Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001), Friday 18 July 1986 (No.120), page 3400
NEW SOUTH WALES POLICE FORCE
Commissioned Officer Appointments
HIS Excellency the Governor, with the advice of the Executive Council, has approved of the undermentioned Commissioned Officer appointments, effective from the dates indicated:
Appointment to Inspector, Assistant Officer, No. 5 Division
Nothing further, at this time, can be found on Edmund LOWE.
Cal
18 January 2019
Brian Joseph COUPER
| 18/01/2019
Brian Joseph COUPER
AKA ?
Late of Wagga Wagga, NSW
“possibly” related to Police Woman J.D. COUPER, NSWPF P/W 139
NSW Redfern Police Academy Class # 101
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 11196
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy on Monday 2 November 1964 ( aged 24 years, 4 months, 9 days )
Probationary Constable – appointed Friday 4 December 1964 ( aged 24 years, 5 months, 10 days )
Constable – appointed 7 January 1965
Constable 1st Class – appointed 7 January 1969
Senior Constable – appointed 7 January 1973
Final Rank = ?
Stations: ?, North East District, Wollongong ( pre 1973 ), School Lecturing, Redfern Police Academy ( pre 1974 ), Goulburn Police Academy – Senior Lecturer ( 1986 ),
Service: From 2 November 1964 to? ? ? = ? years Service
Passed away in Palliative Care at Calvary Hospital, Wagga Wagga.
Devoted and dearly loved husband of Dianne.
Loved and respected stepfather of Scott, Craig and Fiona and
father-in-law of Tony.
Much loved Grandpa of Kirra Leigh, Taneasha and Lochlann.
Highly respected son-in-law of Noel and Anice.
Dear brother-in-law of Gary, Carol & Ray, Susan & Aris and David & Angela.
Loved brother & brother-in-law of Tony & Diana, Marys (dec’d) & Bob. Loved by all his nieces and nephews.
He will be sadly missed by all his family and friends.
He fought a long courageous battle and is now resting peacefully.
A Requiem Mass for the Repose of The Soul of Brian Joseph Couper will be held in Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Wagga Wagga on Tuesday, 22nd January 2019, commencing at 10:30am.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend.
Published in The Daily Advertiser on Jan. 19, 2019
Brian is described as a “very talented man”.
Other than being a Policeman, he was also a Barrister, a ventriloquist, a radio announcer and all round good bloke. He also studied to be a priest.
His first wife was a plainclothes Police Woman from Wollongong in the 1970’s.
Brian, together with Ray WILKINSON, authored the book ‘ A guide for Senior Sergeant’s and Inspector’s ‘ course in the Unit “Management” in 1986
Brian also penned ‘ The use of case studies in police education ‘ in 1988
Brian also penned ‘ Teacher development course ‘ in 1988
Brian also penned an unpublished paper with Peter SHINFIELD ( # 16630 ) & Paul TROTMAN ( # 13882 ) – ‘ The use of case studies in police education ‘
Brian also penned ‘ Residential police education and its implications for curriculum design ‘ in 1987
‘ Transparent Reflections in a Pool of Blue ‘ is also attributed to Brian
Brian also penned ‘ Economic loss and experimental farms a discussion of the High Court decisions in Perre v. Apand and Dovuro v. Wilkins
Joanna Maria SUCHY
| 18/01/2019
Joanna Maria SUCHY
“the FIRST migrant woman employed by NSWPF”
She was of Polish decent
AKA ?
Late of Mosman
NSW Redfern Police Academy Class # ? ? ?
New South Wales Police Force
[alert_yellow]Regd. # P/W 027 [/alert_yellow]
( which puts this woman in the 8590 – 8670 Male Registered number range who were all “Sworn In’ on the 1 April 1957. Joanna may have lost one weeks Seniority for some reason. This would put her closer between Regd # 8671 – 8672 )
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 8 April 1957
Senior Constable – appointed 8 April 1968
Final Rank = Senior Constable
Stations: ?, Special Branch – Retirement
Service: From? ?pre April 1957 to15 August 1987 = 30+ years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour but was Awarded the WD & HO Wills Trophy as “Policewoman of the Year” in 1972
SUCHY, Joanna Maria.
Passed away peacefully on
26 December, 2018
Late of Mosman
Aged 91 years
Beloved daughter of Pawel and Gertruda (both dec).
Joanna is remembered for her ground-breaking service to the NSW Police Force and for her contributions to the Polish community. She will be missed by her many friends.
A Requiem Mass will be offered for Joanna at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Cardinal Street, Mosman on Thursday 17 January, 2019 at 1.30pm.
Published in The Sydney Morning Herald on Jan. 12, 2019
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a tale of Joanna Suchy in the 1970 or 80’s.
Story was that back then she assisted Fred Hanson in Poland during the Second World War.
Hanson was on leave from the Police Force and was with the RAAF.
Not sure if he was shot down or crashed in Poland and Joanna helped in his escape and he told her that if she made it to Australia after the war to look him up and he would make sure she had a job in the Police.
I believe that is why she was always with the Special Branch.
I don’t know if all this is true, but makes for a good story and was told this by one of the Instructors running the Course we were doing.
Paul Cole
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Stephen Edward PEARCE
| 18/01/2019
Stephen Edward PEARCE
AKA ?
Late of Maryborough
NSW Redfern Police Academy Class # 155
New South Wales Police Force
[alert_yellow]Regd. # 17631[/alert_yellow]
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 27 June 1977
Constable – appointed 27 July 1978
Senior Constable – appointed 27 July 1986
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed ???
Final Rank = Sergeant
Stations: ?, Tabulam, Coraki – Retirement
Service: From? ? pre June 1977?to2 July 2004 = 27 years Service
Late of Maryborough. Passed away at the Royal Brisbane Hospital on Sunday, 30th December, 2018. Aged 62 years.
Beloved husband of Ricky. Dearly loved father of Troy, Jackie, Daniel and Ruby. Loving and proud Poppy of Mark, Owen, Bruce and Jacob. Loved brother of Belinda and Uncle to Jasmine and Sophia.
“Gone To The Races”
Family and friends of Steve are invited to attend his funeral service to be held at the Ross Funerals Maryborough Chapel, Cnr of Russell and Stafford Streets, Maryborough on Tuesday, 8th January, 2018 commencing at 10:00 am.
Today we farewell our friend Sam Baglin-Limu aka “Baggers”.
There are still answers sought and comprehending how this all happened.
But today is not for that, today is to remember our friend, work mate, AFP agent in different roles, wife, daughter, sister, advocate, carer, support officer for others trauma, many, many roles she did.
Sam you will be missed, you will always be loved. We will continue through our work to give you a voice. You’ve left us too soon, our hearts broken, as yours must have been to for this to happen.
Sammy’s funeral is today at 2pm, in Melbourne.
An AFP remembrance service was also held at the AFP national headquarters in Canberra at the same time.
Rest now Sammy, your shift is over, your duty done. ❤
BAGLIN-LIMU, Samantha Jane
BAGLIN-LIMU.
The Funeral Service to Celebrate the Life of Samantha Jane Baglin-Limu will be held at the Victoria Police Academy Chapel, 1 View Mount Road, Glen Waverley on TUESDAY (Dec 18, 2018) commencing at 2.00 p.m.
Private Cremation will follow.
No flowers by request.
In lieu, donations to Beyond Blue would be appreciated.
Envelopes will be available at the Service or donate online to www.beyondblue.org.au
AFP has ‘blood on its hands’ over agent’s death
EXCLUSIVE
WARNING: Distressing.
A FEDERAL agent who provided crucial support to family members of flight MH17 victims has died in an apparent workplace suicide at the Australian Federal Police national headquarters.
Sergeant Samantha Baglin, 44, was found dead in the vault room at the Edmund Barton building in Canberra on Sunday morning. It comes just six weeks after Superintendent Richard Roberts also took his own life in the same place and less than two years after another two AFP agents separately died by suicide at the Melbourne headquarters.
Friends of Sgt Baglin told news.com.au that the AFP “has blood on its hands” over its alleged failure to provide adequate support for members suffering from mental health issues.
An AFP spokesperson confirmed in a statement to news.com.au “that on Sunday, 9 December 2018, a member of the AFP appears to have taken her own life”.
“A brief is now being prepared for the ACT coroner,” the spokesperson said.
The AFP did not respond to further questions regarding the matter.
Several AFP sources told news.com.au that Sgt Baglin was involved in the organisation’s Safe Place – a cultural reform initiative led by AFP commissioner Andrew Colvin amid widespread revelations of internal bullying and a spate of workplace suicides.
Those who knew Sgt Baglin described her as kind, with “a heart of gold”, and said she would make others “laugh to the point where we would suffer cramps”.
Sgt Baglin married just over a year ago but battled with work-related PTSD.
Former AFP agent and Australian of the Year finalist Katie Tonacia told news.com.au she was “shocked” and “devastated” over the loss of her close friend.
The pair met through Ms Tonacia’s organisation Picking up the Peaces, which provides support to uniformed service personnel struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), almost a decade ago.
“None of us saw this coming,” Ms Tonacia said.
“But she was upset in terms of a few things occurring in the workplace, and the fact she did this at work is such a statement to all of us.”
According to Ms Tonacia, Sgt Baglin was “desperate to see change within the organisation and wanted to see mental health education implemented”.
“If she’d identified as mentally unwell to the AFP it would have gone against her in her career and she loved her career,” she said.
“The stigma and lack of education about mental health at the top level of management just below the commissioner is rife and that’s why she came to us in 2009.”
Ms Tonacia’s husband David is medically retired from the AFP. He told news.com.au that the organisation “has blood on its hands” over its alleged failure to provide adequate support for members suffering from mental health issues.
Sgt Baglin had an extensive policing career both in Australia and as part of the AFP’s International Deployment Group in which she served on overseas missions. She had also operated as a family liaison officer for the AFP and worked closely in Perth with the Maslin family, who lost their three children and their grandfather, in the flight MH17 disaster in 2014.
One close friend of Sgt Baglin’s, who spoke to news.com.au on the condition of anonymity, said she was “such a big-hearted and sensitive person” who “loved being a cop and loved helping people”.
“It was like a therapy for her to help other people in dealing with trauma,” he said. “She was especially good at it.”
Samantha Jane BAGLIN-LIMU
Ms Tonacia told news.com.au that Sgt Baglin had recently expressed frustrations to her about the AFP having only two in-house qualified psychologists for the entire organisation of some 6000 members, as previously revealed by news.com.au.
“Wherever there’s smoke, there’s fire and by God it is blazing at that building right now,” Ms Tonacia said.
“The AFP has failed (Sgt Baglin) and so many others because they don’t trust the system.
“There needs to be a royal commission so we can get to the bottom of it and get all of those responsible out. We won’t let her death be in vain.”
Another AFP whistle-blower said it was “petty managerial and micro-managerial bulls**t breaking people devoted to their jobs” in the AFP.
“We can’t attribute all bad things to the AFP’s culture but one thing is for certain, had (Sgt Baglin) been a kindergarten teacher, or run her own business, we wouldn’t be talking about this,” he said.
“There is nothing worse than coming back to the office after a day of dealing with death or whatever, only to be counselled for not ticking the correct box in a case report, or something similar that is easily corrected and carries no operational consequence.”
One AFP source told news.com.au he was a friend and former colleague of Sgt Baglin’s and that “she didn’t deserve this”.
Six weeks prior to Sgt Baglin’s death, Superintendent Richard Roberts also walked into the AFP national headquarters and didn’t come out alive.
The Australian Federal Police Association revealed Supt Roberts “appears to have taken his own life” on October 27.
An AFP spokesman also confirmed at the time that “a member of the AFP” had died, in a statement to news.com.au. The AFP did not respond to further questions.
News.com.au understands Commissioner Colvin “spoke to troops” to inform them of Supt Roberts’ death in an email and video to colleagues nationwide. It’s a process he is likely to repeat sometime today.
The latest AFP workplace suicide is the fourth incident in which an officer appeared to take their own life inside one of the organisation’s buildings since the start of last year.
In November 2017, AFP member Malcolm Scott, 59, walked into the foyer of the organisation’s Melbourne building and took his own life just before 9am on a Saturday.
Mr Colvin said at the time that it was “with great sadness I can confirm one of our police officers has died in Melbourne”.
“The male officer was found by colleagues in the AFP’s Melbourne Headquarters in La Trobe Street,” he said.
Mr Scott’s death followed that of colleague Sue Jones, 53, a mother-of-two who died in shockingly similar circumstances in the same building earlier that year. Mr Scott and Ms Jones had worked on the same team within the Melbourne branch, according to colleagues who spoke to news.com.au. Both deaths were later deemed to be non-suspicious.
An independent police advocacy spokesman, who asked not to be named, previously told news.com.au he was concerned officers might be trying to send a message by taking their lives in the workplace.
‘THIS JOB’S F***ED’
One AFP source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, previously told news.com.au that the organisation “needs intense scrutiny that the agencies can’t cover up”.
“We have an expression in our job: TJF – this job’s f***ed,” the source said.
“Morale is in the toilet. We know we have no support and no backing from most of the management.”
The source described the company’s external Employee Assistance Program as inadequate.
“If the Employee Assistance Program they always reference was adequate we wouldn’t have members falling like flies.”
There are more than 6000 AFP members – 3481 of those are in sworn roles – nationwide.
An AFP spokesperson previously said the organisation “acknowledges first responders are at higher risk of trauma-caused mental injury than almost any other profession”.
According to the AFP in 2017, the organisation employs two social workers, “5.6 full-time equivalent” psychologists and “4.4 full-time equivalent nurses” – all based in Canberra.
But AFP members outside of Canberra do not have face-to-face access to qualified psychologists through the organisation. They are instead given a number for an employee assistance program with over-the-phone support from any one of 658 outsourced psychologists and 132 registered social workers through Davidson Trahaire.
A Confidant Network made up of volunteers and AFP members is also in place to “provide guidance to staff on options for professional support if needed”. According to the AFP, it also employs seven chaplains across the country.
“There is also one part-time family support officer based in Canberra, who is available for families of members deployed with International Operations and ad hoc government response to large-scale disasters such as the downing of MH17,” an AFP statement read.
But many AFP agents have criticised the services, labelling them ineffective and impersonal. They say they need face-to-face access to qualified psychologists so they don’t have to “retell (their) stories to a different person every time (they) call”.
“We need someone to talk to in person who is qualified in psychology and who understands the nature of issues AFP agents deal with … it’s not that complicated,” a sworn member said.
In March this year, the high rate of suicide deaths and mental health conditions experienced by first responders – including emergency service workers and volunteers – prompted a federal Parliament committee to launch an inquiry into the role of the Commonwealth and the states to address the issues.
The inquiry is expected to release its report on the matter in February 2019.
It came after almost 100 past and present AFP agents contacted news.com.au to report widespread mental health issues among first responders within the organisation, mismanagement of the issue and a disturbing internal bullying culture.
News.com.au exposed the issues in an investigative series, which prompted the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) to audit the AFP’s management of mental health within the organisation.
The report, released on March 7 this year, found that the “AFP lacks a comprehensive and consolidated organisational health and wellbeing framework to enable effective management and support of employee mental health”.
“While the AFP offers a variety of mental health support services, there is no evidence that these services are effective and they are not supported by sound governance, risk management, evaluation or an articulated business rationale,” the report read.
“The AFP does not currently have in place mechanisms or sufficient data to appropriately align resources with key mental health risks.”
The ANAO made six recommendations, which the AFP agreed to implement as part of its “new Health and Wellbeing Strategy for the organisation” by mid-May this year.
The AFP also engaged the Phoenix Australia Centre to conduct an independent mental health review into the organisation. It released its report earlier this year and made 37 recommendations to be implemented over five years.
But for some, it’s already proven too little, too late.
If you or someone you know needs help call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
For more information on how to support others who might need help and what warning signs to look for, visit: Conversations Matter
a carpenter for 6 years, 8 mths and in the Army for 6 years.
He Enlisted in the Permanent Military Forces on 6 September 1963 and was Discharged on the 15 April 1969 “having requested his discharge”.
His Rank upon Discharge was Corporal.
He saw Service outside of Australia for 1 year and 224 days. He was issued with Returned from Active Service Badge # A415518.
He was Awarded the General Service Medal # 1962.
Upon joining the NSWPF – William was:
5′ 9″ Tall, 11st 2 lb in weight, Hazel eyes, dark brown hair with a dark complexion. He was born in rosewood, Qld and married on the 27 January 1968.
Upon completion of his Training Course with Class 122, he obtained 74.25%.
He passed his Police Driver Training on GD cars and light trucks / utes on the 9 April 1971.
At one stage, at Liverpool, he held the record for the most number of vehicle accidents attended during one eight hour shift.
He failed his first attempt at his Constable 1st Class exam on 29 August 1972 but ‘passed’ the exam on the 28 August 1973.
As he had a ‘Trade Certificate’ in Carpentering – he was “Considered to have potential for criminal investigation duty. To be considered for this duty upon completion of two years’ service”
He completed his Detectives’ Course, # 3 of 1976 at the NSW Police Academy between 20 September to 10 December 1976 with a 74.30% Pass mark.
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Husband to Barbara who would have been married 51 years on the 27 January 2019.
Bill touched many people’s lives over the years and had a drawing quality within him.
When he Resigned from the NSWPF, he, Barbara and family went Rice Farming in Coleambally – Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area of Western NSW.
On behalf of all of us old NSW Police ( and the new ) we wish a safe journey for Bill and hope that he Rests In Peace.
Cal
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Jason DeRIDDER
| 18/01/2019
Jason DeRIDDER
AKA ?
Late of Camden
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 2003949
Rank: Special Constable 1st Class
Final Rank = Special Constable 1st Class
Stations: ?, Security Management Unit –
Service: From? ? ?to24 December 2018 = ? years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: ? ? ?
Died on: Monday 24 December 2018
Age: 45
Cause: Cancer ? –
Event location: ?
Event date: ?
Funeral date: Friday 4 January 2019 @ 11am
Funeral location: St Pauls Catholic Church, John St, Camden
Request: rather than flowers, a blood donation (if you can) would be a wonderful gesture to Jasons memory. We would not have had him with us for so long without blood transfusions. A third of all blood transfusion donations help people with cancer. Each donation only lasts 42 days, you can donate with the Australian Red Cross Blood Service.
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial located at: ?
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Jason took his last breath close to midnight on Christmas Eve. He so wanted to stay with us but it wasn’t to be.
Thank you to his dear friends and family who made him feel so cherished, he knew how much he was loved.
We will lay him to rest 11am Friday 4/1/19, at St Pauls Catholic Church, John St Camden.
Please, rather than flowers, a blood donation (if you can) would be a wonderful gesture to Jasons memory. We would not have had him with us for so long without blood transfusions. A third of all blood transfusion donations help people with cancer. Each donation only lasts 42 days, you can donate with the Australian Red Cross Blood Service.
Paul Matthew TOPHAM
| 18/01/2019
Paul Matthew TOPHAM
AKA TOPPY
Late of ?
Victoria Police Force
Academy Class # ????
Regd. # 36971
Rank: Senior Constable
Final Rank = Senior Constable
Stations: ?, Hastings, Southern Metro Region – Somerville HWP – Death
Service: From? ? ?to1 January 2019 = ? years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Posthumously ( 9 Jan 2019 ) Awarded a Commendation for two incidents he attended ( as mentioned below )
Today I attended the funeral service of Senior Constable Paul TOPHAM and listened to the many messages of love and appreciation of a great family man that Toppy was.
As I stood in the foyer of the Cumulus Stratus Chapel, I observed a full house of family, friends and police members paying respects to a man that was destined to be a member of the blue army. 6ft 9 inches tall and it was mentioned very big feet which were noticed during the beautiful photo presentation of his life.
We all observed a man that cared for his partner, 5 children and the family pets. I also saw a man with a love of motor bike riding or driving a tractor.His father spoke of Paul always finding peace on the property in Yea.
His father also spoke about the battle Paul had for many years being diagnosed with PTSD and thanked many that assisted Paul during his journey.
The funeral service finished with the sound of a single bagpipe player walking through the large guard of honour for Paul.
In memory of Pauls police life he received a commendation for the work he performed in relation to a high profile public incident where he looked after the grieving mother whose child had just been murdered. Paul was also the first on scene giving CPR to the Hastings Jeweller who was murdered during a daylight robbery. These events unfortunately took a toll on a man who had a big heart
To all my friends who I spoke to today at the service and all those that were unable to attend. Please look after yourself and each other.
Its times like these that really makes me even more passionate for the #fightingptsdvicpol campaign.
There is always someone that is only a phone call away that you can call or message or please use the support numbers on the webpage
RIP Paul. Your legacy will continue with other members that have gone before you.
May you keep a look out for your family and friends from above.
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Batty case constable’s death shocks friends and family
Ryan Tennison, Herald Sun
A senior police officer who helped Rosie Batty through the aftermath of her son Luke’s murder has died, shocking friends and family.
Leading Senior Constable Paul Topham was a key part of a coronial inquest into the 11-year-old’s death and was praised for his efforts during the matter.
Police Association Secretary Wayne Gatt said the well-respected officer would be sorely missed.
“The Police Association is deeply saddened by the sudden, tragic loss of one of our members in recent days,” he said.
“We would like to express our deepest sympathies to the member’s family, friends and shattered colleagues, and remind them that we are here to support them in any we can.”
Ms Batty said she would remember Sen Constable Topham for helping her through some of her darkest days. “I can’t speak highly enough of what he did for me,” she said.
“He was someone I could turn to when I was scared or worried about something. He was there for me when some in the police force weren’t.”
Ms Batty said she had heard Sen Constable Topham had been struggling with mental health issues in recent times.
“I knew he was going through some tough times but I’m saddened to hear that he’s no longer with us,” Ms Batty said. “It’s an absolute tragedy.”
A Victoria Police spokeswoman confirmed an officer from the Southern Metro region had died and a report was being prepared for the coroner.
The death is not being treated as suspicious.
In his coronial findings, Judge Ian Gray praised Sen Constable Topham for his efforts during the investigation.
If you are experiencing personal problems call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
In memoriam: Senior Constable Paul Matthew Topham, Victoria Police #36971, Southern Metro region, died suddenly after many years of brave struggle with PTSD on the 1st January 2019. He was 37 years old. He was a key part of the investigation and the subsequent coronial inquest into Rosie Batty’s 11-year-old son Luke’s death. Senior Constable Paul Topham arrested the killer in January 2013. Judge Ian Gray praised Sr Cst. Topham for his excellent efforts during the investigation.⠀ ⠀ Police Association Secretary Wayne Gatt said the well-respected officer would be sorely missed. “We would like to express our deepest sympathies to the member’s family, friends and shattered colleagues, and remind them that we are here to support them in any we can,” he said.⠀ ⠀ Senior Constable Paul Topham fought a heroic battle with operational stress injury (PTSD) in recent times.⠀ ⠀ He left behind his loving wife and five children. Our thoughts and prayers with his family.
Richard Hurst: I was Traffic Sgt at Blacktown when Norma started she was amazing……I’m lost for words. She was the most efficient, loyal person you could wish to meet, she had a lovely family, her husband Freddy was a great bloke. Rest in Peace Norma.
Edmund John Herbert LOWE 1957
