Memorial: NSW Police force Service Memorial Wall, Sydney Police Centre, Surry Hills, C24 ( right wall )
JACKSON, Graeme “Jacko”
The relatives and friends of Jacko are warmly invited to attend a celebration of his life to be held at the Northcliffe Chapel of Hansen & Cole Funerals, 634 Northcliffe Drive, Kembla Grange on Friday November 29th 2013 commencing at 2:00pm.
The family request in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Wollongong Hospital ICU. A bowl will be located at the chapel door.
Suddenly taken from us way too soon. Adored and much loved husband of Sue. Beloved son of Enid & John (dec). Brother of Liz. Uncle to Tara and great uncle to Adam and Ellie. Legend dad to Daniel & Alannah, Jason & Christa, Lance & Debra, Brett & Lucia. Grandfather of Zac, Tia, Cory, Tyler and Beau. Lost mate of Kim and Jim (Three Musketeers).
The Canberra Times Monday 27 November 1972 page 3 of 18 http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/110622472?searchTerm=cyprus%20australian%20contingent&searchLimits=l-decade=197
Richard Andrew KENNY
| 24/11/2013
Richard Andrew KENNY
NSW Police Force
Probationary Constable
Registered # 48810
29 October 2013
Liver Cancer
Memorial: NSW Police force Service Memorial Wall, Sydney Police Centre, Surry Hills, D32 ( left wall )
Probationary Constable Richard KENNY
Richard Andrew KENNY, 39 old, a Serving member of New South Wales Police Force, passed away on Tuesday 29 October 2013 and his funeral has been held.
SenCon Steve BALLARD – Funeral service booklet – front page only
NSW Police Academy Constable 1st Class Course # 12 – Class B 2 August 1982 – 27 August 1982 Back Row: Greg NEWHAM, Des LAKIN, Stephen MILLS, Callum CURRIE, Mario ZANATTO, John MARINE, Murray BAKER, Phil BELL Middle Row: Lionel SMITH, Allan GREEN, Ken TOPHAM ( Liverpool ), Stephen GIBSON, Helmut MYERS, Steve KOZICKI ( Liverpool ), Peter HARTNEY, George HEATH Front Row: Terry BUXTON ( Warilla HWP ), Norm PLACE, Deryck MARTIN, Sgt 2/C M.R. TUMETH ( Instructor ), Sgt 1/C Kev JOHNSON ( Director ), Sergeant 3/C John A. GRAHAM # 10775 ( Instructor ), Stephen BALLARD # 16127, Sue BYTHEWAY
Detective Sergeant Steve BALLARD attested on 17 February 1973 with the New South Wales Police Force and served in various locations across the state, including Manly ( 14 Division ) in 1974.
Towards the end of his service, he served at the Goulburn Police Station ( 1989 – 1994 ) and the New South Wales Police Academy ( 1994 – 1998 )
Steve was a very popular and respected police office whose friendship and good humour will be greatly missed by his family and his many friends.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Event – Attempt Murder of Constable Patrick McGuire – July 1841
Constable John McGUIRE in July, 1841.
Previous editions of this book ‘ Beyond Courage ‘ (and other works) have listed the death, near Goulburn, of Constable John McGuire. Recent research has shown that the constable’s name was actually Patrick McGuire, he was stationed at Queanbeyan, and he survived being shot and viciously assaulted in February, 1840 by bushrangers Patrick ‘Paddy’ Curran and James Berry. Both were later arrested and convicted of shooting Constable Patrick McGuire with intent to murder him..
McGUIRE, John
Constable
July, 1841
James In July, 1841, Constable McGuire was escorting two bushrangers, James Berry and Patrick ‘ Paddy ‘ Curran, to Berrima Gaol. Both prisoners escaped after shooting the Constable near Goulburn. No other details are known.
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The Sydney Monitor and Commercial Advertiser ( NSW )
Monday 20 September 1841 page 2 of 4
Supreme Court. EQUITY SIDE
CIRCUIT COURT—BERRIMA. The Court was opened on Wednesday last, by His Honor Mr. Justice Burton, with the usual ceremonies.
Mr. Edmond Burton; the Clerk of Arraigns, having read over the proclamation against vice and immorality, the Jury were called over, when it appeared that several gentlemen had been summoned from Goulburn and other places, exceeding the distance of thirty miles, appointed by the Act. His Honor ordered them to be discharged.
His Honor then delivered a lengthy address, which our space will not allow us to insert in this publication.
Patrick Curran was first placed at the bar and indicted for ravishing, one Mary Wilmore, at Bungadore, ( Bungendore ) on the 8th of February, 1841.
It appeared by the evidence adduced, that the prosecutrix was the wife, of a labouring man, who resided near Bungadore, and that on the day stated in the indictment, her husband went to some place a few miles off. During her husband’s absence from home, the prisoner and a man named White, went into the hut and obliged the prosecutrix to make them some tea; the prosecutrix went out of the hut to procure some wood; when Curran followed her, knocked her down, and putting a knife across her throat, then committed the offence with which he was now charged.
The Jury found the prisoner guilty.
Patrick Curran was again placed at the bar, and indicted for aiding one Patrick Berry to shoot at a person named Patrick McGuire, with intent to murder him. The following are the circumstances of the case; the prisoner had been committed to take his trial, having been guilty of a variety of offences, and was sent, together with a man named Berry, towards Berrima, with an escort of two constables named McGuire and Wilmore. On their route, they stopped at a hut to have some tea; Wilmore left the hut, and having been absent for a considerable space of time, McGuire went to call him; at this moment, Curran and Berry made a rush and seized the constables’ muskets, which were left in the hut. They then came out of the hut; and, presenting the muskets at the constables, demanded the key of the handcuffs. Wilmore ran away, but McGuire rushed upon the prisoners and, seized Curran’s musket, and held Berry in such a way that he could not present his gun ; a scuffle ensued, and Berry got his gun released, and McGuire was then shot in the back of the head and shoulder, and was severely beaten by the prisoners as to remain for a long time insensible.
His Honor charged the Jury, and said that the point for their consideration was, whether Berry actually fired the gun, or whether it went off by accident during the struggle.
The Jury after about a quarter of an hour’s deliberation, found the prisoner guilty.
His Honor then passed sentence upon the prisoner.
The Court adjourned until Thursday.
Australasian Chronicle ( Sydney )
Tuesday 21 September 1841 page 2 of 4
Berrima Assizes Wednesday, September 16. This morning, about ten o’clock, his Honor Mr. Justice Burton, accompanied by the High Sheriff, arrived at Berrima, escorted by some of the most respectable settlers in the district; and shortly after the court was opened with the usual formalities. The royal proclamation against vice and immorality, and for the encouragement of piety and virtue, having been read by the judge’s marshal, and silence being commanded, his Honor delivered the following charge:- …….
Patrick Curran was then indicted for having committed a rape on the person of Mary Welsmore, a married woman, at Bungadore, ( Bungendore ) on the night of the 8th December, 1841.
Mary Wellsmore – I know the prisoner at the bar; he came to my house on the night of the 8th of December, about eleven o’clock; he knocked and asked me to let him in, and I refused; I then threatened to shoot him, and he said if I fired I should not live a minute longer; he then forced the door open; I had a child in my arms at the time; he then forced me to make him some tea; there was another man (White) along with him; I had no candles, and the light I had was by burning small dry wood and when I was going out for some more wood White would not let me go. Prisoner then said it was no …. use, he must have what he wanted ; I then ran out, and he followed me and knocked me down; I screamed and called out to White to come to my assistance; he did not come, but went to hide himself. Prisoner then took out a knife and drew it across my throat; I can swear it was the blade part he put on my throat, and said, you – – , if you do not be quiet I will cut your throat, and throw you into the waterhole.
The rest of the evidence was such as to render it unfit for publication, the prosecutrix having distinctly proved the capital part of the charge.
Cross-examined by Mr. Hustler.–I have been married seven years; I lived before I was married at Oliver and Smart’s, in Pitt-street, Sydney; I have three children; they were all born since I was married.; I never saw the prisoner before that night; I did not know his name was Patrick Curran; they told me that was his name; I tasted the rum; I did not drink it; they forced me to taste it; I did it through fear; they were there about an hour; it might be more; my husband was gone to Goulburn; the nearest hut is not a quarter of a mile, about five or six minutes’ walk; I shouted for assistance; no one came; the men told me next day they heard me; Mr. Griffiths told me next day that it was Curran, from the marks and description I gave of him; I said he had a blue jacket and white trousers, and a flat nose; Mr. Griffiths said it was Paddy Curran, and that he had insulted another female that day.
By the court -I came a free immigrant; I came in the Duchess of Northumberland; I lived only six weeks at Oliver and Smart’s, when I got married.
By a juror – White was brought singly when I saw them; Curran was also taken singly; the people told me Paddy Curran was taken, and I went to identify him.
Re-examined–I would have known the prisoner among six men; I should have picked him out of half a dozen.
Patrick Macguire– I am a constable in the district of Queanbeyan; I apprehended the prisoner at the Black Range, at Molonglo, about twelve months ago; John Nuttall was with me when I took him; prisoner had a pistol in his possession.; I knew Curran to be a runaway prisoner of the Crown.’
Mr. Hustler addressed the jury for the prisoner, commenting on the nature of the evidence, and said that it was such as the jury could not solely depend upon, and that in cases of this kind corroborative testimony ought always to be adduced, or else an accusation was easily made out, and very difficult to be defended by the prisoner.
The jury retired for about twenty minutes, and returned a verdict of guilty.
The prisoner was again placed at the bar, and indicted, as an accessory with one James or John Berry, for shooting at Pat McGuire, at the Ten-mile station, with intent, &c.
The jury, after deliberating about a quarter of an hour, brought in a verdict of guilty.
Sentence of death was passed. The prisoner said, in a loud voice, “You’re hanging a better man than the prosecutors;” and did not appear in the least degree moved by his fate.
Memorial location: All Nations Park war memorial, Separation St, Northcote, Vic.
James, Andrea and Joshua Kilmartin.
First Constable Andrea Walsh at a service honouring the late Sergeant Brian Kilmartin.
Servicemen and women honoured the late Sergeant Brian Kilmartin.
[alert_blue]BRIAN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_blue]
* NOT JOB RELATED
The Funeral of Sergeant BRIAN KILMARTIN will be held in the Chapel of the Victoria Police Academy, View Mount Rd, Glen Waverley on THURSDAY (October 10) at 2.00 pm.
POLICE HONOURS
Brian’s interment will take place at the Tatura Lawn Cemetery (Winter Rd) on FRIDAY (October 11) at 12.00 noon.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Heart Foundation would be appreciated. Envelopes at the Service.
The Age, Tuesday October 8, 2013
Messages:
KILMARTIN. Brian Gerard.
11.6.1964 – 30.9.2013
Beloved husband of Andrea.
Loved and loving father of Joshua and James.
Youngest son of Tom (dec. ) and Pat (Kyabram/Tatura) and brother of David and Chris, Tony and Angela, Dennis and Rosemary, Brendan and their families.
KILMARTIN. Brian. Killer, you are a legend of the job and will never be forgotten.
Steve “Trigger and Robyn Waite.
KILMARTIN. Brian. Always knowledgeable, always approachable. Best Sergeant we ever had. Rest In Peace
Nick and Jo Parissis.
KILMARTIN Brian Sergeant 24519
Members past and present of Northcote Police Station are saddened by the sudden loss of our highly respected work colleague and friend.
Killer, you were a man of few words but those words were always full of wisdom and humour. You will be sadly missed.
Condolences to Andrea, Josh, James and the Kilmartin family.
KILMARTIN. Brian. Sergeant 24519
Management and Staff of North West Metro Region, Division 5 extend their deepest sympathy to Andrea, Josh and James on the loss of Brian. Our thoughts are with you.
KILMARTIN. Brian. Sincere sympathy to our friend Andrea and Joshua and James on the loss of your beloved husband and father, Brian. He will be sadly missed
David, Rosemary, Linda, Sheryl, Judy, Grace, Alyx and all at North Balwyn Eye Clinic and Specialist Centre.
KILMARTIN. Brian. The Members of the Doncaster Junior Football Club are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of our fellow member and friend. Sincere condolences to Andrea, Josh and James.
KILMARTIN. Brian. You will be missed by all of your old detective buddies and friends at the High Street Blues.
KILMARTIN. Brian. Thank you for your friendship, memories and wonderful sense of humour. You always made me laugh. I can’t believe you’re gone. Much love to Andrea, your beautiful boys and the Kilmartin family. Muzza Porter and family.
KILMARTIN. Brian. Sgt. 24519 Good man, great Sergeant Sadly missed by all at Reservoir Police Station.
KILMARTIN Brian Loved son-in-law of Judith Robinson, brother-in-law and uncle of Louise, Sarah and Aaron, Aimee, Samuel and Jessie Lucas; Peter, Sharon, Christopher, Laura and Alex Robinson; Paul, Elsa, Matthew and John Robinson. Simply the Best
KILMARTIN. Brian. Sergeant 24519 The Chief Commissioner, Officers and Employees of the Victoria Police Force regret the passing of their colleague and offer their deepest sympathy to his family.
KILMARTIN. Brian. Cherished nephew and Godson of Bill (dec. ) and Marie Davies. Loved cousin of Jill, Denise, John, Anne, Nick and Cathy. Forever in our hearts
KILMARTIN. Brian Gerard. Loved brother of Dennis and Rosemary. Uncle of Thomas and Anna. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal.
KILMARTIN. Brian. From those heady days at Carlton and Fairfield until now. Killer, you will be sadly missed. Ray and Leanne Foster.
KILMARTIN. Brian. The President, Executive and Members of The Police Association mourn the passing of Sergeant Kilmartin and extend their deepest sympathy to his family. At Rest
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Northcote police officer posthumously honoured with Breavington Award
Julia Irwin, Northcote Leader
A NORTHCOTE police officer known for quietly going beyond the call of duty was posthumously recognised for his outstanding service to the community.
Peers at Northcote police station were unanimous in their decision to honour the late Sergeant Brian Kilmartin with the Breavington Award, which was presented to his widow Andrea and sons Joshua, 16, and James, 14, after a ceremony at All Nations Park war memorial last week.
Sergeant Kilmartin died from heart failure on September 30 last year, aged 49.
The award for policing excellence is presented annually in memory of former Northcote police officer and World War II prisoner of war Corporal Rodney Breavington.
Northcote police Senior Sergeant David Yates described the late Sergeant Kilmartin as a dedicated, kind and caring police officer.
“He was particularly caring when it came to the elderly,” Sen-Sgt Yates said.
“When an elderly man was reported missing in Fairfield, Brian came back on his own time and continued the search. That was the kind of man he was.”
During Tuesday’s ceremony, a plaque honouring Sergeant Kilmartin and former posthumous Breavington Award winners Senior Constables Mark Bateman and Fiona Robinson (killed in a car crash in May 2000), was unveiled on the war memorial usually reserved for military personnel.
Corporal Rodney Breavington, a former Fairfield resident, was executed by the Japanese in Singapore in 1942 during World War II after escaping from a prison camp where thousands of allies were held.
He and three other prisoners were forced to dig their own graves before facing a firing squad.
Breavington pleaded with his executioners to shoot him and free the other men but his captors ignored the plea.
He refused a blindfold and clutched a photo of his wife as he was shot dead.
Darebin RSL spokesman Bill Mountford said police, like other servicemen and women, put their lives on the line.
He said it was fitting that recipients of the Breavington Award who’d lost their lives while serving their communities should get recognition with a plaque on the war memorial.
But Mr Mountford said he hoped there would be no need for any more plaques to be awarded posthumously.
Senior Constable Paul Kennedy, aged 51, died whilst on holidays at Scotts Head, NSW, on Thursday 4 October, 2001, as a result of a heart attack & drowning in the surf.
Paul had been performing General Duties at the Wollongong ( NSW ) Local Area Command prior to his death.
His funeral Service was held at Parson’s Funeral Parlours, 278 Princes Hwy, Bulli, at 10am on Wednesday 10 October which was followed by a private cremation service at the Wollongong Crematorium.
Memorial: the “Chuck Connor” trophy for “reteam on Course Dux”
Glenn Connor
24 September 2000
Acting Sgt Glen “Chuck” Connor, 38 old, who lived at Otford, died about 11am in a hang gliding collision at Stanwell Tops.
He had a female passenger from Albion Park Rail and collided with another paraglider, being piloted by Vitali Kouznetsov from Hurstville as the second glider took off from Bald Hill they became entangled. The woman and Vitali survived the crash.
Glen was also the owner / operator of “Skybound Hang Gliding School” and had been a qualified hang gliding instructor since 21 July 1983 with approximately 1850 hours hang gliding experience.
Glen’s wife, Sue and brother Adrian were on the hill and witnessed the accident.
Glen used to work at Wollongong G.D’s, South Region Dog Squad around 1992 & his dogs name was ‘Jet’ and, from memory, Wollongong Prosecutors.
At the time of his death he was stationed at Sutherland Prosecutors.
May Glen forever Rest In Peace.
Accident location
Illawarra Mercury Page 11 Wednesday 21 March 2001
Armed hold up at service station. Illawarra Mercury page 9 Monday 10 February 1992 with police dog Jet
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Hang-gliders hurt in Stanwell Park crash landing
BRETT COX
Two hang-gliders had to be rescued by helicopter from a rock at the bottom of a cliff after they were injured during a tandem flight at Stanwell Park.
The delicate rescue operation occurred under a darkening sky after an unexpected change of wind forced the emergency landing about 4.30pm yesterday.Hang-glider operator Tony Armstrong, 55, of the Stanwell Park Hang-gliding and Paragliding School, was initially knocked unconscious while landing on the rock.
He was later taken by helicopter to St George Hospital with head injuries and is in a stable condition.
The other man, an Irishman in his 30s visiting Australia on a working holiday visa, received cuts to his leg and was driven by ambulance to Wollongong Hospital.
Mark Mitsos, secretary of the school, told the Mercury northern suburbs man Mr Armstrong had more than 25 years’ hang-gliding experience and had spent thousands of hours in the air off Bald Hill.
“There was a very sudden change in wind direction and he effectively had to make an emergency landing down at the bottom – and there’s not too many options down there,” Mr Mitsos said.
Local hang-glider Matt Radzyner said sudden wind changes at Bald Hill were almost impossible to predict. He praised Mr Armstrong.
“He would have been in control the whole time and he obviously put his passenger first because his passenger had much lesser injuries.
“He took the brunt of the crash.
“The injured Irishman used his mobile phone to call five friends waiting on Bald Hill, who walked 40 minutes down a steep track to the men’s aid.
Ambulance officers began the trek just after 5pm, but the rescue helicopter reached the injured men first and winched them back to the top of the cliff.
The friends were transported to a nearby beach.
The most high-profile hang-gliding accident in recent times at Bald Hill occurred in September 2000 and left two dead.
Police officer Sergeant Glenn Connor, of Otford, was flying tandem with an Albion Park Rail woman when their gilder became tangled in the lines of a paraglider being flown by Hurstville man Vitali Kouznetsov.
Probationary Constable – appointed 27 January 1989
Senior Constable – death
Stations: Windsor, Penrith HWP ( 9 years ), Manning Great Lakes LAC ( from April 2005 – 31 July 2007 ) Forster HWP – death
Service: From? ? 1988 to 31 July 2007 = 19+ years Service
Awards: Police Valour Award – presented on 7 August 2007 ( posthumously ),
Region Certificate of Appreciation,
State Emergency Service Medal.
No find on It’s An Honour
Born: 5 July 1967
Died on: Tuesday 31 July 2007
Cause: Died from injuries received, as a pedestrian, whilst Off Duty, saving the life of another
Event location: Manning St, Tuncurry
Age: 40
Funeral date: Monday 6 August 2007
Funeral location: Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, Taree
Buried at: Manning Great Lakes Memorial Gardens Portion: Mon Row: B129
Memorial: 1/ NSW Police Force Service Memorial Wall, Sydney Police Centre, Surry Hills, D30 ( left wall )
2/ Manning Great Lakes – Manning 206 HWP vehicle bearing personalised number plates
Paul William MORRIS & Tracey Fergus
Manning Great Lakes 206 ( Manning 206 )
Manning Great Lakes 206 ( Manning 206 )
[alert_green]PAUL is mentioned on the NSW Police Force Service Memorial Wall at the SPC
D 30 Left Wall[/alert_green]
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The Daily Telegraph 31 July 2007
Pedestrian cop killed in smash
The scene… where two off-duty police officers were struck by a car on the NSW mid-north coast today.
AN off-duty policeman has died after being pinned between his car and a second vehicle which crossed to the wrong side of a road on the NSW mid-north coast, police say.
Senior Constable Paul Morris, 40, died on Wharf Street, Tuncurry about 12.55pm (AEST) today after he was struck by the car, NSW Police Commissioner Ken Moroney said.
Mr Moroney said a second off-duty officer, a 36-year-old woman, was also injured in the incident but had been treated and released from Tuncurry Hospital.
“We understand at this time that a motor vehicle approached from the opposite direction and, for reasons yet to be established, it appears to have mounted a median strip,” Mr Moroney told Southern Cross Broadcasting.
“It has travelled onto the incorrect side of the road and struck Senior Constable Morris, who was pinned beside his vehicle. He was killed by his injuries.”
The incident was witnessed by fellow officers, police said in a statement.
Mr Moroney said the policeman was a single man who was “close friends” with his female colleague.
The driver of the other vehicle had been taken to hospital in a state of shock, he said.
Mr Moroney and Deputy Commissioner Andrew Scipione were tonight on their way to Tuncurry.
Police Minister David Campbell offered sympathy to the families of the two officers.
Highway patrol officers “held back tears” as NSW Police Commissioner Ken Moroney offered them support over the death of an off-duty colleague in a freak car accident.
One witness told police Senior Constable Paul Morris died as he pushed his girlfriend, an off-duty officer who was injured in the incident, out of the way of an out-of-control car on the NSW mid-north coast on Tuesday.
Snr Const Morris, 40, died on Wharf Street, Tuncurry, about 12.55pm (AEST) after he was struck by the reversing car that pinned him to his own vehicle, police said.
A 36-year-old woman, who was in a relationship with Snr Const Morris, was also injured in the incident but had been treated at Manning Base Hospital and discharged.
Mr Moroney and Deputy Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione rushed to Tuncurry late on Tuesday to console local officers, some of whom saw the fatal collision.
Tony Ritchie, spokesman for the commissioner, said Mr Moroney and Mr Scipione also visited Snr Const Morris’ parents on Tuesday night to offer their support.
“There was a gathering of highway patrol officers in another house,” Mr Ritchie said.
“They walked through, shared the comfort, shook hands and watched as big men held back tears as they talked about friends.
“Same with the parents, they offered what comfort they could.”
Mr Ritchie described the collision near the Bellevue Hotel, a favourite haunt of off-duty police, as “freakish”.
He said it appeared the car that hit the officers, described as a silver Subaru station wagon by one witness, became locked in reverse as it tried to park.
Another witness told police the car’s tyres were smoking as it veered out of control, he said.
“(Snr Const Morris) was standing on a median strip, he was just about to walk across the road to get into his car,” Mr Ritchie said.
“He had to literally walk across one lane to get into his car and (another) car in some bizarre way somehow locked itself into reverse and comes veering across one lane … over the median strip and knocked him further across the road into his car.
“(The car) could have been one foot either way, six inches either way and (Snr Const Morris) would have said ‘Gee, what was that all about’.”
Mr Moroney’s spokesman said police were still looking for witnesses but one had told them Snr Const Morris tried to save his girlfriend.
“One of the witnesses said he’s pushed her out of the way as the car’s come across the road,” he said.
“But (the witness was) looking the other way, mind you, and it was all in a split second.”
Mr Ritchie said police were still considering whether it was appropriate to charge the driver of the Subaru, who was also injured in the incident.
THE distraught girlfriend of a policeman who died while pushing her from the path of an out-of-control car has described how the hero officer’s actions saved her life.
Tracey Fergus was yesterday suffering physical injuries and a broken heart after the death of Senior Constable Paul Morris, her boyfriend of four years.
As the couple crossed the main street of Tuncurry, on the NSW mid-North Coast, on Tuesday afternoon a car suddenly reversed towards them.
Sen-Constable Morris tried to push Ms Fergus, who is also a police officer, out of the way, but both were struck by the vehicle.
The off-duty highway patrol officer took the full force of the car and died at the scene from massive injuries.
“That was Paul, he tried to push me out of the way as best he could,” a shattered Ms Fergus told The Daily Telegraph yesterday.
“He was the best person in the world. He had a heart of gold.”
Nursing visible injuries from the incident, Ms Fergus smiled as her boyfriend’s family told of his three great loves – his girlfriend, his family and his fishing. “I sometimes wonder if fishing might have come first,” Ms Fergus said with a smile.
Just three weeks ago, Ms Fergus organised a surprise 40th birthday party for Sen-Constable Morris.
“I didn’t know whether he’d kill me for organising it or if he’d be OK about it,” Ms Fergus said.
But there was no mistaking how the policeman felt about the gesture.
The officer’s mother Marie Morris revealed: “He said to me afterwards ‘Mum, she is the best thing that has ever happened to me’.”
The investigation into the incident continued yesterday, with crash unit officers from Newcastle closing off Manning St in the town centre while they retraced the pair’s movements.
Sen-Constable Morris and Ms Fergus had been to a shop and were on a median strip waiting to get back to their car when the accident happened.
“It looks as if he’s been reversing back and somehow he’s come spearing across and hit the two officers, who were standing on the median strip,” a police spokesman said.
The 61-year-old male driver of the car was assisting police with inquiries late yesterday.
A full police funeral will be held for Sen-Constable Morris next week.
“He was a terrific policeman and he had the best group of workmates you could ever have,” his mother said.
The officer’s grieving colleagues visited his family after the accident, as did Police Commissioner Ken Moroney and Deputy Commissioner Andrew Scippione.
Workmates struggling to come to terms with the popular officer’s death have been offered counselling.
REST IN PEACE SENIOR CONSTABLE Paul MORRIS
31 July 2007
NSW POLICE FORCE
A DEVOTED partner, professional colleague and great mate is how Senior Constable Paul Morris will be remembered.
His three great loves in life were his partner Tracey, his family and his fishing, although not necessarily in that order – his brother Peter revealed at his funeral service.
Hundreds of people attended the full police funeral at Taree’s Our Lady of Rosary Catholic Church including Commissioner Ken Moroney, Deputy Commissioner Andrew Scipione and colleagues from Sydney and the Manning Great Lakes.
The Manning Great Lakes highway patrol officer was killed in a freak traffic accident in Tuncurry last Tuesday.
In an act of bravery, the off duty officer who was standing in Manning St with his partner Senior Constable Tracey Fergus, jumped in front of her, protecting her from an out of control car which had crossed the median strip.
He bore the the brunt of the impact and later died at the scene.
Senior Constable Morris joined the NSW Police Force as a trainee in 1988 and later assigned to Windsor following successful training. He moved into the highway patrol sector and this included a nine year period with the Penrith Highway Patrol. He successfully transferred to Manning Great Lakes Command in April 2005 where he continued his role in keeping the road toll down.
Commissioner Moroney said Senior Constable Morris’ death was a tragic loss.
“Senior Constable Paul Morris was the type of professional police officer the NSW Police Force could not afford to lose.”
He added he was honoured to confirm Senior Constable Morris had been appointed a posthumous commendation for bravery in recognition of his actions in Tuncurry last Tuesday when he put his own life on the line to protect his partner Senior Constable Tracey Fergus.
“I pay a special tribute to his partner Tracey and parents Bill and Marie for the dedication and support they unreservedly gave to Paul throughout his career. I offer my deepest sympathy on his tragic and untimely death.”
Peter told the congregation his brother’s death had left a huge hole in their lives.
“We have lost our best mate,” he said.
“While he may not be here in body he will be here in spirit.
“He had one of the biggest hearts. Paul you are our hero and we won’t forget you.”
A message read on behalf of Tracey gave a true picture of her life partner.
“He was a true gentleman. He was my soul mate. Not a day went by when he didn’t have a smile on his face or come out with a cheeky one-liner.
“It’s not often in a lifetime you meet a man like Paul Morris.
“Thank you for honouring him.”
Local Area Commander Superintendent Peter Thurtell said Senior Constable Morris was a true professional, working hard to keep local roads safe.
“Paul was our friend and he will always be.
“Paul was our colleague and he will always be.
“He was the essence of what is good about policing and he will always be.”
“Tomorrow and beyond the police family will now turn its attention to Tracey.
“This is, I believe, how Paul would have insisted it be.”
Senior Constable Paul Morris posthumously received the Certificate of Service, Region Certificate of Appreciation and State Emergency Service Medal.
Selfless act of a courageous man … police colleagues carry the coffin of Sen-Constable Paul Morris. Picture: Rob McKell
ON crutches and visibly injured, Tracey Fergus yesterday recalled the golden heart of her hero boyfriend who sacrificed his life to save hers.
The injured policewoman smiled bravely as she accepted a police valour award for Senior-Constable Paul Morris at his funeral service.
He was killed last Tuesday while pushing Ms Fergus out of the path of an out-of-control car. The couple had been crossing the main street in Tuncurry, on the mid-North Coast, when a car driven by an elderly man veered towards them.
Police Commissioner Ken Moroney told mourners at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church in Taree that it was the quick-thinking actions of Sen-Constable Morris in pushing Ms Fergus out of way that saved her life.
“He is awarded for his selflessness and courage and for the swift and evasive action to remove his partner out of harm’s way,” Mr Moroney said.
In tributes farewelling the officer, the congregation heard of Sen-Constable Morris’s love of life, his family, his friends and his job in highway patrol – a role he carried out for 19 years.
“He was a highly regarded and respected man who served the community with courage, honour and distinction,” Mr Moroney said.
Despite her injuries, Ms Fergus smiled graciously as she accepted the Police Commissioner’s Commendation for Courage medal on Sen-Constable Morris’s behalf.
In a eulogy read on her behalf, Ms Fergus said Sen-Constable Morris was a gentle, loving and caring man who had a heart of gold.
“Paul was a true gentleman not a day went by when he didn’t have a smile on his face,” Ms Fergus wrote in the eulogy.
Superintendent Peter Thurtell described Sen-Const Morris as the “consummate professional” with an love of highway patrol.
“His colleagues looked forward to working a shift with him because they could be guaranteed hard work as well as good fun and lots of laughter,” Supt Thurtell said. “He is the essence of what is good about policing and he will always be.”
At the end of the funeral service, Sen-Constable Morris’s coffin was driven through a guard-of-honour, formed by officers who gathered to to farewell their colleague.
In a tribute to the highway patrolman, the procession was lead from the church by his former police car, Manning 206.
