Former Son-In-Law to Artie DOVER # 14576 & former partner to Artie Dovers daughter – Shelly ( previously of Cessnock Police Stn )
Service 1: Goulburn Police Academy PREP Class # 270
New South Wales Police Force
Service 1 & 2: Regd. # 31897
Rank: Service 1
Service 1: Commenced Training at Goulburn Academy on 18 May 1997 ( aged 23 years, 9 months, 11 days )
Probationary Constable – appointed Friday 14 November 1997 ( aged 24 years, 3 months, 7 days )
Constable – appointed 14 November 1998
Stations: Service 1
Service 1: Kurringai LAC – Hornsby GDs, HWP – Scone ( from 15 September 2002 – 3 November 2002 ), Hunter Valley ( 4 November 2002 – 17 December 2005 ) , Lower Hunter LAC – Kurri Kurri & Cessnock GDs ( Team 4 ) ( 18 December 2005 – 17 September 2011 ) – ( left ‘the job’ – Resigned )
Service 1: From 18 May 1997 to 17 September 2011 = 14+ years Service
After Resigning from the employ of NSWPF, Scott joined the mining industry as a ‘Fly In – Fly Out’ miner in Western Australia before rejoining the NSWPF as a Rejoinee.
Service 2 – REJOINEE: NSW Goulburn Police Academy – PREP Class # “possibly” 324 – 328
Rank: Service 2
Service 2: Commenced Training at Goulburn Police Academy on ? ? ?
Probationary Constable- appointed 24 October 2016
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Detective – appointed ? ? ? ( NO )
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank = Senior Constable
Stations: Service 2
Service 2: North Shore – Harbourside LAC ( ProCst ), North Shore PAC – Hornsby ( 3 June 2018 – 17 December 2019 ), Central Hunter, Bingara ( 2 man station as Lock Up Keeper – New England Police District ( 18 December 2019 – 9 November 2020 ) Death
Service 2: From? September 2016 to9 November 2020 = 4+ years Service
Total Service with NSWPF = 18+ years
Awards: No Find on Australian Honours system – however
National Police Medal – granted on ? ? ?
National Police Service Medal – granted on ? ? ?
NSW Police Medal for Ethical & Diligent Police Service – granted on ? ? ?
1st Clasp to NSW Police Medal – granted on ? ? ?
Commanders Citation & Commanders Unit Citation granted 30 November 2020 ( Posthumously ) – Acts of Bravery re Arrest at North Shore Command
Born: Tuesday 7 August 1973 – Royal Newcastle Hospital, NSW
Died on: Monday 9 November 2020
Age: 47 years, 3 months, 2 days
Cause: Suicide – Carbon Monoxide poisoning
Event location: Bingara Police Station
Event date: Monday 9 November 2020
Funeral date: Monday 23 November 2020 @ 11am
Funeral location: *North Chapel, Newcastle Memorial Park, 176 Anderson Dve, Beresfield, NSW
*Due to the current Public Health restrictions, attendance at the funeral service is by personal invitation from the next of kin. No other persons are permitted on the grounds of the Memorial Park.
Registration will be required via name and email address after which an invitation to the streaming service will be received at the email address given.
In an effort to include all that knew and loved Scotty, we would like to extend an invitation for you to attend the service via livestream on the day.
any Future Wake location: ??? TBA
any Future Wake date: ??? TBA
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( November 2020 )
SCOTT is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
SCOTTSHOULD BE entitled to be mentioned on the Sydney Police Centre Memorial Wall, Surry Hills
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
NSW Goulburn Police Academy Class # 284 ( Class 5 )
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 36446
Rank: Commenced Training at Goulburn Police Academy on ? ? 2002? Aged 23 )
Probationary Constable- appointed 3 May 2002 ( aged 23 years, 2 months & 18 days )
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank = Sergeant
Stations: ?, Orange ( ProCst – 2002 ), Trundle, Tullamore, Tottenham, Alectown, Parkes, Peak Hill ( Sgt 3/c ), Dubbo, Central West Highway Patrol – Orange – Death
Service: From? ? 2002? to17 July 2020 = 19 years Service
Awards: No Find on Australian Honours
although:
NSW Police Medal – 10 year’s Service – Awarded 17 June 2015
Born: Thursday 15 February 1979
Died on: Friday 17 July 2020
Age: 41 years, 5 months & 2 days
Cause: Depression – Suicide – ?
Event location: ?
Event date: Friday 17 July 2020
Funeral date: Monday 3 August 2020 @ 11am
Funeral location: St Brigid’s Catholic Church, Brisbane St, Dubbo, NSW
In lieu of floral tributes, donations to the NSW Police Legacy would be appreciated & may be left with the funeral directors at the service.
( Due to current Govt. restrictions of the 4 square metre rule at a Funeral due to the Cornona19 Virus Pandemic )
Future Wake location: ??? TBA
( Due to current Govt. restrictions of 50 persons only at ‘Gatherings’, there won’t be an immediate Wake )
Future Wake date: ???
( Due to current Govt. restrictions on ‘Gatherings’ due to Corona19 Virus Pandemic, some families may wish to have a Memorial Service / Wake with friends and family at a later date )
Funeral Parlour: Abbey Funeral Home – 02 6881 8988
Buried at: Interment in the New Dubbo Cemetery, Dunedoo Rd, Dubbo, NSW
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( July 2020 )
WES is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * BUT SHOULD BE
WES is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
WES possibly will be mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance – Surry Hills
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Dubbo’s Wesley Bush knew from a young age that he wanted to be a police officer. It’s a dream he’s glad to have followed, as he prepares to start working as a probationary constable.
The 23-year-old policing student will be one of the speakers at the Dubbo Police Career Day on Sunday 21 April.The day is a joint initiative of the NSW Police and Charles Sturt University (CSU), inviting visitors to find out more about policing as a career and the recruit education program, the Diploma of Policing Practice (DPP).
The Police Career Day runs from 10am to 2pm, with a formal information session commencing at 10am. Speakers include current students such as Mr Bush, recent graduates, university and police staff. They will discuss career options within the police service, health and lifestyle issues and the education program.
Mr Bush said he had found studying at the Police College in Goulburn an enjoyable experience.
“There is a lot of support while you are on campus, all the staff are very helpful,” he said.
Mr Bush will be returning to regional NSW in May, to complete the DPP while he is employed as a probationary constable in Orange.
The Diploma of Policing Practice is offered in a number of different modes, including distance education, making it accessible to a broad range of prospective students.
DPP students may be eligible to be employed by the NSW Police as probationary constables after two 14-week sessions of study, then they complete their training over a further 12 months.
Applications for the Diploma will also be accepted on the day. Anyone wishing to apply should bring the original, plus copies of documents, such as birth certificates, results of prior study and references.
The Police Career Day is being held at the Police and Community Youth Club, corner of Darling and Erskine Streets, Dubbo.
For further information about the Police Career Day, contact the NSW Police Service recruitment line on 1800 222 122. For information about the CSU Diploma of Policing Practice, visit our website
CAUGHT: Senior Constable Wes Bush with one of the many illegal mobile radar detectors seized by police in the last few weeks.
TWELVE Orange drivers have had illegally installed mobile radar detectors seized by police in the last few weeks.
The drivers have been hit with heavy fines of $1300 each and lost nine points from their licence.
Orange police have specially installed devices in each vehicle which emit a loud signal when a vehicle is approaching with an illegally installed detector.
Police say the illegal devices have been imported by either being purchased over the internet or obtained overseas and brought in to the country in luggage.
Senior Constable Wes Bush said when drivers were caught they realised they would have to pay a heavy fine.
“But they get a real shock when they find out they lose nine points off their licence,” he said. “They only need to have had one speeding fine added to that and their licence is gone.”
Police say the standard navigation GPS systems which can be purchased in retail outlets do not pose a problem as they only have a facility for detecting fixed cameras.
The illegal devices which have been confiscated in the last few weeks are small enough to fit in the palm of the hand and plug into a cigarette lighter.
Snr Const Bush said many drivers were also unaware that it is illegal to be caught buying or storing a detector in a vehicle.
ORANGE residents were far worse in 2013 when it came to speeding in school zones, with about 281 drivers booked in the Orange local government area – an 84 per cent increase from 2012 when 153 drivers were fined.
The most common offenders when it comes to speeding in school zones, are parents whose children go to the school Leading Senior Constable Wes Bush said.
The increase in fines was not necessarily because Orange drivers were becoming more complacent, Senior Constable Bush said, rather Orange highway patrol had been “actively” targeting school zones.
As 40 km/h school zones kick into force from Tuesday, Senior Constable Bush urged people to slow down and pay attention to school zone signage.
“There’s plenty of signs around, flashing lights, road markings,” he said.
“They’re prominent and it is easy to tell so there’s no excuse.”
He said people should be reminded one extra demerit point applied to any infringement notice given to a driver in a school zone.
Failure to adhere to school zone speed limits could be costly for motorists, with fines up to $425 for exceeding the zone by under 10 km/h and a loss of two demerit points.
Exceeding the speed limit over 10 kmh could result in a loss of four demerit points and a $531 fine.
The 40 km/h school zones operate from 8am to 9:30am and 2:30pm to 4pm.
Orange and Cabonne Road Safety Officer Andrea Hamilton-Vaughan said the 40 km/h school zone speed limit must be observed even if school children can’t be seen.
“A safe return to school can be achieved if everyone plays a role to protect school children,” Andrea Hamilton-Vaughan said.
Orange drivers gave the government about $533,000 worth of fines for speeding in a school zone in the last financial year.
Motoring madness: drivers ignore school zone speed limits
NICOLE KUTER
WARNING SIREN: Orange Highway Patrol Leading Senior Constable Wes Bush and Richard and Sim Madigan (crossing) are calling on drivers to slow down in school zones to protect children like Catherine McAuley Catholic Primary School student Henry Madigan. Photo: OLIVIA SARGENT 0703oscrossing
Orange drivers continue to put children’s lives at risk by speeding through school zones with speeding offences double what they were two years ago.
P-plater clocked at 164km/h on the Mitchell Highway near Lucknow
NICOLE KUTER
PROACTIVE POLICING: Leading senior constable Wes Bush at the Bathurst Road random breath testing site yesterday morning. Photo: STEVE GOSCH 0102sgpolice
Police were shocked three P-plate drivers were caught in the region doing 60 kilometres over the speed limit, in one day, with once caught on the Mitchell Highway near Lucknow……
Canobolas Local Area Command awards acknowledge help from Peter and the police
MATT FINDLAY
THE contributions and achievements of the region’s police officers were celebrated at yesterday’s Canobolas Local Area Command (CLAC) awards ceremony, but it wasn’t just the officers being recognised.
Emily Watson, a year 12 student at Orange High School, was on hand at the Orange Agriculture Institute to accept the CLAC certificate of appreciation on behalf of her father Peter Watson, who provided valuable assistance to ambulance officers at an incident on Huntley Road last year.
Mr Watson stopped on the side of the road to assist ambulance officers subdue an unruly patient, enabling them to call for further assistance and helping to resolve a volatile situation in the process.
Miss Watson, who was also present at the incident, said she was proud to be accepting such an award on her father’s behalf.
“I am proud, he couldn’t be here today and I saw what happened. He told me to stay in the car, but I didn’t,” she laughed.
“The ambulance officers were wrestling with a patient, about 100 metres away from their van. One of the ambulance officers was hit by the patient, and they couldn’t leave him to call for assistance.
“Dad helped them so they could call for assistance. It was a pretty scary situation, a lot of people wouldn’t have stopped, so I’m very proud of him for doing that.”
Officers from around the region received medals for long service, clasps, certificates of merit and commendations during the ceremony, and CLAC Superintendent Shane Cribb was on hand for the presentation.
“These awards are very important,” he said. “Our police work 24 hours a day putting their lives at risk, and it’s very important we recognise their achievements and their years of service.
“It’s a very demanding profession, and 10 years in one profession is a long time in this kind of occupation. We saw here, there was people getting recognised for 25 and 30 years’ service.
“It’s tough to work in one profession for 30 years at all, let alone one so demanding. We’re incredibly grateful for their efforts, and it’s important for the community to see the kind of effort they go to as well.
“The public often doesn’t see what happens when the police are out protecting them, looking after them and making sure their safe.
“I’m incredibly proud to be a part of it, it’s fantastic.”
State Crime Command – Commanders Commendation: Sergeant Brenden Casey.
Chifley Local Area Command – Certificate of Appreciation: Sergeant Colin Sheil.
Canobolas Local Area Command – Certificate of Appreciation: Peter Watson.
Certificate of Service: Former sergeant Garry Sheils, former sergeant Terry Johns.
National Service Medal: Sergeant Glenn Griffith, Sergeant Phil Cleathero, Detective Sergeant Andrew McLean, Sergeant Michael Sullivan, Sergeant Colin Sheil, Senior Constable John Newton, Senior Constable Greg Treavors, Leading Senior Constable Grant Terry, former inspector Greg Pringle, former sergeant Gary Shiels, former sergeant Terry Johns.
National Medal 1st clasp – 25 years: Sergeant Glenn Griffith, Sergeant Phil Cleathero, Senior Constable Greg Treavors, Leading Senior Constable Grant Terry, former sergeant Terry Johns.
NSW Police Medal – 10 years’ service: Senior Constable Adam Cornish, Senior Constable Leon Corcoran, Leading Senior Constable Wesley Bush, Senior Constable Lames Carters.
NSW Police Medal clasp – 25 years’ service: Sergeant Glenn Griffith, Sergeant Phil Cleathero, Senior Constable Greg Treavors, Leading Senior Constable Grant Terry, former sergeant Terry Johns.
NSW Police Medal clasp – 30 years’ service: Senior Constable John Newton, former sergeant Gary Shiels.
Certificate of Appointment: Sergeant Colin Sheil.
Region Certificate of Merit: Former sergeant Terry Johns.
Police | Driver and passengers flee crash scene in Glenroi on Saturday
David Fitzsimons
SLOW DOWN: Leading senior constable Wes Bush wants motorists to know Orange Highway Patrol will continue to target speeding in school zones when the school term starts on Tuesday. Photo: JUDE KEOGH. 0124schoolzone1
A driver and two passengers fled the scene of a car crash in Glenroi on Saturday afternoon, police said on Sunday.
Central West Police District acting inspector Wes Bush said the three people were in a Holden Commodore which hit a road hump at speed causing a front tyre to blow.
Acting Inspector Bush said the driver lost control of the car and it crashed into a Holden Commodore Ute at the intersection of Adina Crescent and Garema Road.
“The driver fled the scene. There were two other passengers in the car [who also left the scene],” he said.
He said the driver of the other car was not injured in the crash.
Acting Inspector Bush said the incident occurred at 3.30pm on Saturday.
He said the car had not been reported as stolen.
Police and an Orange Fire and Rescue crew attended the scene of the crash.
Acting Inspector Bush said police enquiries were continuing on Sunday to locate the driver.
Anyone with information should contact Orange Police or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Inscription: Sacred to the memory of Richard Bodily ( Note there is only 1 ‘L’ in the surname )( Gravestone has yet another spelling ” Bodiley “, A Native of Penzance in Cornwall, England. Chief Constable of Scone, who departed this life on the 7th May 1854 ” from the effects of a Pistol Shot accidentally received in the discharge of his duty “. Aged 33 years.
The chief constable was accidentally shot while escorting two prisoners to the Scone Police Station. As Chief Constable Bodilly and another constable were en route with their prisoners a pistol discharged, wounding the chief constable in the knee. Although he was conveyed to Scone for treatment, he succumbed to his wound and passed away on 7 May, 1854.
The coroner’s verdict following an inquest at Scone on 8 May, 1854 indicates that death was caused by the “accidental explosion of a pistol”. It appears he was succeeded at Scone by Chief Constable Hugh Brien Murray. The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River Advertiser of 10 May, 1854 reported the incident.
“ACCIDENT – A few days since one of the Muswell Brook constables was sent to the neighbourhood of Scone in search of two men, for whose apprehension warrants were issued. The chief and another constable of Scone also went in search, and apprehended the men, and whilst escorting them to the lockup, by some means or other the chief constable’s pistol went off, and the ball lodged in his knee and fractured the bones. He was conveyed to Scone, and attended by two doctors, who endeavoured to extract the ball, but could not do so.”
At the time of his death the chief constable was aged 33 years and was stationed at Scone.
He is not listed in the official New South Wales Police Honour Roll.
The Widow, Mary Anne BODELLY ( Spelt with an ‘E’ instead of ‘I’, married Charles Day MURPHY ON 30 August 1855 at Scone, NSW.
Sydney Quarter Sessions
Monday 12 August 1850 page 2
Before the Chairman and Mr. David Allan, J.P.
The Crown Prosecutor conducted the following cases on behalf of the Crown.
John Day and Philip Kedley were indicted for assaulting Richard Bodilly, a constable, while engaged in the execution of his duty.
The Jury found the defendants guilty, with a recommendation to mercy, and they were sentenced to be each imprisoned and kept to hard labour in Sydney Gaol for the term of three calendar months.
Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser (NSW : 1843 – 1893),
Wednesday 10 August 1853, page 4
Government Gazette.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 1853.
NOTICE – SCONE.
Notice is hereby given, that the Justices of the Peace acting in and for the police district of Scone, in Petty Sessions assembled, have this day (July 29th) appointed Mr. Richard Bodilly, chief constable, to be Inspector of Weights and Measures for the police district of Scone.
A gifted, dedicated and tenacious investigator, Detective Sergeant Berlinda Jane CUSH tragically took her own life on this day in 2008. We remember your infectious laugh and amazing smile around the Boondall CIB office…
You are missed and loved each and every day.
Blue HOPE stands ready.
Policewoman’s suicide shocks workmates
CourierMail
POLICEWOMAN shot and killed herself with her own gun at a suburban police complex yesterday. The tragedy has stunned workmates.
Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Belinda Cush, 37, walked into the Queensland Police complex in Wecker Rd at Mansfield, picked up her police-issue Glock pistol, fired a shot into a chair and then turned the weapon on herself.
Queensland Police Union president Cameron Pope said she greeted colleagues when she arrived at the Prostitution Enforcement Task force just after 8am but then did not speak to anyone before the shooting.
“There is nothing that we have seen or that I am aware of that could have prevented this incident,” Mr Pope said. “There has not been a single issue raised that I’m aware of that was an indicator to this incident.”
He said her workmates were struggling to cope with the tragedy, the reasons for which remain a mystery.
” Several police were actually there when it happened, ” he said. “Between the service and the union, counselling is being provided to any number of persons who require it and that’ll be monitored closely to make sure that all the officers who’ve suffered from this can get as much treatment as possible. ”
Det Snr-Sgt Cush worked in various ” high-profile areas of the service ” and was very well-respected, he said.
” I spoke to her officer-in-charge this morning and he was very distressed about the matter and he was very glowing in his description and praise of her, ” Mr Pope said.
” She was very highly regarded by members of the service and certainly her superior officers. There were a lot of platitudes coming out for this lady. ”
In addition to the police chaplains, Mr Pope said officers had a number of support services to assist with the daily demands and stresses of police work.
” In every police establishment there is what’s called a peer support officer who police can approach about any issue. There’s also human support officers who check the daily occurrence sheets and follow up officers involved in major incidents and of course there’s the police chaplains who do a wonderful job, ” he said.
In the past 10 years, there have been two other incidents of police officers taking their own lives at work at Ipswich and Smithfield stations.
” It’s not a prevalent problem, thank goodness, ” Mr Pope said.
The Prostitution Enforcement Task force is one of several ” specialised ” units that operates out of the police building in Wecker Road, and it investigates complaints about illegal prostitution.
A QPS spokesperson said the circumstances of Det Snr-Sgt Cush’s death were being investigated, but it was considered non-suspicious. A report will be completed for the coroner
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or SANE Helpline on 1800 18 SANE (7263).
Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001),
Friday 21 September 1979 (No.130), page 4775
ANY person having any claims upon the estate of GERARD PETER JOHNSTON, late of Randwick, who died on 11th January, 1979, must send particulars of his claim to the administrators, Francis Norman Johnston and Kathleen Therese Johnston, c.o. Laurence & Laurence, 54 Carrington Street, Sydney, on or before 4th December, 1979. The administrators will distribute the assets in the estate, having regard only to the claims of which at that date they have notice. Letters of administration were granted in New South Wales on 27th June, 1979. LAURENCE & LAURENCE, Solicitors, 54 Carrington Street, Sydney, N.S.W. 2000 (D.X. 115).
This afternoon, in a quiet and deeply-felt ceremony at the Sydney Police Centre, another thirteen names were added, and the memories of another thirteen dedicated NSW Police Force employees were honoured, at the NSW Police Force Service Memorial:
Coroner urges six-monthly welfare checks after inquest into four police suicide deaths
Posted
In short: A Hobart coroner who investigated the deaths of four police officers who took their own lives has recommended Tasmania Police conduct mandatory half-yearly well-being screenings for PTSD.
What’s next? The Police commissioner says work will continue with the police association to implement changes
The family of one of four Tasmanian police officers who died by suicide between 2016 and 2020 say they hope the findings of a coronial inquest may prevent a similar tragedy in the future.
Coroner Simon Cooper has handed down his findings into the deaths of Constable Paul Hunt, Senior Sergeant Paul Reynolds, Constable Simon Darke and Sergeant Robert Cooke, recommending a swathe of welfare supports be implemented.
WARNING: This story touches on themes of depression and suicide.
During last year’s hearings, the court was told how overworked officers were self-medicating with alcohol and drugs, and of significant shortfalls in welfare support — particularly in areas such as fatigue management and protocols around interactions with the Professional Standards Command.
In his findings, Coroner Cooper, acknowledged the fact that these men were all serving police officers was “only part of the whole picture” of their lives, but he said he had “no doubt” that “Sergeant Cooke‘s police service was the direct cause of his death“.
But he said the provision of welfare support and whether it was adequate was a “central consideration at the inquest.”
He called for Tasmania Police to immediately develop and implement a fatigue management policy saying it was essential it was “addressed urgently”.
The inquest heard Robert Cooke had reportedly worked “16-hour continuous shifts for four weeks” during the Central Highlands bushfires in 2019.
This had left him “exhausted and barely functioning towards the end of the third week”.
“Tasmania Police had no fatigue management policy at any time, up to and including as recently as when the evidence at the inquest was publicly taken at the end of 2022,” he said.
“The absence of any fatigue management policy was, I consider, a direct factor in Sergeant Cooke’s death.”
Tasmania Police officers salute at Robert Cooke’s funeral in 2020 .(ABC News: Luke Bowden)
The coroner also recommended six-monthly screenings of all operation police officers for post-traumatic stress disorder.
“Sergeant Cooke obviously suffered from the effects of PTSD for a long time before it was diagnosed,” he said.
“Every health care professional who gave evidence … unanimously agreed that his PTSD was entirely attributable to his service as a police officer.
“Every health care professional also agreed that earlier detection of PTSD increases the chances of successful treatment and recovery.”
Tasmania Police investigating the feasibility of “introducing a points system”, whereby an officer’s exposure to severe incidents would be tracked, was also recommended.
When a “critical points threshold” was reached, an automatic referral to a psychologist should be triggered, Coroner Cooper said.
The coroner also called for better support for officers under investigation for misconduct — including ensuring that those who had their phone seized by Professional Standards be given a replacement mobile pre-programmed with well-being support numbers.
“The death of any member of the community by suicide is a tragedy,” Coroner Cooper said.
“The suicide of serving police officers, whatever their individual circumstances, is particularly tragic for serving members of the police force and the community at large.
“My sincere hope is that some improvements and learnings can emerge from the deaths of Constable Hunt, Senior Sergeant Reynolds, Constable Darke and Sergeant Cooke.”
Sergeant Robert “Cookie” Cooke was well-regarded among his Tasmania Police colleagues.(ABC News: Luke Bowden)
Families welcome findings
In a statement, Robert Cooke‘s mother Lyn and sister Michelle said they were satisfied with the findings, particularly the recommendations for a fatigue management policy and screenings for PTSD stress disorder.
“The family miss Rob terribly and hope the findings and increased support for mental health may prevent similar events in the future,” they said.
“[Our] thoughts are with all the families involved in this inquest.”
Commissioner committed to ‘safe model of policing’
Police Commissioner Donna Adams acknowledged it was a difficult time for the families and colleagues impacted by the coronial report.
She said improvements had already been made within Tasmania Police.
Strategies included “a strong peer support group, and a critical stress program” to ensure officers could access the help they needed.
But she said changes wouldn’t end there — and that Tasmania Police would work with the Police Association to examine the coroner’s recommendations.
Police Minister Felix Ellis said the government had allocated funding to “Tasmania Police and the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management’s nation-leading wellbeing program”.
“Police officers, by the nature of the job, are exposed to some pretty difficult and extraordinary circumstances, so providing that support is important,” he said.
“We want to work to make sure that policing continues to be a career or choice, and that we’re supporting our officers if they do find themselves facing challenging circumstances.”
The former partner of a Tasmanian police officer who died by suicide has told an inquest that he became fixated on jobs which involved suicide — but that he never sought help for his own mental health.
The coronial inquest is examining the death of Constable Simon Darke and the deaths of three other police officers between 2016 and 2020.
Kimberly Freeman told the court that while Constable Darke loved being a police officer, he started to become obsessed with the jobs he attended that involved death by suicide, and she had concerns about him being in possession of a weapon.
Ms Freeman said Constable Darke‘s mental status changed in the months leading up to his death in 2019.
The inquest also heard Constable Darke had worked 23 hours of overtime over three consecutive days whilst he was involved in the emergency response during the 2019 bushfires in the Huon Valley, south of Hobart.
“He told me he had been working long days so there is no doubt in my mind that he was extremely overtired,” Ms Freeman said.
“He picked up as much overtime and shifts as he could and mentioned several times that he didn’t have enough money.”
Darke ‘copped a lot of abuse’ during fire evacuations
Constable Darke‘s father Graham told the court that while he knew his son had problems with some relationships, the long hours during the 2019 bushfires and run of night shifts at a Hobart police station became too much for the 45-year-old.
“My son mentioned he had copped a lot of abuse when he asked people to leave their homes during the fires, he then went onto night shift by himself which in hindsight wasn’t appropriate,” Mr Darke said.
Another ex-partner, Shanna Sweeney, told the inquest she contacted police after Constable Darke threatened suicide in 2011 but did not believe her concerns were taken seriously.
Ms Sweeney told the court that it took a lot for her to speak up because she did not want Constable Darke to get into trouble at work, and was concerned he could be punished if he was seen as being vulnerable.
She said it was common knowledge among Tasmanian police officers that Constable Darke had threatened self-harm, even though he personally denied it.
“There was a perception he would be judged if he got help,” she said.
Ms Sweeney told the inquest Constable Darke did not really talk about his work unless it was “funny“, and never identified a particular event that would have caused him trauma.
The inquest continues.
Key points:
The inquest heard Constable Simon Darke had worked 23 hours of overtime over three consecutive days during the bushfire response in 2019
Ex-partner Shanna Sweeney said she contacted police after Constable Darke threatened suicide in 2011 but did not believe her concerns were taken seriously
She said it was common knowledge among Tasmanian police officers that Constable Darke had threatened self-harm, even though he personally denied it
In memoriam: Constable Simon Graham Darke, Tasmania Police, died suddenly on 6th February 2019. He was 45 years old.
Constable Simon Darke served as a valued member of Tasmania Police for ten years, most recently with Southern Road and Public Order Services.
He was a talented artist, bicycle racer, a caring and kind police officer, adored dad, loving son and brother. A great man who was snatched from us too soon.
He answered the call, never hesitated to help people, and he will forever live through all whose lives he touched. May he rest in peace and intercede on our behalf.
We extend our deepest sympathies to his young family and friends. May care and love of those around you provide comfort to get you through the days and years ahead.
Gone from our sight but not from our hearts.
Simon, a great artist, also owned ‘Spider Signs’ although that business was de-registered on 3 November 2008.
DARKE Family and friends are invited to attend a service to celebrate the life of Simon Graham Darke To be held at: Turnbull Funerals Chapel 71 Letitia Street, North Hobart Friday, February 15, 2019 3.00pm
Special and adored dad and daddy of Cleo, Archie (dec), Hallie and Lacey.
Loved and loving son of Jan and Graham.
Most dearly loved brother, brother-in-law and uncle of Shelley and Mark Spong, Nathan and Tegan, Mitchell, Sophie, Campbell, Abbey and Ainsley; Emerson and Ava.
Loved grandson of Patty and Fred Kean and Bill and Ailie Darke (all dec).
Talented artist, signwriter, devoted policeman.
Sorely missed, we will always love you.
February 14, 2019
Angela Gillam, Geelong, Victoria
February 14, 2019
Condolences to Darke family.
In our thoughts at this time and for whenever you may need us
Colin & Jackie McKenzie,
Howden, Tasmania
February 14, 2019
From all of us, at Salvation Army Street Teams Hobart, we would like to send our deepest sympathies and love to Family & friends of Constable Simon Darke. We are deeply saddened by his passing and we are all blessed to have known Simon.
We will surely miss his friendly chats, sense of humour and assistance at Street Teams.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Mel Street Teams,
Hobart, Tasmania
February 14, 2019
Rip Simon. You were a great friend to our family and we are shocked and saddened by your passing.
Hopefully at peace now xx
Ange & Pete Gillam
Angela Gillam, BC
February 14, 2019
Much respected and loved friend of Ken and Beryl (dec) Rayner. Simon’s friendship and care over the years has been so very appreciated and we are devastated to learn of his passing. So young and such a kind soul. We will miss you Simon.
Ken Rayner, Lauderdale, Tasmania
February 13, 2019
Condolences to all of Simons family and friends.
Forever a part of the Police family. He will be sadly missed.
Karen Westell, Hobart
February 13, 2019
Another Hero taken too soon, may you rest in peace. Condolences to your family at this time of great hurt.
Ian Hobbs, Huonville
February 13, 2019
So sorry to hear of Simons passing, our love and thoughts are with family and friends at this sad time x
Alison Hulm,
Launceston
February 13, 2019
RIP condolences to family, friends and colleagues.
Alex Robertson
February 13, 2019
Wendy Scholes,
GRANTVILLE
February 13, 2019
RIP Blue Brother.
Sincere condolences to Simons family.
Chris Richardson,
St Helens, MO
February 13, 2019
Condolences to family, friends and workmates Serving and police veterans Australia wide are hurting and our collective thoughts are with you at this time. Simon will forever be part of the Thin Blue Line
Mick Cummins,
Geelong, Victoria
February 11, 2019
We are saddened by the sudden loss of our cousin Simon. He will be sadly missed by us from far away. Our prayers, blessings, and love to my family in Tasmania.
Love Phillip, Kris, and Noah Webb, Ohio USA.
Phillip Webb,
Washington Court House, OH
February 9, 2019
Simon was a wonderful friend and neighbour and will be sadly missed. Our condolences to all the family.
Jean & Dave Wallace
February 9, 2019
DARKE Simon, Constable
Simon served as a valued member of the Tasmania Police Service for 10 years, most recently with Southern Road and Public Order Services, and his loss is felt deeply across the agency. The Commissioner, Members and Employees of Tasmania Police are saddened by his passing and offer their deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
We salute the service of Senior Constable Ricky John Hilton, Queensland Police Service, who died suddenly on 12th February 2019. He was 54 years old.
On Tuesday, 12th February 2019, Australia lost a kind police officer, a father, husband and brother, and his leaving has left our world a poorer place. He leaves behind his loving wife and two sons.
His friends describe him as a kind, humble, compassionate and considerate man.
Like a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in time of sorrow.
Gone from our sight, but not from our hearts.
Family and friends of Ricky are invited to attend a service at Centenary Memorial Gardens Chapel, 353 Wacol Station Road, Sumner, on Wednesday, 20th February, at 11 a.m. To respect his family’s wishes, please donate to Queensland Police Legacy.
Here is Ricky John Hilton’s obituary. Please accept Everhere’s sincere condolences.
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Ricky John Hilton (Ballarat, Victoria), who passed away on February 12, 2019, leaving to mourn family and friends. Family and friends can light a candle as a loving gesture for their loved one. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Ricky John Hilton to show support.
He was loved and cherished by many people including : his spouse Maree; his children, Pierce and Edward; his parents, Max and Marian; his siblings, Nicole, Yvette and Danielle; his siblings-in-law, Scott, Stephen and Mary Anne; his nieces and nephews, Thomas, Louisa, Jack, Patrick, Samuel, Isabella, Caelan, Bridie and Riagan.
