Richard Charles WHITTAKER

| 30/07/2015

Richard Charles WHITTAKER

aka Dick

NSW Redfern Police Academy # 162

“possible” relation in “the job”: A.R. WHITTAKER, NSWPF # 8649

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. # 18588

Joined NSW Police Force via NSW Police Cadet system on 1 February 1977

Cadet # 3334

Rank: NSW Police Cadet – commenced 1 February 1977 ( aged 16 years, 9 months, 16 days )

Probationary Constable – appointed 17 April 1979 ( 19 years, 0 months, 1 day )

Detective – appointed ? ? ? ( YES )

Constable – appointed ? ? ?

Constable 1st class – appointed 16 April 1984

Senior Constable – appointed 16 April 1988

Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 27 September 1991

Final Rank: Detective Sergeant – Death

Stations: ?, Gosford Drug Unit ( Brisbane Waters LAC ) – Death

Service: From 1 February 1977 to 28 September 1991 = 14 years, 7 months, 27 Service

Time in Retirement: 0

Age at Retirement: n/a

Awards: No find on It’s An Honour

Born: Saturday 16 April 1960

Died on: Saturday 28 September 1991 @ Royal North Shore Hospital, NSW

Cause: Cerebral Haemorrhage

Age: 31 years, 5 months, 12 days

Funeral date: ? October 1991

Funeral location: ?

Buried at: CREMATED:

Ashes Interred in the Palmdale Lawn Cemetery & Memorial Park, Palmdale Rd, Palmdale, NSW

Rose Garden, 26A, Site 58

Memorial Plaque: Point Frederick Pioneer Park, 1 Albany St, Pt Frederick, NSW

-33.449594 151.341945

Memorial Plaque location:

Touch plate for Richard Charles WHITTAKER at the National Police Wall of Remembrance

DICK IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance

Grave plate: This plaque was laid in memory of RICHARD CHARLES WHITTAKER, a Detective Sgt of Police attached to the Gosford Drug Unit, who died of a work related illness on the 28th of September, 1991, whilst in the service of the people of New South Wales & the Central Coast area. Richard was born in the Point Frederick area and spent many of his childhood days in this park. Dedicated by his family & many friends on the 16. 4. 1992. — Memorial plaque: This plaque was laid in memory of RICHARD CHARLES WHITTAKER, a Detective Sgt of Police attached to the Gosford Drug Unit, who died of a work related illness on the 28th of September, 1991, whilst in the service of the people of New South Wales & the Central Coast area.
Richard was born in the **Point Frederick area** and spent many of his **childhood days in this park**.
Dedicated by his family & many friends on the **16. 4. 1992**.

Richard Charles WHITTAKER - Memorial Plaque - Pt Frederick, ( Central Coast ), NSW, as of April 2022. Credit: Kevin Banister. — Richard Charles WHITTAKER – Memorial Plaque – Pt Frederick, ( Central Coast ), NSW, as of **April 2022**. Credit: Kevin Banister.

Richard Charles WHITTAKER - Grave location. Palmdale Cemetery, Palmdale, NSW — Richard Charles WHITTAKER – Grave location. Palmdale Cemetery, Palmdale, NSW

Before his death Detective Sergeant Whittaker and other Police had been involved in a major drug investigation which had resulted in the arrest of eighteen offenders. Corruption allegations were made by a number of the offenders resulting in a Police Internal Security Unit investigation.

During the protracted internal investigation the Sergeant was under enormous pressure and as a result suffered a cerebral haemorrhage.

He passed away at the Royal North Shore Hospital on 28 September 1991.

He was posthumously cleared of all allegations by Judge Allen at the Sydney District Court on 30 September 1991.

The Sergeant was born in 1960 and joined the New South Wales Police Service, via the NSW Police Cadet system on 1 February 1977 and was Attested, as a Probationary Constable on 17 April 1979.

At the time of his death he was attached to the Gosford Drug Unit.

‘Our boys haven’t been forgotten’: Policemen honoured in Brisbane Water row

September 15, 2015 3:16pm

Geraldine Cardozo Central Coast Gosford Express Advocate

(L-R) Sarah Matthews, Kylie Kerr and Tracey Holt remember their police officer partners at Gosford waterfront. Brisbane Water LAC officers will be taking to the water in honour of the policemen.

When Sarah Matthews returned home after her shift at Gosford Hospital on the evening of April 13, 2002 and spotted a row of waiting police cars she thought the neighbours were having a noisy party.

“It never struck me what was coming next,” remembers the emergency nurse who was told the worst — her fiancée Senior-Constable Chris Thornton had been killed on duty hours earlier.

“It didn’t hit me. Even when I was told. I don’t think that’s something that ever leaves you.”

This week Miss Matthews, Kylie Kerr and Tracey Holt will get together to remember their partners, Sen-Constable Thornton, Sen-Constable Peter Gordon Wilson and Sergeant Richard Whittaker, who all died on duty while with the Brisbane Water Local Area Command.

(L-R) Brisbane Water Inspector Paul Nicholls, Tracey Holt, Brisbane Water Commander Daniel Sullivan, Sarah Matthews and Kylie Kerr at Gosford Waterfront ahead of the NSW Police Legacy row. Picture: Mark Scott

On Thursday officers from Brisbane Water LAC will take part in a paddle to raise money for NSW Police Legacy to support the families of fallen officers.

“You never want to be a part of Legacy but now we are part of this unique group and without Legacy we wouldn’t have each other,” Miss Matthews said.

But for two of the women, the close bond was forged by their shared loss and haunting similarities in how their partners lost their lives.

Sen-Constable Thornton, 35, died in a motor vehicle accident while on patrol in Woy Woy in 2002, while Mrs Kerr’s long-term partner Sen-Constable Wilson, 41, was killed when he was hit by a car while carrying out speed checks on the M1 at Somersby in 2006.

Both men were based at Brisbane Water LAC, both died in car accidents on a Saturday night, and both had the same patrol car number — 202.

Senior Constable Peter Gordon Wilson with fiance Kylie Kerr. — Senior Constable Peter Gordon Wilson with fiancée Kylie Kerr.

“This special event means our boys haven’t been forgotten,” Miss Matthews said, adding that the support of Legacy has enabled her to move on. “You have to take that step forward. You can’t be angry, because that just eats away at you.”

Senior Constable Chris Thornton was killed on duty during a high-speed pursuit at Woy Woy in 2002.

“This special event means our boys haven’t been forgotten,” Miss Matthews said, adding that the support of Legacy has enabled her to move on. “You have to take that step forward. You can’t be angry, because that just eats away at you.”

Mrs Holt, whose husband Sgt Whittaker was stationed at the Gosford drug unit and was involved in drug investigations at the time of his death when he died from a brain haemorrhage in 1991, said the annual paddle is a “beautiful day”. “It is amazing the effort Daniel Sullivan and the team put in to keep the memory going of old work mates and have a good time doing it,” she said.

Sergeant Richard Whittaker who died on duty with Brisbane Water Local Area Command in 1991. Picture: Supplied

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/central-coast/our-boys-havent-been-forgotten-policemen-honoured-in-brisbane-water-row/story-fngr8h0p-1227528821582

Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995),

Tuesday 1 October 1991, page 4

Drug bribery allegation ‘killed officer’

SYDNEY: The stress of unfounded corruption allegations killed a policeman who suffered a stroke at the weekend, according to the Police Association.

The association’s president, Tony Day, said yesterday that Gosford-based Detective Senior Constable Richard Whittaker, who was promoted to detective sergeant last Friday, had been implicated in a bribery conspiracy by a drug dealer.

Yesterday, the dealer, an industrial chemist, was sentenced to a minimum of 11 years jail after pleading guilty to manufacturing and supplying amphetamines with a street value of more than $4 million.

Handing down the sentence in Darlinghurst Supreme Court, Justice Allen said John Oldfield, 52, of Winston Hills in Sydney’s west, had stated he had tried to bribe a police officer through a contact known as “M” in November, 1990.

After the alleged bribe attempt had failed, Oldfield had gone to the Police Internal Security division and made a detailed statement, implicating the officer. The judge said he was satisfied the detective knew nothing about the alleged bribe.

Mr. Day said the Police Internal Security division investigation into Oldfield’s allegations had been “dubious”.

“Every crim in NSW knows that if they want their case adjourned they just have to implicate the police, and there will have to be an investigation,” he said.

“Eighty per cent of corruption and bribery charges are disproved.”

Detective Whittaker, 31, was married with two-year-old twin daughters.

Mr Day said the Oldfield affair had played a major role in causing Detective Whittaker stress, resulting in his death.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/134156388

Past events in Remembrance of Dick Whittaker.

Paddle for Police Legacy

The Brisbane Water LAC has tragically lost three staff members in the execution of their duty: Sergeant Dick Whittaker and Senior Constables Gordy Wilson and Chris Thornton. The 12 September is the annual sports charity day to remember these officers.

Paddling from Ocean Beach Surf Club to Bluetongue Stadium along the Brisbane Water on the NSW Central Coast (approximately 15km).

When: Thu September 12 2013 06:00 – 05:30

http://www.policelegacynsw.org.au/legacy-events/

Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995),

Tuesday 1 October 1991, page 4

Drug bribery allegation ‘ killed officer ‘

SYDNEY: The stress of unfounded corruption allegations killed a policeman who suffered a stroke at the weekend, according to the Police Association.

The association’s president, Tony Day, said yesterday that Gosford-based Detective Senior Constable Richard Whittaker, who was promoted to detective sergeant last Friday, had been implicated in a bribery conspiracy by a drug dealer.

Yesterday, the dealer, an industrial chemist, was sentenced to a minimum of 11 years jail after pleading guilty to manufacturing and supplying amphetamines with a street value of more than $4 million.

Handing down the sentence in Darlinghurst Supreme Court, Justice Allen said John Oldfield, 52, of Winston Hills in Sydney’s west, had stated he had tried to bribe a police officer through a contact known as “M” in November, 1990.

After the alleged bribe attempt had failed, Oldfield had gone to the Police Internal Security division and made a detailed statement, implicating the officer. The judge said he was satisfied the detective knew nothing about the alleged bribe.

Mr. Day said the Police Internal Security division investigation into Oldfield’s allegations had been “dubious”.

“Every crim in NSW knows that if they want their case adjourned they just have to implicate the police, and there will have to be an investigation,” he said.

“Eighty per cent of corruption and bribery charges are disproved.”

Detective Whittaker, 31, was married with two-year-old twin daughters.

Mr Day said the Oldfield affair had played a major role in causing Detective Whittaker stress, resulting in his death.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/134156388

Brian Joseph KENNY

| 30/07/2015

Gregory Michael JACKSON

| 30/07/2015

Gregory Michael JACKSON

( late of Bourke, formerly of Coffs Harbour )

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. # 32516

Goulburn Academy Class: 273 – the last PREP class

Rank: Constable

Stations: Cabramatta, Bourke

Service: From: 14 February 1998 to 15 December 2001 = 3+ years Service

Attested: Friday 14 August 1998

Awards: ?

Born: 9 January 1974

Died on: 15 December 2001

Incident date: 24 November 2001

Cause: Head injuries

Age: 27

Funeral date: ?

Funeral location: ?

Buried at: Coffs Harbour Lawn Cemetery

https://police.freom.com/gregory-michael-jackson/ Constable GREGORY MICHAEL JACKSON - NSWPF - DIED 15 DECEMBER 2001 IMAGES FROM DAVID MacPHERSON — https://police.freom.com/gregory-michael-jackson/
Constable GREGORY MICHAEL JACKSON – NSWPF – DIED 15 DECEMBER 2001
IMAGES FROM DAVID MacPHERSON

Gregory Michael JACKSON memorial plaque on the front wall of Bourke Police Station.

Gregory Michael JACKSON memorial plaque on the front wall of Bourke Police Station. Greg's plaque is the the left of the window on the left. The plaque on the right of the same window is for Ash BRYANT. — Gregory Michael JACKSON memorial plaque on the front wall of Bourke Police Station.
Greg’s plaque is the the left of the window on the left.
The plaque on the right of the same window is for Ash **BRYANT**.

Gregory Michael JACKSON grave plaque in the Lawn section of Coffs Harbour cemetery.

[alert_blue]GREG is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_blue] * NOT JOB RELATED

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Cop’s bar stool death a ‘tragedy’

Nov. 13, 2003, 9:47 p.m.

The State Coroner yesterday found a Bourke policeman who was knocked off a bar stool at a police Christmas party died in a “tragic misadventure”.

An inquest at Dubbo and Sydney heard that Constable Gregory Jackson, 27, died from head injuries three weeks after falling head-first off a bar stool at the Bourke Golf Club.

Mr Jackson and his colleagues were celebrating at their Christmas party on November 24, 2001 when the incident occurred about 3.30am.

Mr Jackson was dancing on a bar stool in the middle of the dance floor but was knocked off balance by a colleague and fell to the floor. He died in Sydney’s Concord Hospital from head injuries three weeks later.

Delivering his findings, Coroner John Abernethy said the police officers still at the club were “happy, moderately-intoxicated and intent on dancing”.

The officer who knocked Mr Jackson from the stool was “affected with alcohol and in exuberant high spirits”, he said.

He said Constable Melanie Butcher made innocent contact with Constable Jackson’s legs, bumping into him either while running towards him with her arms outstretched or trying to climb onto a nearby stool.

But the contact “had the disastrous effect … of causing Constable Jackson to lose his balance and fall to the floor causing him a serious head injury”, Mr Abernethy said.

He also found Constable Jackson’s conduct – dancing on a 64cm tall bar stool – “had an inherent danger to it”.

Mr Abernethy dismissed suggestions the stool had been kicked out from under the officer and said no charges should be laid over the death.

“There is no criminality at all in the incident and I see it as simply a very tragic misadventure,” Mr Abernethy ruled.

However, he criticised police for the three-month delay in investigating Mr Jackson’s death, saying the lapse of time was “both significant and unwarranted”.

Before the first of two official police investigations began in March 2002, “the death of a fellow police officer was being treated … in a somewhat cavalier fashion”, he said.

“On one view it can be said that scant attention was paid to the duty to investigate a coronial death.”

Mr Abernethy was also critical that the first investigation – though sound – was run by a police officer who knew Constable Jackson and other officers involved in the incident.

“The decision ran the risk of a perception of a conflict of interest and lack of transparency,” he said.

He recommended that future NSW police investigations into coronial deaths of police officers be conducted only by an impartial investigator.

http://www.dailyliberal.com.au/story/812849/cops-bar-stool-death-a-tragedy/

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Greg was an avid 4 x 4 driver and is the brother of Brad Jackson.

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Christopher Otis PLUMMER

| 30/07/2015

Christopher Otis PLUMMER

( late of Currans Hill )

New South Wales Police Force

Goulburn Police Academy Class 284 ( DPP 10 )( Class 4 )

Regd. # 35969

Previous of the London Metropolitan Police Force

Rank: Commenced Training at on Monday ? September 2001

Probationary Constable – appointed Friday 21 December 2001 ( aged 31 years, 11 months, 11 days )

Constable – appointed ? ? ?

Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?

Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?

Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?

Final Rank: Leading Senior Constable

Stations: Campbelltown ( 35 Division ), Bass Hill ( 19 Division ), Green Valley ( 22 Division ), Bankstown LAC ( 19 Division )

Service: From ? September 2001 to 7 May 2013 = 12+ years Service

Awards: Commissioner’s Unit Citation x 2 for outstanding bravery & dedication to duty

Born: Saturday 10 January 1970

Died on: Tuesday 7 May 2013

Cause: Cancer

Diagnosis Date: 7 weeks earlier

Age: 43 years, 3 months, 27 days

Funeral date: Monday 13 April 2013

Funeral location: St Paul’s Catholic Church, John St, Camden, NSW

Buried at: Camden General Cemetery, Cawdor Rd, Camden, NSW

Grave Location: ?

GPS: ?, ?

Memorial: NSW Police force Service Memorial Wall, Sydney Police Centre, Surry Hills, F7 ( right wall )

Christopher is mentioned on the Sydney Police Centre Memorial Wall – Right wall, plaque F7

Christopher is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * NOT JOB RELATED

Respected and well-loved police officer Christopher Otis Plummer was farewelled today at Camden. Picture: Ian Svegovic.

( L - R )Dom HARRIS, Jason LONESBOROUGH, Santa, Dallas MAIOLO nee PRATT, Christopher Otis PLUMMER. Taken at Campbelltown Mall. — ( L – R )Dom HARRIS, Jason LONESBOROUGH, Santa, Dallas MAIOLO nee PRATT, Christopher Otis PLUMMER. Taken at Campbelltown Mall.

Wednesday May 8, 2013

Donations for the family of Leading Senior Constable Chris Plummer

http://webstore.2gb.com.s3.amazonaws.com/styles/article-articlepage-300/s3/field/image/20130508/chrisplummer_300.jpg?itok=yjnwuIj9

On Tuesday the 7^th May 2013 Leading Senior Constable Chris Plummer, from Bankstown Local Area Command, lost his battle with an extremely aggressive form of cancer.

He was diagnosed only seven weeks before his death.

Chris was married to Juliet and they have four daughters, all under the age of 12.

The NSW Police Force is asking for the public to donate money to help support Chris’ wife and their children.

Funds can be donated to the following account:

POLICE BANK

ACCOUNT NAME: CHRIS AND JULIET PLUMMER

BSB: 815000

ACCOUNT No: 274618

TRIBUTES AND TEARS FOR OFFICER AND LOVED DAD

LEADING Senior-Constable Christopher Otis Plummer was remembered as a loving husband, proud father and outstanding policeman at his funeral service at St Paul’s Catholic Church, Camden, on Monday.

Sen-Constable Christopher Plummer with his wife, Juliet, and four daughters before his illness.

Tears flowed as the community and NSW Police farewelled the beloved family man, friend and colleague who died last Tuesday aged 43.

Sen-Constable Plummer’s death came as a shock after he was diagnosed with cancer just seven weeks ago. He is survived by wife Juliet and four children.

Supt David Eardley, of Bankstown police, said SenConstable Plummer, of Currans Hill, was a role model.

‘‘Chris was important to everyone, whether it was his colleagues, people at the gym or his friends in the Army Reserves,’’ he said.

‘‘Today we farewell a much loved member of the police force, and on behalf of the NSW Police, I offer our deepest condolences.’’

From his homeland of Jamaica, Sen- Constable Plummer’s sister, Anona Griffith, said her brother was a talented athlete who loved Liverpool Football Club. ‘‘He was always determined to be a good husband and father and I admired his strength of character,’’ she said.

In a statement on behalf of Juliet, sister-in-law Shannon Jansen said SenConstable Plummer was a great friend to many people.

‘‘It became apparent just how loved he was with the number of people who came to visit him in hospital,’’ she said. ‘‘Being a police officer wasn’t just his job, it was who he was.

‘‘Our four beautiful girls will remind me every day of the great man he was.’’

Police across southwestern Sydney have started an appeal for the Plummers.

Bankstown police have opened a bank account to help the family with expenses and the NSW Police Rugby League competition is also raising money.

Macarthur Bulls president Sgt Rod Sheraton said the police rugby league competition raised more than $3800 last Wednesday night.

‘‘ We all wore black armbands to mark Chris’s passing,’’ Sgt Sheraton said. ‘‘We’re hoping to raise more at future events.’’

http://newslocal.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/viewer.aspx

Camden – Narellan Advertiser

Brave to the end

By Kerrie Armstrong

May 14, 2013, 4:18 p.m.

Police officers, family and friends farewelled Currans Hill police officer Constable Christopher Plummer in Camden on Monday. Picture:Jeff de Pasquale

A POLICE helicopter flew low over the heads of more than 100 police officers in three long ranks on John Street, Camden, on Monday.

The officers formed a guard of honour for Leading Senior Constable Christopher Plummer, 42, who died on May 7 after a short battle with cancer.

Hundreds of family, friends and colleagues filled St Paul’s Catholic Church, Camden, on Monday including a representative of the Australia Army Reserves, politicians and Assistant Commissioner of Police Frank Minnelli — evidence of the high regard in which Leading Senior Constable Plummer was held.

The mourners heard how Leading Senior Constable Plummer had always worked for others, joining the London Metropolitan Police Force at the age of 23.

He moved to Australia after meeting his wife Juliet and after a brief period in The Oaks, settled in Currans Hill.

Leading Senior Constable Plummer joined the NSW Police Force in 2001 followed by the Australian Army Reserves in 2004.

He started his career at Campbelltown police station before moving to Bass Hill and Green Valley commands before settling in the Bankstown local area command.

He was awarded two Commissioner’s Unit Citations for outstanding bravery and dedication to duty.

Superintendent David Eardley from the Bankstown local area command spoke with an emotion-filled voice of farewelling “a much-loved member of the force”.

“It is with profound sorrow that I offer, on behalf of the police force, to Chris’s family our deepest sympathies on the loss of a very fine son, brother, husband and father and an outstanding police officer,” Superintendent Eardley said.

A eulogy read on behalf of Juliet Plummer spoke of her husband’s passion for his family, for health and fitness and his love of people.

“I always knew Chris was an amazing man, but when I saw how much he meant to so many people it really hit me,” she said.

“I want to thank everyone for letting Chris know how special he was in those last seven weeks.

“To me Chris was my world. He was my strength, the one who always seemed to know just what to do when I was at a loss.

“I have four beautiful little girls who will always remind me of the great man he was.”

Leading Senior Constable Plummer is survived by Juliet and his daughters Olympia, Amalia, Gypsy and Aliyah.

http://www.camdenadvertiser.com.au/story/1500737/brave-to-the-end/

Anthony David STREHER

| 30/07/2015

Anthony David STREHER

New South Wales Police Force

Goulburn Police Academy – Class 246

Regd. # 27835

Rank: Commenced Training at Goulburn Police Academy on Sunday 29 July 1990 ( aged 19 years, 3 months, 2 days )

Probationary Constable – appointed Friday 25 January 1991 ( aged19 years, 8 months, 29 days )

Constable – appointed – “probably” 25 January 1992

Stations: Marrickville – Death

Service: From 29 July 1990 to 22 January 1995 = 4 years, 5 months, 24 days Service

Age at Leaving: 23 years, 8 months, 26 days

Time in Retirement: 0

Awards: ? – nil found at It’s An Honour

Born: Tuesday 27 April 1971

Died on: Sunday 22 January 1995

Cause: injuries received in MVA – Off Duty whilst returning home from duty

Event location: Mittagong

Age: 23 years, 8 months, 26 days

Funeral date: ?

Funeral location: St Mel’s Catholic Church, Narrandera

Buried at: Narrandera Lawn Cemetery, 289 Douglas St, Narrandera

GPS of Narrandera Cemetery: Lat/Long: -34.74169,146.54273

ANTHONY is NOT mentioned on the National Police Wall of Remembrance, Canberra * NOT JOB RELATED

ANTHONY IS mentioned on the NSW Police Wall of Remembrance

Grave location:

Local news for Harden-Murrumburrah & surrounding areas

Molloy Examined For Award

Published on 09/10/2015 in General News by ttteditor

Robyn Molloy, daughter of Bob and Helen Molloy of Harden and sister to Graham, Judith and Phillip has been living in Perth for many years. Robyn attended Murrumburrah Public School and completed her studies as Dux of Murrumburrah High School in 1989. She took up a position as a cadet journalist with News Limited in Sydney working on the Daily Telegraph, The Mirror and The Sunday Telegraph in 1996. She met and married Anthony Streher, a police officer from Narrandera, in a beautiful ceremony in her parent’s garden. Sadly, only five weeks later Anthony was involved in a fatal car accident on the way home from work. After this tragic event Robyn travelled the world for a time and did travel writing for the UN in Laos. Upon returning to Australia, she made Perth her new home and worked on the Sunday Times whilst contributing to the West Australian. A total change of pace came with running Old Macdonald’s Farm for 9 years.

The business transported baby farm animals around schools, shows and nursing homes all over the state. A return to journalism came after Robyn had her 3rd boy. But this time she found that technology had undergone a major transformation. Instead of ‘bricks’ for phones and fax machines the internet had become the main mode of communication. Robyn fast tracked computing skills with Curtin University and took lessons in shorthand. She soon found herself on a News Website contract, then the Examiner in a part time position. She is now the editor of four newspapers under the Examiner umbrella. Robyn is a passionate photographer however, her writing skills have attracted attention of late. She has recently been honoured by being shortlisted as a finalist in the Western Australian Media Awards. Robyn, although the Editor says she still loves to write. To be eligible for the awards, journalists were asked to submit three feature stories.

She chose stories on emergency services workers on the front line as she found the people working in this area fascinating and they all had diverse stories to tell. One of her stories featured a hearing impaired fireman, another featured a policeman who had been a professional dancer in Asia before coming to Australia. The third story was about an ICU nurse and how he and his colleagues worked intensively to save people whilst at the same time working at preparing loved ones for the possible loss of that person. When asked if she had met any well known people in her career. She said that when she was in Sydney she had met quite a few, but then went on to say that she had met Tony Abbott and Julie Bishop recently as Don Randell’s electorate office was next door and they were in WA for the Canning By-election. She says she is honoured to be considered for the award as her colleagues produce high quality work. Robyn and her partner Andrew have 4 children, Jayden 13, Cameron 11, Lachlan 9 and Ryan 8. We would like to take this opportunity to wish her well from the Twin Town Times.

http://twintowntimes.com.au/_/2015/10/molloy-examined-for-award/

Elise Veronica KREJCI

| 30/07/2015

Elise Veronica KREJCI

( late of Shellharbour, NSW )

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. # 41513

Commenced Training at Goulburn Police Academy on Monday 2 May 2005? with Class # ???

Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed ? ? ?

Constable – appointed ? ? ?

Stations: Wollongong – Death

Service: From ? 2005 to 20 April 2008 = 3 years Service

Awards: ?

Born: Wednesday 26 May 1976

Died on: Sunday 20 April 2008

Cause: Injuries received in a motor vehicle accident – Off Duty

Event location: Picton Rd, Cataract Dam

Age: 31 years, 10 months, 25 days

Funeral date: Tuesday 29 April 2008

Funeral location: St Agatha’s Church, Pennant Hills, at 11am on Tuesday

Buried at: North Rocks Cemetery, North Rocks Rd, North Rocks, NSW ( with her Mother – Ann )

Grave location: Sect. B, Row 8, Grave 2

GPS -33.768712, 151.040709

Engaged just two days ... Elise Krejci. — Engaged just two days … Elise Krejci.

ELISE is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * NOT JOB RELATED

Grave location:

Herald Sun 22 April 2008

Elise couldn’t wait to tell her news to police mates

WITH a new engagement ring worn proudly on her finger, Elise Krejci could not wait to return to work to share the news with her police colleagues.

After accepting a romantic Gold Coast proposal from boyfriend and workmate Brett Wright on Saturday, the 31-year-old Wollongong constable was rostered back on duty at 6.30am yesterday.

But Constable Krejci did not make it back to work to share her happy news as she was killed in a road crash on Sunday.

And the popular officer’s engagement ring was locked in a safe at Wollongong police station, removed from her finger by a numbed colleague.

Constable Krejci was returning home from a week-long holiday with Senior-Constable Wright and his three children – aged seven, 10, and 13 – when the Holden Commodore she was driving slammed head-on into a Ford Fiesta at Cataract in Sydney’s southwestern outskirts, killing her instantly.

As Sen-Constable Wright, 36, remained in a serious condition with spinal injuries at Wollongong Hospital, family and colleagues yesterday spoke of the cruel twist of fate that robbed of a life together. Stephen Krejci told The Daily Telegraph how his younger sister had phoned home overjoyed at her engagement after Sen-Constable Wright’s proposal on Saturday.

The couple had been together for about a year and Constable Krejci was excited about becoming a stepmother.

“She was so happy about it (the engagement). Everyone was very happy,” Mr Krejci, 38, said.

“They were planning on building a house in Wollongong. They had bought the land and had it all planned out. They had everything to look forward to.

“It’s just a tragedy. She was such a warm, friendly person. We’re all a bit numb.”

Mr Krejci said his sister, who would have turned 32 on June 3, joined the police about four years ago. She was following in the footsteps of her younger sister Anna, who worked at Wollongong police as a school liaison officer.

She was working in the same 20-officer general duties team as Sen-Constable Wright and cherished being close to her sister – two girls in a family of five brothers.

“She transferred to Wollongong only a few years ago to be close to her family and friends,” Mr Krejci said.

“That’s where she met Brett. They’d been together about a year. I just hope that he can recover.”

Colleagues, including officers who attended the crash site on Picton Rd, near Cataract dam, remained in shock with a chaplain and psychologist offering counselling.

Wollongong crime manager Inspector Mark Lavers said Constable Krejci “was such a lovely girl. We have 240 people here and a lot of them will be upset.”

Police believe that the crash occurred after Constable Krejci’s Holden Commodore hit a patch of water and aquaplaned into the Ford Fiesta in heavy weather.

Sen-Constable Wright’s three children escaped the crash unhurt.

The driver of the Ford, a 23-year-old Lurnea man, was flown to Liverpool Hospital with hip, leg and facial injuries.

A female passenger in that car was taken to St George Hospital in a stable condition.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/policewomans-future-stolen/story-e6frf7jo-1111116125885

The Age 21 April 2008

Just engaged Elise dies in car smash

The crash yesterday, and right, Elise Krejci. Photo: David Tease and Syliva Liber — The crash yesterday, and right, Elise Krejci.
Photo: David Tease and Syliva Liber

Daniel Emerson
April 21, 2008 – 9:34AM

A policewoman who yesterday died in a traffic crash that seriously injured her partner, a fellow officer, became engaged to be married two days ago, their commanding officer has revealed.

Constable Elise Krejci, 31, and Senior-Constable Brett Wright, both attached to Wollongong local area command, were travelling along Picton Road at Cataract at about 1pm yesterday when their Holden Commodore collided with a Ford Fiesta.

Constable Wright’s three children were in the back of the car and suffered minor injuries.

Constable Wright remains in a serious but stable condition in Liverpool Hospital with a fractured hip and spine and internal bleeding.

Wollongong Inspector Mark Lavers said the officers had made plans to get married.

“I just found out they were engaged two days ago,” he said.

Inspector Lavers said Wollongong highway patrol officers who did not work with the pair were first on the scene.

Command of the crash scene was transferred to Illawarra police and crash investigation officers as soon as possible to reduce the trauma for officers who had worked with the police couple.

Wollongong officers have received counselling.

“We have had psychologists and police chaplains at the station,” Inspector Lavers said.

He said the deceased officer, from Shellharbour, was very popular.

“She’s a lovely girl and a good officer,” Inspector Lavers said. “We never had to chase her up for her work. She was well respected by her peers and senior management.”

Constable Krejci was first stationed at Wollongong in December 2005,

Police said the 23-year-old driver of the other car, a Ford Fiesta with L-plates, suffered hip, leg and facial injuries, and was taken to Liverpool Hospital in a stable condition. His female passenger was taken to St George Hospital.

The Illawarra Mercury today quoted the officers’ team leader, Inspector Brian Wyver, saying each of the five teams at Wollongong Police were made up of 20 officers and camaraderie in the teams was strong.

“She has been in the police for about two years and she was well-liked and it was a close team,” he said. “Brett was her fiancé and he is on that team as well . . . it’s just a sad day.

“Morale is always good and this is where they really get behind each other.
“It’s a sad day and they are dealing with it in their own way.”

Inspector Wyver said Constable Krejci enjoyed bush walking with Constable Wright and others in the team.

He said they both had family in the Wollongong area and that Constable Krejci’s sister, Anna, was a school liaison officer with Wollongong Police.

http://www.theage.com.au/news/general/just-engaged-elise-dies-in-car-smash/2008/04/21/1208629780214.html

The Daily Telegraph 25 April 2008

We had that perfect love, says killed cop’s fiancé; Elise Krejci

Fond memories ... Brett Wright and Elise Krejci with Brett's three children. — Fond memories … Brett Wright and Elise Krejci with Brett’s three children.

HE calls her his soulmate and just 10 days ago Brett Wright was ecstatic when a smitten Elise Krejci agreed to become his wife.

The Wollongong policeman was yesterday lying in hospital with a broken back and his “perfect” woman’s engagement ring hanging from his neck as he bravely prepared a eulogy for the love he cruelly lost in a road crash.

First report: Policewoman killed after engagement

Six days after Constable Krejci was killed as the couple returned from a family holiday, Senior-Constable Wright spoke for the first time about the “wife” he planned to spend his life with.

“We had that absolute perfect, beautiful, wonderful, true love. We were true soulmates,” the 36-year-old told The Daily Telegraph from his Wollongong hospital bed.

“Elise was the perfect partner in every way. She lived to please me and I lived to please her and that’s what made us happiest. We spent virtually every moment together from the time we got together until Sunday.

“Every day was perfect. I’m so fortunate to have had my time with her.”

The couple met when Constable Krejci moved to Wollongong two years ago. They had a fairytale romance, moving in together two days after their first kiss during a holiday with colleagues last September.

When Sen-Constable Wright gave his 31-year-old love a commitment ring a month later, she immediately placed it on her wedding finger and began calling him her husband.

That destiny was to be fulfilled, with the couple already booking their church and reception, before Sen-Constable Wright proposed 10 days ago.

Yesterday, the grieving officer spoke of memories of their final days and plans for children, before their car slammed head-on into another vehicle, driven by a learner driver at Cataract, just 20 minutes from their Wollongong home.

Choking back tears, Sen-Constable Wright said he was feeding his fiancee a mandarin when the car hit water on Picton Rd and collided with oncoming traffic.

He passed out for several minutes before waking to find Constable Krejci dead and his children, Sarah, 13, Renee, 10, and Matthew, 7, crying in shock.

“I just remember the car started to aquaplane and I could see us sliding towards the other car and thinking ‘this is not good’, then I think I passed out and the next thing I woke up and the car was on its side,” he said.

“It happened so fast, one minute we were laughing and sharing a mandarin and then . . .”

The policeman, who will deliver a eulogy from a stretcher at Constable Krejci’s funeral on Tuesday, broke down as he showed photographs of their engagement and final holiday together.

The couple had driven to the Gold Coast with Sen-Constable Wright’s children, spending a day at Movie World and soaking up the sun, before going to Port Douglas on April 15, where the wedding proposal occurred.

“It was just the most perfect day. I’m just glad we were given that last holiday with the family,” he said.

“We were brought safely all the way back to Wollongong and when we were back she was taken.

“But I believe she was taken because there’s another purpose for her. She’s got other things to do now and I believe I was left behind because I’ve still got the kids to look after.

“When my time is finished I know that she’ll be up there waiting for me. She’ll probably say something along the lines of: ‘What took you so long?’

“That’s what I believe. To believe anything else would be too painful.”

Sen-Constable Wright said, although his back and hip were broken, his spinal cord was not damaged and he was determined to return to work at Wollongong, where a plaque will be erected to commemorate Constable Krejci. He also vowed to build their dream home on the block of land in Wollongong’s south.

“I’ll do everything the way we planned, I know she’ll be looking down.”

A Requiem Mass will be held for Constable Krejci at St Agatha’s Church, Pennant Hills, at 11am on Tuesday, followed by a burial service at The North Rocks Cemetery.

The Daily Telegraph 30 April 2008

On stretcher Brett Wright lays true love Elise to rest

True love ... Policeman Brett Wright and his fiancee Elise Krejci. — True love … Policeman Brett Wright and his fiancee Elise Krejci.

True love ... police officer Brett Wright on stretcher at the funeral of his fiancee Elise Krejci. Picture: Channel 9 — True love … police officer Brett Wright on stretcher at the funeral of his fiancee Elise Krejci. Picture: Channel 9

rue love ... a photograph of policewoman Elise Krejci adorns her coffin. Picture: Channel 9 — True love … a photograph of policewoman Elise Krejci adorns her coffin. Picture: Channel 9

WHAT began as the hardest journey Brett Wright would ever make ended, fittingly, in an emotional send-off for Elise Krejci, his “perfect, beautiful, wonderful, true love”.

The Wollongong policeman and father-of-three travelled by ambulance from Wollongong Hospital to St Agatha’s Catholic Church in Pennant Hills yesterday, where he joined family and friends at his fiancee’s funeral.

Speaking from a hospital bed and supported by emergency services personnel, Senior Constable Wright spoke for almost 20 minutes about his love for Constable Krejci, his “soulmate”.

He is still recovering from injuries to his spine, lung and ribs, which he sustained in the accident that killed Constable Krejci, 31, on April 20.

The couple was returning from a family holiday on the Gold Coast with his three children when the Holden Commodore she was driving collided with a Ford Fiesta on a wet and slippery Picton Rd.

She had accepted his proposal of marriage a day earlier and couldn’t wait to return to work to share the news with colleagues and friends.

Yesterday, the 200-strong crowd also heard a series of other tributes from a number of Constable Krejci’s friends and relatives, including her sister Anna, brother Paul and 13-year-old step-daughter Sarah.

Her duty officer, Detective Inspector Brian Wyver, said she had become an integral and essential part of his team, despite having being stationed in Wollongong for only a relatively short time.

Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione, who attended the funeral, said Constable Krejci’s family had supported each other through the death of her mother Elaine, who succumbed to ovarian cancer in 1999.

Their “strength and stoicism” was again evident yesterday, he said.

“All in all, it was one of the tearier and more emotional funerals I’ve been to but when you lose one of your own, it becomes doubly sad,” he said.

“Elise was a beautiful girl – very stunning in appearance, well-travelled, well-educated and very respected. She was a teacher and a nurse, and then she joined us.”

Mr Scipione said he had been struck by the courage of Constable Krejci’s father Ernie. “The tragedy, when you reflect upon what’s happened here is that no parent should ever have to bury one of their children – the time is not right,” he said.

“She has left this Earth far too early, at 31, and certainly we’re much poorer, as an organisation, for having lost her but at least we knew her and in terms of policing, she was an important part of the landscape wherever she worked.”

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/policeman-lays-true-love-to-rest/story-e6freuzi-1111116202529

Bruce William GALLAGHER

| 30/07/2015

Bruce William GALLAGHER

Husband to SenCon Shirlena GALLAGHER, NSWPF # ?????

New South Wales Police Force

Goulburn Police Academy – Class 282 ( DPP 08 )

Regd. # 36020

Rank: Commenced Training at Goulburn Police Academy on Monday 8 January 2001 ( aged 31 years, 10 months, 6 days )

Probationary Constable – appointed Friday 4 May 2001 ( aged 32 years, 2 months, 1 day )

Constable – appointed ? ? ?

Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?

Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?

Final Rank: Senior Constable

Stations: Miranda ( 24 Division ) & Lake Illawarra ( Warilla ) – Death

Service: From 3 May 2001 to 17 April 2008 = 7 years, 3 months, 9 days Service

Awards: Police Officer of the Year – 2008

No Find on Australian Honours system

Born: Sunday 2 March 1969

Died on: Thursday 17 April 2008

Cause: Heart attack

Age: 39 years, 1 month, 15 days

Funeral date: Sunday 27 April 2008

Funeral location: Hansen & Cole, Northcliffe Dve, Kembla Grange

Buried at: Lakeside Cemetery, Kanahooka Rd, Kanahooka, NSW

Bruce William GALLAGHER, Bruce GALLAGHER — Bruce I am lost without u…you are Locked safe in my heart….36020…

Memorial: NSW Police Force Service Memorial Wall, Sydney Police Centre, Surry Hills, F13 ( right wall )

BRUCE is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * NOT JOB RELATED

Bruce IS mentioned on the NSW Service Memorial Wall, Sydney Police Centre F3 ( Right Wall )

Funeral location:

Snr Const Gallagher's daughters Jordann and Jessica with their father's hat and photo. Picture: SYLVIA LIBER — Snr Const Gallagher’s daughters Jordann and Jessica with their father’s hat and photo. Picture: SYLVIA LIBER

Illawarra Mercury 28 April 2008

Thin Blue Line pays silent tribute to one of their own

IN a week clouded by grief, the region’s police demonstrated a show of unity yesterday at the funeral of colleague, Senior Constable Bruce Gallagher.

Onlookers were held breathless as more than 160 police formed a guard of honour and another 40 officers, led by Lake Illawarra police Superintendent Mick Plotecki and two mounted riders, escorted the cortege from Hansen & Cole at Kembla Grange.

Snr Const Gallagher‘s daughters Jessica, 17, and Jordann, 15, did their father proud, marching with his police hat and photo.

The 39-year-old Lake Illawarra police officer died suddenly from a heart attack last Thursday.

Jessica and Jordann remembered their dad as a loving man who was always ready with advice and support.

“I was always so proud to tell people my dad was a police officer,” Jessica told yesterday’s service.

“Dad, I am so grateful you taught me so much in life … I know you would not have left us if you didn’t think we could cope.”

Jordann added: “From the very first time you held me to the last time you saw me, you were always there for me no matter what, and I will never forget those memories.” Brother Mark Gallagher read a message on behalf of Snr Const Gallagher‘s wife Shirlena.

“You were my best friend, my husband and father to our two wonderful girls, but most of all you are my soul mate … I will never let you go. You will stay in my heart forever. Wait for me sweetheart, because one day I will be in your arms again.”

Mr Plotecki said Snr Const Gallagher displayed a strong work ethic that had earned him many accolades from the time he joined the force in May ~~2002~~. ( 2001 )

“Bruce’s name was often put forward as being involved in very meritorious and commendable police work,” he said.

“I have no doubt he had the potential and capability to add an even more significant contribution to his chosen profession.

“My last duty as Bruce’s commander is to pass on a message to his family, on behalf of the people of NSW. It’s a simple message, consisting of two words: ‘Thank you’. You were a real credit to your police uniform.”

Chief Inspector Bob Noble said that after meeting Snr Const Gallagher‘s wife and daughters, it was clear he was a reflection of a loving, supportive environment.

“The importance of family support in policing is paramount and it is for this reason that Bruce’s family has been, and will forever remain, a part of the police family,” he said.

Chief Insp Noble read a letter from colleague Senior Constable Chris Warren who said his close friend’s sudden death had left everyone in a state of shock.

The two men had joined the force at the same time, representing “two older blokes who were fulfilling a lifelong desire”.

Police chaplain Gordon Bradbery, who conducted the service, encouraged Snr Const Gallagher‘s grieving police colleagues to look after themselves.

http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/605017/thin-blue-line-pays-silent-tribute-to-one-of-their-own/

Illawarra Mercury 29 September 2008

Illawarra Police mourn fallen colleagues

Shirlena Gallagher, wife of the late Senior Constable Bruce Gallagher, joined police yesterday in remembering those lost. Picture: WAYNE VENABLES

Illawarra residents have been urged to “whinge” less and appreciate the good work of the NSW Police Force.Uniting Church minister and police chaplain Reverend Gordon Bradbery told yesterday’s Police Remembrance Day service that people “whinged” too much about peripheral concerns when they should be thankful for the things that were really important.

Assistant Commissioner Robert May, Wollongong Police Commander Wayne Dedden and Lake Illawarra Commander Mick Plotecki were among those who attended the service at Wollongong’s Wesley Church on the Mall.

Shirlena Gallagher, wife of Senior Constable Bruce Gallagher who died of a heart attack on April 17, also attended the 20th annual national day of remembering.

Another Illawarra officer to lose her life in the past 12 months was Constable Elise Krejci, who was killed in a car accident on Picton Rd, three days after Snr Const Gallagher’s death.

Back from a visit to Third World countries in South America, Rev Bradbery told the service that he had witnessed terrible scenes that made him appreciate living in Australia. “What a great country we live in, what a land of opportunity,” Rev Bradbery said. “But suddenly I am aware that on occasions like this, when we gather to remember the safety and security that we have in our community, how it has come at a cost. “I am conscious of the fact there are men and women who have lost their lives in the interests of policing this state – what it is when we don’t have to live in a land where our police wear flak jackets and carry machine guns.” He said that in appreciating these blessings, the community must also acknowledge they had come at a cost, sometimes in police lives.” They have gone beyond, they have given not only of themselves, but ultimately their breath and their pulse.”

http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/609354/illawarra-police-mourn-fallen-colleagues/

Hedley BOVARD

| 30/07/2015

Hedley BOVARD

Queensland Police Force

Regd. # ?

Rank: Senior Sergeant

Stations: ?, Nth Queensland in different centres. O.I.C. – Bundaberg, Maryborough, Acting Inspector at Chllagoe. O.I.C. – South Brisbane, Hamilton & various other Brisbane stations.

Service: From ? ? 1905 to ?

Awards: ?

Born: ?

Died on: 14 January 1928

Cause: Heart condition

Age: 46

Funeral date: ?

Funeral location: ?

Buried at: ? in Sydney alongside of his 3 brothers & mother

[alert_blue]HEDLEY is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_blue] * NOT JOB RELATED

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Funeral location: ?

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Northern Star ( Lismore ) Thursday 26 January 1928 page 12 of 12

DEATH OF SERGEANT BOVARD

Mr. N. C. Hewitt writes:— Old residents of Lismore will regret to learn of the death of Sergeant Hedley Bovard, of the Queensland Police Force, who was for over twenty years a resident of Lismore. His death took place at the Mater Misericordiae private hospital, South Brisbane, on January 14th at the early age of 46 years.

The late Senior Sergeant Bovard was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Bovard, for many years resident in Ewing Square, Lismore.

Coming to the district when quite a small boy the family for some years were engaged in farming at Goonellabah on the farm now owned by Mr. Alf. James. This was in the latter “eighties.” He was educated at the Goonellabah public school. When the family removed to Lismore, if I mistake not, he entered the employ either of Mr. W. D. Lamotte or of Mr. C. Balzer, who had livery stables in Molesworth-street near the Freemasons’ Hotel.

In 1905 he joined the Queensland police and was for some years stationed in North Queensland in different centres and in difficult situations, afterwards being in charge at Bundaberg and Maryborough. Later he was acting-inspector at Chillagoe, but the climate forced him to apply for a change to the south. Then he was placed in charge at South Brisbane, Hamilton and various other Brisbane stations. His men under him held him in the highest regard.

As one remarked to the writer “If Bo. could not do you a good turn he would never do you a bad one.”

Quite recently Sergeant Bovard developed heart trouble and at the end of September he had to go into hospital. His two sisters, Mrs. Lee and Mrs. Pitt, went up from Sydney and he appeared to make a wonderful recovery. He decided to retire on a pension well earned for service in the climatically unfavourable North.

Early this year the heart trouble returned with dramatic suddenness and his sisters, including Miss Ethel Bovard, were summoned from Sydney when alarming symptoms manifested themselves. His condition rapidly became worse and he passed away peacefully as stated.

His death came as a shock to his comrades as well as to his sisters. The remains were taken to Sydney for interment beside those of his mother and three brothers and were accorded a State servant’s funeral, attended by all the available members of the force.

Sergeant Bovard’s death is a particularly sad one. By his passing the last surviving male member of the Bovard family passes away without leaving a descendant to carry on a name that was honoured in Lismore a quarter of century ago.

Fifteen years ago the family included four strapping sons – young men of fine physique of whose lives one could have taken a lease.

The first break came when Senior Constable Claude Bovard of Wellington Police Force died under pathetic circumstances. Then during the pandemic Cecil (who served his apprenticeship with the Northern Star) of the G.P.O. staff died from influenza, shortly to be followed by his elder brother Percy of the same department, from pneumonia.

Percy was one of the first, if not actually the first telephonist in Lismore.

The shock of losing her three sons was too much for the grief-stricken mother who shortly afterwards was called to her rest. Now the sole surviving son in the prime of life has been carried to that bourne whence no traveller returns.

The deceased gentleman was a devout member of the Church of England. To the bereaved sisters the sympathy of all who remember the family will go out.

This is the third death within six months of sergeants of police in Queensland who hailed from the Richmond River — Sergt. King, Sergt. D’Arcy McDonough and Sergt. Bovard — and it can be written of each that he was a credit to the sons of the Richmond River district who in peace or war have won new fame and glory.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/93659129

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Arthur Alexander John FORD

| 30/07/2015

Arthur Alexander John FORD

( late of St James Ave, Glebe )

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. # ?

Rank: Constable

Stations: Bathurst, Grenfell, Petersham

Service: From ? to 19 December 1927. Went onto sick report on 14 December 1927

Awards: ?

Born: ?

Died on: Monday 19 December 1927 about 10am

Cause: Murder / Suicide – firearm

Event location: Leichhardt

Age: 49

Funeral date: Wednesday 21 December 1927

Funeral location: ?

Buried at: Presbyterian Section, Rookwood Cemetery

[alert_yellow]ARTHUR is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO

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Funeral location:

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Arthur Alexander John Ford died 19/12/1927 aged 49 from self inflicted gun shot wound to the head. He lived in Glebe with his wife and was stationed at Petersham at the time.

He shot Mrs Florence Laws in a lane way off Norton St, Leichhardt close to Parramatta Road. Mrs Laws lived in Stanmore.

The inquest stated that she was shot twice. Other accounts said that 5 shots were fired. Fords wife stated that he had ‘troubles’ following fractures to the base of his skull and above his left eye (not known if they were job related) and suffered fits of violence.

A couple of letters were not admitted into evidence but it was noted that Ford loved his wife.

Death is due to temporary insanity.

The information came out after the inquest. Unbeknown to Mrs Ford maybe until his final day(s) Ford had ‘known‘ Mrs Laws for some time. In one of the letters that was not read at the inquest he professors his love for his wife and said to her ‘you know all’ I think meaning he told her of Mrs Laws.

The letter that Mrs Laws wrote told of her deep love for Ford and just wanted to be with him. It would appear that on the day of their deaths, she had a dental appointment in Norton St, Leichhardt and she said to the dentist “I have a friend waiting outside”.

A friend says that he would hear the voice of his very young daughter who had died 2 years previously asking him to play a particular tune on the pianola (perhaps due to the affects of his head injuries).

Now comes the finale. He is buried in the Presbyterian section of Rookwood Cemetery. A report in the press has it that just as they finished the readings over his coffin, the coffin of Mrs Laws passed by and she was buried “a few yards” from Ford.

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Northern Standard ( Darwin ) Tuesday 20 December 1927 page 3 of 4

STANMORE SHOOTING

Sydney, Monday.

Mrs. Florence Ellen Laws, of Percival Road, Stanmore, wife of a master builder, was shot dead in a lane off Norton Street, Leichhardt, yesterday morning, following a quarrel with Constable Arthur Alexander John Ford, of Petersham. The policeman is alleged to have killed Mrs. Laws and to have turned the revolver on himself. He also died. Ford fired five shots, four of which took effect on the woman, who died instantly. Ford was also married. When his wife heard, of the tragedy she collapsed.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/48032233#pstart3153593

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The Age 20 December 1927 page 9 of 11

https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1300&dat=19271220&id=5-BVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=9dcDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4199,5706836&hl=en

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Truth ( Sydney ) Sunday 25 December 1927 page 13 of 20

MYSTERY LETTERS IN LEICHHARDT LOVE SHOOTING

‘MY OWN DEAREST LOVE’ Passionate Expressions to Policeman Who Killed Woman and Then Himself

“ALL MY LOVE UNTIL I SEE MY DARLING!”

MYSTERY letters, pulsating with terms of love and endearment, were found in the pockets of tall, strapping, handsome Constable Arthur Ford when he and Mrs. Florence Laws met death from revolver bullets in a little dead-end lane at Leichhardt on Tuesday morning. They were all unsigned. Only crosses to denote kisses concluded their amatory passages..

WHO – were these letters from? That is a big question for the Coroner when he delves into the tragedy that shocked the city, wrecked two homes and took a handsome man and an attractive and sunny-natured woman, from the earth. A wondering, heartbroken wife weeps silently in a little home in Glebe, mourning the death of her husband. “A fine man, Mr. Ford,” everyone said. He was big and straight and frank.

But on Wednesday he was buried, having gone from life by his own hand. On the fourteenth of this month he went off duty from the Petersham police station— ill. The next day he saw a doctor, who prescribed, and gave him a certificate which substantiated his application – for sick leave. His poor health apparently preyed upon his mind — a mind worried a good deal about other things. His mother had died and he mourned her passing. But there was more. And his thoughts turned to a little home in Percival-road, Stanmore, and to a little woman who lived there with her husband and her family.

Constable Arthur Ford and Mrs. Florence Laws were very firm friends and probably more, if the letters were penned by her, then they were lovers — passionately enamored. In her Stanmore home an astonished husband and father grieves at almost incredible news. Reddened, tear-stained eyes tell of the anguish of three sons, the youngest about 15, and of a pretty daughter. Their mother was her usual bright and cheery self on Monday morning. She left home, trim, petite, dark and well dressed and called at the grocery store just around the corner in Parramatta road. She left and walked smartly along Parramatta-road to Norton-street, where she went to the dental surgery of Dentist C. G. Everingham.

She was well-known there as a genial, lovable and striking woman, with a radiant personality and an unfailingly bright outlook on life. The adventure of existence was real to her. She revelled in it, and she had the happy knack of making others feel that life is worth while. At the surgery she submitted a plate to be repaired. It had been broken— by being dropped on to the floor, she explained. It was broken in such a way that a blow on her mouth might have conceivably been the cause. Only a few minutes she had been in the surgery, chatting away, when she excused herself by saying that a friend was waiting outside for her. The pair spoke on the pavement, and he walked along with her about ten yards, leading the way into a little dead end laneway between two houses facing Norton-street.

There the man, 49 years of age, and the woman, who was 12 years his junior, but who looked only 30, had a conversation which will never be known. Something was worrying Ford, and he told her about it.

Was there another man, – apart altogether from the husband? Or did he want her to be his own, and give up her home and children? The Coroner will he faced with a difficult task in elucidating this.

Whatever the discussion, they disagreed. Ford spoke plainly and bluntly.

The woman sensed danger and wanted to get away. In a frenzy he grasped her and tore her clothing. Then she saw the deadly service revolver being drawn out. There was one awful second of realisation. She screamed. In a frightful tattoo five shots barked out in rapid succession, tearing into her body on their work of destruction. The bullets emerged and bespattered the wall. She crumpled up and, with a little murmuring cry, fell dead, the red blood of life pouring from her, staining the green grass that grew along the wall at the side of the lane.

Without any hesitation Ford turned the revolver on himself. Just one shot. It was aimed true, and it seared through his head and brain. He was breathing still when horror-stricken people rushed to the laneway, but he died after being hurried away towards hospital.

Six shots had been fired. Two lives were taken. And a ruptured romance the cause of it all. Just what they were to each other is the problem that at once presents itself. The wife of Ford, attached and devoted to him, was in a state of collapse when police officers had told her the facts of the tragedy.

The husband of Mrs. Laws could shed little light on the matter beyond saying that he had met Ford, had, in fact, been introduced to him by his wife, who told him that Ford had helped her with a punctured tyre one day. Patrolling Parramatta-road, the stalwart constable must have met the woman in difficulties with her car. She drove herself about and had been a motorist for years, having in her home no lack of anything she desired; good clothes, jewellery, a car, and seemingly no lack of ready cash. Her husband is a master carrier, partner in a business concern. Whatever their association was it must have been heart whole. If the batch of letters found on the dead man came from the woman. Mr. Laws told the police that the writing was like that of his wife. Many of the screeds were on red ruled foolscap paper. Most had been posted in Sydney, and some in Annandale, but not one bore a signature except the crosses, crosses, crosses.

Sometimes the mystery she who wrote them would add a cross or two to the back of the letter for good measure. ‘My Own Dearest Love,’ was the favored form of introduction. Then the screed went on to messages of burning affection. “I’m sitting all alone thinking of my sweetheart,” read one. “I’ve been doing that all day. I’ve never been deceitful to you since I’ve known you. . .” and more like that. “I feel I must see you before I go to bed at night, and in the morning I wake up at four or five and think of my loved one . . ” One letter was apparently in reply to a criticism levelled regarding attendance at a dance, or possibly to forestall criticism. “I went to a dance last night,” wrote the mystery woman of the letters. “I danced with only one person all night, and I was wishing that you were with me . . .” And then followed fervent passages addressed to “Dear Sweetheart” speaking of lovely kisses and declaring that if he ever tired of her it would kill her. But apparently, if Mrs. Laws was the writer, poor Ford grew anything but tired of her. His passion seemed to transcend all reason, all restraints. Two of the letters in the batch are particularly significant regarding an obviously clandestine association, and the difficulties of avoiding detection. One letter, with no other date than “Sunday, 5 p.m.,” I read: “My Own Dearest Love,— I got your letter in the box this morning, sweetheart, at ten-past six, early for Sunday morning. I tried to keep awake on Saturday night, so I could hear you pass, but sleep overtook me. I woke about four o’clock this morning, and never went to sleep after thinking of you, darling, and of the happy hours we spent together. My Dear Arthur, you still seem to doubt me that I love you. I wish you would not think that. I have proved, dear, how much I do LOVE YOU, and I will never, never give you up. I read your sweet letter over and over again, and loved it. I was thinking of you out in the cold on Saturday night at the dogs. Darling, you must have nearly freezed. Did you ring here about 9.30? Somebody rang, and I thought it might have been you. Somebody else answered the ‘phone, and there was no answer. If you ring me on Tuesday let it be after 4. G. goes then. All my love and thoughts till I see my darling. X X X X X x F.L. x x xxx The F.L., thinly traced in a multitude of kisses, seems to have been the only attempt at signature. Both letters were capitals.

Another letter spoke of the suspicions that had been raised by the association of the writer and the Constable.

Dated only ‘Sunday,’ in much the same way as the other, it read:— My Own Dearest Love,— I’ve been thinking of you, love, since I saw you yesterday. You shouldn’t have come over to the car to speak to me after what I told you in the morning. I was that upset I didn’t know what I was talking about. Arthur, dear, you ought to have a little consideration for me when you know how I’ve been talked about. I Just feel I could clear a thousand miles away. Darling, when you see the little kid, N, I mean, don’t ask about me. I will tell you why when I see you. I will try and see you on Wednesday at lunch-time. I will drop you a note before then, sweetheart. All my love till I see you, dear. Then followed those little crosses that mean kisses – thirteen of them. An unlucky number !

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/168681165?searchTerm=florence%20laws&searchLimits=l-decade=192|||l-year=1927|||l-month=12#pstart16113201

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The Sydney Morning Herald Friday 13 January 1928 page 12 of 20

LEICHHARDT TRAGEDY.

CONSTABLE “UNDOUBTEDLY INSANE.”

CORONER’S VERDICT.

” There cannot be the slightly doubt that Ford was suffering from some temporary insanity, ” said the Acting City.

Coroner (Mr. Flynn) at the conclusion yesterday of an inquiry into the death, on the morning of December 19, of Arthur Alexander John Ford, aged 49 years, a police constable, stationed at Petersham, and Mrs. Florence Ellen Laws, aged 37 years, of Percival-road, Stanmore, in a lane off Norton-street, Leichhardt.

The evidence was to the effect that Ford, after a quarrel with Mrs. Laws, drew his service revolver, and fired two shots at her, killing her instantly. He then turned the weapon on himself, inflicting a wound in the side of the head, from the effects of which he died a few minutes after admission to the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

Summing up the evidence, Mr. Flynn said the letters left behind by Ford showed that he regarded his wife with deep affection. All the evidence indicated that be was subject to an increasing mania for some time before his death, and the tragedy had occurred in one of his fits of violence.

Linda Beatrice Ford, wife of the constable, said that he had suffered, some considerable time before the occurrence, two fractures of the skull, one at the base and the other over the left eye. Shortly before the tragedy, he had continually complained of gnawing under the points of fracture. Witness had also noticed a change in his mental disposition. One night, seated at the pianola, he had asked for the roll “Rock of Ages,” stating: “Margery is calling me to play it.” Margery, witness explained, was an adopted daughter, who had been dead two years. On December 18 Ford told witness that he had a confession to make, and spoke of a woman named Florrie. Ford was perfectly sober when he left home on the morning of the tragedy. He was not a heavy drinker.

At this stage a letter was produced, and objected to by counsel for the relatives. In upholding the objection, Mr, Flynn said Ford was obviously insane when he wrote it. It was addressed in very affectionate terms to his wife. Another letter, found on the dead man, was not admitted, the Coroner explaining that it was a letter, couched in affectionate terms, from a certain person to Ford.

The Coroner found, that Mrs. Laws died from the effects of bullet wounds inflicted on her by Ford whilst he was suffering from some temporary mental aberration, and that Ford died from wounds self-inflicted whilst in the same condition of mind.

Mr. Sproule (of Messrs. R. D. Meagher, Sproule, and Co.) appeared for the relatives of Ford; Mr. Thomas Green for the relatives of Mrs. Laws; and Inspector Horsell for the police.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/16433671#pstart1204768

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The Braidwood Review & District Advocate

Tuesday 3 January 1928 page 4 of 8

STRANGE COINCIDENCE

When Constable Ford murdered Mrs. Laws and then shot himself at Leichhardt recently, he completed a tragic triangle of death. He was the third constable who has served at Grenfell to die by violence.

Constables Claude Bovard and George J. Duncan were the other two. Over ten years ago Ford and Bovard served together at Grenfell, and Duncan was stationed there soon after they left.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/119404489

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Albert Ernest CARLYLE

| 30/07/2015

Albert Ernest CARLYLE

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. # ?

Rank: Constable

Stations: ?, Lawson, Lismore ( Lockup Keeper )

Service: From ? about 1930 to 6 March 1952 = 22 years of Service

Awards: ?

Born: ?

Died on: Thursday 6 March 1952

Cause: ?

Age: 42

Funeral date: Sunday 9 March 1952 @ 1.30pm

Funeral location: St. Andrew’s Church of England, Lismore

Buried at: Lismore Church of England cemetery ( Lismore Memorial Gardens )

[alert_yellow]ALBERT is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO

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Funeral location:

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Northern Star ( Lismore, NSW ) Friday 7 March 1952 page 4 of 8

Sudden Death Of Constable

Lismore Police Station lockup keeper, Constable Albert Ernest Carlyle died last night while on his way to Sydney on the Brisbane Express.

Const. Carlyle was travelling to Sydney to enter the police ward at Prince Henry Hospital for medical treatment.

He died while the train was nearing Wauchope.

Const., Carlyle has been a member of the N.S.W. police force for more than twenty years. He has been stationed at Lismore for four years.

He is survived by his widow four sons and a daughter.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/96548039?searchTerm=albert%20carlyle&searchLimits=l-decade=195#reloadOnBack

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Northern Star ( Lismore, NSW ) Saturday 8 March 1952 page 4 of 9

CONSTABLE A. E. CARLYLE.

The death occurred on the train at Wauchope on Thursday night while travelling to Sydney to enter hospital for medical treatment of Constable Albert Ernest Carlyle, 42, a police constable attached, to the staff of the Lismore Police Station for the past four years. During the short period he has resided in Lismore, Constable Carlyle had become particularly well known in the district and made many friends. He was very well known among the bowling fraternity in the Northern Rivers, and as a member of the Lismore City Club achieved much success as a player. When 20 years of age, Constable Carlyle joined the police in Sydney and served in various metropolitan districts.

He was particularly well known, in the Paddington and Bondi districts, and was attached to the police station at Lawson for four years prior to coming to Lismore.

A widow, four sons and a daughter survive. They are Ronald, Raymond, Kevin John and Joyce.

His funeral will leave St. Andrew’s Church of England, Lismore, on Sunday, after a service commencing at 1.30 p.m., for the Lismore cemetery.

Lismore Police today will accord full funeral honours to the late Constable Carlyle.

Inspector J. E. Forsyth said last night that four motor cycles and 20 uniformed police would precede the hearse through the main part of the city.

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Funeral Notices.

CARLYLE. — The FUNERAL of Constable ALBERT ERNEST CARLYLE, of the staff of the Lismore Police Station, will move from St. Andrew’s Church of England, Lismore, TOMORROW (SUNDAY), following a service commencing at 1.30 p.m. for the Church of England portion of the Lismore cemetery.

WILL RILEY & SON,

Funeral Directors.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/96548162?searchTerm=albert%20carlyle&searchLimits=l-decade=195#reloadOnBack

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Northern Star ( Lismore, NSW ) Monday 10 March 1952 page 6 of 8

OBITUARY

40 Police March In Funeral Tribute

Police officers from all parts of the Lismore Police District, representing stations throughout the Richmond and Tweed River districts, paid a tribute at the funeral in Lismore yesterday of their comrade, Constable Albert Ernest Carlyle.

A member of the staff of the Lismore station, Constable Carlyle collapsed and died while on his way to Sydney seeking specialist attention.

Inspector J. E. Forsyth, Inspector in charge of the Lismore Police District, marched with about 40 members of the force in front of the hearse through the streets of the city, escorted by four police motor cyclists.

The police officers were transferred to cars at the intersection of Conway and Dawson Streets and paid a further tribute in the Lismore Church of England cemetery, where they formed a guard of honour and preceded the casket to the graveside.

The Rector of Lismore, Rev. J. V. Robinson, conducted a service in St. Andrew’s Church of England and also officiated at the cemetery.

Many representatives of district bowling clubs attended the funeral, and the president of the N.R.D.B. Association, Mr. W. Blair, represented that body.

The casket was draped with the Union Jack and was carried at the church and cemetery by six senior constables. They were Constables G. Barwick (Ballina), W. Botterill (Alstonville), K. Clark (Broadwater), H. T. Radnedge (Mullumbimby), J. P. O’Neill (Lismore) and H. McDonald (Casino). Constable N. Patterson, of Tabulam, was in charge of the police movement in the cortege.

The wreaths were carried by Messrs. J. G. Hicks (president), C. Brossman (secretary), G. Brown, J. A. Mariangon, H. Riddle, J. Charleston, D. Wotherspoon (City Bowling Club), R. Coombes, N. C. McGuiness (South Lismore Bowling Club), T. Smith, F. Andrews and W. Blair (N.R.D.B.A. president).

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Will Riley and Son.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/96507496#pstart10167962

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