6 at 12:17am

Shane Coghlan Heartbreaking. RIP sir

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 6:20am

Jem Whinney Oh my ?

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 7:39pm

Justin Michael RIP Boss

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 11:06am

Storm Tapping

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 10:35am

Jody Von Winkle Very sad RIP

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 2:32pm

Kath Vinson Rest In Peace.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 7:48am

Darren Blaney RIP

Like · Reply · 10 · February 5 at 11:53pm

Rick Kenyon RIP

Like · Reply · 8 · February 5 at 11:52pm

Amanda Martin Vale

Like · Reply · 4 · February 6 at 3:24am

Vicki Mckenzie Kastelan So sorry Bec . Sending hugs xxx

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 7:05pm

Gio Tantalo RIP

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 9:16am

Ross Jackson RIP Sir.

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 4:29am

Janice Buchbach RIP

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 12:44pm

Michelle Morrison Rip

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 8:16am

Lolita Lamberto RIP…..

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 12:13am

Pauline Ann Perry sad

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 3:39pm

Rebecca Nettle

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 12:25am

Connor Dawson RIP mate

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 8:14am

Maureen Davies Vale

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 9:33am

Matt Turner RIP

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 1:47am

Kelly Wood Xoxo

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 8:36am

Nikki Griffiths Edwards

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 6:49am

David Stevens RIP

Like · Reply · 2 · February 5 at 11:53pm

Craig William Smith RIP

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 8:26am

Jameli Nader Rip

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 4:00pm

Chris Whiting RIP.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 12:23pm

Karyn Power RIP

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 9:31am

Rebecca Love Rip

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 2:55am

Laura McMills RIP

Like · Reply · 2 · February 5 at 11:53pm

Marg N Croxie Rip

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 4:52pm

Michelle Toohey X

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 12:08am

Ellen Foulstone RIP

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 6:37am

Lisa Damman Vale

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 2:09am

Paulette Brown RIP

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 6:00pm

Warren Bulmer RIP

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 8:19am

Jodie Dare RIP

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 1:49am

Phil Baker Bloody hell a nice bloke. Geez.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 1:42am

Ash Plugga Mappin RIP

Like · Reply · 1 · February 6 at 12:08am

Elizabeth Barrett RIP

Like · Reply · 1 · February 6 at 12:00pm

Jay Kemp RESPECT

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 10:09am

Kim Lorraine Coughlin RIP

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 7:43am

Ricky Vivian Zimitat RIP Sir. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family Hayley

Like · Reply · 7 · February 6 at 7:27am

Tony Goddard Very, very saddened to hear of this. So tragic for the family and now unable to enjoy the best time of your life. RIP.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 9:21am · Edited

Cathy Mulder

Like · Reply · 2 · February 5 at 11:51pm

Gina Gray

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 4:04am

Jan Symons I sometimes wonder why the good people are taken from us too early. I have to believe that God has a justifiable purpose for who is chosen. Rod was a kind and fair human being who loved life and family. Our sons went to school together and shared great times and I am so sad that this great man, husband, father, son and friend has been taken away from all who loved him. His presence will be greatly missed.

Like · Reply · 1 · February 6 at 10:17pm

Ray Hoelscher Sworn in with ‘Kempy’, a genuine gentleman with a quick wit and the warmest of hearts. One of the best who gave his best. Sometimes I don’t understand life. What a loss. R.I.P. big fella and sincere sympathies to family and friends.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 8:37pm

Leigh Wright Hey Ray can’t fathom this. Really sad day for all especially Cathy and family Kempy will be Sadly missed, I agree with you, sometimes life is really hard to understand. Huge loss. Leigh (Brugess) Wright

Like · Reply · February 7 at 10:03am

Write a reply…

Chris Hamilton Just read of the sad passing of Rod. I knew Rod and his family when he was posted to Warwick. My prayers and thoughts are with his family.

Like · Reply · February 6 at 10:54pm

Greg Smith Rod, a fellow Graftonian, school friend, surfing friend. When I followed after him into the then QPF he guided me, he and Cathy opened their door at Moorooka for me. Rest peacefully old friend, catch up with our other old friend Jos.

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 2:45pm

Joy Collier So very sad and hard to believe. I was so fortunate to have Rod as my boss for the years when he was in Warwick. He had such a caring nature and a great manner with people from all walks of life. We all enjoyed his great sense of humour too My thoughts are with Cathy, Alex, Hayley and Jenna. RIP Rod. You will be sadly missed.

Like · Reply · February 7 at 7:18pm

Janelle Andrews Nothing will be the same without your smile around the office, your great sense of humour, your compassion and amazingly rare gentlemanly ways. No words can adequately sum up the loss for your family, friends and colleagues. Rest easy Kempy, you served exceptionally.

Like · Reply · February 7 at 7:57am

Scradley Ian Never met the gentleman, but thankyou sincerely for your selfless years of service protecting all of us as we are blissfully unaware in our daily lives of the horrendous things you dealt with on a daily basis. Thankyou. RIP

Like · Reply · February 6 at 9:32pm

Chris Loane RIP Rod and sincere condolences to the Kemp and Police families in this terrible time of grief. A very good man gone too soon. Lovely to see the wonderful tributes coming through to the service of a genuine and caring man .

Like · Reply · February 7 at 6:59pm

Tash Duck A true gentleman. I am grateful to have known you and worked for. Taken from us far to soon, you will be truly missed. Rest in Peace Sir. Our thoughts are with your family and all that knew you.

Like · Reply · February 6 at 11:07pm

Asha Hacko I never met you sir, but the kind words spoken by all are an obvious testament to the man and officer you were. May you RIP, your service here is done, thank you. Xxx

Like · Reply · February 6 at 10:52pm

Shirley Herbert Great copper, great bloke!
The job is much poorer for his loss.
RIP Rod, sincere condolences to your family & friends,…See More

Like · Reply · 1 · February 6 at 8:05pm

Mark Laing Rod, no amount of words can express the sorrow in our hearts for your very untimely taking and now for your loved ones left behind. The comments here lay testament to the great bloke you were and the legacy you leave behind. Thank you for being you. This world is a better place for having you in it. Rest easy now Brother.

Like · Reply · February 8 at 8:54am

Angela Ghedini Rip. What an unfair thing to happen! Thoughts are with his shocked family and friends. Live each day people as if it’s your last…..we never know when our time is up

Like · Reply · 2 · February 7 at 12:16pm

Beverley Burkitt We will miss you greatly, you were a wonderfull boss and person. We are all richer for knowing you. My thoughts are with your family at this time.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 1:06pm

Sue Z Smith Rod it was a special privilege to have worked with you for so many years. RIP. My deepest condolences to your family X

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 9:37pm

Mark Hasenkam One of the world’s true gentlemen. It was an honour to know and serve with you. Earths loss is heavan’s gain. RIP buddy.

Like · Reply · 1 · February 6 at 6:06pm

Mark Kemp RIP my brother, when my life finishes I hope I’m half the Man U were.
So so proud of you.
Such a gentlemen, not just my brother my good mate.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 7 at 12:18pm

2 Replies

Mark Simon RIP brother – so very very sad after such a long and distinguished career that you are taken just before your retirement. The job takes so much – to much! I prayer for your wife and family.

Like · Reply · February 7 at 8:49am

Maryanne Peach That sucks so incredibly bad – to have worked for all those years; serving others and then be robbed of those hard earned years of retirement. Have to enjoy each and every moment now huh?

Like · Reply · 1 · February 6 at 9:03pm

Derek James RIP from UK brother in blue

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 12:25am

Pearse O’Connor Prayers for his family and a great loss for the TBL.

Like · Reply · 5 · February 6 at 12:27am

Barb Bishop R.I.P. Sir Didn’t know you personally, but Thank You for your service & condolences to your family & fellow Police Personnel

Like · Reply · February 7 at 3:46am

Sheryl Windle My thoughts are with you, Kathy, Jenna, Hayley and Alec. Too hard to comprehend your pain. RIP Rod. You will be greatly missed.

Like · Reply · 1 · February 6 at 8:46pm

Deb Day I saw you on Tuesday & you were so excited to tell me you only had 3 shirts to go…..my thoughts & prayers to your family at this sad, sad time. You were a great Boss who always showed such wonderful empathy & sympathy at times when it was needed. Rest in peace Sir you will be deeply missed.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 8:46pm

Brian Wilkins As President of the Queensland Police Commissioned Officers Union I pass on my deepest sympathies to Robs family on a tragic loss – I personally knew Rod for over 36 years – we have lost a true gentleman, friend, husband, father, grandfather and all round great bloke – rest in peace my friend.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 7 at 10:22pm

Michael Balcombe Condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.

Like · Reply · February 7 at 12:11am

Jack Noye The men and women in blue have lost a true gentlemen and a respected officer. R.I.P Rod Kemp

Like · Reply · February 7 at 8:32pm

Laura Bain Another angel in heaven. RIP Rod. Thinking of your family, blue family and friends.

Like · Reply · February 7 at 2:36pm

Anita Donnelly RIP Rod Kemp, thankyou for your service

Like · Reply · 1 · February 6 at 8:37pm

Jacqui Williams So sad… Sounds like he was a very good man . Condolences to his family and friends

Like · Reply · February 7 at 4:53pm

Decka Carter RIP brother in blue your shift is now over now rest in peace

Like · Reply · 1 · February 6 at 9:00pm

Jamie Anders RIP brother. Thoughts and prayers to your family and your colleagues.

Like · Reply · February 7 at 12:10am

Wendy La Peyre Condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

Like · Reply · February 7 at 12:45am

Jane James Thank you Detective Inspector Rod Kemp, RIP

Like · Reply · 1 · February 6 at 7:58pm

Lisa Rosier His spirit and soul are free not bound by the physical form that encassed it. This is not goodbye but a ‘see you later”

Like · Reply · February 7 at 4:57am

Peter Lucky Thomas RIP Rod, my sincerest condolences to the Kemp family and Rods colleagues and mates.

Like · Reply · 1 · February 7 at 8:13pm

Desley Haupt R.I.P now mate, & thank you for your services, prayers to the family

Like · Reply · 1 · February 6 at 8:32pm

Kaye Franklin RIP. Thanks for your amazing time on the job Condolences to your family friends and colleagues

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 9:15pm

Dave Wood RIP Sir, your job is done. You were one of the kindest men I’ve met

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 8:48pm

Elees Green So sad.My thoughts are with his family and friends

Like · Reply · February 6 at 9:53pm

Ann Woollett Rest in Peace Rod, Deepest Sympathy to the family.

Like · Reply · 1 · February 6 at 9:17pm

Tammy Possum RIP, condolences to his family.

Like · Reply · February 6 at 11:44pm

Keren Rohweder Leonie Lewis

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 7:56am

Drew Stehbs Noel Stehbens

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 7:48am

Sarah Barton Greg Lyndal Wass

Like · Reply · 1 · February 6 at 9:43am

Samantha O’Neil Thoughts are with Rod’s family, friends and colleagues – such sad news

Like · Reply · 1 · February 6 at 7:48pm

Jesse James Such a shame that he missed the retirement he so deserved. RIP.

Like · Reply · February 7 at 9:41am

Christene Whitmore RIP Thank you from everything you have done to protect us while doing your job

Like · Reply · February 7 at 10:25am

Karen Robinson A sad time for the policing community as they farewell a fellow officer! Rod was a great man!

Like · Reply · February 7 at 12:03am

Kevin Gibson God bless him and his family at this tragic time

Like · Reply · February 7 at 1:37am

Gavin Tucker A true gentleman & top bloke all round. He will be missed.

Like · Reply · February 7 at 6:41pm

Richard Branch Heartbreaking news. You were a great leader and a damn nice bloke. RIP Rod.

Like · Reply · 1 · February 6 at 8:01pm

Deb Donoghue RIP Rod Kemp, condolences to your family! A very sad time!

Like · Reply · February 7 at 9:22pm

Noel Jackson Very sad. RIP mate and thanks for your service.

Like · Reply · February 6 at 11:49pm

Brian Bfc Smith Thank you for your Service , Sir.

Like · Reply · 1 · February 6 at 4:31pm

Pete Moore Rip, your shift is over.

Like · Reply · February 7 at 9:53am

Jodie Shepherd heart emoticon xxx

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 12:11pm

Nancy Shaw So sorry for his family, friends and colleagues !!

Like · Reply · 1 · February 6 at 8:23pm

Shelley Tregarthen So sad – our thoughts are with his family.

Like · Reply · February 6 at 10:16pm

Pam Graeme Wallace RIP Kempy. Condolences to Kathy and family. You will be sadly missed.

Like · Reply · 2 · February 6 at 9:10pm

Wendy Webster Will be so dearly missed, Rest In Peace XO

Like · Reply · 1 · February 6 at 7:45pm

Denise Griffith So unfair. He sounds like a wonderful man.

Like · Reply · 1 · February 6 at 8:03pm

Lynell Mayocchi Condolences to the Kemp family and friends, a very sad time for all.

Like · Reply · 1 · February 6 at 9:18pm

Sally Wynne RIP to a great man and protector

Like · Reply · February 7 at 2:37am

Dianne L Loadsman My love and thoughts are with you Cathy and family ! Such a tradgey of massive proportion! Xxx

Like · Reply · February 7 at 8:03am

Robyn Gee How sad. My condolences to the family.

Like · Reply · February 7 at 7:14am

Christine Shearer Rip rod thanks for your service to the community I’m sure you’ll be missed

Like · Reply · February 7 at 12:26pm

Tamara Donoghue Fly high sweet Soul.

Like · Reply · February 7 at 12:25am

Marilyn Lowther R.I.P. So sad, from Marilyn and Belinda, ex Palmdale News.

Like · Reply · February 6 at 11:23pm

Sid Begic Peter Wise did you know this Inspector?

Like · Reply · 1 · February 6 at 1:14pm

Myee Arandale RIP Sir. My condolences to your family

Like · Reply · February 7 at 9:06am

Sharon Pickett RIP Sir.

Like · Reply · 3 · February 6 at 12:54pm

John Goldsworthy I salute you, SIR!

Like · Reply · 1 · February 6 at 12:14pm

Write a reply…

Samantha Gracey That’s just so sad, R.I.P ✝☮

Like · Reply · 1 · February 6 at 8:25pm

Rebecca O’Neill RIP

Like · Reply · 1 · February 6 at 12:41pm

Ronald Strong RIP Rod

Like · Reply · 1 · February 6 at 8:00pm

Steve Gibbs My neighbour my friend, RIP Rodders

Like · Reply · 1 · February 6 at 8:45pm

Lillian Kennedy So sad.

Like · Reply · 1 · February 6 at 9:07pm

Kaye Norwell So sad

Like · Reply · 1 · February 6 at 7:47pm

Storm Tapping So sorry for your loss. RIP bother in blue

Like · Reply · 1 · February 6 at 10:35am

Rachel White-Baker

Like · Reply · 1 · February 6 at 9:08pm

Luci Fysh Very sad to hear RIP .

Like · Reply · February 6 at 10:31pm

Judith Oliver How terribly sad.

Like · Reply · February 6 at 9:54pm

Ted Teddlington Very sad

Like · Reply · February 7 at 1:03pm

Ian Borland RIP Brother.

Like · Reply · February 7 at 3:23pm

Deb Anderson-Barden Bless all

Like · Reply · February 6 at 11:41pm

Ed Hansen Thank you RIP

Like · Reply · February 6 at 11:10pm

Kay Dibben So sorry to hear about Rod

Like · Reply · February 7 at 6:40pm

Dianne Houghton How very sad.

Like · Reply · February 6 at 9:57pm

Will Mar How did he pass away

Like · Reply · February 6 at 11:47pm

Joan Mclachlan Connolly R I P

Like · Reply · February 7 at 11:21am

Tommy Katoora RIP Brother.

Like · Reply · February 8 at 8:50am

Paul Louis Um that’s a NSW police hat. Just saying.

Like · Reply · February 6 at 1:45pm

Lorraine Mary Robertson So sad sis xxxx

Like · Reply · February 9 at 10:51pm

Mad Fish Very sad, RIP Boss

Like · Reply · February 7 at 12:01am

Kaz Rattenbury Rip

Like · Reply · February 7 at 2:13pm

Denise O’Connor RIP

Like · Reply · February 6 at 10:09pm

Robyn Johnston Amen

Like · Reply · February 7 at 11:47pm

Sue RossRIP

Like · Reply · February 7 at 2:41pm

https://www.facebook.com/Stsdownunder/posts/970534976347800:0

Police Dog DIESEL

| 15/02/2016

Police Dog DIESEL

Victoria Police Force

Regd. # ?

Rank: Police Dog

Stations: ?

Service: From ? ? 2009 to ? ? 2016 = 7 years Service

Awards: ?

Born: ? ? 2007

Died on: Sunday 17 January 2016 during the evening

Cause: Medical issues – enlarged prostrate

Age: 9

Funeral date: ?

Funeral location: ?

Buried at: ?

Memorial at: ?

[alert_yellow]DIESEL is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO

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Funeral location: ?

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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

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Police dog Diesel passed away on Sunday evening as a result of ongoing medical issues.

Leading Senior Constable Mark Gray and Diesel worked together from 2009 to 2016. During this time they provided an excellent service to Victoria Police and the community with over 120 arrests.

Diesel came from a strong bloodline of police dogs with his father and three half-brothers also serving Victoria Police.

He was brave, fearless and fiercely loyal.

Diesel will be sorely missed.

Photo by Margaret Burin, ABC News

VicPol FB page

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Ralph Cavanagh PETERS

| 15/02/2016

Ralph Cavanagh PETERS

New South Wales Police Force

[alert_yellow]Regd. # 6906[/alert_yellow]

Rank: Appointed Probationary Constable on 22 January 1951

Appointed Sergeant 1st Class on 15 July 1978 – retirement

Stations: ?, Sutherland STP ( 24 Division ), Disaster & Rescue Branch – retirement

Service: From ?pre 22 January 1951 to 20 February 1987 = 36+ years Service

Awards: ? – no find on It’s an Honour

Born: 26 July 1931

Died on: Monday 30 November 2015

Cause: ?

Age: 84

Funeral date: Tuesday 8 December 2015 @ 3pm

Funeral location: Worrigee Crematorium, Worrigee Road, WORRIGEE via NOWRA

Buried at: Cremation

Memorial at: ?

[alert_yellow]RALPH is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO

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Funeral location:

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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

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Daniel Arthur STILLER

| 15/02/2016

Daniel Arthur STILLER

aka Dan

Queensland Police Force

Regd. # ?

Rank: Sergeant

Stations: Hendra Police Station before transferring to South Brisbane Traffic as a Senior Constable.

2007 Dan was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and transferred to the Oxley District Division Traffic Branch, working out of Mount Ommaney Police Station – HWP Cyclist

Service: From ? ? 2002 to 1 December 2010

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New South Wales Police Force

Regd. # 32276

” Possibly ” in PREP Class 272

Rank: Constable

Stations: ?, Bankstown ( late 1990’s ),

Service: From ? ? 1997 to 14 July 2001 = 4 years Service with NSW Police force

Awards: Queensland Police Service medal – posthumously

Queensland Police Service Award for Meritorious Service – posthumously

Born: 6 January 1977

Died on: Wednesday 1 December 2010

Death location: Bruce Hwy, approximately 15km south of Mt Larcom, Qld

Cause: Motor cycle collision – rider -v- jacknifing semi trailer

Age: 33

Funeral date: Thursday 9 December 2010 @ 10.30a,

Funeral location: St Peter Chanel Catholic Church, Chaprowe Roadn The Gap

Buried at: Settlement Road, and on to a private interment

Memorial at: Sergeant Dan Stiller Memorial Reserve, Heathwood, 4110. Stapylton, Johnson & Paradise Rd & Logan Motorway, Qld

Lat: -27.6425
Long: 152.986389
Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate.

Sergeant Dan Stiller died when his motorcycle was struck by a truck.

[alert_green]DAN IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green]

Details of Death:

On 30th November 2010 Sergeant Stiller departed Brisbane on escort duty with another officer, escorting an oversized load from Brisbane, destined for Rockhampton in central Queensland. Sergeant Stiller was riding a Qld Police Service motorcycle and the other officer was in a marked police sedan. That afternoon they rested at Miriam Vale over night and recommenced at 6am on 1st December 2010. In this escort, Sergeant Stiller was the lead escort, behind a pilot vehicle which was approximately 500 metres in front, and the police sedan was to the rear of Sergeant Stiller. Approximately 15 kilometres south of Mt Larcom on the Bruce Highway, in heavy rain, at 7am on 1st December 2010 three articulated vehicles were travelling south and were advised by the pilot of the load travelling north that there was an oversized load ahead, and to pull to the side of the road to make room. In doing so one of the articulated vehicles, whilst braking, lost control of the vehicle, causing it to ‘jack knife’, and travel onto the incorrect side of the road. The articulated vehicle collided head on with Sergeant Stiller, who was travelling in the centre of the northbound lane. Sergeant Stiller was killed instantly as a result of the impact. Sergeant Stiller has been posthumously awarded the Queensland Police Service Medal and the QPS Award for Meritorious Service.

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Funeral location: ?

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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

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Police officer killed while escorting wide load

Date December 1, 2010

Comments 11

Cameron Atfield

A police officer has been killed while escorting an oversized truck along the Bruce Highway in central Queensland.

Sergeant Dan Stiller, 33, was killed when the motorcycle he was riding was struck by a truck on the highway about 15 kilometres south of Mount Larcom at about 7am.

The crash closed the highway in both directions near Mount Larcom for more than five hours.

Deputy Commissioner Ross Barnett said it appeared the truck jack-knifed before it hit Sergeant Stiller, who was escorting a wide load and convoy along the Bruce Highway.

‘‘The tragic loss of a young promising officer of Sergeant Stiller’s calibre will be felt right throughout the organisation, particularly among those who were fortunate enough to work with him,’’ he said.

Mr Barnett said another police officer, in a police sedan, was also involved in the wide load escort but that officer was not injured.

Sergeant Stiller’s wife, also a police officer, was ‘‘naturally devastated’’ and was receiving the support of her colleagues and close friends, Mr Barnett said.

Premier Anna Bligh said Sergeant Stiller’s death was a ‘‘tragic reminder’’ that police put their lives on the line every day.

“Our thoughts, my thoughts, and think those of all Queenslanders are with his family. This is a very sad day for them,’’ she said.

“It’s also a very sad day for the police service. It’s been almost four years … since we’ve seen a Queensland police officer lose their life in the course of their duties.

Opposition leader John-Paul Langbroek also paid tribute to Sergeant Stiller.“This is a very sad day for our state’s police service and our greater Queensland community,” he said.

“I know each day that every one of Queensland’s 10,702 police officers go to work, they work in challenging and sometimes dangerous situations.’’

Police will prepare a report for the coroner.

The 33-year-old sergeant, originally from New South Wales, was an officer with the Oxley District Traffic Branch. Police are investigating the death of their colleague.

The investigating will be overviewed by the Ethical Standards Command.

11 comments so far

To my mate Dan,
You were a great guy, an excellent policeman and will be truly missed.

My condolences to your lovely wife Julie and your family.

Commenter

Ben G

Location

Sydney

Date and time

December 01, 2010, 2:06PM

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My deepest condolences to his family. I am very very sorry for your loss.

Commenter

Marie

Location

Brisbane

Date and time

December 01, 2010, 2:22PM

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My deepest sympathies go out to this young man’s family and friends. My respect and condolences go to all his brothers and sisters in the force.

Commenter

Roy

Location

Brisbane

Date and time

December 01, 2010, 2:56PM

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Dan. Incredibly sad to hear this news, you were a great guy and I will always remember your smile. Condolences to Julie and Dans family.

Commenter

Steven Cooper

Location

Melbourne

Date and time

December 01, 2010, 3:18PM

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Proud to have served with Dan in NSWPF, a friendly, lovely, smiling man taken from this world too soon. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. xoxo

Commenter

Kate Y

Location

Sydney

Date and time

December 01, 2010, 4:10PM

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My Deepest sympathies to those who have lost a loved one, while serving the community.
Something must be done about the way these extra wide loads are allowed to travel at high speed along the highways. The escort system and rules are NOW Broken and Inadequate. Attitude seems to be anything goes as long as there is an escort. As a regular car driver on the Burnett and D’Aguilar highways, I have often seen very close calls several times as the escorts often do not give enough warning to oncoming vehicles for a heavy load that now often spreads across the two lanes , travelling at maximum legal speed. The loads seem to be getting wider and larger and more frequent with all the huge mining plant being shipped to and from Central Qld mines.
I was almost unable to pull up recently travelling north at Collinton, almost running into the bridge as I tried to avoid a large load, with an escort barely 100m in front of it. If I had been in a semi, I or the escort most likely would not be here. The wide load was simply going too fast downhill to be safe.
Most escorts do a fine job, but the loads are just getting too big and fast to be safely controlled, in all circumstances. Cars can pull up safely, but heavy vehicles coming in opposite direction must often have difficulty stopping and getting off the road.

Commenter

Vini Vidi

Location

Queensland

Date and time

December 01, 2010, 4:57PM

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Such a tragic loss of a great police officer and all round good bloke. Dan, I’m proud to have called you a colleague and friend. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends. You will live on in our hearts.

Commenter

Refidex

Location

Queensland

Date and time

December 01, 2010, 5:22PM

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The military and emergency services are two of few workplaces in this country where families and colleagues send their loved ones and mates out to the job with a greater fear that they will not return safely than most of us can understand. You have my profound thanks and my deepest respect.

Commenter

Les Hawken

Location

Melbourne

Date and time

December 01, 2010, 6:36PM

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a terrible loss that should have been avoided. why was a motorcycle doing this duty with the poor weather we have been experiencing lately. these wide load escorts are normally two pilot vehicles and three patrol cars. also in this weather the shoulder on most central queensland roads is far too soft to move a semi trailer off the bitumen onto grass where they get stuck as has happened on the beef road recently and had to get towed back onto the road by the prime mover pulling the wide load. not really an acceptable situation. who would have accepted responsibility if the the semi had tipped over in the mud.

Commenter

andrew

Location

brisbane

Date and time

December 01, 2010, 7:47PM

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The Police Force has lost another great Officer. Dan, you gave us plenty of laughs and you will be missed. NSW Police Force Class 272 – Delta (PREP of 1997) will always remember you. Our thoughts are with your wife, family, and friends. Rest easy now mate, your shift is done. We’ll take it from here.

Commenter

Rebecca C

Location

Wollongong NSW

Date and time

December 02, 2010, 8:53PM

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Rest in Peace my mate Sgt Dan Stiller. You will never ever be forgotten. A great Police Officer. A great Highway Patrol Officer. A true professional in every way. A loving husband that will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Julie, both families, your QPS mates and your NSWPF mates. I am shattered. Till we meet again.

Commenter: Dean L
Location: NSW
Date and time: December 03, 2010, 12:16AM

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/police-officer-killed-while-escorting-wide-load-20101201-18g9g.html

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This has been issued to all media on behalf of Sergeant Dan Stiller’s wife, Julie;

A born and bred Brisbane-boy, Dan Stiller grew up knowing one day he would be able to combine his love of motorbikes with his job. In 2007, after 10 years as a police officer, he did just that when he was promoted to a Sergeant at the Oxley District Traffic branch.

On Wednesday December 1, Sergeant Dan Stiller paid the ultimate sacrifice doing what he loved.

Dan Stiller was born on January 6, 1977 in Brisbane to a large family.

An exceptional swimmer, Dan still holds the swimming record at Nundah Primary School – something he continued to boast about even as an adult – and received a scholarship to Nudgee College because of his swimming talents.

Growing up, Dan knew he wanted to become a police officer, and in 1997 he was accepted by the New South Wales Police Force, where he served for four years before applying and being accepted to the Queensland Police Service.

On graduating into the QPS in 2002, Dan served at the Hendra Police Station before transferring to South Brisbane Traffic. In 2007 Dan was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and transferred to the Oxley District Division Traffic Branch, working out of Mount Ommaney Police Station.

I can still recall the first time we met, which was during orientation at the Hendra Police Station. I saw him across the room and I was immediately attracted to him.

It wasn’t long after that we were sharing our first motorbike together, and we have been inseparable since. We married on August 9 2008. Coming from a large family, Dan was ecstatic on hearing that he was going to be a dad.

No words aptly describe Dan. He was a fun person, extremely loving and caring and had a fabulous sense of humour.

His quirks and comments made me laugh. He was capable of making anyone laugh or feel better on a down day, and I learnt very early in our relationship that he was just as beautiful on the inside as he was on the outside.

Queensland Police Service Our apologies to those who commented on this previously. We’ve had a technical hitch, and had to repost it, which means your comments were lost.

December 4, 2010 at 8:14pm · Like

Gary Anthony Hiles As a member of the Oxley District Traffic Branch, I am very proud to say that I knew Dan and can say that he was an outstanding Police Officer. He was professional, knowledgeable and helpful. He died doing what he loved and has left a hole in our office. You will never be forgotten. Rest in peace mate.

December 4, 2010 at 8:19pm · Like · 18

Orson Milligan Hero

December 4, 2010 at 8:27pm · Like

Di Mills R.I.P..

December 4, 2010 at 8:28pm · Like

Nikki Bee What beautiful words! He was obviously loved! Condolences to his wife, family and the force!

December 4, 2010 at 8:28pm · Like · 6

Miche Maraea I have a large family myself, so I can acutely imagine their loss and how it is to be without one of your own, especially during this festive season! I wish his entire family peace and love!

December 4, 2010 at 8:36pm · Like · 1

Taleah Richters Rip Dan

December 4, 2010 at 8:36pm · Like

Jason Saunders he may be gone but will never be forgotten.
my condolences to his family and fellow officers

December 4, 2010 at 8:37pm · Like

Chloe Kavanagh He looks so happy in that photo, what a great police officer.He will be missed by all.

December 4, 2010 at 8:40pm · Like · 3

Tia Paget how sad its not fair

December 4, 2010 at 8:47pm · Like

John Marks I am a Police Officer too and will never forget that feeling when I knew what I was heading out to that morning. My sincerest heartfelt condolences go out to Dan’s family, friends & colleagues. RIP Sgt Dan STILLER.

December 4, 2010 at 8:59pm · Like · 3

Shane Drew I’m so sorry to hear this. Condolances to his immediate family, and also his police family. Please take care…

December 4, 2010 at 8:59pm · Like

December 4, 2010 at 8:59pm · Like · 3

Jenelle Reghenzani So so sad what a fine young man to loose his life at such a young age…….RIP and my sincere condolences to his family. May god look over you and protect you in this sad time! I have so much respect for the QPS they have helped me over the years in some very hard times and I truly appreciate their dedication and hard work!

December 4, 2010 at 9:09pm · Like · 3

Roxy-lee Hodges goodbye so so sad just doing your job i really feel for your wife and family be a policeman in heaven now r.i.p

December 4, 2010 at 9:30pm · Like

Barbara Ann Johnston My heartfelt sympathy to Dan Stillers family and loved ones and work mates. Carry on and live with the pride and happy memories of life shared with him…. as i am sure he would want you to do. Sometimes a loved one is taken from us way too early, but the love in our hearts and the happy memories, nothing or no one can ever take away. RIP young man…. another QPS HERO

December 4, 2010 at 9:32pm · Like · 4

David Wicks My thoughts are with his family. Yet another life lost doing a thankless motorcycle officers job. RIP. To the others still riding – be safe.

December 4, 2010 at 9:40pm · Like · 2

Desmond Goulding May God Bless you and your family RIP

December 4, 2010 at 9:54pm · Like

Vicki Lee the tears in your eyes can be wiped away but may the love in your hearts always stay…sincerest condolences to all Dan’s family, friends and colleagues, a special heartfelt one to his wife and unborn child. xo

December 4, 2010 at 10:06pm · Like

Jack McRuff Vale Sgt. Stiller. You served, when others could not. May you live long in Heaven.

December 4, 2010 at 10:11pm · Like

Lisa Richards Heart breaking for all involved. reading those beautiful words you can feel the love they shared for each other. im sure their child will bring joy and love to sgt stillers wife and their family. Taken way to soon. RIP SGT DAN STILLER

December 4, 2010 at 10:38pm · Like

Tanya Cashin My thoughts are with you Julie and Dan’s family. He truly was a lovely man who will be greatly missed. RIP Dan.x

December 5, 2010 at 12:31am · Like

Lisa Rosier Heartfelt condolences to Dan’s wife and his family both personal and professional. Dan has crossed over to the other side where he watches over his loved ones and waits to guide them on their journey to the other side.

December 5, 2010 at 8:10am · Like

Cheryl Wk it is always heart breaking when we lose one of our finest.
Julie, you will be able to tell your little one that their daddy was the best. Condolences to you and Sgt Stiller’s family,his friends and colleagues.

December 5, 2010 at 8:18am · Like · 2

Lou Lou Black RIP Baby Dan, thoughtts are with Julie and yr family xoxoxo

December 5, 2010 at 8:36am · Like

Barbara Stone Sgt Dan Stiller will always be remembered with pride and love. He was certainly taken too soon. My thoughts and prayers are with the Stiller family, their colleagues and friends at this very sad time.

December 5, 2010 at 9:47am · Like · 1

Christopher Stokes R.I.P. big fella

December 5, 2010 at 10:15am · Like · 1

Rob Woodman Sgt STILLERs family can take pride from the fact he was”ä good bloke” and devoted family man. condolences to his family and friends.

December 5, 2010 at 10:23am · Like

Sam Harrison frown emoticon. Everything that can be said, has.

December 5, 2010 at 1:17pm · Like

Catherine Shrimp R.I.P

December 5, 2010 at 1:19pm · Like

Sandy Duvall Such a tragic loss.

December 5, 2010 at 4:47pm · Like

Carrie Davidson Julie…words cannot describe how sorry I am for your loss. My thoughts are with you and Dan’s family, friends and collegues. The Police service will not be the same without him.

December 5, 2010 at 10:37pm · Like

Sharon Miller Very very sad. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

December 7, 2010 at 2:25pm · Like

Stephen Bottom why dose it take something like this for us all to realize how much police do for us . Don’ t wait, If you see a cop , just say thanks.

December 7, 2010 at 2:48pm · Like

Elle Oz Dan – The Man!!!! Remember……..Oh I really couldn’t believe it when I turned on the TV that day, I still can’t believe it. You were always the life of the class with that smile that lighted up any room. I am so proud to have gone through the NSWPOL Academy with you it is yet another tragedy where a great Police Officer was once again taken from us. I will be thinking of you this Thursday as I attend the Remembreance Day Parade here in Townsville I will be thinking of you, Glen and Pete xo

September 27, 2011 at 12:52pm · Like

Tim Rob The Dan Stiller Reserve is a fitting monument to this man. If you don’t know where it is, Google it and visit it! If you love bird watching, 105 species have been seen there in the last year or so. No facilities and unfortunately the reserve is over-run by morons on trail bikes during the weekend, but it is one of the special places of Brisbane, wild yet accessible.

May 14, 2012 at 5:54pm · Like

Tim Rob Some complete moron(s) has/have destroyed the memorial. I dont have words – well polite ones anyway – to describe what I think about these idiots. This is a senseless act of vandalism that demonstrates just how moronic they are. If you destroyed the memorial and are reading this then please know that any reasonable person thinks that you are a complete f-wit.

August 8, 2012 at 6:26pm · Like

Maria Markos Thoughts are with his loved ones, mates and colleagues today. Lest We Forget.

December 1, 2012 at 12:55am · Like

Jillian OliverI had the honour to work with Dan when he first started. He was a great officer and great person. It was a highlight to be working the truck with him. I valued his friendship and think of him often. My prayers and thoughts are with his family.

1 hr · Like

https://www.facebook.com/notes/queensland-police-service/tribute-to-sgt-dan-stiller/150292525018768

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Wildlife corridor to be named after fallen policeman Dan Stiller, killed by jack-knife truck on highway

Sarah Vogler and James O’Loan
The Courier-Mail
December 07, 2010 9:27PM

A FALLEN policeman will have a wildlife corridor in Brisbane’s southwest named after him.

Sergeant Dan Stiller, 33, died on duty last Wednesday while leading a police escort along the Bruce Hwy in central Queensland.

He was killed when a semi-trailer jack-knifed and collided with him, becoming the first officer in over three years to die on the job.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell Newman today bestowed on Stiller the rare honour.

“Sergeant Dan Stiller coordinated combined police and council enforcement operations against illegal trail biking while working at the Oxley Traffic Branch,” Cr Newman said.

“It is therefore fitting that we name the 122 hectares we’ve protected against illegal trail biking the Sergeant Dan Stiller Memorial Reserve.

“It will be a place not just to remember Sergeant Stiller, but other members of the police force who have been killed on duty.”

The reserve lies at Larapinta, near Parkinson, and is bounded by the Logan Mwy, Johnson Rd and Paradise Rd.

Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson said Stiller’s wife Julie and the entire police service appreciated the honour.

“The QPS is very appreciative of this recognition by the Brisbane City Council,” Mr Atkinson said.

“It is a fine and fitting tribute to a very professional and dedicated officer and will help in terms of his colleagues dealing with his loss.

“Having discussed this with Dan’s wife Julie, I believe she is also very grateful for this initiative.”

Cr Newman said the bushland would be transformed into a valuable environmental and wildlife corridor and is currently being fenced and marked as bushland reserve.

The land was acquired by council over the past two years, primarily to protect it against illegal trail bikers.

The land grab was part of the Bushland Acquisition Program, which protects vital wildlife corridors in some of Brisbane’s most environmentally sensitive areas from future development.

Council expressed its sympathy to Stiller’s wife Julie, his family and to his colleagues in the police force, particularly the Oxley Traffic Branch.

The funeral for Sgt Stiller will be marked by a motorcade and mounted police this Thursday.

His death sent shockwaves through the Queensland Police Service.

This Thursday’s funeral will be at St Peter Chanel Catholic Church, The Gap, at 10.30am.

“The cortege, including the QPS Pipes and Drums, the Mounted Police Unit and a procession of motorcycle police, will proceed from the church on Chaprowe Road to Settlement Road, and on to a private interment,” police said today.

The interment is for close friends and family only.

Sgt Stiller is survived by his wife Julie, also a police officer, who is pregnant with their first child.

Mr Atkinson has previously described Stiller as ” a dedicated traffic officer, committed to the safety and security of all Queenslanders”.

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/funeral-announced-for-policemandan-stiller-kileld-by-jack-knife-truck-on-highway/story-e6freoof-1225967018979

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Fallen officer ‘always wanted to be a policeman’

Date December 9, 2010

Dan Stiller was so determined to become a police officer that he didn’t let an initial knock-back extinguish his dreams, mourners in Brisbane have been told.

Hundreds of people, including his pregnant wife Julie, gathered today to farewell Sergeant Stiller, who died when a truck jackknifed and hit him as he escorted a wide load south of Rockhampton last week.

He was the first Queensland police officer killed on the job in more than three years.

Queensland Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson told mourners of the 33-year-old’s efforts to join the service.

‘‘His initial knock-back from the police service only hardened his resolve, and extra study saw his future guaranteed,’’ Mr Atkinson said.

‘‘In the words of his wife Julie: ‘As a boy, Dan always wanted to grow up and be a police officer. This, mixed with his ultimate love of motorcycles, made the traffic branch the place he was destined to be’.’’

Sgt Stiller met his future wife, a police detective, during a posting at Hendra police station in Brisbane’s inner north in 2002.

‘‘She remembers well the first motorcycle ride they shared soon after (meeting) and they were inseparable ever since,’’ Mr Atkinson said.

The couple married on August 9, 2008 and only recently announced they were expecting their first child.

Sgt Stiller was overjoyed about becoming a father and wasn’t shy about showing his love for his wife, Mr Atkinson said.

‘‘His love for Julie was complete and total,’’ he told mourners.

Mr Atkinson described Sgt Stiller as a dedicated, competent traffic officer whose work helped lower the road toll.

Sgt Stiller started his career with the NSW police service in 1997.

He moved back to his home state of Queensland in 2001 and joined the service as a recruit.

He was sworn in in early 2002 and two years later was transferred to the south Brisbane traffic branch where he was promoted to senior constable.

‘‘He achieved his destiny when he passed the police motorcycle course and became a full-time police motorcyclist in the traffic branch,’’ Mr Atkinson said.

‘‘His outstanding policing skills and leadership were rewarded in 2007 when he was promoted to the rank of sergeant and transferred to the Oxley District Traffic Branch.’’

www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/fallen-officer-always-wanted-to-be-a-policeman-20101209-18qj9.html

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Sgt Dan Stiller memorial unveiled

Kylie Triggell | 17th Mar 2011 4:23 PM

REMEBERED: A monument dedicated to Sergeant Dan Stiller, who died last December, was unveiled at a ceremony attended by his wife Julie Stiller last Wednesday. Sgt Stiller's family and friends also planted trees as a living memorial. — REMEMBERED: A monument dedicated to Sergeant Dan Stiller, who died last December, was unveiled at a ceremony attended by his wife Julie Stiller last Wednesday. Sgt Stiller’s family and friends also planted trees as a living memorial.

AN environmental corridor in Pallara has been named in honour of fallen policeman Sergeant Dan Stiller in a moving ceremony held last week.

Sgt Stiller’s wife Julie, along with his family, friends and colleagues gathered for the official naming of the 122 hectare Sergeant Dan Stiller Memorial Reserve on Wednesday afternoon, which also included the unveiling of a memorial.

Sgt Stiller’s brother, John Stiller addressed the crowd and said his family were truly honoured by the mark of respect the memorial offered.

“If you knew Dan you’d know that whatever he put his mind to he committed to it 110 per cent,” he said.

“I am extremely proud of my brother, and this reserve will serve as a lasting tribute.

“It will also serve as a place for friends and family to visit and share quiet thoughts.”

The memorial was unveiled by Lord Mayor Campbell Newman and Parkinson Councillor Angela Owen-Taylor.

The Lord Mayor said Dan had been instrumental in working with council to deal with illegal trail biking while working at the Oxley Traffic Branch.

“Sergeant Dan Stiller co-ordinated combined police and council enforcement operations against illegal trail biking while working at the Oxley Traffic Branch,” he said.

“It is therefore fitting that the 122 hectares we’ve protected against illegal trail biking be named the Sergeant Dan Stiller Memorial Reserve.

“It will now be a place not just to remember Sergeant Stiller, but also other members of the police force who have been killed on duty.”

Cr Owen-Taylor said she had worked closely with Sgt Stiller on road safety and illegal trail biking and she felt this was a fitting tribute.

“The dedication of this bushland to Sergeant Dan Stiller is significant as it is the place where Operation Trailblazer started in July 2008,” she said.

Sgt Stiller was killed on December 1, 2010, by a jack-knifing truck while escorting a wide load on the Bruce Highway near Mount Larcom.

http://www.thesatellite.com.au/news/sgt-dan-stiller-memorial-unveiled/794214/

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City police salute lost colleagues

Andrew Korner | 30th Sep 2011 10:25 AM

The Police Remembrance Day march and ceremony held at Browns Park in North Ipswich on Thursday.

IPSWICH police paid tribute to fallen detective Damian Leeding and Sergeant Daniel Stiller in a moving Police Remembrance Day ceremony yesterday.

A strong contingent of about 100 uniformed, plain-clothed and dog-squad officers gathered at the North Ipswich Reserve from about 9.45am, marching to the beat of the Salvation Army drummers along The Terrace, past Riverlink Shopping Centre, then up Downs St to Browns Park.

Ipswich’s Police Remembrance Day ceremony is held each year at the James Sangster Memorial, which was built in honour of the police officer who died in an attempt to rescue members of the Jackson family from floods in 1893.

There are now 139 names on the Queensland remembrance list – dating back to Laidley Constable Matthew Connolly in 1861 – all of whom died in the line of duty.

However, it was the two most recent additions to that list that drew special mention at the ceremony, led by Southern Region police chaplain Malcolm Twine.

The chaplain began with a prayer for all the men and women who have given their lives while serving the community.

Detective Senior Constable Damian Leeding was shot in the face with a shotgun after responding to an armed robbery at the Gold Coast suburb of Pacific Pines, on May 29 this year.

Family members turned off his life support three days later.

Sergeant Daniel Stiller was killed in a traffic crash while assisting in an oversized-vehicle escort near Rockhampton on December 1, 2010.

The 33-year-old’s wife was pregnant with their first child at the time. Superintendent Garth Pitman said the rain which persisted through the ceremony could not drown police pride.

“We’ll march in the rain if we have to,” he said while delivering the commissioner’s address.

Representatives of Ipswich City Council, the Ipswich RSL, Queensland Fire and Rescue Service and Neighbourhood Watch joined retired police and members of the community in laying wreathes next to the Sangster monument

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Policeman Dan Stiller memorial vandalised at Pallara

Kate Kyriacou
The Courier-Mail
August 08, 2012 1:26PM

Sgt Dan Stiller, tragically killed on duty in a traffic accident, and his wife Julie.

A MEMORIAL commemorating a police officer killed in the line of duty has been vandalised.

Oxley detectives are investigating after the memorial to Sergeant Dan Stiller, located in a reserve on Wadeville Rd, Pallara, was damaged late Tuesday.

Sergeant Stiller, 33, killed in 2010 at Mt Larcom when the wide load truck he was escorting crashed and hit his police motorcycle.

Police said the statue was damaged shortly after 5pm, when a thick glass panel covering a photograph of Sgt Stiller was smashed.

Investigators are now looking to identify three teenaged boys who were seen in the area at the time. Two of the boys were on scooters and the third on a skateboard.

They were last seen walking towards Lillypilly St, Heathwood.

In 2010, the park was renamed Sergeant Dan Stiller Memorial Reserve in tribute to the well-respected traffic officer.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/policeman-dan-stiller-memorial-vandalised-at-pallara/story-fndo45r1-1226445925109

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Opening Sgt Dan Stiller Memorial Reserve – 9 March

A memorial dedication and bushland reserve naming of 122 hectares bordered by Paradise Road, Johnson Road, Stapylton Road and Wadeville Street occurred on 9 March 2011 in honour of fallen Police Officer, Sergeant Dan Stiller.

A number of Dan's colleagues turned up in honour of the occasion — A number of Dan’s colleagues turned up in honour of the occasion

Lord Mayor Campbell Newman and I unveiled the memorial in Dan's honour. — Lord Mayor Campbell Newman and I unveiled the memorial in Dan’s honour.

Unveiling the Bushland Reserve Sign, named after Sgt Dan Stiller

The bushland reserve dedication and naming was commemorated with a planting

http://www.angelaowentaylor.com.au/PhotoGallery/tabid/65/AlbumID/430-133/Default.aspx

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SERGEANT DAN STILLER MEMORIAL UPDATE

A 17 year old male has been ordered to pay full restitution to restore the Sergeant Dan Stiller Memorial at Heathwood.

The Brisbane City Council memorial in honour of Sergeant Dan Stiller was unveiled in March 2011.

It was an absolutely despicable act by vandals to destroy a public memorial, let alone a memorial dedicated to a Police officer who put his life on the line for our community each day he stepped out in uniform.

I worked closely with Sgt Dan Stiller to tackle illegal trail bike riding in Parkinson Ward and the Oxley Police District, and our community owes him for the service and care he provided us.

Residents have indicated to me they have supported the public appeal to assist Police.

Further to a thorough investigation by Queensland Police, the offender was brought to justice in the Richlands Magistrates Court on Tuesday 28 August, and ordered to pay full restitution.

I conveyed to Police the full cost of the damage and now the offender is being made to face the full consequences under law for his disgraceful behaviour.

I assure residents and Dan’s family, friends and work colleagues, we are working is to ensure restoration of the memorial occurs as quickly as possible and it will be as protected as much as possible.

Brisbane City Council dedicated the 122 hectares of bushland within the reserve in recognition of Sgt Dan Stiller’s commitment to the community in reducing illegal trail bike riding which was impacting severely on residents’ peaceful enjoyment of their own homes.

I met on site with Police Superintendent Maurice Poiner and stonemason Pete Macfarlane ahead of the photo of Sgt Dan Stiller being reinstalled into the memorial.

The Sergeant Dan Stiller Memorial Reserve is bordered by Wadeville Street, Paradise Road, Johnson Road and Stapylton Road.

https://www.thewebconsole.com/tools/dbm/campaign/view/campaign/346605/_campaign/5058f1af8388633f609cadb75a75dc9d

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Coroner to examine police officer’s highway death

Rae Wilson | 17th Oct 2012 2:59 PM

THE State Coroner has begun investigating a fatal crash involving a police officer escorting a wide load on the Bruce Highway at Mount Larcom.

Coroner Michael Barnes began hearing evidence in Brisbane on Wednesday into the adequacy of police investigations into the collision which killed Dan Arthur Stiller.

Sgt Stiller, who was escorting a wide load carrying a large piece of mining equipment, died when a prime mover jack-knifed about 7am on December 1, 2010, on the highway between Gladstone and Rockhampton.

Mr Barnes will examine the “adequacy and appropriateness” of regulations and guidelines surrounding wide-load transports within Queensland.

He will also investigate whether police motorcycles should be used as wide-load escorts.

John Edward Dodd, the truck driver involved in the crash, was found not guilty of careless driving by a Brisbane magistrate handed last month.

Magistrate Jacqueline Payne found Dodd had reacted as any reasonable and prudent driver would have.

The inquest is set down for three days.

http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/coroner-examine-officers-death-bruce-highway/1586362/

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Coronor recommends wide-load changes after Stiller death

abennymorrison | 16th Mar 2013 2:00 PM

THE State Coroner has recommended a raft of reforms on how wide loads are escorted on busy Queensland roads following two fatal crashes within six months involving oversized escorts.

Queensland Police Sergeant Daniel Stiller was escorting a wide load on the Bruce Hwy at Mount Larcom when a prime mover jack knifed and crashed into his motorbike.

The 33-year-old died at the scene on December 1, 2010.

About six months later on May 17, 2011, Kenneth Roland Owens was travelling on a single lane section of the Bruce Hwy at Glenorchy, near Maryborough, with his wife and two friends.

A prime mover was travelling in the opposite direction and carrying a miner’s hut, which was so wide it protruded into the southbound lane.

Mr Owens hit the corner of the hut and was killed.

Following an inquest into the deaths, State Coroner Michael Barnes handed down his findings on Friday.

He was satisfied in Mr Owen’s case the driver transporting the wide load was safe and the oversized load satisfied guidelines.

Mr Barnes said while it was likely the lights and markers on the wide load could have distracted Mr Owens, there was no evidence to show why he did not avoid the corner of the miner’s hut.

But in Mr Stiller’s death, Mr Barnes found the blame for fatal accident could be partially contributed to how the wide load escort was carried out.

He found radio communications from the lead escort to other trucks approaching the wide load was confusing and trucks were not given clear instructions.

“Those escorting the wide load gave insufficient regard to the need for other vehicles to get completely off the road when the highway was only of two lanes and the difficulty this would pose for heavy vehicles,” Mr Barnes states.

Mr Barnes also found the driver behind the wheel of the truck which crashed into Sergeant Stiller did not slow sufficiently as he approached the wide load.

The State Coroner recommended wide load grants should not be issued if other transport is available, such as shipping to Gladstone and Mackay ports.

He has also recommended a review of placing police on motorcycles for wide escorts because of the increased risk of death or injury.

Mr Barnes also recommended a public awareness campaign about dealing with wide loads and more explicit signage.

http://www.dailymercury.com.au/news/coronor-recommends-wide-load-changes-after-stiller/1794842/

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BIRDS in BACKYARDS

Dan Stiller Reserve, Parkinson Qld

6 posts / 0 new

Last post

Sat, 14/03/2015 – 09:35

timrob

Dan Stiller Reserve, Parkinson Qld

A new section has been added to Dan Stiller Memorial Reserve in Parkinson to the south of Brisbane. It is well worth a look as it has good tracks and an interesting lagoon in the north-eastern corner. We recommend a weekend walk as there is quite high road noise from Logan Motorway in places.

“Dan” is a very interesting reserve that we have visited numerous times, and currently 152 bird species have been recorded there. Interested people may like to download our (updated today) birders guide from:

http://www.vk4yeh.com/birding%20downloads.html

Photo of a female fairy wren taken at the lagoon yesterday.

Wed, 18/03/2015 – 17:01

Reflex

Thanks Tim. I’ll have a wander around one day.

Samford Valley Qld.

Thu, 19/03/2015 – 12:20

Devster

Very informative information Thanks Tim

Fri, 24/04/2015 – 12:56

timrob

My wife Marg and I will be leading a BQ walk to “Dan” on May 10th, and will be delighted to meet you.

Tim

Quote from BQ website

” This will be the fist BQ visit to Dan Stiller Reserve for 2015. Meet at 7 am at the gate near the end of Axis Place (UBD 239, E6). This section of the reserve is relatively new and until recently had no good tracks. BCC has made a loop track that includes a section with close proximity to a lagoon on a minor tributary of Oxley Creek. It is also possible, time permitting, to see a large ex-sandmining lake that apparently will become part of an expanded reserve in the future. The track is well made and an easy walk. Boots are recommended for safe access to the edge of the lagoon. There are no toilet facilities in this reserve.

We will meet for morning tea at the park on Lincoln Green Drive (UBD 238, H16) where toilets are available.”

Fri, 24/04/2015 – 13:10

Woko

Great to learn of the extension to the reserve, Tim.

Sat, 25/04/2015 – 08:38

Reflex

Sounds good Tim.

Samford Valley Qld.

http://birdsinbackyards.net/forum/Dan-Stiller-Reserve-Parkinson-Qld

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John Benoni ROSS

| 15/02/2016

John Benoni ROSS

( late of Willoughby and Balmain )

New South Wales Police Force

[blockquote]

Sarah Ann ROSS – wife of John

Died on: 24 April 1885 ( 10 days after her husband )

Funeral date: Sunday 26 April 1885

[/blockquote]

Regd. # ‘Q‘ 2523

For the purposes of this website ‘Q‘ represents those Police joining between 1 March 1862 ( commencement of NSWPF ) – 23 February 1915 ( Commencement of NSWPF current numbering system )

Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 25 March 1875

Constable – appointed ? ? ?

Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?

Final Rank: Senior Constable

Stations: ?, Balmain 1879 to 1882, North Willoughby Station ( O.I.C. during 1884)

Service: From 25 March 1875 to 14 April 1885 = 9+ years Service

Awards:

Not a Police award but a civilian one

Another lengthy report was in the SMH Tuesday 3″ June 1879:

On the presentation of the gold watch and chain and an address as an acknowledgement of Constable Ross, intrepid conduct rescuing two persons at the risk of his own life. Three cheers were given by the 50 residents attended the Balmain Council Chambers for the presentation.

The inscription: Presented to Constable John Benoni Ross by the inhabitants of Balmain, in admiration of his heroic conduct in rescuing two lives at a well accident, 18 April 1879. Balmain 2 June 1879.

A letter from the Inspector General of Police was noted at the 27 June 1879, Balmain Council meeting, having reference to the gallant conduct of Constable Ross at the recent well accident.
The watch remains in the Ross family treasures.

Born: ? ? 1852, Caithness, Scotland

Died on: Tuesday 14 April 1885 at Police residence, Chatswood Police Stn, North Willoughby

Cause: Typhoid Fever as did his wife Sarah 10 days later aged 30 and their infant daughter Sarah aged 1

Age: 32

Funeral date: Wednesday 15 April 1885

Funeral location: ?

Buried at: Pioneer Memorial Cemetery, corner Mowbray Road West and Pacific Highway, Chatswood. (opposite the Great Northern Hotel)

Memorial at: ?

In Memory of Senior Constable John B. Ross Died 14th April 1885 aged 32. Also Sarah Ann, Wife of the above. Died 24th April 1885 aged 30. Also infant child Sarah. Erected by his comrades & friends.

JOHN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO

FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

John Benoni ROSS — **Kevin Banister**
**May 4 2020** at 4:59 PM
Went for a trip this afternoon (4/5/2020) to the Pioneers Memorial Reserve, Mowbray Road, Chatswood and took a couple of photos of the resting place of Senior Constable John Benone ROSS and family.
This little cemetery is a heritage site and is being maintained by Lane Cove Council and what a wonderful job they are doing. The ribbon had fallen off and I re-attached it. In the bottom left corner of the plot is a rose bush as is on most other marked graves. Even these are pruned.

The Sydney Morning Herald Wednesday 15 April 1885 P 1 of 16

ROSS. – April 14, at his residence, Police Station, North Willoughby, John Binnone Ross, aged 33 years, native of Caithness, Scotland, leaving a wife and five children and large circle of friends to mourn their loss.

ROSS. – April 14, at the Police Station, North Willoughby, Senior-constable John Ross ( late of Balmain ), leaving a wife and five children to mourn their loss.

In Memoriam.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/13579970

The Sydney Morning Herald Wednesday 15 April 1885 P 16 of 16

THE FRIENDS of the late Mr. JOHN B. ROSS are respectfully invited to his Funeral ; to leave his residence, Lane Cove-road, THIS DAY Wednesday, at 3 o’clock, for the Wesleyan Cemetery, Willoughby.

W. H. HOWARD, Undertaker, Walker-street, St. Leonards.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/13579996

Balmain Observer & Western Suburbs Advertiser Saturday 18 April 1885 P 3 of 4

Senior Constable Ross, well known in Balmain about four years ago and lately in charge of North Willoughby, died on Monday night, from, consumption.

It will be remembered that he made a very plucky rescue of two men from a well in the neighbourhood of Beattie street, in which was foul air while he was stationed in Balmain, the effects of which he has since suffered from.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/132245368

The Sydney Morning Herald Saturday 25 April 1885 P 20 of 20

THE FRIENDS of the late Mrs. ROSS, widow of the late Senior-constable Ross, of Chatswood, are respectfully invited to attend her Funeral ; to leave her residence at 3 o’clock TO-MORROW, Sunday, for Wesleyan Cemetery.

W. H. HOWARD, Undertaker, Walker-street, St. Leonards.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/28361297

The Sydney Morning Herald Saturday 30 May 1885 P 5 of 24

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction.

In the Intestate Estate of JOHN B. ROSS, late of Willoughby, Senior Constable, deceased.

CREDITORS are to forward to me ( through the Post Office if they think fit ), at my office, in the Supreme Court, Sydney, their details for proof, verified by affidavit, on or before the fifteenth day of June next, or they will be excluded from all benefit from this estate.

THEO. POWELL,

Curator of Intestate Estates.

30th May, 1885.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/28362085

The Sydney Morning Herald Saturday 1 May 1886 P 1 of 24

ROSS.— In remembrance of John Ross, who died April 13, 1885 and Sarah Ann Ross, wife of the above, who died May 1st,

1885, at their residence, Chatswood police station, North Willoughby.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/28356899

‘Balmain Association’ newsletter dated April 2001.

P o l i c e H e r o i c R e s c u e
A letter from Mrs Meg Chamberlin formally of Ferdinand Street, Balmain and now of Macley Island, Queensland, stated that some information on her family history could be of interest to the Association. While cleaning out a draw on a visit to her mother at the family home, a letter was found with an interesting PS, relating to a presentation of a gold watch to Constable John Benone Ross in 1879.

Constable Ross was stationed at the Watch House from 1879 to 1882 and lived in Darling Street, Rozelle, near Red Lion Street. He then moved to Chatswood where he, his wife Sarah Ann and a child died within a few days of each other in a Typhoid epidemic in April 1885. John was 32 years and Sarah was 30 years and daughter Sarah 1 year. They were buried in the church yard of the Methodist Church, Chatswood. Comrades and friends erected the headstone. Grandmother Sarah Ann Robinson reared the other four children.

In a report in the Sydney Morning Herald, Tuesday 21″ April 1879:

On Friday morning a man named Albert Drave was nearly suffocated by descending into a newly dug well 25 feet deep behind the Bellevue, now Sackville Hotel, Darling Street. A blast had just taken place at the bottom of the well and the smoke not having thoroughly cleared way before Drave descended, he was almost suffocated when he reached the bottom. His distress having been noticed by the proprietor of the allotment Mr Barthrope, he at once descended to retrieve Drave, but he was likewise became overpowered by the fumes of the powder. Constable Ross being near the spot, volunteered to descend and succeeded in bringing up to the surface first Drave, then Barthrope. Drs. Brennan and Evans were quickly on the spot and industriously applied the usual restoratives. Both men are doing well at the latest accounts.

Another lengthy report was in the SMH Tuesday 3″ June 1879:

Goulburn Evening Penny Post ( NSW ) Saturday 26 April 1884 p 4 of 10

Suspicious Death.

ON Wednesday evening Senior-constable Ross, who is in charge of the North Willoughby station, received intelligence from a man named Henby that a death under suspicious circumstances had taken place in the district. He accordingly proceeded to a house near Burn’s Bay, Lane Cove Road, occupied by William Cox, who is stated to be an old resident of the district. In one of the rooms was found the body of Ann Sophia Cox in bed, looking to all appearance dead.

Dr. Rorke, of North Shore, was at once communicated with. He soon arrived, and expressed an opinion that deceased had probably met with her death in consequence of external injuries. The only female clothes in the house beyond those found on the woman were a chemise and another garment, both of which were stained with blood.

Under the circumstances the constable apprehended William Cox, the husband of the deceased, at a late hour last night, and he his now lodged at the St. Leonards police station.

Upon being questioned as to the occurrence the prisoner declared that he knew nothing of the cause of his wife’s death beyond that she had sustained a fall, and expressed ignorance concerning the garment stained with blood. It appears that Cox informed Henby of the death of the woman in the first place.

The police state that prisoner has been often seen of late under the influence of drink, and his domestic matters did not seem to have been of a happy character. He is described as of no occupation.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/98435914

Thomas LEONARD

| 15/02/2016

Thomas LEONARD

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. # ?

Rank: Senior Constable

Stations: ?, Condobolin, Orange ( 12 years ), Perth ( Perthville )( 12 months )

Service: From ? to Thursday 27 December 1906 = 24 years Service

Awards: ?

Born: ? ? ? in Ireland

Died on: Thursday 27 December 1906 @ 8.30pm

Cause: accidentally swallowing poison

Age: 58

Funeral date: Saturday 29 December 1906 @ 11am

Funeral location: ?

Buried at: Catholic portion of the Bathurst general cemetery

Memorial at: ?

[alert_blue]Thomas is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_blue] * NOT JOB RELATED

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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

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National Advocate ( Bathurst NSW ) Friday 28 December 1906 p2 of 4

A FATAL MISTAKE

DEATH OF SENIOR-CONSTABLE LEONARD

Senior-constable Leonard, officer in charge of the Police Station at Perth, died in the Bathurst District Hospital at half past eight last night from poisoning. Deceased, in the pursuance of his duty, visited Georges Plains on Wednesday afternoon, doing the trip on a bicycle, as was his custom, and returning home dusty and tired decided to have a drink of wine.

Going to a number of bottles in the corner of his room, he picked up one that had been opened and poured some of its contents into a glass and swallowed it. Feeling a bitter taste in his mouth, however Mr Leonard examined the bottle from which he had poured the liquid and found that it contained battery solution, a mixture of mercury, Sulphuric acid, etc. The solution was the same colour as the wine and Mr Leonard was unable to detect his mistake until he had drunk the poison.

He immediately applied emetics and went over to the Bridge Hotel, whence he was driven to Dr Brooke Moore‘s surgery. Here further remedies were administered and the patient’s removal to an adjacent hotel, ordered. Subsequently he was taken to the hospital, where he passed away last night.

The late senior-constable, who was about 55 years of age, is survived by a widow and a large family.

His connection with the police force extended to within two or three years of the quarter of a century.

He was formerly stationed at Condobolin, and Orange, and 12 months ago he was transferred from the latter station to Perth.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/157302049

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Barrier Miner ( Broken Hill NSW ) Thursday 10 January 1907 p2 of 4

A POLICEMAN’S MISTAKE.

Death of Senior-constable Leonard.

Constable Styles, of the South Broken Hill division of the Barrier police force, who has been transferred to the Perth station, near Bathurst, takes the place of a constable who met his death on December 27 under exceptionally sad, circumstances.

His name was Senior-constable Leonard, and he was in charge of the police station at Perth.

In pursuance of his duties Senior-constable Leonard, had visited George’s Plains (a few miles from Perth) on Boxing Day, doing the trip on a bicycle, as was his custom. Returning home dusty and tired, he decided to have a glass of wine, and, going to a number of bottles in a corner of the room, picked up one that had been opened, poured some of the contents into a glass, and drank it. Feeling a bitter taste in his mouth, Leonard examined the bottle from which he had poured the liquid, and found that it contained battery solution, a mixture of mercury, sulphuric acid, etc. The solution was the same color as the wine and the constable was unable to detect his mistake until he had drunk the poison. He immediately applied emetics, and went to the hotel and from there he was taken subsequently to the Bathurst hospital, where he died.

The late senior-constable was 55 years of age, and leaves a widow and 10 children.

His connection with the police force extended to within two or three years of a quarter of a century. Formerly he was stationed at Condobolin, and was for 12 years at Orange, whither he was transferred to Perth 12 months ago.

Constable Styles will commence his duties at Perth on the first of next month.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/44394543

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National Advocate ( Bathurst NSW ) Saturday 29 December 1906 p3 of 6

Constable’s Fatal Mistake

POISON INSTEAD of wine

Mr T C K McKell, District Coroner, yesterday inquired into the circumstances surrounding the death of Senior-Constable Thomas Leonard, which took place at the Bathurst District Hospital at half-past eight on Thursday night. Senior Constable Meagher said that he was on duty in William-street at 7 o’clock on the evening of Boxing Day, when Dr Brooke Moore called him to where the deceased was standing in Keppel Street, and said: ” Senior Constable Leonard is, after drinking battery solution in mistake for wine, and I have pumped his stomach, and done all I can do for him. You had better take him to Fitzpatrick’s Hotel, which is close by, and where I can attend to him. ”

Witness took him to the hotel, and put him to bed. The deceased complained of feeling very cold, and was vomiting and purging badly. Witness gave him three doses of medicine, which was prescribed by the doctor to be taken every hour.

Asked by witness how the accident occurred, deceased said : ” I went to Georges Plains on my bicycle after dinner to-day on duty, and returned home at about 5 . 30 p m ; I was tired and thirsty and went into the bedroom, where there was a bottle of wine on the floor. There was another bottle by the side of it. I picked up the bottle and poured out what would be ‘a good nip of whisky’ into a glass. It was the odour of the wine, and I drank it . It was terribly bitter. I looked at the bottle, It was marked ‘poison.’ I then saw that I had taken battery solution in mistake for the wine. I immediately drank some mustard and water which made me sick, and I was then brought into Dr Brooke Moore, who pumped my stomach out. ”

At 10 o’clock deceased was removed to the hospital, where he died on the following night.

Deceased was 58 years of age, a native of Ireland, and had been in the police force for 24 years.

Flora Mary Leonard, wife of the deceased, said that her late husband used the battery for rheumatism. On returning from George’s Plains on the day in question he went into his bedroom and shortly afterwards came in saying ” Oh, I have taken the poison instead of the wine ”

Some mustard and water was mixed up and he drank it.

Deceased was survived by eleven children, seven sons and four daughters. He had freehold property at Orange.

Dr Brooke Moore said that when he examined deceased he found that he was suffering from intense abdomin pains.

The cause of death was heart failure, due to an irritant poison, Deceased was perfectly sober.

The Coroner found that death was due to heart failure from an irritant poison, self-administered by mistake.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/157297067

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National Advocate ( Bathurst NSW ) Saturday 29 December 1906 p2 of 6

Funeral.

The funeral of the late Senior Constable Leonard will leave the Bathurst District Hospital at 11 o’clock this morning for the Catholic portion of the Bathurst general cemetery.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/157297026

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Ian Andrew BIRKBECK

| 15/02/2016

Ian Andrew BIRKBECK

aka Birky

Queensland Police Force

Regd. # 4005642

Rank: Sergeant

Stations: ?, Coomera Police Stn, Gold Coast Road Policing Unit

Service: From ? to ?

Awards: National Medal – granted 31 July 1999

Police Long Service Medal

Flood Citation, Cyclone Citation

Born: 14 January 1961

Died on: 27 October 2015 @ 10.30am

Cause: Pneumonia – complicated by Cancer

Age: 54

Funeral date: Friday 30 October 2015 @ 11am

Funeral location: Holy Family Catholic Parish, 16 Simbai St, Runaway Bay, Qld

Buried at: ?TBA

Memorial at: ?

[alert_yellow]IAN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO

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Funeral location:

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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

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It is with a very heavy heart I advise that Ian “Birky” Birkbeck has passed away after a brave fight against cancer. Ian had ridden as part of the official Qps Wall to Wall party since 2011 and missed this year due to illness.. He was a true friend and an absolute gentleman. He will be missed by everyone.. RIP Birky .. Bradyn Murphy QPS

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Perils of the Police – 1903 article

| 15/02/2016

From the New Zealand National Library Archives –

PERILS OF THE POLICE.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11010,

28 July 1903, Page 7
* Taking their Lives in their Hands
Long List of Fatalities.

The execution of Digby Grand and Henry Jones in Sydney the other day for the murder of Constable Long at Auburn a few months previously gives a sad interest to the subjoined list of New South Wales policemen who have either been killed or seriously wounded by desperate criminals while endeavouring to preserve the public peace. When bushranging was rife many constables lost their lives in endeavouring to rid the country of its human pest.

Sergeant MaGinnity was shot dead by Morgan at Tumberumba on June 24, 1864;

Senior-sergeant Smyth was shot dead by the same miscreant on September , 1864, near Kyambra;

Sergeant Parry was killed by bushrangers who had stuck up the mail from Gundagai to Yass, on November 15, 1864;

Constable Samuel Nelson was shot dead by Dunn at Collector, on January 27, 1863; and

Constable McHale was seriously wounded by Dunn when the bushranger was captured at Marthaguy Creek, on December 14, 1865.

Morgan was himself shot near Wangaratta (Victoria), while Dunn was executed at Sydney on March 19, 1866.

A particularly brave single-handed attack upon its party of bushrangers at Nerringundah on April 9, 1866 by a young constable named Miles O’Grady, led to the policeman being shot dead by Clark and Connell, two of the gang.

On 3 February, 1865 Senior-constable John Ward was shot dead by a Chinaman in Denison Town.

Constable Raymond on April 14, 1866 was shot dead by James Crookwell, a prisoner of Berrima Gaol, who with 10 others made a desperate attempt to escape. Crookwell was hanged at Sydney on the following July 2.

At Binnie Creek, a few miles from Cowra, Sergeant Sutherland was shot dead by two armed men on May 1, 1872.

In the Warren district, on September 20, 1878 Senior-sergeant Thomas Wallings was shot by Thomas Law, alias “Midnight,” who was himself pursued and shot by Constables Hatton and Gray.

Constable Bowen was shot dead by an armed gang, which stuck up the Wantabadgery Inn on November 16, 1879.

On March 12, 1885, two prisoners named Angel and Thurston, in Coonamble gaol shot Constable John Mitchell, the gaoler, and effected their escape. The offenders stuck up a store Slashers Flat, near Gulong in which Constables McKinlay and Day were awaiting them. They shot Charles Stewart, the storekeeper dead, but were themselves both shot by the police.

On August 13, 1885, Constable William Hird stopped two men at Canterbury, near Sydney early in the morning and interrogated them as to the contents of a parcel they were carrying. One of the men struck Hird with an axe and killed him. One of the pair was sentenced to imprisonment for life and the other to 15 years.

Sergeant Beatty of Penrith was stabbed to death in February, 1890 by a native of India. He also stabbed John Zahnliter who endevoured to apprehend him and save Beatty. The Indian was shot by Constable Mosdey.

On August 6, 1898, Constable McLean of Liverpool, had two men in custody; one of them, George Peisley, fired at the policeman (shooting him) and escaped, but was recaptured after a prolonged hunt in the bush, and sentenced to a term of imprisonment. ( Pursued by Police around Oatley, Mortdale and shooting to avoid apprehension. Eventually arrested at Arncliffe ).

Among the more important of recent cases are those of the late Constable David Sutherland shot by a burglar named James Morrison, in Rockwall Street, Potts Point, early on June 3, 1889;

Constable Slater, shot in the shoulder and thigh by burglar three weeks later;

Constable Pearce, shot in the shoulder while endeavouring to arrest a man in the grounds of Mr Oxbenham’s residence at Randwick on June 7, 1897;

Constable (now Detective) E.G. Ward, shot in the head by a man whose object, was to rescue a prisoner in Oxford Street, city, on October 22, 1900;

and the brutal murder by George Shaw, the coiner, in Shepherd Street Redfern, on July 19, 1902 of Constable Denis Guilfoyle, which occasioned a great sensation, owing to the escape of Shaw and his companion.

Constable Sutherland, who was only 28 years of age, was on duty in Rockwell Street at about 2.30 on the morning of June 3, 1883 ( 1889? ), when he saw Morrison, a noted burglar, slip out of a yard and walk hurriedly away. The constable, as Morrison would not stop, caught hold of him and the two fell to the ground. As they were struggling, the criminal drew a revolver and shot Sutherland in the groin. The dying constable struck him over the eye with his baton, inflicting a serious wound ; but Morrison, after firing another shot escaped, and throwing the weapon into a garden, ran down to Victoria Street where blood-stained and excited, he attracted the attention of Sergeant Hogan (now of Burwood) and Senior-constable Robinson, who arrested him. Constable Sutherland died some hours later in Sydney Hospital and Morrison was subsequently executed at Darlinghurst Gaol.

Mr Justice Stephen was awakened between 1 and 2 a.m. on June 25, 1889, by hearing two shots fired in his garden at Paddington. The judge ran out and discovered Constable Henry A Slater in his garden in the pouring rain, fainting from weakness and shot in two places, the shoulder and the thigh. Slater had seen a man entering the place, and endeavoured to arrest him, when two other men sprang out of the darkness, one of whom struck him on the head with a tomahawk, and the other fired at him. A tomahawk was found with a revolver, of which two chambers had recently been discharged. Slater recovered. Two men were arrested, and twice tried in connection with the affair, but they were not convicted.

The man who shot Constable Pearce was never discovered ;

but the assailant of Constable Ward received a sentence of seven years hard labour for his crime. Ward recovered, the bullet having only grazed his skull. This officer (says the Sydney Evening News) was one of the party that arrested Digby Grand.

http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast…

Richard JOHNSTON

| 15/02/2016

Richard JOHNSTON

Victoria Police Force

Regd. # ?

Rank: Constable

Stations: ?

Service: From ? to ?

Awards: ?

Born: ? ? 1866

Died on: Sunday 12 October 1902

Cause: Murdered – shot

Event location: Milton St, Elwood

Age: ?

Funeral date: ?

Funeral location: ?

Buried at: ?

Memorial at: ?

[alert_green]RICHARD IS 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.

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

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Details of Death:

About 11 a.m. Sunday 12 October 1902 Constable Johnston was off duty at his home at Elwood. He responded to a complaint that a man had tried to abduct a neighbour’s 8 year old daughter. Johnston immediately set off in pursuit and located the man in Milton Street Elwood. The suspect George Shaw had a lengthy criminal record. Unbeknown to Johnston Shaw was also the prime suspect for the murder of Constable Guilfoyle in Redfern New South Wales some months previously. When Johnston approached him Shaw produced a revolver and fired. Fatally wounded Johnston died within minutes. Shaw committed suicide at the intersection of Chapel Street and Rosamond Street a short time later.

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About 11am on 12 October, 1902 Constable Richard Johnston was off duty at his home at Elwood (Victoria) when a neighbour informed him that a man had attempted to abduct her eight year-old daughter. The constable quickly set off on his bicycle after the suspect and located him a short distance away. When the suspect saw the approaching policeman the offender drew a revolver and shot Constable Johnston, inflicting fatal wounds. The offender then left the scene, only to commit suicide a short time later when confronted by other police.

It was later found that the man who had murdered Constable Johnson was the same offender (Shaw) who had murdered Constable Guilfoyle at Redfern (NSW) three months earlier.

Constable Guilfoyle was shot by an offender named Shaw at Redfern whilst attempting to arrest him and another man for passing counterfeit coins. Following an incident involving a storekeeper, Constable Guilfoyle had sought the assistance of an off-duty member, Constable Michael Maher, and after checking several shops the offenders had been in they located them in Shepherd Street. As the two constables approached the offenders, one produced a revolver and shot Constable Maher three times. Shaw then also produced a pistol and shot Constable Guilfoyle twice. Constable Maher later recovered, however Constable Guilfoyle’s wounds proved to be fatal. Shaw then made good his escape, making his way to Victoria.

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A MURDERED CONSTABLE.

THE JOHNSTON MEMORIAL. “PAMPERED CRIMINALS” AND PENAL REFORM.

At the St. Kilda Cemetery on Sunday afternoon the Chief Commissioner of Police (Mr O’Callaghan) performed the ceremony of unveiling a marble monument erected by members of the police force over the grave of Constable Richard Johnston, who on 12th October last was shot dead by a notorious criminal named Shaw. The mayor of St. Kilda (Cr O’Donnell) presided, and amongst those present were Mr. McCutcheon, M.L.A. ; Inspector Hillard (officer in ohargd of the district), Inspector Crampton, Sergeant Davidson, the widow, with her children and her mother, many members of the force and a large gathering of the public.

Mr O’Callaghan retold the story of Constable Johnston’s death. On Sunday morning, when off duty, he was told that a ruffian had just been tampering with a child. He mounted his bicycle, and rode after the man who, when overtaken, turned and shot him through the heart. Remaining erect on his machine he rode nearly 100 yards, then his muscles relaxed, and he dropped dead. No more tragic occurrence saddened the records of the Victorian police force. Constable Johnston had upheld the best traditions of the force and taught a lesson that every member should lay to his heart. The event gave rise to the question why the State should go on feeding and pampering human tigers like the murderer of Constable Johnston, and letting them free again to prey upon the public. Why had a penal system been tolerated for so many years, under which such brutes, instead of being kept in confinement, were allowed to march at large to the detriment of all respectable people? In 1881 he had arrested the murderer of Constable Johnston. He was then known as a man who would “shoot at sight,” and though taken by surprise, had found time to grasp a pistol. A few years later he was set at large in the community. It was high time the public raised a protest against the liberation of such blood thirsty brutes. Drastic legislation should be introduced, and introduced quickly, to amend our penal system. Through the action of a generous public and a just Government the widow and children have had their material wants provided for.

Mr McCutcheon said he quite agreed with the remarks that had been made as to the manner in which criminals were pampered by the State. It was time some change was made in the law. The Government permitted criminals to multiply, and placed them in comfortable buildings, where they were well fed and well kept, and lacked only the company of their former friends to make them happy. He considered that every member of the force in both town and country should be armed with a revolver.

Inspector Hillard said that as far as he had been able to ascertain not a single instance could be recalled in which a member of the Victorian police force had played the part of a coward.

Several hymns, including one specially written for the occasion, were sung before and after the ceremony. – “Age”

Geelong Advertiser ( Vic. ) Tuesday 24 March 1903 page 4 of 4

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/150723337?searchTerm=constable%20crampton&searchLimits=l-category=Article|||l-australian=y#pstart17952461