”Sergeant Trotman served the community with distinction as a NSW Police Officer, retiring after 35+ years of service. His final 23 years of service was at the NSW Police Academy as the senior instructor with Police Technologies.
All Police recruits for the last 23 years remember Sgt Trotman.
The NSW Police Computer labs are named in his honour.”
Publications by Paul Trotman & others.
The use of case studies in police education. [Unpublished paper] / Brian J Couper, Peter Shinfield, Paul Trotman.
Buck RogersThe Sarge was one of the best and a true gentlemen.
Loved how he called all the blokes, “squire”.
Proud to see the portrait of him in the computer room hallway at Goulburn, which I do believe, they named in his honor.
Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001), Friday 13 July 1990 (No.88), page 6660
NOTICE of intended distribution of estate.— Any person having any claim upon the estate of WILLIAM DEANE MANSELL, who died or the 5th March, 1990, must send particulars of his claim to the Executrix, care of Saville & Walkom, Solicitors, 29 Gymea Bay Road, Gymea 2227, within two (2) calendar months from publication of this notice. After that time the executrix may distribute the assets of the estate having regard only to the claims of which at the time of distribution she has notice. Probate was granted in New South Wales on the 24th May, 1990. [9913]
Connor & Harris LANDGRAF speak about their Step Mother ( Renae LANDGRAF ) and walking the Kokoda Track in her Memory.
NSW Police Legacy
Next up in our Police Legatee Stories series: NSWPF Probationary Constable Harris Landgraf, who’s been with NSW Police Legacy since the age of just nine years old.
“Three metres deep in the ground, covered in someone’s turds? Nah.”
Harris Landgraf is a country boy, embodying the very best of the open, friendly, and occasionally earthy outlook that entails. Approaching the end of his first year as a NSW Police Force Probationary Constable, his cheery demeanour has served him well in his chosen profession. But how did he get to this point? Let’s go back a little.
Like a lot of kids in his situation, the first that Harris knew about NSW Police Legacy was when they became a sudden presence in his life after tragedy. When Harris was just nine, his stepmother, Snr Cst Renea Landgraf, passed away. At her funeral, he had his first real experience of the love and community of the Police Family.
“There were hundreds of cops… Dad’s best mate Bushy took us there in his highway patrol car. The church was just filled with police officers. Hugs all round. It was pretty emotional.” To the young boy, it made a huge impression. “That’s when I knew the police were going to be a big part of my family.”
Harris’s father was also a police officer, but Harris didn’t initially enter the force, signing up at age sixteen to do a plumbing apprenticeship instead. At the encouragement of our Community Support Manager Leisa Doherty, he applied for, and received, the Kerslake Scholarship – an award given to fund technical education. He was thrilled at the support. “You know, being a young fella, you get five grand put into your account and all I wanted was that big drill set!”
His next big involvement with Police Legacy came through doing the Kokoda Trek in 2019. It was a transformative experience. He loved sitting around at the end of the day with all of these people who shared a similar story. “You’ve always got someone in your corner understanding where you’re coming from”
Another person on the trek that year was then-Commissioner Mick Fuller, who was hugely encouraging of Harris’s desire to become a police officer. On returning to Australia, Harris asked for, and was given “huge amounts” of support from Leisa and then-Chair Det Supt Gary Merryweather, who helped him get into the Police Academy. Leisa also put him in touch with Cain Anderson, another Police Legatee, who was going through in the class above him. The Police Family really swung into action.
Since attesting in December last year, he’s had a wide variety of experiences, and he can’t imagine now wanting to do anything else. “It’s more than just a job; it’s a passion,” he says. His Dad, now retired, has been incredibly supportive. “I’m living his dream,” says Harris. Dad calls every few days to hear the stories, and check in with how Harris is coping with it all. Things are very different to when his Dad was on the job, with police counsellors and all kinds of support services available. And Harris often finds himself checking in with his colleagues, helping them decompress from tough days.
As passionate as he is about his newfound career, he is equally passionate about Police Legacy. With the support of his Inspector, he recently organised a tri-state golf day in the region where he’s stationed, bringing together police officers from VIC, SA, and NSW, and raising more than $9,000 for NSW Police Legacy – a phenomenal feat. And apart from the money, he loves that he’s helped to share the story of why this organisation matters. “People say ‘I give money to Legacy each pay, and what do they do?’… but when I tell my story, and what I’ve been through… people say ‘look at what they’ve done!’”
?, Harris LANDGRAF, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?
Harris LANDGRAF with Commissioner Mick FULLER
Harris LANDGRAF, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?
Leisa DOHERTY, Harris LANDGRAF, Steve LANDGRAF, ?
Connor LANDGRAF, Steve LANDGRAF, Harris LANDGRAF, ? LANDGRAF
The guard of honour that paid tribute to Senior Constable Renae Landgraf. Hundreds of friends and colleagues gathered to farewell the senior constable at St Brigid’s Catholic Church yesterday.
The drums sounded and police officers saluted as they farewelled one of their own yesterday.
Senior Constable Renae Landgraf, nee Spackman, died as a result of health complications last Friday, at the age of 31.
Her sudden death has rocked Dubbo’s police family and the wider community.
Accompanied by his three sons and baby daughter, Steve Landgraf, an officer himself, was surrounded by hundreds of friends and colleagues as he farewelled his beloved wife yesterday at St Brigid’s Catholic Church.
Speaking on behalf of the family yesterday, Nicole Muir, Jodi George and Carly Stephens painted a beautiful picture of Renae’s life, moving from Western Australia at a young age with her family and residing in Narromine, where she completed her schooling and started work.
In 2001 Renae achieved her dream of being accepted into the Goulburn Police Academy, where she later graduated as probationary constable Renae Spackman.
Renae transferred to Dubbo Police Station in 2005, the same year she married her long-time friend Steve Landgraf, which her family remembers as being the happiest time of her life.
In marrying Steve, Renae welcomed with loving arms his two sons Connor and Harris and then in 2007, Renae was blessed with her first child, Ethan.
In February this year Steve and Renae had their second child, baby girl Mackenzie.
Family members said while Renae’s life was short-lived, she was able to achieve all she had dreamed to achieve and that was to become a police officer, a wife and a mother to a son and a daughter.
As a person, friends and family described Renae as being energetic, loving, fun and ambitious.
She was an extremely dedicated, mother, wife and police officer who worked hard and stuck her neck out for other people.
Superintendent Stan Single read a valedictory at the funeral outlining Renae’s police service and a description of her achievements and commendations.
Renae’s police service follows her father Neil’s army service and the policing career of her husband and role model uncle Peter.
Together with police colleagues a large contingent of nursing and medical staff attended the funeral in support of Renae’s mother, Sandra.
Renae will be remembered by her peers and family for her insistence in having all things right.
Her insistency on right and wrong and her compassion, dedication and work ethic are qualities she has imposed upon a number of junior police she has helped train.
Following the service, one section of Brisbane Street was closed off and Renae’s fellow officers, including drummers marched in front of the hearse as it made its way to the New Dubbo Cemetery for the burial.
Officers on bikes led the procession, and marked police cars transported the family.
NATIONAL POLICE REMEMBRANCE DAY TRIBUTE TO SENIOR CONSTABLE RENAE CAROLINE LANDGRAF
Page: 18486
Mrs DAWN FARDELL (Dubbo) [6.41 p.m.]: On Tuesday 29 September ( 2009 ) I attended the National Police Remembrance Day service held in the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Brisbane Street, Dubbo, at the invitation of Ross Godfrey, Police Chaplain. Similar services were held around New South Wales on that day, which no doubt many other members of this Parliament attended. The Reverend Canon Roger Zohrab, Rector of Holy Trinity Dubbo, carried out the welcome and invocation. Scripture readings and the homily followed by Police Chaplain David Warner, CGS. The solo of Amazing Grace was beautifully sung by David Cooper, RNS Dubbo. Superintendent Stan Single, APM, the Commander of the Orana Local Area Command, addressed the congregation. Police Chaplain David Warner said prayers for the New South Wales police.
Constable Jason Blake, who had not been a member of the police force for very long, read the roll of honour. I will list the names of those members of the New South Wales Police Force deceased during the period 29 September 2008 to 28 September 2009: Sergeant Sean Stephen Lamerton, General Administrative Support Officer Jane Gardiner, Constable Morgan James Hill, Probationary Constable Mason Hammond, Senior Constable Lindsay “Guy” Winkley, Senior Constable Janice Anne Hennessy, Senior Constable Ian West, Constable Gilbert Joseph Roussel and Senior Constable Renae Caroline Landgraf. Renae was one of our own from Dubbo.
Senior Constable Renae Landgraf, nee Spackman, unfortunately lost her life in May this year at the age of 31 as a result of health complications. Her sudden death has rocked the Dubbo police family and wider community. Accompanied by his three sons and baby daughter, Steve Landgraf, an officer himself, was surrounded by hundreds of friends and colleagues as he farewelled his beloved wife at St Brigid’s Catholic Church. In 2001 Renae achieved her dream of being accepted into the Goulburn Police Academy, where she later graduated as Probationary Constable Renae Spackman. Renae transferred to Dubbo Police Station in 2005. In the same year she married her long-time friend Steve, which her family remembers as being the happiest time of her life.
In marrying Steve, Renae welcomed with loving arms his two sons Connor and Harris. In 2007 Renae was blessed with her first child, Ethan. In February this year Steve and Renae had their second child, baby girl Mackenzie. Family members said that, while Renae’s life was short, she was able to achieve all she had dreamed of achieving: becoming a police officer, a wife and a mother to a son and a daughter. Friends and family described Renae as being energetic, loving, fun and ambitious. She was an extremely dedicated mother, wife and police officer who worked hard and stuck her neck out for other people. Superintendent Stan Single read a valedictory at the funeral outlining Renae’s police service and a description of her achievements and commendations. Renae’s police service followed her father Neil’s army service and the policing careers of her husband and role model uncle Peter.
Together with police colleagues, a large contingent of nursing and medical staff attended the funeral in support of Renae’s mother, Sandra. It was a sad and tragic day when Renae passed away. Renae was a vibrant community member. I knew of Renae well and the work she did with the youth in our Dubbo community. Sandra used to attend the National Police Remembrance Day service each year with Renae. She was a true Briton to attend the service on her own this year. It was a tough day for Sandra but hopefully in time it will become easier for her. Renae and Steve’s children Steven, Connor, Harris, Ethan and Mackenzie are in the good hands of their surrounding family and the police force family, as it is known. Our sympathy goes to them all. The National Police Remembrance Day reminds us of the hard work the police perform in our community but it is very tough when it involves one of our own.
Weapons Instructors Course 1/1989 ( January 1989 ) NSW Police Academy, Goulburn Back Row ( L-R ) Phil CHARLIER, Jim FRIDAY, David WRIGHT, Gavin NICHOLSON, Peter WATSON, Peter GALLACHER, Alan PITT, Wayne HOFFMAN, Chris STONE, Peter CHAMINGS, Ray BLACKBURN, Scott IDE, Garry POWER, John LEE, Bill WHALLEY Centre Row Peter BERGERSEN, Greg SUTTON, Steve MARTIN, Peter STONE, Lindsay REGENTS, Ian LAUDER, Greg PALMER, Sonia McKELL, John ROGERS, Steve McCLURE, David MAGUIRE, Barry METZ, Dave TESTER, Paul BLOOD, Andrew NEW Front Row Tony PARSONS, Toni McMAHON, Michelle LANGERIES, Peter STARLING, Tom LUPTON, Ray JAMES, James BUNFIELD, Kerry SIMMONS, Andrew FISHER
Steve McClure – front and centre
‘Stinky’, you were a great bloke who always thought of others before yourself and were always ready to put your hand up for a great cause.
On behalf of all of us old Warilla Police, we wish you a safe journey and may you Forever, Rest In Peace.
Our deepest heartfelt condolences to Trish, Hugh and family.
POLICE SEND OFF FOR SERGEANT STEVE McCLURE AT THE BURDEKIN HOTEL, OXFORD ST, SYDNEY, FROM 5PM.
A VERY INFORMAL FUNCTION WITH ABOUT 40 PEOPLE THERE.
6″ SUBWAY SANDWICHES, CHIPS AND PIZZA WAS THE MEAL.
BUY YOUR OWN DRINKS & IT WAS A GREAT NIGHT.
Presentation at Steve’s Send Off
Mates: June 2018 Steve ‘Stinky’ McCLure & Harry ‘The Wasp’ Wawszkowicz – together again. May they both forever Rest In Peace.
Harry Wawszkowicz June 18, 2018 · Friends for life. How tome flies Hugh has grown into a fine young. with Stephen McClure and Tricia McClure.
Leigh Stewart Follow · June 17, 2018 · With Greg Costello, Vic Thestick, Stephen McClure, Brett Sergeant and David De Santi at City Diggers Wollongong.
Sunday 17 June 2018
City Diggers Club, cnr Church and Burelli St’s, Wollongong, for Cancer fundraiser for Wollongong Hospital which was Hosted by Retired Sgt Steve ‘Stinky’ McClure.
Steve is the frontman for his band, ‘The Humphreys’
Steve McClure – giving thanks at the Cancer fundraiser – Sunday 17 June 2018
The Humphreys ride again… with Stephen McClure, John Nichols and Greg Costello at Slacky Flat Bar.
Various other family and friends photos with Stinky McClure over the years.
David John MANSFIELD
| 09/11/2019
David John MANSFIELD
aka Dave
( late of Edgeworth )
New South Wales Police Force
Commenced with Goulburn Police Academy Class ???
Regd. # 43664
Rank: Commenced Training at Goulburn Police Academy on Sunday 1 February 2007 ( aged 31 years, 4 months, 27 days )
Probationary Constable – appointed 28 August 2007 ( aged 31 years, 11 months, 23 days )
Constable – appointed ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed ?
Senior Constable – appointed ?
Final Rank: Senior Constable
Stations: ?, City Central, ?, Tuggerah Lakes
Service: From 1 February 2007 to 7 September 2016 = 9 years, 7 months, 6 days Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: Friday 5 September 1975
Died on: Wednesday 7 September 2016
Cause: Bowel Cancer – diagnosed early 2015
Age: 41 years, 0 months, 2 days
Funeral date: Tuesday 13 September 2016 @ 2pm
Funeral location: Macquarie Memorial Park Cemetery & Crematorium, 405 Cessnock Rd, Ryhope
Buried at: ?
Memorial at: Dave IS MENTIONED on the Sydney Police Centre memorial Wall of Remembrance. Right Wall, Plaque E16
DAVE is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance, Canberra *NEED MORE INFO
Dave IS MENTIONED on the Sydney Police Centre memorial Wall of Remembrance. Right Wall, Plaque E16
Funeral location:
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal
Dave has lost his battle with Bowel Cancer and passed away on Wednesday 7 August 2016.
We pass on our deepest condolences to Dave’s wife and three children.
May you forever Rest In Peace Dave.
[blockquote]
The Funeral is at 2pm with the Service commencing at 2.30pm by Reverend Mark Watt, Police Chaplain, and the Service will be a full Police Funeral.
Those wishing to march in the Marching Escort Party are to be at the Memorial Park at 1.30pm for rehearsal in full uniform.
The family have invited all, after the service, to Central Leagues Club, Bula St, Charlestown to celebrate Dave’s life and it was on of Dave’s last wishes that those attending the funeral ( not in uniform ) wear a Hawaiian Shirt and bright colours to ‘celebrate his life’ and not mourn it.
[/blockquote]
MANSFIELD, David John ‘DAVE’
Late of Edgeworth
Passed away peacefully surrounded by His loving friends & family
7th September, 2016
Aged 41 Years
Dearly loved Husband of KY-LEE.
Much loved Dad of SARAH, KYAN, & LILA.
Adored Son of BRIAN MANSFIELD, SONJA & EDWARD HERIVEL,
Son-in-law of DAVID & MARGARET STODDART,
Brother of DEBRA, GLEN, & IAN,
Brother-in-law & Uncle to His Family.
A good friend to many.
At DAVE’S request, bright colours & Hawaiian shirts to be worn.
The Family & Friends of DAVE are warmly invited to attend a Celebration Of His Life to be held in The Chapel of Lake Macquarie Memorial Park, Cessnock Rd, Ryhope this TUESDAY 13th September, 2016 service commencing at 2pm.
In lieu of flowers & In Memory of DAVE donations to the ‘Starlight Foundation at JHH‘ may be made at the service.
Message dated: Thursday 8 September 2016 May you rest in peace Dave Mansfield. You fought the entire battle with more courage than anyone known. We would break any world record to still have you here. Sincerest of condolences to the Mansfield family.
22 Apr 2015
Central Coast Express Advocate Wyong
Emma Herd
Police leap to challenge of helping stricken mate
WHEN Senior Constable Dave Mansfield was diagnosed with bowel cancer at the start of the year, he had many colleagues willing to literally jump to his aid.
Senior Constable Jay Stewart and colleagues Graham Smith, Mick Errickson, Karen Bertram and Steve Bancroft warming up for their Guinness Book of World Records attempt for continuous jumping on a jumping castle.
As a fundraiser for the father of three, officers from Tuggerah Lakes police are preparing to set a new Guinness Book of World Records mark for continuous jumping on a jumping castle .
The record stands at 37 hours and 14 seconds, and the group is determined to blow that time out of the water at Mingara Recreation Club, Tumbi Umbi, on May 29-31.
Such was the interest in assisting the Mansfield family, organiser Senior Constable Jay Stewart had to knock back some prospective jumpers as only eight are required.
While there is no strict training schedule planned, Sen-Constable Stewart said they had a plan of attack for their record attempt.
“We’re going to try half an hour stints,” he said.
“We were going to try an hour at a time but I don’t know if you could do it for that long.”
The group have set up a Facebook page and are seeking support from businesses in the lead-up to the event.
Sen-Constable Mansfield was speechless when his colleagues told him of their plans, although he confessed to having a laugh when he was told about the jumping castle.
“I thought it was hilarious to begin with,” he said.
“But I’ve been speechless at how much support has been generated.”
Hunter Valley Amusement Hire has donated the use of a jumping castle.
Details: Search Jumpfor Dave Tuggerah Lakes on Facebook.
Eight officers from Tuggerah Lakes Police will begin a world record attempt for the longest marathon bouncing on a jumping castle at Mingara Recreation Club on Friday, May 29.
The attempt is to raise funds for their Tuggerah Local Area Command colleague, senior constable Dave Mansfield, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer at the start of the year.
SC Mansfield is a married man and a father of a young family, so, according to the Police Association of NSW, his “police family” is banding together to raise funds to assist the Mansfield family.
The current marathon on a jumping castle world record stands at 37 hours and 14 seconds.
“We believe we can blow that record out of the water by jumping well into Sunday,” said Ms Alison McLaughlin, spokesperson for the Police Association.
A family fun day will be held on Saturday, May 30 as part of the world record attempt including raffles, barbecue, NSW Police Dog Unit, POLAIR landing and “Dunk a Cop”.
Email, 27 May 2015 Alison McLaughlin, Police Association of NSW
‘Jump for Dave’ fundraiser day at Mingara Rec Centre, Tuggerah, in support of Sen Cst Dave Mansfield & his family during his medical treatment. Come by for a Sausage sandwich & see the great displays of NSW Police, NSW Ambulance, Fire & Rescue NSW, SES, VRA, Marine Rescue, PCYC. Till 2pm.
Finally tonight, a group of Central Coast police officers has set a new world record for the longest team marathon on a jumping castle, by bouncing for 43 hours and 25 minutes.
They smashed the previous mark by more than six hours.
It was all about raising money to support fellow Tuggerah Lakes officer, David Mansfield, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer in February.
“I… I truly am speechless. How do you thank so many people? I guess you keep fighting. This is the most humbling experience I think you could ever have.”
The longest marathon on a bouncy castle by a team is 43 hr 25 min 1 sec and was achieved by Tuggerah Lakes Police (Australia) in Tumbi Umbi, New South Wales, Australia, on 29-31 May 2015.
The team consisted of Jay Stewart, Graham Smith, Steve Bancroft, Mick Erickson, Nicole Bird, Jon Paul Dinsdale, Karen Bertram, and Dave Brown. They attempted this record to raise money for a New South Wales Police officer who was diagnosed with cancer.
A quick-thinking driver and two alert off-duty police officers saved 32 foreign tourists from the smoke, flames and explosions of a burning tour bus in Sydney.
The group were travelling on the Gore Hill freeway at Artarmon about 6.30pm yesterday when the driver noticed an engine fire, prompting him to stop in a breakdown lane and quickly start evacuating his passengers.
Two off-duty police officers, Constable David Mansfield and Senior Constable Bryon Williams, happened to be travelling in a car nearby and decided to follow the bus after noticing smoke coming from its rear.
“As the bus pulled over we got out of the car,” Senior Constable Williams told reporters yesterday.
“The back of the bus was engulfed in flames and smoke.”
By the time the officers got to the front of the bus, passengers were scrambling to get off.
“Obviously there was a lot of chaos,” Senior Constable Williams said.
“Within minutes the whole bus was alight.
“There were numerous explosions … the windows on either side were blowing out with the heat.
“I thought, if we don’t get these people off there’s going to be a big fatality.”
None of the passengers were injured. The officers and the bus driver suffered smoke inhalation.
All that remains of the bus is a burnt shell.
The freeway at Artarmon was closed between Willoughby Road and Reserve Road for nearly an hour while firefighters fought the blaze, causing traffic problems.
Two off-duty police officers who had just seconds to save passengers from a burning bus on Sydney’s North Shore last night say they feared the bus would explode.
Senior Constable Bryon Williams and Constable David Mansfield were travelling behind the bus when it caught on fire while carrying 32 tourists on the Gore Hill Freeway in Artarmon about 6:00pm.
The driver pulled over and the officers only had seconds to get the passengers off before flames engulfed the bus.
Senior Constable Williams says the officers’ first concern was the passengers.
“It was out of control. Within a minute, the whole bus was nearly alight. The windows on either side of the bus were blowing out with the heat and the amount of fire and that coming from the bus,” he said.
“It was close… I actually thought this thing’s going to blow up and if we don’t get these people off, there’s going to be a big fatality.
“It was very scary from my point of view, from the point of view of the people on the bus and the poor bus driver himself.”
The fire started in the engine bay of the bus.
The southbound lanes of the freeway were closed for more than an hour, causing traffic problems.
Service: From pre 21 December 2001 to Friday 14 August 2015
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: Saturday 12 September 1970
Died on: Friday 14 August 2015 during the morning
Cause: Cancer
Age: 44 years, 11 months, 2 days
Funeral date: Friday 21 August 2015 @ 2pm ( wear blue jeans & AC/DC t-shirt )
Funeral location: St John’s Anglican Church, 98 Kendall St, Cowra
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial 1: NSW Police force Service Memorial Wall, Sydney Police Centre, Surry Hills, A8 ( right wall )
Memorial 2: Police Memorial Wall at the new Deniliquin police station, Charlotte St ( February 2018 )
the Thin Blue Line Rose
JENNIFER is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
I regret to advise the death of Serving member, Senior Constable Jennifer Louise EDGERTON, this morning – Friday 14 August 2015.
EDGERTON Jennifer “Jenny”
Passed away 14th August 2015, aged 44 years.
Late of Cowra & formerly of Moama.
Beloved partner of Klint & loving mother of Connor & Cooper.
Beloved daughter of Ross Edgerton & Lois Camps (Dec) & sister of Suzanne & Daniel (Dec).
Jenny’s family & friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral to be held at St John’s Anglican Church, Cowra, commencing at 2.00pm on Friday 21st August 2015.
Thence for private cremation.
By request, please attend wearing blue jeans & AC/DC t-shirt, if possible.
2/1/2019, Deniliquin Times.
Eight honoured on police memorial wall’ –
Seven former local police officers and a former police chaplain were honoured during a police reunion in Deniliquin.
They were the first to be added to the police memorial wall at the new Deniliquin police station.
Enjoy car racing with dad and uncle Robert. Reggie Renault was the go.
You chose a job that I chose too.
I left Cowra when you were a child to pursue my dream.
You left many years later to pursue your dream.
Your life was cut short far too early.
I knew you as a princess a small child.
I never saw you in uniform but knowing your parents they were both immensely proud of you.
I speak not only as a former Cowra resident, and we both shared childhoods there, I also speak as a member of which you too belonged the NSW Police Force.. Rest In Peace Jennifer your duty has been done.
I hope you find peace.
I think Cowra has lost a cherished daughter.
My heart goes out to your parents and close relatives that I personally knew.
“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
-33.449594151.341945
Memorial Plaque location:
RICHARD WHITTAKER
Touch plate for Richard Charles WHITTAKER at the National Police Wall of Remembrance
DICKIS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance
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.
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 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.”
“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
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.
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).
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.
Valour Award & bar – VA for act performed in February 1999
Born: 20 November1961, Bridgetown, W.A.
Died on: 3 August 2000
Cause: Murdered – shot
Location: Stuart Hwy & Old Bynoe Rd, Livingstone, N.T.
Age: 37
Funeral date: Saturday 7 August 1999
Funeral location: St Mary’s Cathedral, Darwin
Buried at: Cremated. Ashes scattered at Daly River Crossing, N.T.
Memorial Service: Saturday 3 August 2019 ( 20th Anniversary ) 10.30am –
Glen Huitson Memorial, cnr Stuart Hwy & Old Bynoe Rd, Livingstone, N.T.
Brevet Sergeant Glen HUITSON
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Brevet Sergeant Glen Huitson memorial, 3 August 2015
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????GLEN HUITSON MEMORIAL????
TWENTY YEAR REMEMBRANCE SERVICE
Saturday 3rd August 2019 will mark the 20th anniversary of the death of Brevet Sergeant Glen Huitson who was killed in the line of duty in 1999 whilst stationed at Adelaide River.
We will honour Glen with a gathering on Saturday 3rd August 2019 from 10.30am at the Glen Huitson Memorial, located at the corner of the Stuart Highway and Old Bynoe Road, Livingstone, N.T.
All current and former members are invited to join Glen’s family in remembering a husband, father, son, and workmate who was tragically taken from his family 20 years ago.
Glen HUITSON joined the Northern Territory in January 1987. He served in both Southern and Northern districts of the Northern Territory.
During his service in the Northern Territory Police, Glen Huitson received a Commendation from the Commissioner of Police on 17 March 1994 when he attended a disturbance at a Community near Alice Springs. He disarmed a drunken person who was armed with a knife star picket and was threatening another person with a billy of boiling water.
In February of 1999 in Litchfield Park, Glen Huitson disarmed an armed man who was threatening the driver and passengers of a bus. He received a Valour Award over this incident.
On 3 August 1999 Glen Huitson was on duty at a road block on the Stuart Highway, 60 kms south of Darwin, in bushland.
There were on watch for an armed offender who had already shot and wounded two other persons several kilometres away during the previous night.
The armed offender had managed to come through bush on one side of the road block where he opened fire with a .30/30 calibre rifle. He fired the first round into the back of a civilian then a second shot at Huitson which struck him and was fatal.
For this incident he received the Australian Bravery Medal and a bar to his Valour Medal.
This park was named in memory of the late Sgt. Glen Anthony Huitson BM, VA, Service No. 1520 on 3 August 2000.
Sgt. Huitson was the officer in charge of the Adelaide River Police Station. He died on 3rd August 1999 as a result of gun shot wounds received in the execution of his duties whilst manning a roadblock on the corner of the Stuart Highway and Old Bynoe Road.
Twice Decorated as a serving Police Officer, Glen Huitson lived his personal life with the same intensity, and was an integral part of community life in Adelaide River. His untimely death has left a gap in this community which will never be filled. Glen is survived by his Widow Lisa and children Joey & Ruby.
Citizens of the Coomalie Region joined with serving Members of the Northern Territory Police Force at this site on 3rd August 2001 to dedicate this memorial stone on the occasion of the second anniversary of Sgt. Huitson’s death.
We honour the life and the achievements of a remarkable citizen.
“On 3rd August 1999, at about 10:45 am, there was a shooting incident on the Stuart Highway at the corner of Old Bynoe Road in the Darwin rural district. In the course of the incident, two persons were shot dead. One, Glen Anthony Huitson, was a Sergeant of police on duty at the time he was killed.” (Coroner’s Findings)
Glen was performing duties on a roadblock with his partner in Livingstone at the Old Bynoe Road Turn off on the Stuart Highway, 55 Kilometres south of Darwin. They were stopping traffic entering the police cordon following a shooting incident the previous evening when the offender Rodney Ansell ambushed the roadblock shooting Huitson fataly and wounding a civilian in the back with his 30/30 rifle. For this incident he received the Australia Bravery Medal and a bar to his Valour Medal posthumously.
On the night of the 2nd of August 1999 Rodney William Ansell and Cherrie Ann Hewson went to a property on Kentish Road. Ansell fired 6 shots at a caravan occupied by Stephen Robertson and Lee-Anne Musgrave who were minding the property. A neighbour, David Hobden, drove his truck over to see what was happening and Ansell fired through the windscreen blinding him. He ran to his residence and another occupant, Brian Williams, ran over to stop Ansell who was trying to steal Hobden’s truck. Ansell shot Williams in the hand. He lost an index finger and shots were fired at his house. Ansell appeared to be yelling about child abduction which was a delusion that had manifested itself during his amphetamine addiction. He fled into scrubland with a 30/30 rifle and Hobden’s shotgun.
Police responded and set up a forward command post in the area. Roadblocks were set up on the Stuart Highway and other roads. Sergeant Glen Huitson and Senior Constable James O’Brien manned the roadblock on the corner of Old Bynoe Road and the Stuart Highway armed with their Glock Pistols a shotgun and a .308 rifle. It appears that during the night Ansell had escaped the cordon but for some reason chose to sneak up on the roadblock at Old Bynoe Road. Hewson had left the area.
At about 10.45 am on the 3rd of August 1999 the roadblock at Old Bynoe Road was still in place. A local man had approached the road block to talk to the police members and was leaning on the police vehicle when suddenly he was shot in the pelvis from behind a large water pipe in nearby scrub. Huitson used the shotgun from the police car and O’Brien returned fire with his Glock pistol. Huitson was hit by a 30/30 round and fell to the ground. O’Brien reloaded the shotgun and returned fire. He called on Ansell to put his weapons down but he called back “Your all dead”.
In response to the gun battle two Territory Response Group vehicles raced to the scene. Just prior to the roadblock the first vehicle swerved and braked and was struck by the second vehicle causing it to roll over. As police exited both vehicles and began to take up positions Ansell got up on one knee to position himself to fire at the arriving police members. This left him exposed to fire from O’Brien and the shotgun fire finally stopped him. As the Coroner, Mr Wallace, said “There is little doubt his (O’Brien’s) bravery prevented further loss of life”.
It was later determined that there were seven entry wounds on his body from return fire from Huitson and O’Brien and numerous grazes. His covered position behind the water pipe and a small tree had protected Ansell from more serious injury until he was forced to change position.
Background – Glen Huitson
Glen Huitson joined the Northern Territory Police in January 1987, served in both Southern and Northern districts and was stationed at Adelaide River Police Station.
He received a Commendation from the Commissioner of Police on 17 March 1944 when he attended a disturbance at a Community near Alice Springs. He disarmed a drunken person who was armed with a knife star picket and was threatening another person with a billy of boiling water.
In February of 1999 in Litchfield Park Glen Huitson disarmed an armed man who was threatening the driver and passengers of a bus. He received a Valour Award over this incident.
Glen was survived by his wife Lisa and young children Joseph (2) and Ruby (6 months).
Roadside memorial alongside Stuart Highway where Sgt Huitson was killed
Huitson was honoured with a full police funeral in Darwin. About 30 officers formed a guard of honour while six others carried Huitson’s coffin.
Huitsons widow Lisa receiving her husband’s police cap and National Medal Award from the police commissioner
Constable 1st Class Glen Huitson
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HUITSON, Glen
This page only contains a eulogy. If you have material that can be added contact the webmaster.
FUNERAL SERVICE FOR SERGEANT GLEN ANTHONY HUITSON
ST MARY’S CATHEDRAL, DARWIN, NORTHERN TERRITORY SATURDAY 7 AUGUST 1999EULOGY GIVEN BY COMMISSIONER BRIAN BATESSERGEANT GLEN HUITSON WAS A DEVOTED AND LOVING HUSBAND AND FATHER OF LISA, JOSEPH AND RUBY. I CAN ONLY CONVEY THE HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES AND SYMPATHY OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY POLICE FORCE AND INDEED THE COMMUNITY OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY TO GLEN’S WIFE, CHILDREN AND BOTH THEIR FAMILIES. WE WILL DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO HELP THEM, NOT ONLY THROUGH THIS TIME BUT IN THE TIME TO COME.IN HIS LETTER OF APPLICATION TO JOIN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY POLICE FORCE, SERGEANT GLEN HUITSON SAID, AND I QUOTE:“I WAS BORN ON 20 NOVEMBER 1961 IN BRIDGETOWN, WESTERN AUSTRALIA, THE OLDEST SON IN A FAMILY OF THREE. MY PARENTS OWNED AND OPERATED A SMALL TIN MINE ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF GREENBUSHES WHERE I LIVED FOR 12 YEARS. GREEN BUSHES WAS A GREAT ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH TO GROW UP AS A CHILD, BEING A SMALL TOWN SURROUNDED BY BUSH. WE SPENT MANY HOURS EXPLORING AND DISCOVERING NATURE.LOOKING BACK ON MY CHILDHOOD I AM GRATEFUL TO MY PARENTS FOR THE STRICT BUT FAIR METHOD OF INSTILLING IN ME A SET OF MORAL STANDARDS AND PRINCIPLES IN KEEPING WITH COMMUNITY IDEALS. THIS GUIDANCE WAS TO BENEFIT ME LATER IN LIFE.”
GLEN GOES ON TO TALK ABOUT HIS GROWING UP YEARS AND HIS EARLY EMPLOYMENT, PARTICULARLY WHEN THE FAMILY MOVED IN 1978 TO BUSSLETON WHERE HE WAS INVOLVED IN THE LOCAL FOOTBALL CLUB AS A PLAYER AND AN ADMINISTRATOR, AS A COACH AND UMPIRE AND FOR THREE YEARS AS A FIREMAN IN THE VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE AND WITH THE LOCAL ROSTRUM CLUB. TOWARDS THE END OF THIS LETTER OF APPLICATION GLEN SAYS, AND I AGAIN QUOTE:
“APPROXIMATELY FIVE YEARS AGO I DECIDED THAT IF AT THE AGE OF 25 I WAS STILL DISAPPOINTED WITH THE WAY MY CAREER WAS HEADING, THIS WOULD BE THE TIME TO MAKE A START IN A POSITION IN LIFE THAT I WOULD ENJOY. THE MOST HONEST WAY I FOUND TO FIND A CAREER I WANTED WAS TO SIT DOWN WITH A PEN AND PAPER AND WRITE DOWN JOBS IN WHICH I WOULD WORK FOR NO FINANCIAL REWARD. MY LIST CONTAINED THE FOLLOWING: FISHERIES INSPECTOR, CUSTOMS OFFICER, AMBULANCE OFFICER, WELFARE WORKER AND A POLICE OFFICER.
SINCE WRITING DOWN THAT LIST I HAVE WORKED TOWARDS EQUIPPING MYSELF FOR ONE OF THOSE POSITIONS. THIS HAS INCLUDED THE FOLLOWING: BEING A FIREMAN WITH OUR LOCAL VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE, ACHIEVING A FIRST AID CERTIFICATE WITH A ST JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE, INVOLVING MYSELF HEAVILY IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, MAINLY THROUGH SPORT, AND INVOLVING MYSELF IN PUBLIC SPEAKING. AFTER READING ABOUT THE POSITION OF POLICE OFFICER FOR THE NORTHERN TERRITORY I DECIDED THAT THIS WOULD INDEED OFFER ME THE CAREER I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR. AS A POLICE OFFICER IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY I WOULD BE ABLE TO MAKE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION IN MAKING THE NORTHERN TERRITORY A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE IN, THEREBY ACHIEVING MY GOAL OF JOB SATISFACTION.”
ALL OF US WITHIN THE POLICE FORCE AND INDEED THE DEPARTMENT OF POLICE, FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES, ARE EXTREMELY SHOCKED BY THE DEATH OF SERGEANT GLEN HUITSON. HIS LOSS IS A TRAGEDY FOR THE POLICE SERVICE AND THERE ARE SIMPLY NO WORDS TO DESCRIBE THAT SENSE OF LOSS, THE WASTE AND THE TRAGEDY THAT THE WHOLE POLICE FAMILY FEELS TODAY.
I WOULD ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PRESENCE HERE TODAY OF SERVING POLICE OFFICERS FROM ALL STATES AND TERRITORIES OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND.
IT IS TRITE TO SAY THAT ALL POLICE FAMILIES KNOW THE DANGERS OF POLICE WORK, BUT NOTHING CAN EVER PREPARE US FOR SOMETHING LIKE GLEN’S DEATH.
NO POLICE FORCE COULD BE MORE PROUD THAN TO HAVE IN ITS RANKS AN OFFICER OF THE CALIBRE OF GLEN HUITSON. HE TOUCHED AND AFFECTED SO MANY PEOPLE’S LIVES, NOT ONLY WITHIN THE POLICE FORCE BUT WITHIN THE COMMUNITY OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY THAT HE SWORE TO SERVE AND PROTECT.
AND HE DID MORE THAN THAT – BECAUSE ON NO LESS THAN THREE OCCASIONS, THE THIRD TRAGICALLY RESULTING IN HIS DEATH, HE WAS CONFRONTED WITH LIFE-THREATENING SITUATIONS.
GLEN RECEIVED MY COMMENDATION FOR AN INCIDENT ON 17 MARCH 1994 WHEN HE ATTENDED A DISTURBANCE AT A COMMUNITY NEAR ALICE SPRINGS.
HE DISARMED A DRUNKEN PERSON WHO WAS ARMED WITH A KNIFE, STEEL BAR, NULLA NULLA AND A STAR PICKET. THE PERSON WAS THREATENING ANOTHER COMMUNITY MEMBER WITH A BILLY OF BOILING WATER. WITHOUT REGARD FOR HIS OWN SAFETY SERGEANT HUITSON PREVENTED THIS PERSON THROWING THE BOILING WATER BUT IN FACT WAS STRUCK AND COVERED IN BOILING WATER HIMSELF OVER HIS UPPER BACK, RIGHT UPPER ARM AND LEFT FOREARM. HIS QUICK ACTIONS ALLOWED OTHER POLICE OFFICERS TO RESTRAIN THE OFFENDER AND REMOVE HIM AS A THREAT TO THE COMMUNITY. THE BURNS GLEN RECEIVED CAUSED HIM CONSIDERABLE PAIN AND SUFFERING AND HE REQUIRED HOSPITAL TREATMENT.
AND THEN THERE WAS THE INCIDENT IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR WHEN SERGEANT HUITSON DISARMED AN ARMED MAN WHO HAD JUMPED ON THE BULLBAR OF A TOURIST BUS IN LITCHFIELD PARK.
THE MAN WAS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS AND ARMED WITH A LOADED .22 RIFLE AND WAS THREATENING THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS OF THE BUS ON BATCHELOR ROAD.
GLEN KNEW THAT HELP WAS ABOUT 15 MINUTES AWAY AND WAS DEEPLY CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF THE DRIVER, PASSENGERS AND PASSING MOTORISTS. HE SINGLE-HANDEDLY ATTEMPTED TO DIRECT TRAFFIC, ENGAGE THE MAN IN CONVERSATION AND KEEP POLICE COMMUNICATIONS ADVISED OF THE SITUATION. HE THEN APPROACHED THE MAN TO DISTRACT HIS ATTENTION FROM THE BUS AND PASSENGERS, PLACING HIMSELF AT CONSIDERABLE RISK.
GLEN ENGAGED THE MAN IN CONVERSATION FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES AND EVENTUALLY CONVINCED HIM TO PLACE THE FIREARM ON THE BULLBAR OF THE BUS AND WALK A SHORT DISTANCE AWAY WHERE GLEN TACKLED HIM TO THE GROUND AND WAS THEN HELPED BY OTHER POLICE WHO HAD JUST ARRIVED. THIS WAS WITHOUT DOUBT AN OUTSTANDING EXAMPLE OF PERSONAL COURAGE, AND SERGEANT HUITSON WAS IN FACT DUE TO RECEIVE A VALOUR AWARD OVER THAT INCIDENT.
IN SERGEANT GLEN HUITSON THE NORTHERN TERRITORY POLICE HAD A TRUE BUSH COPPER AND AN IDEAL ROLE MODEL FOR OTHER POLICE.
HE WAS A TOTAL PROFESSIONAL WHO GOT ALONG WITH COLLEAGUES AND THE PUBLIC ALIKE AND WAS EXTREMELY POPULAR WITH ABORIGINAL PEOPLE HE WORKED WITH, IN THE COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE TERRITORY. WHAT A TREMENDOUS LOSS HE IS, NOT ONLY TO THIS POLICE FORCE BUT TO THE TERRITORY.
IN CLOSING THERE IS PERHAPS NO BETTER WAY TO TALK ABOUT THIS OUTSTANDING AND COMPASSIONATE POLICE OFFICER THAN BY TELLING YOU ABOUT A REPORT HE RECENTLY SUBMITTED, AND I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT I SHARE THIS WITH YOU ALL.
GLEN HAD RESEARCHED THE HISTORY OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY POLICE SERVICE AND HE FOUND MANY EXAMPLES OF UNRECOGNISED SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY BY FORMER MEMBERS, AND PARTICULARLY POLICE TRACKERS. HE SAID IN HIS MEMO THAT THIS UNRECOGNISED WORK WAS, AT THE TIME, NO DOUBT CONSIDERED TO BE JUST PART OF THE JOB, AND UNLESS YOU HAPPENED TO DIE ON DUTY OR REACHED A HIGH RANK, VERY LITTLE WAS DONE TO PRESERVE THE MEMORY OF THOSE MANY FORMER MEMBERS.
GLEN APPRECIATED THE SERENITY AND BEAUTY OF THE ADELAIDE RIVER WAR CEMETERY WHERE HE ALSO NOTICED SEVERAL PLAQUES DEDICATED TO MILITARY MEMBERS. HE HAD SEVERAL IDEAS TO HONOUR THE MEMORY OF POLICE MEMBERS, INCLUDING PLANTING TREES WITH PLAQUES DEDICATED TO MEMBERS AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A MEMORIAL AVENUE IN OUR POLICE COMPLEX, THE PETER McAULAY CENTRE. HE SUGGESTED NEW PLAQUES COULD BE DEDICATED ANNUALLY ON A SIGNIFICANT DAY, FOR EXAMPLE, POLICE REMEMBRANCE DAY. THERE TOO, HE EMPHASISED THE WHOLE COMMUNITY SHOULD BE INVITED AND INVOLVED.
IT IS MY INTENTION TO HONOUR GLEN’S SUGGESTIONS IN THAT REPORT, AND ALSO PAY TRIBUTE TO HIM, IN A WAY I FEEL SURE HE AND YOU WOULD APPROVE OF.
FINALLY, IN THE WORDS OF THE 13TH CHAPTER OF CORINTHIANS:
“THERE REMAINS THEN, FAITH, HOPE, LOVE, THESE THREE; BUT THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE.”
ABC News: Aboriginal communities to send reps to police officer’s funeral
Trudy and Rod BrayFri, 6 Aug 1999 00:26:27 -0700
Fri, 6 Aug 1999 11:41 AEST
Aboriginal communities to send reps to police officer's
funeral.
The Gurindji Aboriginal people, from two communities south-west of Darwin, are sending
representatives to the funeral of a Northern Territory police officer.
Sergeant Glen Huitson was killed by Rodney William Ansell on Tuesday.
The sergeant's partner, Constable Jamie O'Brien, returned the fire, killing Ansell.
A Gurindji representative, Roslyn Frith, says the sergeant was given the skin name, Japalyi,
because of the community's respect and love for him.
She says he will be missed greatly.
"To the community he wasn't just a policeman, he was just another person who belonged to
the community," Ms Frith said.
"He got involved - like if there were ceremonies he'd go down and make sure everything was
alright.
"With the younger generation, he took them out. Like he was with the emergency services out
here, he went out fishing and hunting with them," she said.
� 1999 Australian Broadcasting Corporation
https://www.mail-archive.com/recoznet2@paradigm4.com.au/msg01295.html
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NT: Aborigines planning funeral for Ansell in Arnhem Land
AAP General News (Australia) 08-09-1999
NT: Aborigines planning funeral for Ansell in Arnhem Land
By Catharine Munro
DARWIN, Aug 9 AAP – Rod Ansell, the original Crocodile Dundee who shot dead a policeman last week, is expected be given an Aboriginal funeral in Arnhem Land.
Ansell, 44, was killed in a shootout with police after fatally wounding Sergeant Glen Huitson, 37, about 50km south of Darwin last Tuesday.
The violent deaths followed a 12-hour search for Ansell, who had shot at two houses in the area the previous night.
His motives remain a mystery and the case is being investigated by the coroner.
The events shocked Darwin, where Ansell was known as a buffalo hunter and a bushman who had been living on an Aboriginal-owned property in Arnhem Land, about 600km south-east of Darwin.
Ansell’s two sons, Shaun and Callum, are believed to have requested that an Aboriginal community at Mt Catt, near Bulman in central Arnhem Land, allow a funeral to be held on their grounds.
“The two boys said they want to have the funeral at Mt Catt,” said Lorna Martin, who works at the clinic at Bulman.
Ansell spent some time in the area in the 1980s as a buffalo catcher and continued to make frequent visits.
The service will interrupt an important ceremony being held at Mt Catt but arrangements were being made for the proceedings to be halted for one day for the funeral on Thursday, Mrs Martin said.
“Everybody said it’s okay,” she said.
Ansell’s parents, George and Eva, both in their 70s, are understood to have journeyed to the Northern Territory from their home in Murgon, 260km north-west of Brisbane, to say goodbye to their son.
Meanwhile, the widow of the slain policeman, Lisa, said she had just returned from Daly River Crossing, where she had scattered her husband’s ashes.
Mrs Huitson told reporters she had spent three happy years there with Sgt Huitson and they had taken their son, Joseph, two and Ruby, six months, back there to be baptised.
“It was just a special place for us,” Mrs Huitson said.
Sgt Huitson‘s brother Bevan, sister Julie and parents Carole and John attended a press conference to thank the police and the people of the NT for their support.
Rod Ansell – The inspiration behind Crocodile Dundee
The day the real Crocodile Dundee Rod Ansell was shot dead
ELLIE TURNER
Herald Sun
January 05, 201412:00AM
Rod Ansell in the Outback in 1987.
ROD Ansell’s amazing story of Outback survival is one many Australians know – although they’ve probably never heard of his name.
As strong as an ox and as brave as a lion, the blond haired, barefoot bushman survived for more than seven weeks on a small island at the mouth of a crocodile-infested river in the remote Northern Territory, sleeping up a tree with a brown snake at night to avoid the salties lurking below.
His story was the inspiration for the 1986 film Crocodile Dundee. But the film only tells part of the story of Ansell’s wild life.
More than a decade after his tale of survival brought fame and fortune to actor Paul Hogan, the real Crocodile Dundee was shot dead by police after a drug-crazed rampage that saw a police officer killed and three other men wounded.
***
STRONG men in uniform broke down on the side of the Stuart Highway the day Territory police officer Glen Huitson was shot dead in a gun battle with Rod Ansell.
It was like a scene from a cops and robbers movie.
But nobody won.
Sergeant Huitson was gunned down at a roadblock in bushland 60km south of Darwin by Ansell, who had been on the run from police.
Ansell was shot in the chest as Senior Constable James O’Brien returned fire.
“The only verbal communication I had with the gunman was when I was reloading the shotgun for the first time,” the surviving officer, who has never spoken openly about the ordeal, said in a statement almost 15 years ago.
“I called out to him to put his weapons down. He called back, ‘You’re all dead‘.”
Ansell was deranged and wired on speed, more than 20 years after he emerged from the wild, a handsome young hunter armed only with a knife, a gun and a story to tell, his boat having capsized on the remote Victoria River.
His crazed life came to an end on August 3, 1999, but not before he had gunned down a police officer, leaving two young children to grow up without a father.
Northern Territory police say they lost “an all-round good bloke” that day.
Sgt Huitson’s family was robbed of much more.
In 1994, Sgt Huitson had been commended for bravery after arresting a knife-wielding drunk man – who was also armed with a star picket and a billy of boiling water in a bid to harm another person – at a community near Alice Springs.
He received a Valour Award after he talked delusional man Wayne Costan – who had tried to hijack a tourist coach with a sawn-off .22 rifle – into dropping the weapon, before tackling him to the ground at Litchfield Park in February 1999.
Six months later Sgt Huitson was killed, aged 37.
His then-infant daughter, Ruby, and five-year-old son, Joseph, grew up without their dad.
His widow, Lisa, took home her husband’s posthumous Australia Bravery Medal and a broken heart.
Former NT Police assistant commissioner John Daulby was among those who raced out to the double killing.
“Everyone was stunned,” he said. “It was just a tragedy.”
Darwin police officer Glen Huitson was one of two policemen shot by gunman Rod Ansell.
“The grief at the scene is something that sticks with me – grown men in tears.”
Ansell had wounded two men on a shooting spree in Darwin and fled into the bush, raving mad, on the night of August 2, 1999.
He was convinced members of the Freemasons had kidnapped his sons – Callum, then aged 20, and Shawn, 18.
His girlfriend, Cherie Ann Hewson, had told him that as a child she had witnessed the sacrifice of young girls that her family – members of the secret medieval fraternity – “brought out of the woods”. They were bound, raped and slaughtered, she said.
The shared paranoia came to a head when Ms Hewson claimed she spotted three bow hunters, dressed in camouflage with night vision goggles, near their bush camp.
NT Coroner Dick Wallace would later say the “wretched drivel” was at the root of Ansell‘s madness, after the couple visited mates Steven Robinson and his partner, Lee-Anne Musgrave, on a property at Noonamah, about 50km south of Darwin.
Ansell fired six shots at their caravan on Kentish Rd.
Resident David Hobden jumped in his truck, armed with his double-barrel shotty, and went to investigate the shootings. He lost an eye when Ansell put a bullet through the windscreen of his truck.
He ran to alert his neighbour, Brian Williams, who “waxed wrath” at the state of his mate’s face and grabbed a baseball bat.
He charged at Ansell, who was trying to steal Mr Hobden’s truck.
“I smacked him straight down the forehead, and that’s when he blew my hand off,” Mr Williams told police.
“He was going on about stealing his children, and Freemasons, and being a baby killer … oh, just, he was mad, mate.”
Ansell fired shots at the Williams‘ house.
Then he ran away, his rifle in one hand and Mr Hobden‘s shotgun in the other.
Ms Hewson disappeared before the police shootout. Some feared she had committed suicide.
About 11pm, Territory Response Group sent two troop carriers with six cops in each to set up a command post. They manned the north roadblock.
Adelaide River police station boss Sgt Huitson and his second-in-charge, Sen-Const O’Brien, guarded the south cordon – at the corner of Old Bynoe Rd – with a pistol each, a 12-gauge shotgun and standard police issue .308 rifle.
About 10.30am the next day, a removals worker named Jonathan Anthonysz was leaning on the cop car, chatting to the officers when a bullet blew a hole “the size of a baseball” in his pelvis.
He was flung forward, screaming, on to the ground.
Mr Anthonysz’s colleague – David Hobden‘s brother, Anthony – dragged him out of view as Snr-Const. O’Brien covered them.
The shots were coming from light scrub behind a roadside water pipe.
The cunning fugitive had sneaked through the bush and was hidden by dappled tree shadows.
In his statement, Snr-Const O’Brien said: “I heard Glen shout out, ‘Get on the ground’.
I swung round to look over the boot of the car with my Glock drawn …
“I saw my shots hit the ground close to where (Ansell) was,” he said.
Sgt Huitson called TRG for help and grabbed a 12-gauge shotgun.
He fired a shot through the windows of the police car and two shots over the roof.
But a bullet from Ansell‘s .30-30 lever-action rifle ricocheted off the top of the metal door and struck him in the abdomen.
His bulletproof vest hadn’t been properly fastened. The bullet tore through a velcro strap that should have been covered by a Kevlar panel.
Sgt Huitson fell, landing on top of the shotgun.
Snr-Const O’Brien, who wasn’t wearing a vest, dodged a bullet and rolled his bleeding colleague off the shotgun, reloaded it and returned fire.
“I realised unless TRG arrived I could run out of ammunition, in which case I would have to retreat with the others,” he said.
“I loaded two more rounds, looked up and saw the gunman wriggling forward.
“I heard a sound like a match being struck just past the right side of my head.”
Then the TRG troop carriers came hurtling down the highway.
The first driver hit the brakes and swerved as he heard gun fire – the 4WD rolled when the second car crashed into it, unable to stop in time.
Ansell got up on one knee and began lining up the cops, who were crawling out of the vehicle.
Snr-Const O’Brien got a clear shot.
The autopsy showed 33 bullet wounds and grazes to Ansell‘s body.
Two were fatal. One shot had ripped through his aorta.
He fell face down in the dirt.
Sgt Huitson was declared dead after being rushed to Royal Darwin Hospital.
Snr-Const O’Brien was scrutinised and cleared of any wrongdoing after a rigorous police investigation.
His actions were praised as “simply outstanding” when Magistrate Wallace handed down his coronial findings in September 2000.
“If he felt any fear, it seems to have been submerged by his concern for his wounded colleague and others,” he said. “There can be little doubt his bravery prevented further loss of life.”
Ms Hewson handed herself in to Queensland police four days later.
Evidence that Ansell clung to the back of a road train and escaped the roadblocks fuelled a question that would never be answered – why would a skilled bushman give up his ticket to freedom and return to gun down police when he could have slipped away?
IT was no secret the 44-year-old buffalo hunter and grazier was bitter.
Writer Robert Milliken, who spent time with Ansell while working on projects in the NT, said Ansell never saw a penny for the myth surrounding his tangled life, despite being the inspiration for the main character in Crocodile Dundee, which propelled actor Paul Hogan to fame in 1986.
Ansell blamed his troubles on a Federal Government program to wipe out wild buffalo, his livelihood, to eradicate tuberculosis from the cattle industry. He had told reporters he was living on unemployment benefits and “bush tucker”.
Magistrate Wallace heard Ansell believed police and the government were against him.
He had moved to the Territory aged 15 from the small town of Murgon, 270km north of Brisbane, in country Queensland.
The ordeal that brought him fame happened when he took a fishing trip in a motorboat on the Victoria River in May 1977.
When the boat sank, he jumped in a dinghy and salvaged his two eight-week-old bull terriers, a rifle, a knife, some canned food and bedding. The tinny drifted out to sea, washing up on a small island at the mouth of the Fitzmaurice River.
He slept in the fork of a tree, out of reach of crocodiles, at night, but shared the branches with a brown tree snake.
Ansell never counted on being rescued. He roamed for seven weeks before stumbling on two Aboriginal stockmen and their boss.
But he kept the adventure under his hat – fearing his recklessness would upset his mother – until media got hold of the yarn.
Dubbed the “modern day Robinson Crusoe”, Ansell said: “I think if you come through in one piece, then nothing else really matters.
“It’s like going out to shoot a kangaroo.
“You don’t come back and say you missed by half an inch – you either got him or you didn’t.”
Mr Milliken described Ansell as “strikingly handsome with blond hair, blue eyes and bare feet” when he met him in 1988. It was the year Ansell was named Territorian of the Year for his role in putting the Top End on the map.
At the time, he lived with his wife, Joanne van Os, and their two small sons on their buffalo farm at Melaleuca, between Darwin and Kakadu.
“He was charming,” Mr Milliken said.
“He seems never to have worn shoes, even when travelling on aircraft and staying in city hotels at the height of his fame.
“The press went mad over his story and no one seemed to mind if the details grew ever more incredible.
“A hero had been born.”
He said Ansell once told British TV personality Michael Parkinson he preferred to sleep on the floor of his five-star Sydney hotel in his swag rather than in the kingsize bed.
Ansell’s Parkinson interview sparked the interest of Hogan and led to the creation of Mick “Crocodile” Dundee.
But the fame took its toll on Ansell’s personal life. His marriage disintegrated.
In 1992, he was convicted of cattle rustling and assaulting the owner of a cattle station in Arnhem Land.
Police raided Melaleuca. He eventually lost the property.
For more than a year before his death, Ansell had been living with Ms Hewson, a former tour guide, on a billabong at the Aboriginal outstation Urapunga, on the Roper River, about 480km south of Darwin.
He was initiated as a white member of local Aboriginal clan and got on well with the Ngukkur community. But the spiral into a drug-induced psychosis continued as Ansell smoked cannabis and injected amphetamineswith vengeance.
“I didn’t know Ansell really well, but I’d met him a few times,” long-time Territorian and former reporter Chips Mackinolty said.
“He was tough as nails, the sort of person that could do what he said he did, and did do it when he was working as a stockman, as a wrangler and that stuff.
“He was an extraordinary person at that level, but it ended up in tears.”
Mr Mackinolty was heading to Katherine and had been allowed through the roadblock earlier on the day the killing happened.
“It was one of those ‘goose steps on your own grave’ sort of feelings – you were very close to what ended up being a very awful thing.
“It’s always sad when the threat of poverty and frustrated ambition get mixed up and send people off the edge, big time,” Mr Mackinolty said.
“I was completely shocked, as were a lot of people who knew him in the earlier years.”
In his coronial ruling, Magistrate Wallace said the contrast between the “original Crocodile Dundee who appeared on television” and the emaciated drug addict – who weighed just 53kg when he opened fire on police – could hardly be more marked.
“His drug abuse rendered his mind so addled he believed fantasies that a child would dismiss with contempt,” he said.
“His pointless and destructive actions caused immediate agony and suffering to the men he wounded.”
The infamous rampage means Ansell is remembered in Darwin not as a knockabout bushman, but as the man who murdered a heroic cop.
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Sergeant Glen Huitson
Posted on
Along the side of the Stuart Highway, heading to Batchelor and points south, there’s a turnoff at Old Bynoe Road. On this corner there’s a simple cross like far too many you see on Australian roads. This one is the same in that it marks the point where a loved one lost his or her life. The ever-present, neatly-arrayed booze bottles testify to the fact that his friends have not forgotten him.
However this site is also different. It doesn’t mark a road fatality, but rather the death of a police officer on duty, Sergeant Glen Anthony Huitson, killed protecting the community from a man who had gone on an overnight shooting spree. The further tragedy is that this death, left a young widow and two little children who will never know their father: the risks that police face daily in doing their duty.
The Policeman from the bush
By all accounts Glen Huitson was a quietly impressive young man and an excellent policeman who was soon to receive the Police Valour medal, given posthumously to his wife, Lisa. Huitson had worked out bush and was well respected by the communities he’d worked in. Stationed at Adelaide River at the time of the shooting, Huitson is also remembered by a memorial there.
Across the new railway track on the Old Bynoe Road, there’s a different kind of memorial from the simple cross with beer bottles. It’s the official memorial in Glen Huitson Park. It has an impressively large stone brought from a distance and plaques to honour the man and the police officer.
Roadside memorial stone
I recognise that another family lost a person they’d loved that day. No doubt as they pass Huitson’s memorial they think of their own loved one. However for me this is about the loss of a man doing his duty. As you go about your routines today, please remember all those police officers who daily risk their lives to protect us.
I leave you with Glen Huitson’s eulogy, testifying to his concern for others and his true community spirit. Rest in Peace, Sergeant Glen Huitson, you did your duty well.
On the Darwin Esplanade, near the Cenotaph, there’s is a memorial to all Northern Territory Police and Emergency Services workers who gave their lives in service to the community.
4 thoughts on “Sergeant Glen Huitson”
What a wonderful tribute …thank you for bringing us this introduction to a man without whom the world is a poorer place.
Thanks Chris. It happened a couple of years after we got here and was a great tragedy. I really feel for his family and the loss of a good man.
I stumbled across this post today… For some reason Glen came to my mind, and I did a search. Maybe this all came about as I saw a photo of his gorgeous sister and his 2 beautiful children.
Glen was a friend and I know his family well. He was a great man and it was an extremely sad day the day he left this life.
hi Vicki, sorry I hadn’t realised I’d omitted to reply. Thanks for sharing…it was indeed a tragic day for all concerned…we have a connection through the other officer that day though we didn’t know him at the time.
IT was 15 years on Sunday since one of NT Police’s darkest days.
On August 3, 1999 Brevet Sergeant Glen Anthony Huitson was manning a roadblock on the Stuart Highway at Livingstone when he was shot and killed by “Crocodile Dundee” Rod Ansell.
Ansell was then hit with fatal return fire by Sgt Huitson’s partner, Senior Constable Jamie O’Brien.
He was the first policeman to be murdered on duty in the Territory for 47 years, and to this date he remains the last.
Sgt Huitson’s wife Lisa said the anniversary was always emotional.
“But he’s always with us and it’s good to see his colleagues and friends return,” she said.
“It’s nice to come back.”
The couple’s children Joe and Ruby were just 2 and 10 months old when their father was killed.
Police Commissioner John McRoberts said the memorial was a sobering reminder of the dangers of policing.
“It’s really good to pay our respects to a man who died doing what he loved and wanted to do – which was serve and protect,” he said.
Sgt Huitson joined the NT Police in January 1987. He served in both Southern and Northern districts.
During his service, he received a Commendation from the Commissioner of Police in March 1994 when he attended a disturbance at a community near Alice Springs. He disarmed a drunk armed with a knife and star picket, and was threatening another person with a billy of boiling water.
Then in February of 1999 in Litchfield Park, he disarmed an armed man who was threatening the driver and passengers of a bus. He received a Valour Award over this incident.
For the incident which cost him his life, he was awarded the Australia Bravery Medal, and a bar to his Valour Medal.
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 18 November 1938
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank: Senior Constable
Stations: ?, Lismore ( 1945 ), ?, Paddington ( 1951 ), Vaucluse – Lock-Up-Keeper ( a SenCon Jenkings was there in Jan 1954 )
Service: From pre 18 November 1938 to ? ? ? = ? Years Service
Awards: No Find on Australian Honours
Royal Humane Society Medal – Lismore flood rescues
Born: ? ? 1917 – ’18
Died on: Thursday 20 August 1959
Cause: ?
Age: 42
Funeral date: Monday 24 August 1959
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park, 12 Military Rd, Matraville, NSW
Plot: Roman Catholic FM 29C, Position 876
HARRY is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
Erected in memory of Harry Jenkings, Senior Constable N.S.W. Police Force who by his gallant rescues and conduct as a policeman and citizen endeared himself to the people of the municipality of Woollahra. 1959. A.F. Ryan, Town Clerk. Alan Frost, Mayor.
Located at the intersection of Marine Rd & Robertson Pce, Watsons Bay, NSW.
Monument is to the right of the pole and left of the long wall.
Lat: -33.84494732601713
Long: 151.28158624477464 Note: GPS Coordinates are exact.
exact location of monument:
The Catholic Press ( Sydney )
Thursday 24 November 1938 page 15 of 44
Celebrates Entry Into Police Force.
To celebrate his entry into the Police Force, Mr. Harry Jenkings, of Oakley-road, Bondi, who was one of the batch sworn-in on Friday, 18th inst., was tendered a party on the following day ( Saturday 19th ), by a member of his friends.Mrs. W. T. Jenkings, Harry ‘s mother, arranged an enjoyable evening’s programme, which included musical items, dancing and games, and songs were given by Mrs. Jenkings and Frank Jenkings.Amongst those present were: Mrs. E. Golby, Misses J. McCaskie, N. Gibson, B. Herrington, M. Paynter, M. Newman, N. Simpson, B. Simpson, M. Simpson, V. Cummins, P. Crowley, N. Golby, J. James, N. Josephs, M. Blocker, M. Nagel, J. Vidler, E. Griffin, P. Rice, J. Cusack, Y. Moore, P. Dunkley, L. Palmer, Messrs. T. O ‘Halloran, K. Peoples, W. Jenkings, N. Peoples, J. Jenkings, E. Chapman, F. McPhillips, A. Gillian, B. Gillian, C. Gillian, B. Walsh, J. Wesslink, V. Murphy, M. Crowley, D. Quinn, F. Horan, F. Delohery, J. Duggan, and Constable Dick McMahon.
The engagement was announced at her coming-of-age party on the evening of Wednesday, 1st inst., of Miss Noreen Simpson, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. A. Simpson, of Bondi, to Mr. William Jenkings, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Jenkings, also of Bondi. The celebration was held at the home of Mr. Jenkings.Miss Simpson is a vice-president on the ladies’ social committees of the Bondi Amateur Swimming Club and the Bondi Surf Club, and Mr. Jenkings is social secretary of the latter organisation, so the engagement will be of special interest in surfing circles.During supper Mr. A. McCarthy, after congratulating Miss Simpson on her coming of-age, proposed the toast of the engaged couple, and Mr. Jenkings responded. Mr. Harry Jenkings was M.C.Amongst others present were Misses Beryl and Marge Simpson, Joan Egerton, Joan Cusack, Naney Lucas, M. Maxwell, Betty Wood, Jessie Couldwell, Phyllis Culbert, Norrie Harford, Doreen O’Meagher, Enid Moore; Messrs. Bill, Harry, Jack and Frank Jenkings, Eric Chapman, Carl Jeppesen, Harry Goldstein, Cedrie Culbert, Owen Doerner, Reg. Jones, Arthur McCarthy, Jack Morley, Lou Isaacs, W. Wildensehn, Mr. and Mrs. J. Culbert,. jun. Mr. and Mrs. Leo Walsh, Mr. and Mrs. Syd. Price, Mr. and Mrs. W. Newman, Mr. and Mrs. A. Smallwood, Mr. and Mrs. G. Simpson, Mesdames Lemmon, McCarthy, Culbert. Mesdames Jenkings and Simpson were the hostesses.
On Saturday, 30th ult., a pretty wedding was celebrated in St. Anne’s, Bondi, between Miss Noreen Simpson, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. A. Simpson, Bondi, and Mr. William Jenkings, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Jenkings, Bondi. Rev. Father P. J. Frost officiated. The bride wore ivory satin, cut on princess lines. The bridesmaids were Misses Norrie Herford, Beryl Simpson and Joan Egerton, with Mr. H. Jenkings best man, and Messrs. Carl Jeppeson and O. Doerner, groomsmen, Mrs. W. T. Jenkings and Mr. John Jenkings sang ‘Ave Marias’ during the ceremony. The reception was held at ‘Kooba,’ Penkivil-street, where the bride’s mother, assisted by the mother of the groom, received the guests.
Bondi lifesaver, Harry Jenkings, member of the Police Force, has resigned from Eastern Suburbs Rugby Union Club, for which he played in first and second grades for three years, and joined Eastern Suburbs Rugby League third grade team as lock-forward.
LISMORE, Wednesday: Two men were arrested at Byron Bay and charged with having in their possession goods reasonably suspected of having been stolen or unlawfully obtained.
It is alleged that the goods were portion of a cargo of an American vessel which went aground at Byron Bay in heavy seas about a fortnight ago. Some of the articles have been recovered by the police. They include motors, barometers, compasses, ships’ clocks, wire ropes, butter, tea, army blankets, general fittings and accessories. Police estimated the value of the recovered goods at £400. The investigations were carried out and the arrests made by Detective Constable H. Jenkings, of Lismore, and Detective Constable A. Brookes, of Sydney, who, in conjunction with American provosts, interviewed about 100 people between Monday and yesterday. The men charged were allowed bail and are to appear at Byron Bay Court on July 19.
LISMORE, Friday: Charged with breaking and entering the Popular Cafe, owned by Constatine Karazeris, Burringbar Street, Mullumbimby, on June 14, three men and two 18-year-old youths were granted bail today to appear at Mullumbimby Court on July 18.
The defendants are alleged to have broken into the cafe in the early hours of the morning and taken goods to the value of £13, including money, chocolates, soft drinks, tobacco and cigarettes.
Three were arrested at a banana plantation about 10 miles from Mullumbimby, on Thursday, by Detective-Constable H. Jenkings, of Lismore, Detective-Constable A. R- Brooks, of Sydney, and Constable G. Taylor, of Mullumbimby. The other two were arrested at Port Macquarie yesterday by Detective Lyons, of Kempsey, after being traced for several days. Two men were granted bail at Port Macquarie and three at Mullumbimby police station.
Charged with breaking and entering the Popular Cafe, Burringbar Street, Mullumbimby, on June 24 and stealing money, chocolates, cigarettes and tobacco of a total value of £12/13/4, the property of Constantine Karazeris, three men were committed for Trial by Mr A. J. Bryant, PM, at Mullumbimby Court yesterday.
They will appear in the Lismore Quarter Sessions on July 31. Each was granted bail at £30.
The men charged were Francis Hill (23), John Allen (27) and Spencer McIntyre (19).
Detective-Constable H. Jenkings, of Lismore, stated that in company with Constable Taylor he arrested the three men on the banana plantation where they were employed about seven miles from Mullumbimby: When questioned the defendants, he alleged, admitted the offence, which they regretted, adding that they were under the influence of liquor at the time.
Mr P. Street, who appeared for Hill, said that Hill was an ex-member of the AIF with a number of years’ service to his credit. He had been mentioned in dispatches for gallantry. Allen and McIntyre were undefended.
Former Bondi swimmer, Constable Harry Jenkings, who has also played for Easts’ Union and League clubs, was recently married at Lismore, where is now stationed, to Miss Barbara Sullivan (AWAS), of Bondi.
The long-odds chance came off this week when a youth walked into a Paddington dealer’s shop and asked about pawning a gold sovereign case with chain attached. The dealer made an excuse, slipped out the back and rang the detectives. The case and chain belonged to a friend of his who had it stolen from an auction sale at Petersham. The dealer remembered it because he had repaired it a week before. Dets. Harry Jenkings and Eric Rankin were quickly on the spot, but the youth had ” smelt a rat ” and bolted. *
A policeman yesterday captured an exhausted man at Woollahra after a mile-and-a-half chase.
The man fell in a state of collapse. ” I’m done; you can take me, ” he said. Constable Harry Jenkings, of Paddington police, arrested him. Jenkings is a former Eastern Suburbs firsts grade Rugby Union forward and Bondi surf life-saver.
Constables Jenkings and Jim Watts were patrolling in Thorne Street, Edgecliff, at 5 p.m.
They saw a man enter a house, and recognised him as a man for whose arrest police held a warrant.
A woman invited Constable Jenkings into the house, where the man denied he was the one the police wanted. He agreed to accompany Jenkings to Paddington police station.
Door slammed
As they were leaving the house, the man pushed Jenkings backwards and slammed the door in his face. He had more than 30 yards start when Jenkings opened the door.
The man ran from Thorne Street on to a large, vacant allotment and crashed through dense bushes and scrub. Constable Jenkings and the man fell and rolled through the bushes and down steep, rough slopes during the chase.
Just as Jenkings over took him, in a thick clump of scrub, the man fell exhausted and surrendered. Constable Watts reached the spot shortly afterwards.
The two policemen had to assist the exhausted man — a 27-years-old meat lumper — a mile and a half back to the car.
Samson, named by Constable Jenkings, strayed into the yard of the police station on Tuesday.
Samson was wearing a collar and chain which supports Constable Jenkings‘ view that he is the ” mobile lawnmower ” of someone in the Watsons Bay – Vaucluse area. He seems quite content to browse in the long grass at the station, but Vaucluse police are anxious to find his owner. Samson is carrying about £3 worth of wool.
MARK JENKINGS, 3, son of Vaucluse constable, Harry Jenkings, pats his new pal, Samson, the wandering sheep.
About 11.25pm on 13 June, 1989 police in Byron Bay commenced a high speed pursuit of a panel van. The pursued vehicle drove south in the Coast Road, followed by the Byron Bay Police vehicle, and into Ballina. As both vehicles continued south through Ballina, a local Highway Patrol vehicle driven by Constable 1st Class Beaver, with Senior Constable Rampling and Constable 1st Class Figtree as passengers, joined the pursuit. More police vehicles arrived to assist as the pursuit continued through the township of Wardell. About five kilometres south of Wardell the Ballina Highway Patrol vehicle began to draw level with the offending vehicle. As it did so, the driver of the pursued vehicle drove across to the centre of the roadway and clipped the front of the Byron Bay Police car. As a result, the police vehicle veered across the road and skidded in loose gravel before colliding with a power pole.
All three police were trapped for some time in the badly damaged police car and when freed were conveyed by ambulance to the Lismore Base Hospital. Constable Beaver recovered from internal injuries received, however Constable Figtree died before he reached hospital and Senior Constable Rampling died a short time later.
Senior Constable Rampling was born in 1959 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 15 January, 1979. At the time of his death he was attached to the Ballina Detectives.
Constable Figtree was born in 1964 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 28 November, 1983. At the time of his death he was attached to the Ballina Highway Patrol.
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Peter Allen FIGTREE grave plaque
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Deadly toll
By Jonathan Pearlman November 6, 2004
Alone in his patrol car, Chris Thornton had the police siren flashing as he chased a white sedan through Woy Woy.
Thornton, 35, a highway patrolman, had been in the force for 15 years. He was, his mother says, “the best driver I have ever seen”.
The reason for the chase that night in April 2002 is unknown. Both cars were seen travelling at high speed. Thornton was about 50 metres behind.
Meanwhile, Leonard Rowley, 56, an unlicensed driver, was driving to his local KFC to pick up dinner. He saw the first car flash past and judged – wrongly – that he had time to turn out in front of the patrol car. Thornton tried to avoid Rowley’s car but clipped the back, veered onto the wrong side of the road and hit a power pole.
Thornton died on the spot, which is marked by a permanent stainless-steel cross. Rowley later received a suspended two-year sentence.
“His life from the age of 12 was about helping people,” says Thornton’s mother, Freada Thornton. “He was in the surf club and he was there to rescue people and then he went into the force and he was doing the same thing.” His father, Barry Thornton, says: “He loved life. He had been in Gosford for 15 years and was so popular with the community there.”
Police pursuits are, says Barry, a necessary evil: “If they don’t catch the criminals there will be more deaths on the roads. The ones that they’re in pursuit of are the idiots that have done the wrong thing to start with.”
But pursuits have come at a cost to the NSW Police Department. Fifteen officers have died as a result of high-speed chases, beginning with the death of Constable George Boore in 1937.
Details provided by the NSW Police Association show a steady stream of fatalities involving cars and motorcycles. The full list of casualties is as follows:
Gezza J KtBelieve it or not, I was working the radio comms for this at Lismore station that night. Called the whole thing & did all the post crash co-ord. A horrible night shift with Sgt GJ Menzies, S/C Mark Burridge, Const’s Jordan, Gahan & Me.
*****
June 2019
30 year memorial – Senior Constable Glenn Rampling – Constable First Class Peter Figtree – A memorial service will be held at the Ballina Surf Club, Lighthouse Parade, Ballina on Thursday, 13 June 2019 at 1000hr to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the death of Senior Constable Glenn Donald Rampling and Constable 1st Class Peter Allen Figtree.
Senior Constable Rampling was tragically killed on duty on 14 June 1989 and Constable 1st Class Figtree was tragically killed on duty on 13 June 1989, both as a result of motor vehicle collision at Wardell, south of Ballina.
Attended this morning quite a moving 30 year memorial service for Glenn Rampling and Peter Figtree killed in a car chase near Ballina. May they rest in peace.
Photo by: Glenn Taylor
Photo by: Glenn Taylor
Photo from: Geoff Lowe Peter FIGTREE back row, 4th from left. Redfern Police Academy Class 199B
What a wonderful tribute …thank you for bringing us this introduction to a man without whom the world is a poorer place.
Thanks Chris. It happened a couple of years after we got here and was a great tragedy. I really feel for his family and the loss of a good man.
I stumbled across this post today… For some reason Glen came to my mind, and I did a search. Maybe this all came about as I saw a photo of his gorgeous sister and his 2 beautiful children.
Glen was a friend and I know his family well. He was a great man and it was an extremely sad day the day he left this life.
hi Vicki, sorry I hadn’t realised I’d omitted to reply. Thanks for sharing…it was indeed a tragic day for all concerned…we have a connection through the other officer that day though we didn’t know him at the time.