1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 28 August 1997
Born: 14 August 1951
Died on: Wednesday 9 May 2018 just after 9pm
Age: 66
Cause: Cancer
Event location: Mercy Hospital, Palliative Care Unit, Albury
Event date: Wednesday 9 May 2018
Funeral date: Wednesday 16 May 2018 @ 11am
Funeral location: Lester & Son Funeral Home, 359 Wantigong St, North Albury
Funeral Parlour: Lester & Son Funeral Home, North Albury
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial located at: ?
Sharon & Desmond Bruce RESTALL
1991 Australian Police Indoor Cricket Titles, Tasmania. NSW Masters squad. Some legends among us here…! REAR ROW ( L – R ) ?, Graham STEVENS, ?, ?, ? FRONT ROW ( L – R ) ?, Des RESTALL, Bob GARE ( RIP ), Kevin PIPER, ? Although these fellows are in the photo – I don’t know who is who Lester ROBEY, Paul GRECH, Graham STOCKWELL, Graeme PARKER, ‘SULLY‘
DESMOND is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
Funeral location:
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the Mercy Palliative Care Unit.
Beloved son of William (dec) and Merle.
Brother of Ray (dec), Lyndelle and Noel.
Loving husband and best friend of Sharon.
Loving father and father in law to Lisa, Luke and Nicole, Mikaela and Koden.
Loving poppy to Daveida, Caresse, Georgie, Darcy, Macauley and Leo.
Rest in Peace.
May 14, 2018
To Sharon and the extended Restall families,
Our Deepest Sympathies on the passing of Des, fond memories of our cricketing days at New City. He was one of nature’s gentlemen.
Our thoughts are with you all.
– Ozzie and Di
Allan & Diane Ingrey,
Lavington, New South Wales
May 14, 2018
Desmond Restall, deepest sympathies to his wife Sharon and the Restall family.
Des was a member of long standing, past committee member and player at the squash club.
Always a good sport, Des was quick with either a drink or a joke, never taking things too seriously. His energy and drive will be greatly missed.
From the President, on behalf of the SS&A Squash & Racquetball Club members.
May 14, 2018
To Sharon and Family, Deepest sympathy, thinking of you all at this time. A very sad loss of a good mate, all the better for knowing Des.
Ken & Paula Zegiel
May 14, 2018
To Sharon and Family, Our Deepest sympathy, thinking of you all. A very sad loss of a good mate, all the better for knowing Des.
Ken & Paula Zegiel
May 14, 2018
Restall Desmond,
To Sharon, Lisa, Luke, Mikaela and Families.
Deepest Sympathy to you all. It was a pleasure to know Des for many years. What memories we have of the years we worked together at the P C Y C and the netball trips driving the bus to city and country netball carnivals.
Our thoughts are with you all.
Yvonne Jacob and Family
May 13, 2018
Will miss you at the footy always a great judge of fine footy and a dedicated man to the job
Paul Leddy,
Albury
May 15, 2018
Restall Des
Deepest sympathy to Sharon and family.
Des was a member of the New South Wales Police Force for over 35 years.
His service to the people of New South Wales was exemplary.
Chairman and Members of the Murray River Retired Police Association.
“We will remember them”
May 15, 2018
Restall Desmond
With great sorrow in our hearts our thoughts turn to Sharon and her family at the loss of Des.
A remarkable man, husband, father and pop.
He will be greatly missed
from Sharon’s work colleagues
JLT family.
May 14, 2018
Restall Desmond Bruce (Des)
Deepest sympathy to Sharon and family.
Des was a respected and valued workmate. With his dry sense of humour and he was always up for spoiling us with morning tea.
Des will be sadly missed by all of his colleagues at Patton Albury.
Published in: The Border Mail
May 12, 2018
Restall Des
Deepest sympathy to Luke and Des’s extended families on the passing Des.
Des was a fantastic supporter, past committee member, specialist coach and mentor at SPCC.
From the President, Committee Players and supporters of St. Patrick’s Cricket Club.
Family and friends of the late Desmond Bruce Restall are invited to attend the celebration of his life which will be held at the Evergreen Chapel, Lester and Son Funeral Home, Cnr of Mate and Wantigong Streets, North Albury on Wednesday 16 May 2018 commencing at 11.00am.
Private cremation
Place your tributes at lesterandson.com.au Published in The Border Mail on May 12, 2018
Restall Family May 11, 2018
RESTALL, Desmond Bruce14/8/1951-9/5/2018Passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the Mercy Palliative Care Unit. Beloved son of William (dec) and Merle. Brother of Ray (dec), Lyndelle and Noel. Loving husband and best friend of Sharon. Loving father and father in law to Lisa, Luke and Nicole, Mikaela and Koden. Loving poppy to Daveida, Caresse, Georgie, Darcy, Macauley and Leo.Rest in Peace.
Marie zagrovicMay 12, 2018
Deepest sympathy to Sharon, Mikaela and family on the loss of Des so sorry to hear the sad news.
Thinking of you all at this sad time. May he rest in peace.
Anna SutcliffMay 12, 2018
To Dear Sharon, Mikaela, Luke, Lisa and family,
Thinking of you in this sad time. Your father will be greatly missed.
Lots of love, Auntie Anna, Allan, Luke and Thomas
Heather WardMay 13, 2018
Our love to Sharon and family
Till we meet again Des Love Heather, Garry, Tona, Tilly and Sianna xxxx
Robyn MathewMay 15, 2018
Dear Sharon, Mikaela, Lisa, Luke and familyThinking of you allLots of LoveRobyn and Bruce Mathew and family
Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995), Wednesday 15 December 1976, page 16
NOTES FOUND, COURT TOLD
MELBOURNE, Tuesday. – – A cache of notes found in the home of a Melbourne man was thought to be valuable evidence in relation to the Victorian Club robbery, an armed robbery squad detective told the Melbourne City Court today.
Detective-Senior Constable Alexander Adams said he went to the man’s home in Kett Street, Nunawading on July. 14, looking for a man known as Stanley Ernest James.
He said Mr James was wanted for questioning in connection with the Victorian Club robbery in April this year.
Detective Adams said Mr Daniel Hacking opened the door of his home wearing pyjamas when he went with other police to Kett Street at 10.35pm on July 14.
He said he found large bundles of money in a plastic bag in a set of drawers in a built-in wardrobe. He said Mr Hacking told him he was looking after the money for his brother-in-law, Mr Stan James.
Mr Hacking and his wife were charged with having unlawfully possessed $11,400 in notes of various denominations reasonably suspected of being stolen, and with having handled the same amount of money, knowing it was stolen, between June 1 and July 14 this year.
Mr Hacking was committed for trial on the second charge. He pleaded not guilty and was allowed bail of S500 with a similar surety.
The charge of having unlawfully possessed the money was adjourned to a date to be fixed.
Charges against Mrs Hacking were dismissed.
Mr Norman Leung Lee, 28, of Kerferd Street, Essendon, appeared in the Melbourne City Court today on a charge involving the robbery of $1.3 million.
Mr Lee, a dim sim maker, is charged with armed robbery on Mr Norman Paragree. an armed guard, of $1,387,540 at the Victorian Club in Queen Street on April 21.
Mr Lee is also charged with having received $124,000 in cash between April 21 and October 5.
Mr Lee was recently granted bail in the Supreme Court.
Mr L. T. Griffin CSM respited his bail today and adjourned the charges to March 24 next year.
Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995), Wednesday 3 October 1979, page 14
Sergeant pocketed bail: witness
MELBOURNE: A Sydney man told the County Court in Melbourne yesterday that a St Kilda policeman had pocketed $500 that he had given to him for bail money in 1977.
Mr John Mitchell Purvis, of Rose Bay, told the court he thought he had “been had” after the policeman refused to give him a receipt for the money.
Mr Purvis was giving evidence before Judge Ravech at the trial of a suspended policeman, Sergeant Alexander David Adams.
Sergeant Adams has pleaded not guilty to having obtained $500 by deception, having stolen $500 and having received a secret commission of $500.
The Crown prosecutor, Mr J. T. Hassett, told the jury that the charges were alternative counts and related to an incident alleged to have occurred on August 3 at the St Kilda CIB office.
Mr Hassett said that Mr Purvis had owned a milk bar in Elwood in August last year and Sergeant Adams had been one of a number of policemen who questioned him about stolen property found in his shop.
He said Mr Purvis had been taken to the Prahran police station to be charged with receiving stolen property and had asked Sergeant Adams on the way about bail.
Mr Hassett said Sergeant Adams asked him, “How would $500 suit?” Mr Purvis had later been released on bail on his own undertaking, which meant he did not have to lodge any bail money.
Mr Purvis said that Sergeant Adams asked him to come to the St Kilda CIB the next day and he thought he was going there “to pay bail money”.
He went to the CIB office the next morning and gave Sergeant Adams $500 in cash.
“I took the money out and gave it to Adams and asked for a receipt”, he said.
“He said, ‘You’re not getting a receipt’. He took the money and stuck it in his pocket”.
Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995), Thursday 23 December 1982, page 8
Shot officer ‘on charge’
MELBOURNE: A Melbourne police sergeant who was found dead in a car at suburban Frankston yesterday morning had appeared in the Melbourne City Court on Tuesday on a blackmail charge.
Police said that Sergeant Alexander David Adams had been found with a gunshot wound to the head. A shotgun and a note were found near his body.
Police said that Sergeant Adams had been suspended from duty and had entered no plea at his court appearance yesterday.
Strike Force Sari headed up the investigation into this murder.
Class 206A
AAP General News (Australia) 08-30-2000 NSW: Man charged with murder of former police officer.
A court’s been told a former Sydney policeman whose body was found dumped in a river was killed to stop him earning a share of a lucrative Olympic-related security contract.
GRAEME ADAMS’ business partner, 29-year-old SIMON CHRISTOPHER CROWTHER-WILKINSON, was charged with his murder this morning.
According to police facts tendered to Manly Court, Mr ADAMS was a silent stakeholder in CROWTHER-WILKINSON’S firm Excell Security Pty Ltd.
The company had recently won a $1.6 million contract to supply staff to security giant and Olympic sub-contractor Chubb Security Australia.
But police allege that rather than share the proceeds, CROWTHER-WILKINSON and another associate shot and killed Mr ADAMS, wrapped him in chains and dumped him in the Hawkesbury River, north of Sydney, on June 6 or 7.
The accused man has been refused bail and will appear in Central Local Court on September 6.
08-30-2000 NSW: Ex policeman murdered over Oly security contract, court told
By John Kidman, Crime Reporter
SYDNEY, Aug 30 AAP – A former Sydney policeman whose chained body was found dumped in a river had been shot in cold blood over a lucrative Olympic-related security contract,
a court was told today.
Detectives allege the two men charged with the slaying stood to gain his share of a $1.6 million personnel deal struck with industry giant and Olympic sub-contractor Chubb Security Australia.
The killing had “all the hallmarks of an execution-style murder”, according to a statement of police facts tendered in Sydney’s Manly Local Court.
“There is evidence of premeditated and deliberate planning well prior to the event,” the document read.
Mr Adams’ business partner, Simon Crowther-Wilkinson and another of his associates, private security agent James Cowie, were arrested by strike force police early today following a high-profile investigation.
Mr Adams, a one-time police prosecutor who left the force to start his own companynine years ago, was pulled out of the Hawkesbury River off Dangar Island, to Sydney’s
north, by a local fisherman on July 12.
An autopsy revealed he had been shot in the back of the head from close range.
He was also wrapped in a 135 kilogram length of chain.
It was initially believed Mr Adams had last been seen alive by Crowther-Wilkinson at 10pm on June 6 after they dined at Antos Pizzeria and Pasta in suburban Chatswood.
However, it is now alleged that the version of events was a smokescreen to divert suspicion.
According to receipt records, the accused man bought cigarettes and drinks at a Chatswood service station at 9.25pm the same night.
Neither the owner nor staff of the pizza parlour were able to place the men at the eatery, police allege.
According to the fact sheet, mobile phone checks also revealed both Crowther-Wilkinson and Cowie made or received calls near Dangar island on the night of the murder.
Crowther-Wilkinson denied ever having been to the area or having access to or owning a boat, it said.
Despite this, detectives alleged evidence would show he was in possession of an aluminium runabout at the time of the homicide.
It was also claimed Crowther-Wilkinson bought 15m of chain and a number of metal clamps like those found on Mr Adams’ body at a Brookvale hardware shop a week before the murder.
“Direct lies and inconsistencies exist in the versions of (both) Wilkinson and Cowie,”the facts stated.
Mr Adams had been a silent 51 per cent partner in Excell Security with Crowther-Wilkinson until his death but took little part in the company’s day-to-day business.
In the weeks before his death, he allegedly tried to gain financial records which showed he may not have been receiving his due profit share.
Police allege he expressed concerns over the matter to his accountant.
By contrast, Crowther-Wilkinson is said to have told an Excell employee that “he did not want to give up any profits made through his Olympic contract”.
Both accused men were today refused bail and will appear in Central Local Court next month.
A week before his disappearance in 2000, murder victim Graeme Adams told his accountant he was afraid of former associates in the security company Blue Falcon Agency and thought he was being followed, the Supreme Court heard yesterday.
Accountant Eric de Haarte said Mr Adams had formed another company, Excell Security, after leaving Blue Falcon and had told him he had ”sort of tricked” Blue Falcon by taking their database of contacts for security guards.
Mr Adams had expressed apprehension about two principals in Blue Falcon, Peter Murrant ( # 22195 ) and Andrew King.
Mr Murrant, who had been a serving police officer at the time he was a principal of Blue Falcon, had been investigated by the Police Integrity Commission and had later been convicted of a criminal offence and sentenced to periodic detention.
”He told me he thought his former partners [Mr Murrant and Mr King] considered him a snitch,” Mr de Haarte said.
Mr Adams disappeared on June 6, 2000. His body was recovered, weighed down by chains, in the Hawkesbury River near Dangar Island on July 12 that year.
A partner of Mr Adams in Excell Security, Simon Christopher Crowther-Wilkinson (referred to in court as Wilkinson), was later charged with Mr Adams‘s murder. Wilkinson is now on trial before Justice Virginia Bell.
Questioned by Paul Byrne, SC, for Wilkinson, Mr de Haarte said Mr Adams had indicated that he wanted his involvement in Excell Security to be kept ”more or less secret” so that he was ”essentially invisible”.
Mr Adams had a 51 per cent shareholding in Excell Security but Wilkinson, with 49 per cent, did the day-to-day work.
Janelle Johnson, a girlfriend of Mr Adams at the time of his disappearance, said in evidence that according to what Mr Adams had told her, Blue Falcon went broke in June 1999 and Mr Adams himself was in debt as a result. He had blamed Mr Murrant and Mr King for ”taking money on the side”.
Ms Johnson said that four or five weeks before he disappeared, Mr Adams had made no attempt to discover the financial position of Excell Security though he had concerns about it.
On 28 March 2003 the appellant, Simon Crowther-Wilkinson, was sentenced to imprisonment for 20 years with a non-parole period of 15 years for murder. His co-accused, James Cowie was found not guilty. He appeals against this conviction but not against the sentence.
The appellant had been a silent partner in a partnership with the deceased in a security company, Excell Security Pty Limited (“Excell”). The deceased’s body was found floating in the Hawkesbury River wrapped in plastic, metal 3/8 inch steel galvanised chains and 12 mm D-shackles. The Crown case was that he had been shot once in the back of the head, consistent with a .22 calibre bullet having been fired by either the appellant or James Cowie, with the other present and assisting or encouraging the killer. The deceased’s body had then been transported to the Hawkesbury River and dumped from a small aluminium boat.
It is with great regret that we announce the passing of Dianne on the 29th April 2018.
Dearly loved Daughter of the Late James & Coralie.
Only Sister and Sister-in-law of Chris & Sharon.
Adored and cherished Aunty of Katelyn, Ashleigh, Lauren and partners.
Dianne will be missed by all of her loving family, friends and colleagues.
Aged 65 Years
Sleep now and finally be at peace and rest in loving memory
Dianne’s family and friends are warmly invited to attend a Celebration of her Life to be held at the Northcliffe Chapel of Hansen & Cole, 634 Northcliffe Drive, Kembla Grange on Friday 4th May 2018 commencing at 9:00am.
Dear Di,
May you rest in peace. You will be remembered as a kind and caring friend.
Love from Brett and Sue Cooper
May 01, 2018
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From memory Di was a General Support Officer ( G.S.O. ) at Wollongong Police Station in the early 1970’s before moving to VKG 2 ( Wollongong ) when VKG 2 was at the old Wollongong Police Station before moving to the new Warilla Police Station, Lake Entrance Rd, Warilla, in the early 1980’s.
Di remained a Comms Officer for many years there before taking up an Administrative job at VKG2.
Di was an active member of the Army Reserves and also the S.E.S. ( State Emergency Service – Wollongong ).
Upon retirement, Di worked at Dapto Leagues Club driving the Clubs bus to transport patrons to and from the Club.
In November 2017, Di was diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer and by March 2018 was in Palliative Care at Port Kembla Hospital where she also suffered a Stroke.
Di was basically in an induced sleep over the past few days ( Morphine ) and passed peacefully about 4am this morning.
At this time, funeral details are not known, but when they are – the details on this Memorial page will be updated.
May you forever Rest In Peace Di.
Cal
290418
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Bruce Frederick COOPER
| 15/05/2018
Bruce Frederick COOPER
AKA Coops
Late of ?, Qld
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # ?????
Rank: ?
Stations: ?, Sydney District HWP ( mid 1990’s ), St George / Sutherland HWP
Service – NSWPF: From? ? ?to? ? ? = 10 years Service
Queensland Police Force
Regd. # ?????
Rank: ?
Stations: ?
Service – QPol: From ? ? ?to? ? 2008 = 10 years Service
Total Police Service: 20 years
Awards: No find on Australian Honours
Born: Thursday 1 May 1958
Died on: Saturday 21 April 2018
Age: 59 years, 11 months, 20 days
Cause: Chronic PTSD – Suicide – Firearm
Event location: ?, Qld
Event date: Saturday 21 April 2018
Funeral date: Tuesday 1 May 2018 @ 10.30am
Funeral location: Mt Thompson Memorial Gardens and Crematorium – East Chapel
329 Nursery Road, Holland Park
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial located at: ?
BRUCE is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * BUT SHOULD BE
Funeral location:
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
On behalf of Bruce’s sons, Simon, Joshua, Paul and Myself we would like to invite you to Bruce’s funeral to celebrate his life with us.
Tuesday 1st May 2018 at 10.30am
Mt Thompson Memorial Gardens and Crematorium – East Chapel
329 Nursery Road, Holland Park.
Post from Mark Kelly, Director Blue HOPE
It is with great sadness that I announce the death of Bruce Cooper who tragically died by suicide on the morning of Saturday, 21 April 2018.
He was 59 years old.
A 20-year veteran police officer, Bruce served with pride for 10 years with the NSW Police Force and another 10 years with the Queensland Police Service before leaving the job in 2008.
Policing took its toll on Bruce. He struggled with chronic PTSD for a long time and, like many who struggle with PTSD, Bruce tried to numb the pain with alcohol. Bruce was a fighter though; he fought his way back and had control over alcohol for a long time. The nightmares, painful memories and horrific images however, would not relent.
I first met Bruce in 2016, when he hit a hurdle and relapsed. His amazing wife Michelle reached out and we decided together that I would drop by to say G’day. I arrived unannounced and met a man who was in immense pain and struggling badly. At first, he was reluctant to talk so we just sat together watching television while he sized me up out of the corner of his eye.
Trusting people was hard for Bruce. He’d been let down many times in his life and aside from a couple of close friends and his family, he didn’t easily let people in. He was also a fixer; a man of great skill who could build and repair just about anything he turned his mind to. Cars, trucks, motorbikes, things around the house. You name it, Bruce could fix it.
Sadly, when it came to his own demons, Bruce couldn’t find a fix and he was reluctant to ask for, or accept help. So needless to say, he was a bit cross at me and Michelle when I showed up that day.
[blockquote]He was also embarrassed and as he told me later, “bloody ashamed”.[/blockquote]
We didn’t speak much at first. I’d share a bit and he’d open up a little bit and after a while the rapport that so often occurs between coppers started to build. Bruce was still wary though. He was also embarrassed and as he told me later, “bloody ashamed”. It’s hard to admit that you’re not ok and it can be even harder to admit that you need help. Eventually though, Bruce started to talk. We talked about his life, his sons, his grandchildren and his love for Michelle (his “Shelle Machine”). We talked about cars, motorbikes and eventually we started to talk about the job. That was hard for Bruce. He had seen and experienced a lot as a police officer. Police see some awful things, but I think Bruce got more than his share.
So, we sat together for hours; hours became days and thankfully, in time Bruce got some help. He entered a treatment program and was placed into the care of some great mental health professionals. Bruce and I became friendly, talking and texting occasionally. He’d often tease me about the day we met and the blue shoes I was wearing that day. He was a funny bugger. He seemed to be doing pretty well and, in the Winter of 2017, he and Michelle came to a Blue HOPE car show to say Hi. We hugged, and I was struck by how well he looked. He had spark and it seemed that the future looked pretty bright.
[blockquote]“It’s too fucking hard”, “It hurts so much”[/blockquote]
Unfortunately, towards the end of 2017, Bruce relapsed after a death in the family. I called in to see him and was shocked to see how much pain he was in. The Bruce I knew was still there, but the demons had resurfaced and taken hold. Everyone who knew and loved Bruce was rallying around him to encourage him to get back into treatment, but he didn’t want to go. “It’s too fucking hard”, “It hurts so much”, he told me. His pain was unfathomable. He wanted to get better. He wanted to beat PTSD. He wanted the nightmares and images to go away. He wanted to help others. Bruce had so much to offer the world but first he needed to get help.
We all had countless conversations about options and eventually, Bruce started to attend his appointments again. After a rough few weeks things were starting to look up. We spoke from time to time, I’d see him on social media and he’s touch base regularly via text, signing off with his traditional gorilla emoji. He seemed ok; but he wasn’t.
During the morning of Saturday 21 April, I received a call from Michelle saying that Bruce was in crisis; asking if I could come. He had somehow come into the possession of an old firearm and was talking about hurting himself. The police were immediately called, and I raced over to offer what assistance I could.
When I arrived, police, ambulance and tactical units were in attendance, all carefully positioned out of Bruce’s view. Thankfully, I was allowed through the cordon to speak with the police in command, provide a briefing to the negotiators and most importantly provide support for Michelle. I did not have the opportunity to speak with Bruce. Sadly, before anybody could make contact with him, Bruce took his life.
It’s important that I thank the members of the Queensland Police and the QLD Ambulance who were present. The QPS negotiation team in particular were incredibly professional, caring and supportive to all present. All emergency services personnel present should be commended for their incredible efforts to save Bruce.
To Bruce… Coops, I’m sad and I’m angry but I’m also thankful that you are no longer in pain. I’m sorry I couldn’t do more. For what it’s worth, I’m a better man for having known you. Rest well mate.
Finally, to everyone who is reading this.
If you are struggling, know this. Recovery starts and ends with you. You might have all the help in the world at your fingertips but unless you accept responsibility for your own recovery and surrender yourself to the healing process, recovery will elude you. It’s not enough to just show up for appointments; you have to get your hands dirty and do the hard work. This can mean going to hospital, accepting psychiatric and psychological treatment, taking the meds and persisting with recovery groups. Don’t just turn up. Engage with it. Your life depends on it.
Yes, it will be a grind. In fact, it will seem unbearable at times but all of the people that I know who are doing well (myself included) know that this is the only path. It’s hard and it’ll take time but it’s worth it. Not only for you, but for your family.
No police officer I have ever met was diagnosed with PTSD as a result of being a coward. If you were strong once, you can be strong again. I promise you that it can be OK.
Blue HOPE stands ready to help.
Thanks for taking the time to read about this terrific man.
Today we remember Bruce Cooper who died by suicide on this day 2 years ago in Brisbane.
Indelibly marked by trauma in his early life, Bruce channelled his life experience into something better; joining the NSW Police Force where he served for 10 years before moving to Queensland where he served a further 10 years with the Queensland Police Service.
I first met Bruce briefly in 2002, when we were both in the job, but our paths didn’t cross again until 14 years later when his wife Michelle re-introduced us during his struggle with trauma, PTSD and alcohol addiction. After a while, we became good friends and the next couple of years were a mix of happiness, hope, sadness and frustration as Bruce improved in clinical programs, only to relapse sometime later. He did his best, but trauma and addiction had their hooks in him. He had so much love and support in his life. Honestly, if love and support alone could have saved him, Bruce would still be alive today.
I wish it was that simple.
Despite the efforts of those who loved him and tried to help, Bruce lost his battle. Many people worked so hard to save Bruce that awful day. We waited nearby, as incredible members from the QPS tried valiantly to reach out to him; we tried to help them with as much information that we could provide …. we prayed and we waited. We honestly thought that he would be recovered safely but that wasn’t to be. We all failed to get through…. and Bruce took his life. The rest is indescribable, so I won’t try. It wasn’t really Bruce in that moment; it was his pain, his trauma and his addiction that took him away. He loved us and we loved him, and we live in hope that he is now in a better, more peaceful place.
Today, Michelle and I visited Bruce at his resting place. We sat and we chatted. We reflected on his life and we thought about the meaning that this tragedy can have for others. What can we learn?
What I know is this. When you are faced with the impossible, the pain and the struggle you have to decide what is important. You have to decide what kind of person you are. All the support and love in the world can be available to you, but you have to make the choice to accept it and engage with it. Taking your life, ultimately robs the world of your potential to be more. You have so much to give, even if you don’t realise that now. Ask yourself, “What will my legacy be?”
Most importantly, suicide leaves a trail of destruction in its wake. When I look at my dear friend Michelle, I see an amazing woman who is trying to rebuild her life as best she can; in her own way, in her own time, and on her terms. Grief permeates every aspect of life, but I know she will prevail. As CS Lewis wrote, “Her loss was like the sky; spread over everything.” I was honoured to climb Mt Kilimanjaro with Michelle late last year so I know she can do anything. She is an incredible person.
I asked Michelle today, what she thought about trying to help someone who is struggling. She said very simply, “reach in and keep reaching in. It will be frustrating. Sometimes you will hate them, and they will often give you the shits, but you’ve got to keep trying.” She is not one to give up and I am immensely proud of her.
I have mixed feelings about Facebook posts about the death of police members. They are often polarising. Some people appreciate them and others dislike them. Today though, I write in the hope that someone, somewhere will draw strength to continue. It’s not too late. Two years ago, when I wrote about Bruce I said, “you have to get your hands dirty and do the hard work”. That remains true. So much help and support is available; you just have to accept it and commit to getting better for yourself and your loved ones. It will be hard and often unbearable, but it is worth it. The decision is yours and yours alone.
I apologise for the lengthy post and I appreciate you taking the time to join me in reflecting on the life of Bruce and all of the brothers and sisters we have lost to suicide. If you know someone who has lost a family member or friend to suicide, reach out to them today and tell them that you are thinking of them.
If you know someone who is struggling, “reach in, and keep reaching in”.
A NSW Police critical incident team will investigate the death of one of its own officers after a policeman was found dead near Wagga Wagga.
Concerns were raised for the male officer’s welfare with colleagues heading to the Sturt Highway about 30km from Wagga Wagga on Wednesday afternoon.
The officer’s death is non-suspicious circumstances, and a critical incident team has been formed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the matter.
Police say a critical incident investigation has been launched after the death yesterday of a police officer near the Sturt Highway 30km from Wagga Wagga. “At this time there is no evidence the incident is suspicious.”
Police Statement: A critical incident investigation has been launched after the death of a police officer near Wagga Wagga. Police were called to the Sturt Highway about 30km from Wagga Wagga around 4.25pm yesterday (Wednesday 11 April 2018) after concerns were raised for the welfare of an officer. Ambulance paramedics responded to the location but were unable to revive the officer. At this time there is no evidence the incident is suspicious. A critical incident team has been formed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the matter.
That investigation will be subject to independent review.
Police disappointed at close of Operation Tortoise
It would have been difficult to escape a random breath test in Wagga across the Easter long weekend.
It follows a Highway Patrol crack down on fatigue, drink and drug-driving.
With thousands hitting the roads for the holiday, Riverina police conducted more than 6600 random breath tests across four days.
These numbers come at the close of Operation Tortoise, with double-demerits in force until midnight on Monday.
Despite the low number of drivers busted drink driving, acting-Senior Sergeant Stephen Sivewright said the behaviour of drivers across the region had been disappointing.
“The message isn’t getting out there,” Sergeant Sivewright said. “People are still speeding.”
He said road users continued to put the lives of their passengers and other people in danger, with more than 200 drivers issued speeding fines.
A further 25 infringements were issued for not wearing seatbelts and 308 drivers were busted for other traffic offences.
“People shouldn’t have to die for drivers to listen,” Sergeant Sivewright said. “This should be a wake-up call.”
His words follow the tragic death of an elderly driver on a Riverina road, near Jindera, on Monday morning.
This death brought the number of fatalities on Riverina roads to six this year.
“That’s ridiculously high,” Sergeant Sivewright said. “Up until March 28, there were 59 fatalities on state roads – a definite increase on last year.”
Police say the results of this year’s initiative to reduce the holiday road toll are concerning.
It follows Wagga Highway Patrol’s launch of Operation Safe Arrival on December 22.
Acting Senior Sergeant Stephen Sivewright on Tuesday said local officers, combined with resources from Sydney, had already performed thousands of random breath tests across Wagga.
The Highway Patrol chief said of more than 8520 tests, ten drivers had been caught drink driving.
In addition, Sergeant Sivewright said 225 drivers had been fined for speeding across the region, which was more than half the combined number of traffic-related offences, during that period.
“We are concerned about the 10 drink driving offences,” Sergeant Sivewright said. “We’d like that to be zero.”
Double demerits will apply from Friday, December 22 with all Traffic and Highway Patrol Command staff on duty until New Year.
Sergeant Sivewright urged Riverina drivers to stick to the speed limit, to make a plan-b and to get to their destination safely.
Highway Patrol want you to survive the drive home this Christmas | Video
Madeleine Clarke
Wagga’s Highway Patrol force are gearing up for the busy Christmas period with Operation Safe Arrival kicking off today.
Double demerits will apply from Friday, December 22 with all Traffic and Highway Patrol Command staff on duty until New Year performing random breath tests, mobile drug testing, speed enforcement and vehicle and driver compliance checks.
Acting Senior Sergeant Stephen Sivewright said the Riverina cluster will be boosted by additional resources from Sydney.
“We’ll have all our vehicles out on the roads during the day and night time so the public can see us.”
The Wagga Command is made up of 20 officers and nine vehicles.
“With more people going away, wanting to get there, they can get distracted by their mobile phones, we’ll be out there trying to deter people from committing offences,” Sergeant Sivewright said.
“For those travelling long distances we hope they have had at least eight hours sleep before they begin their journey, and stop every two hours or when tired.
“Personal responsibility is the key to road safety in NSW. We urge those on our roads over the school holidays, Christmas and the New Year to help us keep everyone safe on NSW roads.”
Last Christmas and New Year period saw 40 people die on Australian roads, up from 34 the year before.
NSW was the worst state for fatalities, claiming 12 of the dead.
I have decided to support NSW Police Legacy’s largest annual fundraiser in remembrance of all deceased NSW Police Force Officers.
I’m raising funds to continue providing essential financial assistance and social programs and experiences to the widows, widowers and dependent children of deceased police officers.
Through here you can easily support this great cause.
I would also really appreciate it if you could share my page above or comment below so more people know about it.
Click ‘Donate Now’ to make a secure online donation.
Thanks so much for your support!
.
Stephen Sivewright
Donated AUD $53.00 online in support of David Clarke
Stephen Sivewright, from Diddine Brahman Stud at South Lismore, was awarded junior and senior reserve champion bull at the Sydney show, making it three out of four Royal Easter Shows he has entered where he has won reserve champion.
Wife of Serving member Steve & Mother of Serving member Chris
Rejoinee x 3:
1/ NSW Goulburn Police Academy Class # ???
2/ NSW Goulburn Police Academy Class 204C
3/ NSW Goulburn Police Academy Class 269?
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 28982
Rank 1: Probationary Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Rank 2: Probationary Constable – appointed 14 September 1984
Rank 3: Probationary Constable – appointed 29 September 1997
Final Rank: Senior Sergeant – Death
Stations: ?, Mona Vale, West Wyalong, Wollongong P/LAC, Sydney City P/LAC, Central Metropolitan Region Operations ( SPC ) – User Pays co-ordinator – Death
Service: Frompre Sept 1997 to 12 April 2018= 32years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: Sunday 1 March 1964
Died on: Thursday 12 April 2018
Age: 54yrs 1mth 11days
Cause: Cancer
Event location: St George Hospital, Sydney
Event date: Thursday 12 April 2018 during the A.M.
Funeral date: Friday 20 April 2018 @ noon
Funeral location: South Chapel, Woronora Crematorium, Linden St, Sutherland
It is with deep regret that we announce the death of Tina Louise Wilson (Nee Rowston)
Adored wife of Steve.
Much loved Mother and Mother-In-Law of Chris & Jenna, Hannah & Ben
Cherished Tee Tee to Layla and Sonny.
Loved Daughter of Kevin & Mim
Sister of Phil Rowston and Jenny Overs.
Late of Engadine and formerly of Binya
who passed away peacefully at St George Hospital, Sydney
on Thursday 12th April at the age of 54 years.
Relatives and friends of the late Tina Wilson are respectfully invited to attend a funeral service which is to be held at Woronora Crematorium, Sutherland, with full police honours
on Friday 20th April commencing at 12:00noon.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday 26th April at the Binya Community Hall commencing at 11:00am.
Funeral arrangements for the late Tina Wilson are in the care of Jennifer Overs and Peter Woodward of Griffith Regional Funeral Services, Funeral Directors of 172 Wakaden Street, Griffith.
In lieu of flowers donations will be received for Police Legacy.
Tina Wilson is a Senior Sergeant with the Central Metro Region of the NSW Police Force. A very special lady who sadly, was recently given a Stage 4 Cancer diagnosis.
Being a police officer means a lot to Tina and her family, both her husband and son are serving officers and her daughter is a paramedic with the NSW Ambulance Service. Serving the community is what Tina is about, that, and sewing, and being a pretty great grandma to her two beautiful grandchildren.
Tina’s an absolute champion and we really want to help her out with the increasing medical costs. If you can spare a couple of dollars this week to help out the most humble and devoted policing family, please do so by clicking on the photos on this post.
Macca was a member of ‘Friends and associates of the Blue Liners Australia’ motor cycle club.
All Blue Liners and friends of Macca welcome, motorcycles highly welcome and Blue Liner Clothing. Lets make this a send off worthy of ‘ THE MACCA ‘.
Lets get together and celebrate our brothers larger than life life.
Paul also was recently married on 1 November 2017
A few of us paid Macca (Paul McKay) a visit today. He seems to be going okay. with Ray Robinson and Paul Porter. 16 January 2018
Constable 1/c Course BACK ROW: ( L – R ) Steve COLEMAN # 16303, Peter RACKLEY # 16113, Peter STARLING # 16173, Peter JOHNSON # 16180, Harry BAKER # 16055, Noel RADBURN # 16167, Don COLQUHOUN # 16252 MIDDLE ROW: George MANERA # 16109, Sam NICHOLSON # 16282, Colin CROSSLAND # 16267, Paul McKAY # 16231, Steve MAWSON # 16163, Stephen DAVIES # 16137, Ross EMERSON # 15904 FRONT ROW: Robert DREW # 16134, Sue BRENNAN # P/W 190, Roger FORD # 11545 ( Instructor ), Kevin JOHNSON # 7887 ( Director ), Peter MOFFATT # 8171 ( Instructor ), Geoffrey JENKINS # 16130, Hank KIRCH # 16011
November 2017
Greville Reginald PINKERTON
| 15/05/2018
Greville Reginald PINKERTON
aka Reg
Son of Reginald Andrew Pinkerton ( NSWPF 1928 – 1962 – 34 years ), Brother of Max # 7737 ( NSWPF – 20 years ),
Father of Peter ( RAAF Police – 30 years ),
Grandfather to Jozef ( NSWPF – Prosecutors ), Adam ( NSWPF – Fingerprints ) & Adam ( NSWPF – # 31347 )
Late of Tea Gardens, NSW
“possibly” from Penrith Academy Class 004
New South Wales Police Force
[alert_yellow]Regd. # 5078[/alert_yellow]
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 4 March 1946
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed 1 October 1967
Sergeant 1st Class – appointed 1 December 1972
Stations: ?, Albion Park, Mullumbimby, Nowendock, Western District, Broken Hill ( 1960 – 1979 / Sgt )
Service: From? ? pre March 1946 to? ? 1979? = 33+ years Service
Buried at: Marge ( Reg’s wife who predeceased him ) & Reg’s Ashes will be interred at Nowendoc later in 2018, as per Reg’s request where he and Marge shared very happy times when he was stationed there as the Lock Up Keeper.
Memorial located at: ?
Greville Reginald PINKERTON – 2016
[alert_yellow]REG is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO
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Funeral location: TBA
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Passed away in Adelaide 4/3/18, age 94 ( police sergeant in Broken Hill 1960 – 1979 ).
Loved and missed by Marge ( deceased ), Ron and Polly, Max and Anita, Peter and Rosemary and his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
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This Plaque will be presented to Superintendent Paul SMITH at the Back To Barrier Reunion in May, 2017.
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City’s finest to reunite
Thursday, 14th July, 2016
By Michael Murphy
BEST EVER: A Ford 351 GT/XB 2 door hardtop patrolling the border at Curlwaa near Wentworth circa 1977.
Former local police officers have already begun telling tales of the good old days ahead of a reunion next year.
Ray Gardoll, who served with the local police force from 1995 to 2009, has started to get inquiries from as far away as Thailand about the two-day event planned in May.
Even a 95-year-old former sergeant has put his hand up to make the trek back to the Hill for the occasion. After he got word on the street, former sergeant Reg Pinkerton rang the local police station to confirm details.
Sergeant Pinkerton retired around 1979. As well as Broken Hill, he served at Albion Park, Mullumbimby and Nowendock, where he was issued a horse and had the assistance of “black trackers” to look for stolen cattle throughout the local ranges.
One local bloke reported he had been “saved from a life of crime by a swift boot up the bum from Sgt Pinkerton back in the day”.
Many locals would remember one of the city’s longest serving police officers, Garry Nowlan, who has been in fine form posting old pictures and yarns on the Back to Barrier Facebook site.
The former highwayman rated the Ford 351 GT/XB 2 door Hardtop as the best patrol car he ever had the pleasure to drive.
“It was easy to catch the hoodlums at the Hill in those days,” Nowlan wrote.
“If they got away, you just parked in Argent Street for a while and they were back in 10 minutes.
“They just could not resist doing ‘the lap’ and we were there waiting for them.”
Ray Gardoll got the idea for the Back to Barrier reunion after celebrating a similar event in Blacktown, NSW, earlier this year.
“I had a ball, an absolute ball, and I thought I would do it here and see what the response is … and the response has been great.”
He said word was beginning to spread, and about 300 people had logged on and liked the Facebook page, with about three quarters of those having served in the local district.
The Barrier police region stretches from Tibooburra in the north to Wentworth, Dareton and Buronga in the south, to Ivanhoe in the east.
Ray said about ten local retired officers still lived in the Hill.
Ray’s own career was cut short when a “drunken crook” tripped over and destroyed his knee.
“We were carrying her out to put her in the cells, and she tripped and fell and grabbed the first thing she could, and it just happened to be my knee,” Ray said.
Ray said he would love to hear from anyone who would be interested in the reunion, and he would be forming a committee in the next few months to work out and organise the finer details of the event.
If you know anyone who would be interested, point them to Facebook.com/BarrierReunion2017.
Standing: Geoff Mobbs. Peter Cinitis. Russell Lloyd. Harry Steele. Seated. Steve Behsmann. Reg Pinkerton. Ted Murray. All these officers served in the Barrier Command. Photo taken at the Back To Barrier Reunion 2017 in May.
Reg Pinkerton being presented with his National Police Service Medal by Superintendent Paul Smith. Geoff Mobbs supporting Reg.
Police Association meeting at the Broken Hill Musicians Club 1977. Back Row. L to R Neil Stewart, Dave Stuart, Reg Pinkerton, ?, Ken Richards, Bob Morgan (mostly obscured) Terry Picker, Don Forsyth, Jim Brown, Barry Esling, Bryce Farlow, Allan Moseley, ?, Neville Wenban. Front Row. L to R. John Sylvester Wilkinson aka Yogi, ?, Bill Lidden aka Truthfull (?), Steven Behsmann, Garry Nowlan & Neil Scarr.
Police Association meeting at the Broken Hill Musicians Club 1977. Reg Pinkerton
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Patrick William KELLY
| 15/05/2018
Patrick William KELLY
Late of Ultimo
New South Wales Police Force
[alert_yellow]Regd. # P 8301[/alert_yellow]
( pre 24 February 1915 which commenced the current Regd. # system )
Rank: Sergeant – Death
Stations: ?, Clarence St – 1 Station,
Service: From 23 November 1904to 11 June 1922= 18years Service
Awards: No find on Its An Honour
Born: ? ? 1883 in Sydney
Died on: 11 June 1922
Age: 38
Cause: Enteric Fever ( Typhoid )
Event location: Coastal Hospital ( later to become Prince Henry Hospital in 1934 )
Event date: ?
Funeral date: Friday 13 June 1922
Funeral location: ?
Funeral Parlour:
Buried at: Rookwood Cemetery,
Catholic Section M1, Sect AA, Grave 364
Memorial located at: ?
[alert_yellow]PATRICK is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO
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Funeral location: TBA
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Sergeant Patrick William KELLY. Born Sydney 1884. Died 11/6/1922 Coast Hospital from ‘Enteric Fever‘ (Typhoid fever) aged 38. Joined 1904, 18 years Service. The attached link is to his obituary is all I can find about this man who died whilst still serving.
Some background. The Coast Hospital (established around 1882 to isolate and treat patients with infectious diseases) was particularly valuable during the bubonic plague in Sydney of 1900 and then again when soldiers returning from Europe brought the influenza virus back in 1919. The Coast Hospital became Prince Henry Hospital in 1934. In 2001 services were transferred to Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney and the hospital site became available for residential use.
Sergeant Patrick William Kelly, of No. 1 (Clarence-street) Station of the N.S.W. Police, died at the Coast Hospital on the 11th inst. of enteric fever, at the early age of 38 years. The deceased, who was a native of Sydney, was the eldest son of the late Mr. John Kelly and of Mrs. Mary Kelly, of County Galway, Ireland, and residents of Ultimo for over 35 years.
Sergeant Kelly joined the police force in 1904, and rendered fine work to the department, gaining the confidence of the Inspector-General and other officers, and the esteem of all associated with him. The deceased was an inmate of the hospital for only one week, when he was called to his reward. He was attended spiritually during his illness by the Rev. Fathers McHugh and Quinn (Maroubra), who administered the last rites of the Church.
The interment took place at the Catholic Cemetery, Rookwood, on Friday, the 13th inst., the funeral leaving the residence of his mother, 79 Quarry-street, Ultimo.
The cortege was headed by the Police Band, followed by about 100 uniformed and 50 plain clothes men and detectives, who proceeded with the other mourners to the graveside.
The Rev. Father J. Troy (Diocesan Inspector of Schools) officiated, and, in referring in feeling terms of the remarkable courage and fortitude shown by Sergeant Kelly during his last hours, said he was typical of those who comprise the splendid force of police that the State of New South Wales is justly proud; and he took this public opportunity of expressing his appreciation of the members of that great body, who were the custodians of peace and the guardians of life and property.
The chief mourners were his mother, Miss H. Kelly (sister), Mr. J. J. Kelly (brother), Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Finn and family (Carlton), Mr. and Mrs. J. J.White and family (Erskineville), Mr. J. Farraher, uncle (Redfern), Mrs. Goodridge (Moss Vale), Mr. and Mrs. Tom Mack (Moss Vale), Mr. and Mrs. Spencer (Taralga ), also at the graveside were Superintendents Park (representing the Inspector-General of Police), Bannan, ex-Superintendents Brooks and McLean, Inspectors Turbet, Long, Robertson, Pauling, King, Mankey, and Mr. John Robinson (ex-local auditor, Commonwealth Audit Office, Sydney ). The pall-bearers consisted of six comrades of the deceased from the foot and water police. — R.I.P.
