Memorial: NSW Police force Service Memorial Wall, Sydney Police Centre, Surry Hills, F19 ( right wall )
With regret I advise the death of Julie Rose WILD, 40 old, a Serving officer Regd. No. 32507 of the Surry Hills Command.
Julie passed away on 27/08/2013 and her funeral is proposed to be held at 1330Hrs on Tuesday 3 rd September at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 463 Oxford Street, PADDINGTON.
# # #
WILD JULIE ROSE August 27th 2013 Aged 40 Years Late of Warners Bay
Beloved daughter of ROGER and JOY. Loved sister of JOANNE and DAVID.
A Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of JULIE will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 463 Oxford Street, Paddington on TUESDAY, September 3rd 2013 at 1.30pm.
Cause: Surgical Operation complication stemming from HOD Injuries
Age: 53 years, 10 months, 25 days
Funeral date: Friday 30 August 2013 @ 10.30am
Funeral location: Wollongong Church of Christ, O’Briens Rd, Figtree
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial: NSW Police Force Service Memorial Wall, Sydney Police Centre, Surry Hills, D6 ( right wall )
NICK is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *BUT SHOULD BE
An application was made for Nick to be included on the National Police Wall of Remembrance, Canberra, and the NSW Police Wall of Remembrance, Sydney due to the fact that he died as a result of complications stemming from a medical operation in direct consequence to his Duty related Injuries. The Commissioner, Scipione, supported it but the Commander, Wollongong, at the time did NOT support the application and, to this day ( 22 March 2018. Rechecked 13 Jan 2021 – still doesn’t appear ), Nick only appears on the Police Force Service Memorial Wall at the Sydney Police Centre, Surry Hills and NOT the Police Wall of Remembrance.
As an aside, his Widow IS receiving a Police Pension as the matter was considered H.O.D.
Sgt Nick Skomarow in 2003
Sgt Nick Skomarow in 2003
It is with the deepest and heartfelt sadness that I let you all know that another one of our Illawarra mates has passed on.
Nick Skomarow was a 54 year old Sergeant, currently stationed at Wollongong, who had a 14 hour operation on his neck 8 days ago ( Friday 16 August ) at Figtree Private Hospital whereby he had 3 or 4 vertebra removed due to old HOD injuries suffered whilst on operational duties with the HWP.
Around 9.30am this morning ( Saturday 24 August, 2013 ) Nick was found deceased in his hospital room.This is now a Coroners matter but it is believed that he may have suffered from a blood clot ( not confirmed ).
Nick was in “the job” for 30 years and was a bloody good bloke.
He had also been stationed at Sutherland, Broken Hill and Liverpool HWP at one stage.
On behalf of the troops still in “the job” and those of us now out of “the job”, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Nick and give our condolences to Nick’s wife, Coralie and their families.
Nick, may you forever Rest in Peace mate.
A Full Police Funeral will be held this coming Friday, 30 August, 2013, at 10.30am at Wollongong Church of Christ, O’Briens Rd, Figtree.
The family will then attend the Wollongong Crematorium for a committal service and the wake will be held at Wests Leagues Club, Unanderra.
* * *
SKOMAROW Nicholas (Nick)
of Cordeaux Heights Taken from us too early on August 24, 2013. Adored and loving husband of Coralie.
Loving son of John and the late Tammy.
Adored father and father in law of Amanda, Aaron and Cassandra.
Much loved Poppo of Jayden. Loved brother of Victor and a dearly loved brother in law.
A much loved cousin, nephew and uncle, and a great friend and colleague to many.
Aged 53 Years
We will miss you A special person, no one can replace. Our memories of you will be treasured forever.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Nick’s funeral service to be held at Newday Church (Church Of Christ), O’Briens Road, Figtree on Friday at 10:30am. Following the service his funeral will proceed to the Main Chapel, Wollongong City Memorial Gardens Crematorium, Berkeley Road, Unanderra.
* * *
Photos taken by Retired SenCon Greg Callander (contact details at base of website). No copyrights attached to photos used by friends and family of Nick.
These photos are uploaded at 1.5meg but the originals are 35 meg each if anyone needs higher quality for printing etc. There are 140 photos:
Nick worked at Pooncarrie many moons ago and was instrumental in the arrest of Darryl Suckling for several murders of young women.
Daryl Suckling’s arrest in remote NSW in the late 1980s revealed his disturbing connections with the disappearance of Jodie Larcombe from Melbourne. Charged with the murder of Jodie, then a sex worker on St Kilda’s streets, Suckling was allowed to walk free, as police investigators struggled to prove a homicide without a body. He’d previously escaped conviction more than once after brutally abducting several women.
Frustrated by legal obstacles and bad luck, one officer resigned from the force in disgust, but the case was never forgotten and investigators closed in as Suckling stalked his next victim. The grisly murder linked St Kilda with the lonely, windswept sandhills of the NSW outback near Mildura, and brought two hardened policemen close to a brave family pushed to breaking point – in the end, it was too much for Jodie’s mother, who committed suicide when Suckling appealed his eventual conviction.
Suckling is now one of 15 prisoners serving life in NSW, never to be released.
Nick also had a boat, when he was stationed out at Broken Hill, called ‘ TJF ‘. This usually means ‘ The Job’s Fu*@ed ‘.
Grave vandals smash 45 headstones
Posted
Vandals have desecrated 45 graves at Wollongong Cemetery on the New South Wales south coast.
Police say the graves in the old Wesley section of the cemetery have had their headstones smashed beyond repair. They are some of the cemetery’s oldest graves.
The damage bill is estimated at $100,000.
Acting Inspector Nick Skomarow says vandals attacked the graves on Wednesday night.
“Unknown persons have entered the Wollongong Cemetery on Kenny Street and during this time 45 marked graves located in the southern end of the cemetery had their headstones smashed beyond repair,” he said.
Acting Inspector Skomarow says police are appealing for information on those responsible for the attack.
“Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or may have information that may assist investigators in identifying those responsible for the damage to contact Wollongong Police or Crime Stoppers,” he said.
Father of SenCon ( Retired ) Gary Ian THATCHER, Regd # 17604 ( R.I.P. )
SenSgt Laurie Thatcher – 1988
Laurie passed away at 4pm on Thursday 25th July 2013, at Wollongong Hospital, suffering a surpirize heart attack after a short stay in hospital. He had been doing well and was expected home today, the 26th but, unfortunately, this didn’t happen.
Laurie was a really nice bloke and was attached to Wollongong Police Station as a Licencing Sergeant before his retirement.
May he forever R.I.P.
Roger Wayne BORGAS
| 01/09/2013
Roger Wayne BORGAS
7 July 2013
47 old, Regd. No. 22136
attached to Brisbane Water LAC Anti Theft
Memorial: NSW Police force Service Memorial Wall, Sydney Police Centre, Surry Hills, D5 ( right wall )
Roger passed away on 07/07/2013 and his funeral is proposed to be held at 11am on Saturday 13th Instant at Christ Church, Marr Street, GOSFORD.
information is that Rodger Borgas, who was stationed at Gosford at the time of his death, died recently from an apparent aneurysm.
Joseph James DOHERTY
| 01/09/2013
Joseph James DOHERTY
AKA Joe
Late of Helensburgh, formerly of Bankstown, Narromine, Tullamore and Evans Head
NSW Redfern Police Academy Class 111
New South Wales Police Force
[alert_yellow]Regd. # 12665[/alert_yellow]
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 26 June 1967
Constable – appointed 26 June 1968
Senior Constable – appointed 26 June 1976
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 25 January 1983
Stations: ?, ‘D’ District ( ProCst ), Evans Head, Rescue Squad, Helensburgh ( O.I.C. ), The Rocks – Death
Service: From? ? pre June 1967? to? ? ? = ? years Service
Awards: National Medal – granted 9 August 1983
No find on It’s An Honour
Born: 8 April 1948
Died on: 5 July 2002
Age: 54
Cause: Cancer
Funeral date: ? July 2002
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: Helensburgh Cemetery, Cemetery Rd.
Memorial at: ?
[alert_red]JOE is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_red] * BUT SHOULD BE
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Joe Doherty who is no longer with us had this on his wall at home. I took the photo as it looks impressive & also has an area where his name was added. Gordon Kelly
Senior Sergeant Joe DOHERTY was stationed at Helensburgh Police Station, Illawarra Region, for many years, being the Officer in Charge, until his transfer to The Rocks Police Station, Sydney.
Joe died from cancer on the 5 July 2002 aged 54.
He was a proud supporter of not Canterbury but.. “The Berries”.
Joe knew he was not going to beat the cancer & organised the pall bearers for his funeral by asking them personally before he finished up at work. Gordon Kelly was one asked to do this & Gordon is still proud of that.
Joe was a great bloke & is missed by many in his blue family I am sure.
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Death notices appeared on the 6 July 2002 in the Sydney Morning Herald, Illawarra Mercury and Daily Telegraph ( Sydney )
Police ball raises funds for palliative care
By CYDONEE MARDON April 10, 2013, 4:02 a.m.
George Stewart was in a deep coma but that didn’t stop staff at Port Kembla’s palliative care centre talking to him all the time, comforting him in his darkest hours.
“My husband had a brain tumour, was operated on, and died 12 months later,” Lorraine Stewart said yesterday.
“When we brought him in they talked to him all the time, they explained things, whether he could hear or not we didn’t know, but that didn’t matter to them, they were absolutely marvellous.
“I slept there alongside him, they kept me comfortable too. They do seem to be short staffed – no-one said anything but they always seemed to be running, to make sure they do everything they can for everyone.”
Mrs Stewart, who lost her best friend six months ago, was thrilled to hear her husband’s former colleagues in the NSW Police Force were raising funds for the rehabilitation centre and palliative care unit at Port Kembla.
“They looked after my husband so well. He was several times in rehab, then for the last week or so in palliative care. And they could definitely do with more funding.”
Inspector Bryan Rugg, Commander of Radio Operations, said the organisers of this year’s Illawarra Police Charity Ball were happy to give something back to the facility that helped their colleague through his toughest year.
Senior Constable Stewart joined in 1971 and worked in Sydney before transferring to Warilla in 1986. He joined the communications section in 1997 and stayed until retiring in 2006.
He was an avid bowler and received The Australian Sports medal for Service to Bowls (Australian Honours System).
“Whilst the palliative care unit has some fantastic facilities, there is always room for improvement and upgrade of identified equipment utilised by the staff for the benefit of the patients,” Insp Rugg said.
“The rehabilitation section has a limited recuperation area for the patients waiting to undergo or after having received treatment.”
Some of the funds will go towards improving the outside sitting area and garden of the rehab centre.
Tickets for the July 26 ball have been snapped up, but auctions and raffle items are needed. Donations can be left at the NSW Southern Region Command, 84 Crown Street, Wollongong, or call Annemarie on 4226 7734.
Retired SenCon GeorgeStewart, VKG2, in W’G Hosp – brain op. Posted 10 Oct 2011.
For those of you who know GeorgeStewart, Retired member from VKG2 Warilla, George is currently in Wollongong Hospital. On 071011 – George was operated on for a brain tumour.It came very quick and the symptoms very sudden.He is currently in Wollongong Hospital, Ward C4, Bed 31 where he is recovering.
Recovery is pretty good but sight and speech affected at this stage but should improve (that message was on the 7 October)
Today, 10 October, I spoke with George via phone at the Hospital and he sounds to be in good spirits.
Although he has various things hanging out of him, the one thing that isn’t hanging out anymore is the old gaspa. He has given up the cigarettes. He said that the Doctor was fairly savage with what he took out ( in relation to the tumour ).
Lorraine and family are by George‘s side and he will have to undergo Radio / Chemotherapy in the coming weeks and will remain in Hospital for a short time before he gets back out onto the Bowling paddocks.
I am sure that George would appreciate some visits from his old mates.
Re: Retired SenCon George Stewart, VKG2, in W’G Hosp – brain Posted on 6 August 2012
For all of you who know retired SenCon George Stewart, I went and visited him at home for a short time on Saturday. He is still living in the Illawarra.He still looks like his old self but let me tell you now – he ISN’T.He has now lost his peripheral vision and needs to wear sun glasses when he is outside in the brighter light.George, who is suffering from a TERMINAL brain tumour, knows what he wants to say but sometimes forgets what it is that he wants to say if he doesn’t get the message out straight away. A symptom of the tumour.
I would STRONGLY suggest and ENCOURAGE any of his old friends to take the time and take a drive and visit George and Lorraine at their home and DON’T wait until the END of SEPTEMBER to do it either. Do it NOW !
He would dearly love to say g’day to his old mates BEFORE the tumour takes its final toll.
He isn’t looking for sympathy. He is simply looking to say g’day to his old mates before his life is cut prematurely short.
Cal
Retired SenCon George Stewart Posted 8 October 2012
Letting all those who know Retired SenCon George Stewart who was last stationed at VKG2 ( Warilla ) NSW. As of Saturday 6 October 2012, George was admitted to Port Kembla Hospital in a “very ill” condition as a result of a brain tumour he suffered earlier this year. If you wish to visit George – that you do it sooner rather than LATER.( copied off an email sent by Cal. )
Re: Retired SenCon George Stewart Posted on 8 October 2012
George has now slipped into a coma and has his family by his side at Pt Kembla Hospital.
Re: Retired SenCon George Stewart Dear AllPosted on 14 October 2012 I have been advised George Stewart passed away at 4pm on the 13th October 2012.
Re: Retired SenCon George Stewart, VKG2, in W’G Hosp – brain George Bruce Stewart
Born on 9 June 1948
Passed away on 13 October 2012
Aged 64 years
“will always be thinking of you your big sister Lilian” – Lilian Stewart
“To Lorraine and family, our condolences and best wishes to you. Your loss is our loss, George was a great workmate and a great bloke. He will be missed by everyone who knew him, but he will never be…” – Ron Padgett
Will be sadly missed by family and many friends. Aged 64 Years
The relatives and friends of GEORGE are warmly invited to attend his Funeral Service to be held at the Northcliffe Chapel of Hansen and Cole Funerals, 634 Northcliffe Drive, Kembla Grange on Wednesday 17th October, 2012 commencing at 1pm. The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be considered to Garvan Research Foundation. A bowl will be located at the chapel for this purpose.
Funeral location: St Paul`s Anglican Church, Church St. Tamworth
Grave location: lawn portion of the Tamworth Regional Council Cemetery, Showground Rd. Tamworth.
GPS: -31.0903969, 150.9007111
David IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance
David RIXON
David RIXON
Funeral for David Rixon
memorial plaque at the front of Tamworth Police Station.
Stubby cooler
SenCon David Rixon
Senior Constable
Father of six, shot and killed at Tamworth, NSW, Australia, today Friday 2 March 2012. May you forever Rest In Peace with the rest of our Brothers and Sisters who have paid the ultimate price in Policing.
There is a memorial fund to support the family of S/C Rixon who are dealing with a loss at this time. Donations can be made to this fund with the following details: Account name: David Rixon Memorial Fund, Account number : 269978 (add S1 at the end for Internal transfer by PCU members) Police Credit Union BSB: 815000
David and Fiona Rixon have six children.
David James RIXON – touch pad at National Police Wall of Remembrance, ACT
Details of Death:
Shortly before 0800hr on Friday, 2 March 2012, Senior Constable Rixon from Tamworth Highway Patrol stopped and spoke to the driver of a vehicle at 10-12 Lorraine Street, West Tamworth for the purposes of a random breath test. As Senior Constable Rixon approached the vehicle, the offender drew a firearm and shot him. Senior Constable Rixon was able to return fire from his service pistol, which hit the offender. Senior Constable Rixon was able to place ahandcuff on the offender, before he collapsed from his injuries and died at the scene. He was unable to be revived.
Senior Constable Rixon joined the New South Wales Police Service as a Trainee on 28 October 1990 and was attested as a probationary Constable at the New South Wales Police Academy, Goulburn on 26 April 1991.
He was initially posted to Hamilton Patrol in Newcastle and soon after was posted to Belmont Patrol.
He was confirmed as Constable on 26 April 1992.
He commenced duties in Highway Patrol at Waratah in the Hunter area on 12 February 1995, and shortly afterwards, on 7 May 1995, he transferred to Gunnedah Highway Patrol.
On 14 July 1996, Senior Constable Rixon transferred to Tamworth Highway Patrol, where he remained posted until the time of his death.
He was posthumously awarded the Commissioner‘s ValourAward.
RIXON, David James
Dearly loved husband of Fiona
Loving father of Renae, Jemma, Scott, Mathew, Hayley and Patrick.
Loved son, stepson and son-in-law of Gwen & Max Russell, Ken Rixon, Kathryn & Robert Brooking, loved step brother and brother-in-law of Katie and Beau, Tammy, Leanne (dec), Rachelle, Nadina and Damien.
The relatives and friends of David Rixon were respectfully invited to attend his funeral.
The Service was appointed to commence at 10.30 am, Thursday, 8th March, 2012, at St Paul`s Anglican Church, Church St. Tamworth, thence for interment in the lawn portion of the Tamworth Regional Council Cemetery, Showground Rd. Tamworth.
Presented to the family.
The inscription reads:
27947
Senior Constable
David James Rixon
Oxley Local Area Command
NSW Police Force
2nd March 2012
* * * * *See flyer for a huge fund-raising evening that we are holding at City Diggers Club, Wollongong, on the 2 June. As you can see the entertainment line up is unbelievable.Please feel free to share this flyer with your friends. $5,000 from the evening will be donated to the Senior Constable David Rixon Memorial Fund. David left behind a wife and 6 children when he was tragically killed recently. His friends from within the New South Wales Police have set a target of $1,000,000. This is our way of showing support. Please do not put off getting your tickets as we are capping the evening at 250.
NSW policeman honoured after on-duty death
It was meant to be a regular day for Tamworth police officer and father-of-six David Rixon.
The NSW highway patrol officer was carrying out a routine breath check in 2012 when the driver, Michael Jacobs, pulled out a revolver and shot him in the chest.
He returned fire, hitting Jacobs in the abdomen, leg and shoulder, called for back-up and handcuffed Jacobs before collapsing.
His killer went on to receive life-saving surgery and a life sentence.
But Senior Constable Rixon died at the scene, leaving behind a heartbroken wife and six children.
Three years later, he has been honoured for his bravery.
Sen Const Rixon is one of 25 people to receive an Australian Bravery Decoration on Wednesday from Governor-General Peter Cosgrove.
Mr Cosgrove says Sen Const Rixon and the other recipients are a source of courage, support and inspiration, but he acknowledged there can be devastating consequences resulting from their bravery.
“Sadly, there are those whose brave acts mean they are no longer with us,” he said.
“Today, to their families, I express the nation’s sadness at your loss but pride in your loved ones’ actions.”
The Australian Bravery Decorations recognise acts of bravery by members of the community who selflessly put themselves in jeopardy to protect the lives or property of others.
The recipients are nominated by members of the public, with the governor-general deciding the awards.
They vary from Mustafa Ruhi Akkan and Nattapat Penpanussak, who helped police apprehend a man who stabbed three backpackers in 2000, to Jamie Alan Strong, for helping rescue two people trapped in a burning house in 2014.
One of the highest honours, the Star of Courage, is awarded to a 21-year-old RAAF pilot named James Wallace Hocking.
In 1944, he saved his crew and the English township of March by flying his stricken bomber away from civilian danger. He died when the plane crashed into a nearby field.
There are four levels of decoration and a Group Bravery Citation, an award for a group of people involved in a single incident. They are the Cross of Valour, the Star of Courage, the Bravery Medal, Commendation for Brave Effort and the Group Bravery Citation.
Police Commissioner statement: “The NSW Police Force Commissioner, Andrew Scipione, has commended Senior Constable David Rixon for his service as a NSW Police Officer, following the announcement that he will receive a posthumous Australian Bravery Award.
Snr Cst Rixon died after being shot during what should have been a routine traffic stop in Tamworth on 2 March 2012.
Snr Cst Rixon stopped the man, believing him to be a disqualified driver, when the man produced a gun and shot him.
Despite being critically injured, Snr Cst Rixon returned fire and arrested the man.
Commissioner Scipione said Snr Cst Rixon was a deserving recipient of a posthumous Australian Bravery Award.
“Snr Cst Rixon died under tragic circumstances while protecting the community in what should have been a routine traffic stop,” Commissioner Scipione said.
“His death affected his family, friends, the local community, and the entire NSW Police Force; and today’s award is testament to the fact that his sacrifice will never be forgotten.
“Snr Cst Rixon’s courage and conviction under incredibly difficult circumstances continues to inspire us and strengthen our resolve to protect the community,” Commissioner Scipione said.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Troy Grant said this award is testament to the courage and dedication the men and women of the NSW Police Force display every day.
“Senior Constable Rixon put his life on the line to protect the community and he paid the ultimate price. “This award recognises his actions and his bravery on that day. “My thoughts are with Senior Constable Rixon‘s family and the NSW Police Force.”
An officer and a gentleman: Remembering Senior Constable David Rixon a year on
By Kitty Hill
March 1, 2013, noon
A SOMBRE anniversary falls today as police officers and community members join the family in remembering fallen Tamworth police officer Senior Constable David Rixon a year after his death.
On March 2, 2012, Senior Constable Rixon was fatally shot on a routine traffic stop in West Tamworth.
Senior Constable Rixon’s wife Fiona and their children will be joined by officers from across the state to mark the anniversary, many of whom have spent the past week completing a charity walk in his honour.
Officers will form a sombre march to Tamworth Police Station to arrive at 8am, where the flag will be lowered to stand at half mast.
NSW Police Commissioner, Andrew Scipione, will unveil a plaque honouring Senior Constable Rixon, during a ceremony at Tamworth Community Centre at 11am.
Fiona Rixon said she will take a private moment during the day to remember her husband, the man who she described as her “other half”.
“He was my best friend, we did absolutely everything together, everything,” she said.
About 60 police officers of the 140 who walked arrived in Tamworth last night after a 370km journey titled “Our Mates, Our Families,” which began in Wyong last Monday.
Rainy weather welcomed the walkers as they completed the last few kilometres of their 10-day trek, ending at the Longyard Hotel.
Senior Constable Rixon’s stepdaughter and Probationary Constable Jemma Galea, who walked alongside four officers from the Oxley Local Area Command, said today’s memorial services would be bittersweet for her and her family.
“I guess it’s hard to say how it will affect you until the day,” Probationary Constable Galea said.
Completing the last of the walk alongside her mother yesterday, she was wearing the bright pink cap she wore for the the duration of the walk.
The cap was the subject of a personal joke between her and her stepfather.
“David said to me when I bought it, ‘When are you ever going to wear that hat?’” Probationary Constable Galea said.
“So now I wear it, to remember him.”
Senior Constable David Rixon’s stepdaughter and probationary constable Jemma Galea who wore a bright pink cap as a joke between her and David. Photo: Marina Neil
Ms Galea said the walk was harder than expected, and she was full of “sore muscles, blisters and a bit of sunburn”, and everyone was looking forward to a hot shower before the fundraising event at Wests’ Diggers last night.
The walkers camped along the way, passing through six police local area commands, many of whom sent officers to Tamworth to help out in the days and weeks after the tragedy.
Organising police from Tuggerah Lakes said they were inspired by the Cooee recruitment march, a famous walk that began in Gilgandra in 1915 with 35 men, its ranks swelling to 265 by its end in Sydney, all eager to join the Australian war effort for WWI.
Oxley Local Area Commander Superintendent Clint Pheeney said his officers were honoured to take part in the walk, and ceremony, to remember their former colleague.
“David’s death was heartbreaking for all of us at Oxley Local Area Command,” Superintendent Pheeney said.
“But when a police officer is killed it’s not only the local police and their immediate colleagues who are touched, it’s the entire police force and community as a whole.”
“I’m extremely proud of all the officers who have taken part in the gruelling walk as it shows their resolve and determination to honour their mate, and to raise funds for not only his family, but the families of other fallen officers.
“I’m particularly proud of all of David’s colleagues here at Tamworth who have continued to do their job on a daily basis since his death, even though all their hearts have been broken.
“David has never been far from our minds and this will certainly be the case tomorrow, especially during the ceremony. The plaque will serve as a permanent honour to him in the community and one I’m sure all who knew him will be extremely proud of.”
Commissioner Scipione said the relay-style walk from Wyong Police Station to Tamworth was raising money for both the NSW Police Legacy and the David Rixon Memorial Fund.
“Last year we experienced the tragedy of losing two of our officers and so we all have extremely heavy hearts today,” Commissioner Scipione said. “However the ceremony gives us the opportunity to reflect on Senior Constable Rixon’s life and career, and to remember the outstanding husband, father, friend and colleague that he was.
“The walk and ceremony are testimony to the honour that exists among those who have chosen to become part of the police profession. It also demonstrates our respect, our grief and our resolve to continue, despite the hardships that may confront us.”
The official ceremony will take place at 11am at Tamworth Community Centre in Darling St.
Michael Allan Jacobs becomes first person jailed for life without parole for killing police officer, Senior Constable David Rixon
Amy Dale, Chief Court Reporter
The Daily Telegraph
October 04, 20132:45PM
THE man who shot Senior Constable David Rixon has become the first person jailed for the term of his natural life for murdering a police officer.
Michael Allan Jacobs has this afternoon been sentenced to life with no parole for murdering Sen-Constable Rixon, the crime described by Justice Richard Button as “a life irrevocably taken”.
Jacobs is the first person to be convicted of murdering a police officer since the O’Farrell government introduced legislation in 2011 to ensure such an offence is punished by a sentence of life with no parole.
He said the murder of a police officer “is a direct assault on the system of parliamentary democracy and the rule of law.”
“The offender informed the intention to kill him,” Justice Button said.
“That intention may have been held utterly fleetingly and irrationally … but it has been established to a criminal standard.”
Court artist sketch of Michael Allen Jocobs.
Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione and NSW Police Minister Mike Gallacher joined more than 20 police officers in court for the landmark sentence.
Sen-Constable Rixon was shot once in the chest with a bullet fired from a .38 calibre revolver after approaching Jacobs’ stopped Holden Statesman for a random breath test early on March 2 last year.
The policeman returned fire and hit Jacobs three times, leaving the man with “an out of control drug addiction” critically wounded, before he collapsed from his injuries.
“The offender almost died from his injuries,” Justice Button said, adding that in his dying moments Sen-Constable Rixon had handcuffed Jacobs to arrest him.
The court heard Jacobs screamed “ah die, I’m sorry sir, sorry” just after the shooting and while “lying gravely wounded could be heard repeatedly saying ‘I’m sorry.'”
But Justice Button said he couldn’t be more satisfied “that the offender is responsible for this murder.”
Police arrived shortly after the shooting but Sen-Constable Rixon couldn’t be revived, while Jacobs received lifesaving surgery and eventually recovered after spending more than a month in hospital.
The Crown claimed he was high on ice at the time, making him more prone to aggression, and shot the policeman to avoid being locked up and convicted for repeatedly driving unlicensed.
Justice Button said of Jacobs‘s motive to avoid “being briefly refused bail or at worst a sentence of a matter of months … the offender saw fit to fire a handgun at a police officer.”
He said Sen-Constable Rixon would have had “less than a second before the shot was fired.”
David Rixon murder: Michael Jacobs gets life in jail
The sun had only recently risen over the roof of Tamworth police station when the white, dark-windowed bus arrived.
One by one about 30 officers filed on and settled in for a six-hour journey that they hoped would end with justice for a fallen comrade and perhaps a small measure of closure for those left behind.
Eight hours and 400 kilometres later, a NSW Supreme Court Justice gave the family, friends and colleagues of murdered police officer Senior Constable David Rixon the result they desired – a life sentence for the man responsible for his death.
In a landmark decision, Michael Alan Jacobs, 49, became the first person sentenced to life in prison under new laws requiring a mandatory life sentence for anyone who murders an on-duty police officer in NSW.
”Let this serve as an example to all those in the future who think it’s OK to harm our police officers,” NSW Police Minister Mike Gallacher said after the sentence was handed down.
”This decision today draws a line in the sand.”
NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione after the sentencing at Darlinghurst Courts with Fiona Rixon, (and family) wife of Senior Constable David Rixon and his colleagues from Oxley LAC. Photo: Dallas Kilponen
Nearly a quarter of the Oxley Local Area Command were present to hear the sentence, forming a guard of honour as Senior Constable Rixon‘s widow, Fiona Rixon, and their children left the court.
”I’m very proud of my children – we’ve been through this hurricane, tornado, roller-coaster ride, whatever you want to call it, for the last 18 months,” an emotional Mrs Rixon said.
”Hopefully now life will be a little bit more quiet.”
NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione with a family member after the sentencing at Darlinghurst Courts. Senior Constable David Rixon was killed while on duty. Photo: Dallas Kilponen
On March 2 last year, Jacobs shot and killed Senior Constable Rixon, a 40-year-old father of six, during what was to have been a regulation breath test on Lorraine Street, West Tamworth.
During a month-long trial earlier this year, the court was told that the experienced highway patrolman had recognised Jacobs as a disqualified driver and followed him from nearby Gunnedah Road to the quiet side street.
Senior Constable Rixon’s police microphone recorded him saying ”G’day mate, how you going?”
In an increasingly distressed voice he is then heard to say: ”I’m just gonna breath test you, buddy.”
Jacobs then fired a single shot from a .38 calibre pistol that went straight through Constable Rixon’s left wrist and into his chest, puncturing his heart and lung.
The officer returned fire, hitting Jacobs in the leg, abdomen and shoulder. He collapsed soon after.
Jacobs is heard to say ”die … I’m sorry sir, sorry, sorry”.
The officer’s last act was to handcuff his killer.
Jacobs later claimed that it was not he but a local drug dealer, Terrence James Price, who fired the fatal shot after the policeman ”interrupted” them in the middle of a drug deal, but this was rejected by the jury.
In sentencing Jacobs to life in prison, Justice Richard Button said the 49-year-old had no apparent motive for committing the crime and had shown little or no remorse.
”It is almost impossible to believe that, in order to avoid a short period of being denied bail or, at worst, a sentence of a matter of months for driving whilst disqualified, the offender saw fit to fire a handgun at a police officer,” he said.
”The murder of a police officer in such circumstances is a direct assault upon our system of parliamentary democracy and the rule of law.”
As well as providing some relief to Senior Constable Rixon’s family and fellow officers, the life sentence represents a landmark decision for the state’s mandatory life sentencing laws.
Jacobs’ case was seen by many as a test of the laws, introduced in 2011, which require judges to impose a life sentence on any offender found guilty of murdering an on-duty police officer.
Crucially, Justice Button found that Jacobs’ crime met all the criteria set out in the mandatory life sentence legislation, including that he had acted with the intention to kill the officer.
”That intention may have been held only fleetingly and utterly irrationally, but nevertheless I consider that it has been established to the criminal standard,” he said.
”The result is that the mandatory life sentence is to be imposed.”
The Hon. MELINDA PAVEY: My question is addressed to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services. Will the Minister inform the House about National Police Remembrance Day?
The Hon. MICHAEL GALLACHER: I thank the honourable member for her question and I again welcome the opportunity to share the details of this significant day for the New South Wales Police Force with the wider community. National Police Remembrance Day was observed on Friday 28 September 2012. It is a day held in memory of police officers across the country who have died in the line of duty. On that day I had the honour of attending a service held at the New South Wales Police Wall of Remembrance in the Domain at which the 251 officers who have given their lives to protect the people of New South Wales since the formation of the New South Wales Police Force 150 years ago were rightly honoured.
It was a solemn reflection of the ultimate sacrifice those officers made and their legacy. The service included special acknowledgement of Senior Constable David Rixon, who was killed on 2 March 2012 whilst on duty in Tamworth. Senior Constable Rixon‘s tragic death was a salient reminder of the dedication police give to the service and protection of our communities. In upholding the law and keeping the people of New South Wales safe, police put their lives on the line on a daily basis. National Police Remembrance Day honours the courage and bravery of all police officers across the country. It is also an important day to remember police officers who have lost their lives as a result of illness and in other circumstances.
National Police Remembrance Day recognises the families of all serving police officers and the families of those who did not make it home at the end of their shift. New South Wales Police Legacy is a not-for-profit organisation that looks after the families of deceased police officers in New South Wales. The organisation does an invaluable job providing financial and emotional support to more than 1,000 widows and widowers and 200 children across New South Wales. Importantly, New South Wales Police Legacy ensures that these families remain part of the wider police family. The police family is a close-knit group of people who support each other and their families.
Also in attendance at the service at the Wall of Remembrance was 12-year-old Elayna Day and her grandmother. Elayna was only six years old when her father, Sergeant Graham Clifford Day, died but she remains a firm member of the police family. She is the proud recipient of the 2012 Commissioner’s Scholarship. The New South Wales Police Legacy scholarship will assist Elayna as she enters high school next year to pursue her dream of becoming a veterinarian. She is a prime example of the fine work undertaken by New South Wales Police Legacy in supporting the families of our fallen police officers. The need for an organisation like Police Legacy highlights the risks associated with being a police officer. It is a difficult, stressful and dangerous job. In informing the House on the significance of National Police Remembrance Day, I would like to take this opportunity to thank police officers across the State, all of whom are serving and protecting the people of New South Wales. Their commitment is acknowledged and respected, their bravery and courage is honoured and admired and I thank them for their contribution in ensuring that we have a safe community.
John Roser, father of Steven Roser, 23, s policing student who collapsed and die September 29, 2006The Sydney Morning Herald John Roser, father of Steven Roser, 23, s policing student who collapsed and died on in June, reads his son’s name which is the last added to the Remembrance Wall during a service to commemorate National Police Remembrance Day in the Domain, 29 September 2006. SMH Picture by ROBERT PEARCE
[alert_yellow]STEVEN is NOT mentioned on the National Police Wall of Remembrance but IS mentioned on the NSW State Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow]
On the 14 June 2006 the student police officer was undergoing police recruit training at the New South Wales Police Academy. During a physical training run to a park in Goulburn the student collapsed and was unable to be revived.
The student police officer was born in 1982. At the time of his death he was undergoing initial police training at the New South Wales Police Academy, Goulburn.
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Graeme John LEES
| 01/09/2013
Graeme John LEES
AKA ?
Late of Eastgrove, ( Goulburn ) NSW
NSW Goulburn Police Academy – Class # 287 ( DPP 14 – Class 14 )
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 38???
Rank: Commenced Training at Goulburn Police Academy on Monday 6 May 2002 ( Aged 35 years, 24 days )
Probationary Constable- appointed 20 December 2002 ( Aged 35 years, 8 months, 8 days )
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank = Constable
Retirement / Leaving age: = ?
Stations: ?, Queanbeyan – Death
Service: From 6 May 2002 to4 April 2005 = 2 years, 10 months, 29 days Service
Awards: No Find on Australian Honours system
Born: Wednesday 12 April 1967
Died on: Monday 4 April 2005
Age: 37 years, 11 months, 23 days
Cause: MVA – Driver – Travelling to work
Event location: Federal Highway, Yarra ( south of Goulburn, NSW ) 1km north of Rowes Lagoon
Event date: Monday 4 April 2005 about 5am
Funeral date: Friday 8 April 2005 during the p.m.
Funeral location: St Saviours Cathedral in Goulburn
On 4 April, 2005 Constable Lees was driving along the Federal Highway, just south of Goulburn, on his way to Queanbeyan Police Station to commence duty. As his vehicle was negotiating a series of bends at Yarra, the vehicle left the roadway and collided with a tree, fatally injuring the constable.
The constable was born in 1967 and was sworn in as a probationary constable on 20 December, 2002. At the time of his death he was stationed at Queanbeyan.
How lucky we were and very proud too, to have such a wonderful son as you.
This day is remembered and quietly kept, for the memories of you Graeme, we will never forget.
So deeply loved, so sadly missed Mum & Dad
Published in Goulburn Post on Apr. 3, 2019
His light will always shine
6/04/2005 10:39:38 AM
ONE of the city’s shining lights and a mentor within the police community has lost his life in a single-vehicle accident on the Federal Highway on Monday morning.
Constable Graeme John Lees‘ death has shocked and saddened the Goulburn community who knew him as a loyal and caring person, an accomplished cricketer and hockey player, a tall man with a big heart and an easy going nature.
The 37-year-old was travelling from his Eastgrove home to work at Queanbeyan police station on Monday when his car left a straight section of the southbound lane of the Federal Highway, 1km north of Rowes Lagoon, at about 5am.
His light-coloured Commodore sedan careered down a slight embankment and crashed into a tree in a paddock on the western side of the road. Police said he was killed instantly.
A motorist discovered the accident and contacted emergency services shortly after 6am.
A full investigation by the Dapto crash investigation unit is underway for the NSW coroner.
Goulburn born and bred, Mr Lees was the only son of John and Diana Lees of Kelso St, sister to Michelle and a loving father. He attended Goulburn South Primary and Goulburn High schools and worked in several jobs before training as a psychiatric nurse.
He was a giant in the local sporting community, having played through the local and representative hockey and cricket ranks, forming enduring friendships along the way.
Graeme LEES passed away in Goulburn, New South Wales. The obituary was featured in Goulburn Post on April 1, 2019.
There’s not a day goes by that I don’t think of you!
You would so proud of the boys.
What an AMAZING guy you were & the lessons you taught me along the way!
And although our marriage didn’t work I was so very lucky that we ended up with a beautiful friendship that makes me smile when I get to sad!
I miss you!
Love Always
A police officer has died in an car accident in southern New South Wales early this morning.
Constable Graeme John Lees, 37, died when the car he was driving crashed into a tree off the Federal Highway, south-west of Goulburn.
Constable Lees was on his way to work at Queanbeyan police station.
He leaves behind a partner and two children.
Inspector Ian Davey from Queanbeyan police says Constable Less was a valued member of the force.
“He surely will be missed, he’s the type of person that we certainly do like to see in the police force and he was very well respected by his colleagues,” he said.
“He’s certainly a great and valued member of the police who will be lost and thought of dearly.”
Constable Lees’ colleagues are being counselled.
Police officer to be farewelled today
A police officer who died in a car accident in the NSW Southern Tablelands will be farewelled today.
Constable Graeme John Lees, 37, died on his way to work on Monday when his car left the Federal Highway and hit a tree near Collector.
Constable Lees’ colleagues have paid tribute to him, remembering a dedicated officer who had a promising career.
A police funeral will be held this afternoon at the Anglican St Saviours Cathedral in Goulburn.
Four people, including a police officer, were killed in separate crashes on NSW roads over a 24-hour period.
One woman died when her car ran off the road and hit a tree south-west of Sydney.
The NSW Ambulance Service said the woman, whose age was not known, died instantly when her vehicle crashed on Mount Hercules Road at Razorback, near Picton, about 5.50pm (AEST).
Passers-by pulled the woman from her wrecked car before it burst into flames, but she was already dead, an ambulance spokesman said.
The woman was the vehicle’s only occupant.
Earlier, a 59-year-old female British tourist was killed when the car in which she was travelling collided with a truck in southern NSW about 11.45am (AEST).
The vehicle veered onto the wrong side of the Monaro Highway at Bredbo and into the path of the truck, a police spokeswoman said.
The driver of the car, a 67-year-old man from the United Kingdom, was being treated in Canberra Hospital after suffering serious fractures in the crash.
A NSW police officer died in a single-vehicle crash in the state’s south.
Constable Graeme John Lees was believed to have been on his way to work at Queanbeyan police station when the crash occurred about 6am (AEST) today, a police spokesman said.
It appeared the sedan he was driving left the Federal Highway at Rowes Lagoon and crashed into a tree, the spokesman said.
A motorist found the crashed vehicle and called emergency services.
Monaro local area commander Gary Worboys said the news of the 37-year-old officer’s death had devastated police.
“Constable Lees was an outstanding police officer who was well liked by his colleagues and he will be sadly missed,” Superintendent Worboys said in a statement today.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends.”
Support systems were in place to help grieving officers and family members, Supt Worboys said.
Constable Lees, who lived in the Goulburn area with his family, started work with the Monaro local area command in December 2002.
He worked previously at the Goulburn Base Hospital.
And police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal single vehicle collision at Bellevue Hill at about 1.30am this morning.
A maroon 1994 Hyundai Hatchback travelling north on Old South Head Road hit a power pole near the intersection of Banksia Street.
The 57-year-old male driver from Vaucluse was taken to St Vincents Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Anyone with information about the incident, or the events leading up to the fatal collision, is asked to contact Rose Bay Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
That this House expresses its deep sympathy to the family, friends and work colleagues of Police Constable Graeme John Lees who died in a single vehicle accident on the Federal Highway on 4 April 2005 while driving to Queanbeyan Police Station.
Cause: lack of oxygen “due to displacement of oxygen supply” in Hospital. Pneumonia
Death location: Concord Hospital, Concord, NSW
Age: 45 years, 8 months, 13 days
Funeral date: ? ? ?
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial location: ?
Andy at Redfern Police Academy on the day of his Passing Out Parade – 26 June 1981
ANDY IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance
BUT despite being mentioned, there are no details as to the cause of his death
From 15 October 2003 Detective Inspector Day and other members of the South East Asian Crime Squad were involved in archiving official documentation which was stored in a garage near their covert workplace. The inspector subsequently took ill and was admitted to Concord Hospital, where he unfortunately passed away on the 14th November 2003.
The detective inspector was born in 1958 and was sworn in as a probationary constable on the 26 June 1981. At the time of his death he was the coordinator of the South East Asian Crime Squad at the State Crime Command.
Not only Andy was affected by ‘flu like’ symptoms whilst working out of these premises. Several others took ill with severe flu like symptoms around the same time.
Detective Inspector Andy Day died on Concord Hospital floor
By Janet Fife-Yeomans
The Daily Telegraph
April 24, 200812:00AM
No comfort … widow Jacqui Day, with her son Ben, will return to Concord Hospital for the first time since her husband was found dead on the floor. Picture: Tracee Lea
CONCORD Hospital and a leading specialist have been secretly disciplined by the Health Care Complaints Commission after a patient was found dead on the floor in the middle of the night.
Widow Jacqui Day complained about the treatment of her husband Andy, a top undercover police officer, after an anonymous letter from nurses at the hospital said: “Mr Day should not have died.”
Detective Inspector Day, 45, was being treated for pneumonia and died when his oxygen tube fell out of its wall tap for the second time in six hours.
After an inquiry behind closed doors, the HCCC found that Concord, a major teaching hospital, had provided below standard care to Mr Day “in a number of respects”, The Daily Telegraph can reveal.
The commission also found that Professor Matthew Peters, the head of respiratory medicine at the hospital, had “departed from the acceptable standard of care” in two areas.
He was referred to the Medical Board’s conduct committee for “counselling” for not transferring Mr Day to the intensive care unit and for failing to appropriately monitor his oxygen needs.
Mrs Day will today appear before the Government’s special commission of inquiry into the state’s ailing health system, sitting at Concord, to demand answers and ask why the complaints procedure is shrouded in such secrecy.
There was evidence before the HCCC from four medical experts that Mr Day should have been moved to intensive care.
Professor Peters told the inquiry there were no intensive care beds available and Mr Day did not want to be moved.
The commission’s report, obtained by The Daily Telegraph, said there had been at least one bed available on five of the eight days Mr Day was in hospital and there was no record in the medical notes of Mr Day’s comments.
“In 2008, you can’t leave your loved one in a public hospital on their own,” Mrs Day said yesterday, adding that all adverse HCCC findings should be made public.
“I still do not know how a 45-year-old man can be admitted to hospital and die on the floor in the middle of the night.”
It will be Mrs Day’s first visit to the hospital since her husband died at 3.30am on November 14, 2003, after eight days treatment. The HCCC took 18 months on its inquiry.
The anonymous letter from nurses was sent to the coroner who conducted a 2006 inquest into Mr Day’s death.
The cause of death was recorded as a lack of oxygen “due to displacement of oxygen supply”, however coroner John Abernethy found Mr Day’s condition was so serious he would have died even with different care.
HCCC executive officer Kim Swan said legislation limited what the commission could release to the public.
The Medical Board did not return calls. Professor Peters is overseas.
