Much-loved Mount Druitt police officer, Constable Matthew Montesin, died on Wednesday.
Constable Montesin, who was 40, was diagnosed with terminal cancer of the lungs last year.
He worked in general duties in the Mount Druitt local command for more than three years.
He was affectionately known as Monty and described by colleagues as “a likeable, hard-working constable who always endeavoured to provide the best possible service to his community”.
Constable Montesin had three sons, all of whom he chose to raise in western Sydney where he grew up.
He was diagnosed with cancer late last year.
Colleagues said his death was a great loss to them and to his family, with whom all their prayers and thoughts now were.
Constable Matthew Montesin has worked at Mt Druitt Police Station for over three years in General Duties. Monty, as he is affectionately known, is a likeable hard-working constable who always endeavours to provide the best possible service to the community in a fair and compassionate manner.
Matthew grew up in the Western Sydney region and spent his entire life in this area, choosing to raise his own children in the same region. In August 2013, Cst Montesin went to his doctor with a niggling cough and was diagnosed with Whooping Cough. He was successfully treated and was told that his cough may continue for a couple of months before passing.
After a few months, Matthew was convinced to return to the doctors by his wife to have the cough seen to again. Further tests revealed shadowing in his lungs and he was subsequently sent for a biopsy. As a result of the biopsy he was called into the doctors office 48 hours later and was delivered the most devastating news. Matthew was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer of the lungs, a terminal prognosis. Sadly, Matthew has never smoked and celebrated his 40th birthday in September this year.
Matthew has been given a time frame of six months to live without treatment, possibly twelve months with chemo treatment and the possibility of two years if he is genetically compatible with a new drug from the United States. Matthew was not compatible and has now been given a twelve month life expectancy.
Matthew is 40 years old and currently living in Western Sydney with his wife Megan and three sons; Zac 19 years of age, Latham 18 years of age and Hayden aged 14. He is an extremely dedicated family man and adores the riches of life he considers to be his family.
Our team here at Mt Druitt Police Station, with the support of NSW Police Legacy are currently raising funds to assist the Montesin Family during this difficult time. We have successfully organised a Car and Bike Rally, a McDonalds fundraising night, an eBay Auction, a Head Shave and are now organising a Golf Day to keep supporting the family as they navigate their way through this challenging time.
We have already raised a significant amount of money for the Montesin Family and thank everyone who worked so hard to make our previous events a success. Please lend your support to the Montesin Family Appeal by registering to participate in the The Full Monty Golf Day, or simply make a donation.
http://montesinfamilyappeal.gofundraise.com.au/
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TRAGEDIES can either divide or unite.
Mt Druitt police have been unified through their efforts to fundraise for Constable Matthew Montesin, who was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in November and given a maximum of 12 months to live.
To further fundraising efforts, Constable Cheryl Leung decided to have her long her hair shaved off by Constable Montesin’s wife, Megan, in Westfield Mt Druitt, raising more than $3,300.
The news was a shock to Constable Montesin’s family and the Mt Druitt command, especially since Constable Montesin, 40, has never smoked and is in good shape.
“(We were in) absolute dismay. We’re so very sad for him and his family,” Mt Druitt Inspector Donna McCarthy said.
“It was just about trying to do whatever we could to make sure what time he has left is the least stressful and most comfortable we can make it as workmates.”
Constable Leung and the rest of the command have united their efforts to fundraise for Constable Montesin’s medical costs and for his family,
“Cheryl’s not even on Mathew’s team and yet this is what she wanted to do to support Matthew,” Insp McCarthy said.
Mt Druitt police have raised at least $15,000 in their efforts to support their teammate and his wife and three teenage sons.
“They’re absolutely humbled,” Insp McCarthy said.
“They’re just overwhelmed by the generosity and the support … there are just so many wonderful, generous people out there.”
To donate to the Montesin family, visit montesinfamilyappeal.gofundraise.com.au/cms/home.
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A POLICE SERGEANT’S SUICIDE.
Sergeant Flannery, who for many years has been in charge of the Flinders street, Melbourne, police station hanged himself on Tuesday morning in the office which he occupied at the station. The office is a very small building, six feet by six, and with a roof which is only about eight feet high. Deceased was found hanging by a window-blind cord, which had been tied to the roof, and then passed in a slip-knot around his neck. The determination of the deceased was evidenced by the fact that, not having sufficient length in which to accomplish his object, he had drawn his legs up by bending the knees, and even then his feet were barely off the ground. Had he relaxed in this effort, his feet must have reached the ground and taken the weight off the cord. A loose end of the latter he had twisted around his right thumb, and the hand was across his breast in a line with the shoulder, over which the cord hung. The body was fully dressed, with the exception of the jumper. No letter or documents of any kind were upon the body. During the past week it had been observed that deceased was very despondent and gloomy.
Bairnsdale Advertisder & Tambo & Omeo Chronicle ( Vic. )
Thursday 14 October 1897 page 3 of 4
Flinders Street Police Station, Melbourne
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POLICE CONSTABLE’S SUICIDE.
Peter Hynes, a young constable attached to the Darlinghurst district, has committed suicide. He said goodby to his landlady, and added ” You are the best friend I ever had. ” She asked him where he was going. Hynes replied, ” To eternity, ” and walked off. In a few minutes those in the house were startled by revolver shots, and Hynes was found in the yard with a bullet wound in his head. He died in a few hours.
The Register ( Adelaide ) Tuesday 25 December 1906 page 7 of 12
At the time of his death the constable was stationed at Darlinghurst.
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CASUALTIES.
A POLICEMAN SHOT.
Constable Peter Hynes, connected with the Darlinghurst Station, was found in the back yard of his residence, Bourke-street, at an early hour this morning with a bullet wound in his head. He was taken to St. Vincent’s Hospital and admitted in a very serious condition. Peters, it was stated, had been out all the evening and returned home about midnight. It was shortly afterwards that he was found in the yard. For the past few days he had been unwell, and was away from duty, but having recovered, he was to have ” reported on ” this morning.
The Sydney Morning Herald Monday 24 December 1906 page 6 of 10
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SUICIDE OF CONSTABLE HYNES.
EVIDENCE AT THE INQUEST.
A magisterial inquiry was held this afternoon into the circumstances connected with the death of Peter Hynes, a constable lately attached to No. 3 Station, which took place at St. Vincent’s Hospital on Monday last from bullet wounds in the head, self inflicted, in the yard of his lodgings, Bourke-street, Darlinghurst, a few hours before.
John Healy, a barman, stated that he had occupied the same room as Hynes. About 11.45 on Sunday night last Hynes came home, and, going over to witness, who was in bed, said, ‘Goodbye, Jack ; you are the best friend I ever had, ” and kissed him on the forehead. Hynes then left the room, and went through the dining-room into the yard. He called out, ” Good-bye, missus, ” and almost immediately, two shots were heard. Healy rushed out to the back and saw Hynes lying in the yard with blood issuing from a wound in the head, and unconscious, a police revolver being a few feet away. Hynes was of a jovial disposition, and although his conduct was peculiar, witness could not believe that he intended taking his life. Healy did not know what caused him to commit the act.
Bridget Coughlan, the keeper of the house in which Hynes resided, stated that he had confided to her that he had an idea he would be mixed up in a divorce case. This preyed upon his mind, and he took too much drink. When he returned home on Sunday nighty she gave him a message that he would have to report himself for duty at once. He had been drinking. He was upset at receiving the message, and when asked if he had any trouble, or been dismissed, replied, ” It is all right, I am going to eternity. ” He then went upstairs, and afterwards witness heard him call out, ” Good bye, missus, ” the words being quickly followed by two revolver shots.
A finding of suicide was recorded.
Evening News ( Sydney ) Friday 28 December 1906 page 5 of 8
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POLICE CONSTABLE KILLS HIMSELF.
The inquest was held by the City Coroner concerning the death of Peter Hynes, 27, a constable of police. Hynes was found in the yard of his residence, Bourke-street, Surry Hills, early on Monday morning, with a bullet wound in the head, and died in St. Vincent’s Hospital the same day.
The evidence of John Healy showed that Hynes was in good health, and attended St. Mary’s Cathedral on Sunday morning, last. That night he went into Healy’s room, and said, ” Good-bye, Jack, you’re the best friend I ever had, ” and just afterwards made some reverential sign to a crucifix on the wall. Hynes went out, and 30 seconds later he called out, ” Good-bye, missus. ” Then two revolver shots were heard, and on going out witness found Hyne’s lying in the yard with the revolver near by.
Bridget Coghlan said that Hynes had been a boarder at her place for three years. He had told her he was afraid of being, mixed up in a divorce matter. On the night of his death a message came from No. 3 station for Hynes to report himself there, as he had been on sick leave, and was supposed to go back to duty that night. Witness delivered this message to Hynes, who exclaimed, ” It’s all right, I’m going to eternity. ”
A finding of suicide was recorded.
Sunday Times ( Sydney ) Sunday 30 December 1906 page 12 of 20
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POLICE OFFICER’S SUICIDE
MELBOURNE. October 7. Sgt. Edmund Forrest Mulcahy, officer in charge of the Geelong police, committed suicide today by shooting himself with a revolver.
Mulcahy had a severe attack of influenza a month ago and since then had been despondent and worried. He was under the impression that office work was beyond his capacity. He left a widow and seven children.
The Register ( Adelaide ) Tuesday 8 October 1912 page 7 of 12
Death of a Police Inspector.
SUPPOSED SUICIDE.
BRISBANE, Monday. — Police-inspector Durham was shot dead at Hughenden on Sunday. It is stated to be a case of suicide, but the whole affair is shrouded in mystery, and the officials here are very reticent. Some months ago Inspector Durham and other officers at Cairns were the subjects of an inquiry concerning the confession by a blackfellow of a murder, and alleged extortion by ill-treatment. The outcome of the Inquiry was that Durham was reduced from inspector to sub-inspector, and transferred from Cairns to Hughenden. Durham, who was regarded as a smart officer, came of good family in England, and entered the police service as a cadet officer.
Evening News ( Sydney ) Monday 26 November 1906 page 5 of 8
ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES
[BY TELEGRAPH.]
Sudden Death of a Sub-Inspector’s Wife.
Attempted Suicide of the Husband.
Sydney, Monday.
Barrier Miner ( Broken Hill ) Monday 20 July 1896 page 2 of 4
A telegram from Orange reports that at the police barracks there Mrs. Ford, wife of Sub-Inspector Ford, who was suffering from an affection of the heart, was suddenly seized with a fit. Doctor Crase was called in and found that the patient had become nearly exhausted by violent spasms. He went for some chloroform to be administered to her, but on his return, after only a few seconds absence, he found that Mrs. Ford had died from syncope in the interim. Inspector Ford had been sent for and arrived a few minutes before his wife’s death. He was distracted with grief and fired three shots from his revolver in an attempt to take his own life. One shot struck him in the jaw but inflicted no serious injury ; the others missed. The inspector, however, lies seriously ill from grief and shock.
Freeman’s Journal ( Sydney ) Saturday 14 October 1899 page 12 of 28
RECOGNITION OF DUTY WELL DISCHARGED.
SUB-INSPECTOR McDONALD PUBLICLY TESTIMONIALIZED.
No. 4 Division as it is officially phrased, but more popularly known as St. Patrick’s Parish, is in imminent danger of losing that fame so obligingly but unmeritably thrust upon it by a section of the press as the abode of ” the Rocks Push. ” Leaving out Parliamentary and Municipal elections, the chief public gatherings of the past two years have been those in which the people have spontaneously risen to give voice to generous recognition of deserving police officers leaving them either through retirement or well-merited promotion. This big hearted recognition of duty well done by members of a Force which watches over them night and day has been characteristic of this end of the city from the time when Inspector Anderson was promoted out of their midst to the present ; and that it is creditable to the citizenship of a law-abiding, peace-loving people, who will deny?
Recently, after a service of 26 years in the district, Senior-Sergeant John McDonald was promoted to a Sub-Inspectorship and the charge of Paddington district, and that a long service marked by a faithful performance of his duty was not lost upon the residents of No. 4 Division was proved by the fact that Mr. P. Nolan (who usually acts as secretary of such movements) was immediately requisitioned to receive the nucleus of a fund to fittingly entertain Inspector McDonald on his departure. The outcome was a valedictory presentation on Thursday last in the Federation Hall, Church Hill, in which upwards of 120 residents, ladies and gentlemen, took part. Refreshments were laid in true banqueting style, and it was during a lull in these proceedings that the presentation was made.
Alderman R. G. Watkins presided, and there were present amongst others : Mr. W. J. Spruson, M.P., Aldermen P. F. Hart and G. Smail, W. O. Healy, J. P., Very Rev. P. LeRennetel, E. O’Farrell, P. Nolan, J. Kilbeg. C. J. Morrissey, J. Keane, T. J. Purcell, J. Lynch, A. Ryan, G. Humphries, T. J. McMahon, T. O’Neill, W. Gunther, P. McManus.
The chairman called upon Mr. W. J. Spruson, M.P., to make the presentation on behalf of the residents.
Mr. Spruson said it afforded him the keenest pleasure to be associated with a movement such as that to honour a deserving public servant. An occasion like the present served not only to credit the district and to honour the man, but to show the authorities that in promoting men like Inspector McDonald they had the full approval of the people amongst whom their duty was cast. He then read the following address:-
” To Sub-Inspector John McDonald. Dear Sir, — Your promotion, to the rank of Sub-Inspector of Police and your transfer to the district of Paddington provide a fitting opportunity for an expression of the high regard in which you are held by those who have known you during your 26 years’ service in No. 4 Division of Sydney. An unstained record of 30 years’ service — a commendable, deliberate, and cautious method in the rigorous yet dutiful discharge of duty — and the frankness and fearlessness of character’ displayed alike in your official capacity and personal relations, which have earned for you a substantial recognition at the hands of your superiors, merit the warmest acknowledgment from your fellow-citizens. We trust that a capable discharge of the duties of your new position, and a continued display of those estimable qualities which have characterized your career in the past, will pave the way for further advancement, and retain for you that official and popular approbation which is the best reward of faithful service. (Signed— W. J. Spruson, P. F. Hart, R. G. Watkins, Virgoe, Son, and Chapman, Thomas Playfair, Patrick Keane, W. Owen Healy, T. J. McMahon, W. W. Aitkin, J. M. Stevens, B. Byrnes, J. A. O’Shea, M. Finnan, A. B. Holmes, James Inglis and Co., P. Le Rennetel, Geo. E. Smail, P. Nolan, John Keane, R. J. Lukie, Robt. Miller, John Bridge and Co., Ltd., James Dugan, John Smith, E. Resch, Rodolph Tudor, J. Lynch and Co., C. F. Cullen, D. A. Kenna and Co., D. A. Renard and Co., Ryall and Son.) ”
Mr. Spruson then presented the address, accompanied by a valuable gold watch (suitably inscribed), albert, and locket.
The address is a beautiful specimen of illumination in morocco portfolio form, beautified by touches of scenery about that portion of Port Jackson which has been the neighbourhood of his duty. The cover bears an elaborate monogram.
Sub-Inspector McDonald (who rose amidst enthusiastic applause) said he could not affect to feel anything but moved by the demonstration of esteem which marked his departure from the district in which he had served so long. Such a recognition of duty could not but prove an incentive to further devotion to the service with which he was indentified. His only regret was that his promotion entailed his severance from a district where he had so long served, and where had his wishes been consulted he would have served to the end. One thing he could assure them — that he would endeavour to prove that the confidence of the people of No. 4 Division was not misplaced ; and the handsome present they had just given him, as well as the warm feelings they expressed, would be regarded by him as long as he lived, and after him by his children, as something to be proud of. (Loud applause )
The toast of Sub-Inspector McDonald’s health and future success was proposed by Aldermen Watkins, Hart, and Smail, Father Le Rennetel, Mr. W. O. Healy, and Mr. E. O’Farrell.
In honour of the presence of a number of ladies their health was briefly but warmly moved by Mr. T. O’Neill, and enthusiastically received. Mr. J. J. Keenan suitably responded. Mrs. McDonald was presented with several rich and costly gifts.
LATE SUB-INSPECTOR DAVIS.
The Sydney Morning Herald Tuesday 21 July 1914 page 10 of 16
The funeral of the late Sub-Inspector Davis, of the Redfern division of the police, took place yesterday at Waverley Cemetery. There was a large attendance of members of the police force, among others being Superintendent Mitchell (representing the Inspector-General) and Superintendent Goulder, Inspectors McLean, Brooke, Spence, Childs, Kendall, Kelly, and Brack ;
Sub-Inspectors McCrimmon, Jones, Bannon, Stephens, Spence, Branston, Gumley, Fullerton, and Baxter; Senior-Sergeants O’Dea, Mankey, Sherwood, Evans, Doig, Allen, King, and Smith;
Sergeants Harrison, Hamilton, Sexton, Walker, and Bennett;
Senior-Constables Ross, Roche, Scott, Curtis, Morrow, Paine, Hickey, Leonard, and Archinall;
Constables Philpott, Anderson, Comans, James, Collins, Gillard, Davy, Jackson, Gilbert, Cummings, Laycock, Hargrave, Healey. McCormick, Shanahan, Keogh, Moylan, Bowman, King, Walker, Williams, Spencer, Asquith, Jackson, Hollis, Wood,
Detective Moore, Ex-Superintendent Sherwood, ex-Sergeant Meehan, ex-S.C. Trinder, ex S.C. Burke.
Among the civilians present were Messrs. T. P. D. Holden, M.L.C., M. McCabe, A. E. Powell.
At the cemetery gates about 100 members of the police force assembled, and followed the hearse to the grave. After the usual burial service a Masonic service was conducted by Bro. Rees, W.M., of the Lodge Zetland Australia.
Narrabri Cemetery
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James Smith was a brother of Mr. G. Smith of Oak Farm, Rosemonte, near Goulburn, NSW, and his father, who died a few years ago, was a well-known gardener of that place.
Father’s name: George
Mother’s name: Isabella
The Sydney Morning Herald ( NSW ) Friday 1 January 1897 page 5 of 8
SUICIDE BY A SUB-INSPECTOR OF POLICE.
NARRABRI, Thursday.
This morning Sub-inspector James Smith, the officer in charge of the Narrabri police district, was found dead. A report of a shot was heard and deceased’s son, who rushed into the room, found his father lying on the bed with a revolver on his breast. From appearances that weapon had exploded in the mouth and the bullet had passed into the brain. During the past fortnight Mr. Smith had been indisposed, and it is stated that when unwell he always became very despondent and developed symptoms of melancholia. Only one chamber of the revolver was discharged, and death was apparently instantaneous. Deceased was 50 years of age. He joined the police force 27 years ago, and, beginning as a constable, worked his way up to his present rank. During the past six years he has had charge of the Narrabri police district. Deceased leaves a widow and seven children. An inquest was opened at the courthouse this morning and adjourned till Monday.
Later particulars of the death of Sub-inspector Smith show that the deceased left three letters, one addressed to his wife, the second to Mr Kenyon, P. M., ( Police Magistrate ) and the third to Mr A. R. Stafford, of Barry and Stafford. In one letter he stated that he felt his mind was becoming unhinged and preferred death to living the remainder of his life in an asylum. The deceased had arranged all his affairs, leaving everything provided for. The Masons will accord the deceased a Masonic funeral, which takes place tomorrow morning. The family are left provided for.
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/14082580#pstart1362053
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Singleton Argus ( NSW ) Saturday 2 January 1897 page 2 of 6
The Late Sub-Inspector Smith.
Many old residents of Singleton will regret to hear of the death of Police Sub-Inspector James Smith at Narrabri, an account of whose tragic end is published in another column. Sub-Inspector Smith joined the police force about 1868, and after doing duty at Maitland for about two years he was transferred to Singleton, where he remained for some time under Inspector Thorpe, and afterwards he was stationed at Wollombi with the rank of senior-constable.
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Singleton Argus ( NSW ) Saturday 2 January 1897 page 6 of 6
SUICIDE OF A SUB-INSPECTOR.
Sub-Inspector James Smith who has had charge of the division at Narrabri aged 50 years, committed suicide on Thursday. He got up as usual, and went round the barracks, and at 8 o’clock went back to his bedroom. A few minutes later Senior-Sergeant Thomas Clarke, hearing a report of firearms rushed into the bedroom, and found the sub-inspector stretched on his bed with a bullet wound in his head. Death was instantaneous. The revolver was quite hot when the sergeant took it from the dead man’s hand. The only cause that ran be assigned for the terrible deed is that the sub-inspector had been ailing for the last three weeks, and his wife has also been ill for some time, and is at the present moment in a very bad condition.
Great surprise was expressed locally at the news, and also regret. Sub-Inspector Smith was well liked both in his official and private capacity. He was a member of the Masonic order, and also the M.U. ( Manchester Unity ) Order of Oddfellows. The deceased inspector joined the mounted police on January 15, 1868. On leaving the depot in Sydney he was sent to the north-western district, being first stationed at Maitland. From that place he was transferred to Muswellbrook as sergeant, and was promoted to senior-sergeant in April, 1883. In 1891 Mr Smith attained the rank he held at the time of his death, and was appointed to the Narrabri sub-district.
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The Maitland Weekly Mercury ( NSW ) Saturday 2 January 1897 page 3 of 16
Suicide of Sub-Inspector Smith at Narrabri.
Narrabri, Thursday
Great excitement prevailed in town this morning when a report became current that police Sub-Inspector James Smith had committed suicide at his residence between 8 and 9 o’clock by shooting himself through the head with a revolver, death being instantaneous. The report was immediately confirmed, and the particulars furnished go to show that the Sub-Inspector had been suffering from some slight illness for the past week, and had been subject to fits of melancholia for some time previous, but the commission of such a rash act was never dreamed of by his friends. The greatest sympathy is felt for his wife and family. An inquiry will be held during the day. Alater telegram states that Mr. Smith got up as usual, and went round the barracks. At 8 0’clock he went back to his bedroom, and a few minutes later Senior-Sergeant Clarke, hearing the report of firearms, rushed into the bedroom and found the Sub-Inspector stretched on his bed with a bullet wound in the head. Death had been instantaneous, and tbe revolver was quite hot when the Sergeant took it from the dead man’s hand. The only cause assigned for the terrible deed is that the Sub- Inspector has been ailing for the last three weeks, and his wife had also been ill for some, and at the present moment is in a very bad condition. Great surprise is expressed in town at the news, also regret. Mr. Smith was well-liked both in his official and private capacity. He was a member of the Masonic Order, and also of the Manchester Unity Order of Oddfellows. The late Mr. James Smith, or ” Long Smith ” as he was generally called by other members of the force to distinguish him from another officer of the same name, was well-known in the Maitland district, where the news of his death will create some excitement. Mr. Smith joined the police force about the year 1868, so that he had served 28 years and would in the natural course of events have retired in a couple of years’ time. In the 70’s he was stationed at Singleton under Inspector Thorpe, who has since retired, and later with the rank of senior-constable he was in charge at Wollombi. He was also stationed at several other places, and for a number of years prior to 1896 be was a senior-sergeant at Muswellbrook, in which year he was superseded by Senior-sergeant Cowan, now of East Maitland. Mr. Smith then went to Narrabri, with the rank of sub-inspector in charge of the sub-district of Narrabri, which is a most important one, including as it does Moree. During the miners’ strike at Greta, Mr. Smith was one of the officers engaged there. He was 50 years of age, and, as stated in our telegram, leaves a wife and family. Mr. Smith was a fine soldierly man in appearance, and was a noted strict disciplinarian.
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