A memorial for police dog Waco, who died after suffering heat exhaustion while trying to track down offenders in Deception Bay in February, has been held today.
Commissioner Ian Stewart joined Dog Squad officers at the QPS Animal Memorial in Oxley to honour and pay tribute to the beloved pup.
During the memorial, PD Waco’s handler ( Senior Constable Stephenson ) spoke fondly of his partner saying Waco was dearly missed by him and his family.
“Waco was my first police dog and we worked together as a team for seven years,” Waco’s handler said.
“He never hesitated to protect me and for that I will be forever grateful.”
During his time, PD Waco was responsible for locating missing people and hundreds of offenders for numerous offences ranging from armed robberies and unlawful woundings to break and enters.
Commissioner Stewart said “We remember PD Waco today with fondness and gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice he gave in serving the Queensland community.”
Waco is the first working animal recognised as passing on duty since the establishment of the QPS Animal Memorial in December 2014.
Moreton Bay Courier (Brisbane, Qld. : 1846 – 1861),
Saturday 30 December 1848, page 2
LOSS OF THE GOVERNMENT SCHOONER ” SATELLITE. “
We regret to announce the loss of the police schooner Satellite, during the gale of Saturday night.
She had started in the forenoon on a pleasure-trip down the harbour, having on board the Colonial Secretary, Captains Browne, Innes, and Batty, Mr. Mann, and several other gentlemen. On returning from the Heads, about dusk, having to beat up against a westerly wind, these gentlemen left her in the hands of the crew, three in number, and came up to Sydney in Captain Browne’s boat.
A few minutes before the gale commenced, the schooner was observed by some parties standing across from Bradley’s Head to Clarke’s Island, and it is supposed that almost instantly after she must have capsized and gone down, as no trace whatever can be found of her. The names of the unfortunate men who have thus met with a watery.grave are Crawell, McKenna, and Vincent.
The Water Police boats were all over the harbour on Sunday morning, and finding no vestige of the vessel, they commenced dragging for the bodies of Crawelland Vincent, that of McKenna having been found on the rocks near Bradley’s Head. The bodies of the other two had not been found.
The telegraph mast at Fort Phillip has also been carried away by the gale. The inconvenience to the public will be very considerable unless the Government speedily erect another.
By the assistance of two punts the Satellite was floated yesterday, and towed into Woolloomooloo Bay : From all the circumstances of this melancholy case, we think that a considerable degree of blame is attached to the parties who left the schooner in the hands of three men only, two of which were, we understand, totally unacquainted with the duties of a seaman ; more especially us, from the general appearance of the weather during the day, an experienced seaman like Captain Browne might reasonably have anticipated a storm about sun-down.
One of the bodies of the unfortunate men was found yesterday evening.
Bell’s Life in Sydney and Sporting Reviewer (NSW : 1845 – 1860),
Saturday 23 December 1848, page 2
The Loss of the Satellite.
A most unjustifiable attack on the Colonial Secretary was given to the world, or, more correctly speaking, to that very circumscribed portion of it with which the “Atlas ” is connected, in the columns of that journal on Saturday last.
The penman of the vituperative article would appear to be either of very recent importation, and consequently incompetent to treat of the conduct of the local Government and its officers, or, ( which is equally creditable to his impertinence ) has taken no pains to arrive at the truth of the accusation so unblushingly levelled at a gentleman whose public and private career has till now escaped the foul mouthed abuse of the slanderer.
Our present purpose is merely to rebut the calumny, and, if possible, shame the calumniator by the simple declaration that Mr. Thomson did NOT form one of the party on board the ill-fated ” Satellite ” on the pleasure trip which resulted in so melancholy a loss of life.
With respect to the alleged mal-appropriation of the Water Police Schoonerby her commander, in occasionally entertaining a party of friends on board, and indulging in a cruise about the harbour, we can see neither impropriety nor ” disgrace ” in so natural a proceeding. As well might the ” Atlas ” arraign every Post Captain in the British Navy, for, with few exceptions, our gallant tars do not scruple to appropriate H. M’s. boats to the occasional entertainment of their friends in harbour, and this without risk of rebuke from the Admiralty, or the censure of any, save, perhaps, that of some expuseyite canting print whose ruling principle, like that of the termagant on the eve of matrimony, is avowedly”,” to find fault where there is no occasion.”
Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser (NSW : 1843 – 1893), Wednesday 20 December 1848, page 2
The water police schooner Satellite was, late on Saturday night, recovered, and has been towed into Neutral Bay, where she now lies. She was found with all her sails set, and not a rope misplaced. She has sustained no damage worth speaking of, or at all events, not beyond what a few pounds will cover.
The body of one of the two missing policemen, a man named Craill, was found on Friday night, at Potts’s Point, lying between two rocks. It was in a fearful state of decomposition, and could with difficulty be identified. An inquest was held on Saturday. The evidence adduced was precisely the same as that given at a former inquest held on the body of the man named McKenna, and a finding of death from accidental drowning was recorded.
Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser (NSW : 1843 – 1893), Wednesday 20 December 1848, page 2
THE “SATELLITE” — Early yesterday morning, two punts is attached to the dredging machine proceeded to the spot where the police schooner Satellite had been found, near Bradley’s Head, in thirteen fathoms of water, and by means of the ?, she was towed into shallow water near Garden Island.
The body of the water policeman Craill was found yesterday on Potts’ Point, and brought to the Water Police Office, on which was ? ? will be held this day. We are as ? to state that all expenses incurred in getting up the schooner, and giving her the necessary repairs, will be borne by the party who were pleasuring in her on the day of the unfortunate disaster occurred. – Dec 16.
The police schooner Satellite having been towed into shallow water near Garden Island on Friday last, was yesterday morning got up, and the water being pumped out of her, she was towed into Hulk Bay, having sustained little or no damage.
The vessel when got up had every sail and rope set, which shows that she must have been beating up against a westerly wind, when the southerly squall caught her, and capsized her.
Bell’s Life in Sydney and Sporting Reviewer (NSW : 1845 – 1860),
Saturday 16 December 1848, page 2
LOCAL INTELLIGENCE.
Loss OF THE WATER POLICE SCHOONER, “SATELLITE.” – On Saturday last, a select party of gentlemen, accepting the invitation of Captain Browne, proceeded down the harbour on a pleasure cruise in the Satellite.
On their return about 7 p m., towards Sydney, the wind which had been variable, and blowing in sudden gusts, veered ahead, on which the party determined on leaving the schooner, and pulling to the wharf in Captain Browne’s boat.
Previous to quitting the Satellite, positive instructions were given to the three men left on board, to take in the main-top-sail, but it would stem as though they had utterly mistaken the order, as the boat had not proceeded many hundred yards before they perceived the schooner’s top-gallant-sail hoisted, and all sail set. The boat, on nearing the shore, suddenly encountered a heavy squall, which nearly capsized her, and it is presumed that the Satellite must have been struck and overwhelmed by the same, as no tidings of the unfortunate vessel could he gleaned on the following morning.
On search being made, the body of McKenna, one of the crew, was discovered cast up on the rocks near Bradley’s Head ; the bodies of his shipmates, Crawell and Vincent, have not yet been recovered.
The Schooner was subsequently found sunk, in fourteen fathoms water, and immediate steps will be taken to raise her.
Shipping Gazette and Sydney General Trade List (NSW : 1844 – 1860), Saturday 16 December 1848, page 301
We are sorry to have to announce the loss of the Police schooner Satellite, during the gale of Saturday night.
She had started in the forenoon on a pleasure trip down the harbour with the Colonial Treasurer, Captains Browne, Innes, and Batty, Mr. Mann, and others.
On returning from the heads, about dusk, having to beat up against a westerly wind, these gentlemen left her in the hands of the crew, three in number, and came up to Sydney in Captain Browne’s boat. A few minutes before the gale commenced the schooner was observed by some parties standing across from Bradley’s Head to Clarke’s Island, and it is supposed that almost instantly after she must have capsized and gone down, as she has since been found in that part of the harbour.
The names of the unfortunate men who have thus met with a watery grave, are Craill, McKenna, and Vincent.
The body of McKenna has been found on the rocks near Bradley’s Head, and that of Craill on Potts’s Point.
We are authorised to state that all expenses incurred in getting up the schooner, and giving her the necessary repairs, will be borne by the parties who were pleasuring in her on the day the unfortunate disaster occurred.
During the same gale a small coasting vessel of about ten tons, was driven ashore on the rocks near George’s Head, but fortunately no lives lest. The telegraph mast also at Fort Phillip, has been carried away by the violence of the gale.
Inquest on the body of Hugh CRAILL, whose body was taken to the Water Police Office, was head at the Hooper’s the King’s Head, Lower George-street on Saturday 16 December 1848.
Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser (NSW : 1843 – 1893), Saturday 16 December 1848, page 2
SYDNEY NEWS
( From our Correspondent )
Sydney, Thursday Evening.
THE WATER POLICE SCHOONER – No attempt could be made for the recovery of the Satellite yesterday, in consequence of the boisterous weather that prevailed.
The diving bell and the punts belonging to the dredge left Sydney before daylight this morning to make the attempt.
The bodies of the two other missing water police have not yet been recovered.
The government, I am informed, have resolved that as the boat at the time of the occurrence was out on a pleasure party, and not on ” duty “ the water police magistrate shall pay for her loss.
The police schooner Satellite, which has been dragged for during the last two days, was yesterday afternoon fell in with near Bradley’s Head, in between ten and twelve fathoms water. The steam dredge and diving bell were to proceed at daylight this morning for the purpose of recovering her. Neither of the bodies of the police constables Craill and Vincent had, up to yesterday evening, been found.
INQUEST. – An inquest was held yesterday by Mr. Ryan Brenan, at O’Dowd’s, the Forbes’ Hotel, King and York streets, on view of the body of Christopher McKenna. then lying dead at the residence of his mother, in York-street. The deceased was one of the three Water Police constables who were on board the Government schooner Satellite, when she was lost in the harbour during the sudden squall of Saturday night.
Mr. T. H. B. Venour, clerk of the Water Police Court, deposed to the finding of the body of the deceased late on Sunday afternoon, lying on the rocks on the south-western side of Bradley’s Head.
Captain Browne, P.M., stated that on Saturday the schooner had been down the harbour, and on returning to Sydney, at about seven o’clock in the evening, when off Clarke’s Island, the wind falling light, he (Captain B ) with others quitted the vessel, leaving her in charge of the deceased and two others of the constabulary named Craill and Vincent.
On leaving the vessel a caution was given to these parties to mind the southerly wind and have their sails taken in. They were directed to work up to Sydney. Captain B. and his party then pulled up, but within the succeeding twenty minutes were caught by the squall, and from its violence experienced great difficulty in reaching Sydney.
Finding on yesterday (Sunday) morning that the schooner had not come up, he proceeded down the harbour, and found on the rocks nearBradley’s Head the Satellite‘s main hatch gratings, and a table which he ( Captain Browne ) knew to be aboard of her when he quitted her, as also a hat belonging to the deceased.
Every possible enquiry had been made respecting the schooner, but although it appears she was seen shortly previous to the coming of the squall, no person could be found who had seen her struck by it.
The deceased, who was about twenty-two years of age, had been four years in the service, and a high encomium on his conduct during that time was passed by Captain Browne.
The deceased and the other men, at the time the schooner was left in their charge, were perfectly sober.
The jury returned a finding of accidental death by drowning.
We are sorry to have to announce the loss of the Police schooner Satellite, during the gale of Saturday night.
She had started in the forenoon on a pleasure trip down the harbour with the Colonial Secretary, Captains Browne, Innes, and Batty, Mr Mann, and others.
On returning from the heads, about dusk, having to beat up against a westerly wind, these gentlemen left her in the hands of the crew, three in number, and came up to Sydney in Captain Browne’s boat.
A few minutes before the gale commenced the schooner was observed by some parties standing across from Bradley’s Head to Clarke’s Island, and it is supposed that almost instantly after she must have capsized and gone down, as no trace whatever can be found of her. The names of the unfortunate men who have thus met with a watery grave, are Crawell, McKenna, and Vincent.
The Water Police boats were all over the harbour yesterday morning, and finding no vestige of the vessel, they commenced dragging for the bodies of Crawell and Vincent, that of McKenna having been found on the rocks near Bradley’s Head.
During the same gale a small coasting vessel of about ten tons, was driven ashore on the rocks near George’s Head, but fortunately no lives lost.
The telegraph mast also at Fort Phillip, has been carried away by the violence of the gale. It is to be hoped the government will lose no time in repairing this latter damage, as the loss will be a great inconvenience to the public.
Death of a Constable. – The news reached Toowoomba on Monday that Constable Christopher McKenna, who recently filled the office of watchhouse keeper here, died in Brisbane Hospital the previous day.
Deceased, who had been some six years in the service, about 12 months ago while on duty in the Central district, burst a blood vessel, and being thereafter in delicate health, obtained an exchange to Toowoomba where he was provided with the lighter duty of watchhouse keeper.
The injury to the system, however, proved, incurable and he was perfectly aware months ago that his days were numbered.
In March last he became too ill to attend to his work, sick leave was obtained, and he went to Brisbane where he first put himself in the hands of Dr. Binns Southam, and eventually removed to the hospital, where the end came as stated.
Constable McKenna was a very amiable young man, obliging, and attentive to his duties, and will be regretted by all who came in contact with him.
The funeral of the late Christopher McKenna, constable in the Police Force, who died in the Brisbane Hospital on Sunday, left that institution at 2.30 p.m. yesterday for the Toowong Cemetery. As many of the Police Force who were at liberty to attend did so in uniform. Constable McKenna was stationed in Toowoomba and was much respected both in and out of the force.
Senior Constable Lindsay Forsythe was lured to a late night ambush at a secluded location in country Victoria in response to a false burglary report. When he arrived at the unoccupied residence he was fatally shot, but returned fire striking his assailant four times before he died.
The investigation resulted in the arrest of Constable Forsythe’s wife and a fellow police officer, Senior Constable Leigh Michael Lawson ( 27 ), who were having an affair.
Both were convicted and Lawson was sentenced to life imprisonment, while Gayle Forsythe received five years imprisonment on the lesser charge of manslaughter.
Rank: NSW Police Cadet – commenced 7 December 1945
Probationary Constable – appointed 15 September 1947
Senior Constable – appointed 23 August 1960
Senior Constable – retirement
Stations: ( whilst a Cadet ):- Campsie, Balmain, MO Unit.
( whilst a ProCst ):- Newtown ( Beats ), MO Unit ( Modus Operandi Section from May 1951 and one of the FIRST Police Officers to be trained in Identikit ( manual sketching / facial system )
The MO section moved 3 times during his tenure there. Central to Redfern then to Smith & Campbell St ( the old hat factory / CIB and the last move was to Parramatta ).
His last Posting was Publication Unit from where he Retired on 17 February 1988.
Service: From 7 December 1945to 17 February 1988=42+years Service
Awards: National Medal – granted 29 March 1985
Born: 18 February 1928
Died on: Friday 12 May 2017 @ Sutherland Hospital
Age: 89
Cause: Aspiration Pheumonitis – this was following a fall where he fractured his left arm & femur. He passed away 6 days following the fall
Event location: Home – Telopea Ave, Caringbah South where he lived all his married life ( 64 years this July )
Event date: Saturday 7 May 2017 ( fall resulting in broken bones )
Funeral date: Thursday 18 May 2017 @ 1.30pm
Funeral location: Olsens Funeral Chapel, 691 Old Princes Hwy, Sutherland
Buried at: Cremated. Ashes held by family
Memorial located at: ?
[alert_yellow]JOHN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO
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Funeral location:
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Nothing further can be found about this man, or his Service, other than documented below.
Cal
18 May 2017
***Further information will be forthcoming from his daughter. ****
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Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995), Monday 3 October 1966, page 1
Identi-kit picture of youth
Police constructed this Indenti-kit picture from descriptions of the boy said to have been seen in the area where Alan Redston was killed. The picture was issued to newspapers and television stations yesterday.
Police searching for the killer of six-year old Alan Geoffrey Redston issued yesterday an Identi-kit drawing of a youth wanted for questioning.
The identi-kit picture was shown on television yesterday and will continue to be shown during the week. The description was broadcast also.
The description of the youth, as given by police, is 13 to 15 years of age, about 5ft 6in tall, with blond hair which possibly falls over his forehead when untidy. He may have a scar over his left eye.
A statement issued by Canberra police said, “It is believed this person can assist inquiries and resides in or frequents the Woden Valley area.
“When last seen in the Curtin dump area on Monday, September 26, after school hours, he was described as wearing a white pullover or T-shirt with blue jeans and riding a bicycle which had a spade attached to it”.
Police see boys
Yesterday two boys whom police believe might identify this youth were interviewed in Canberra by Senior Constable John Schmidt of the modus operandi section, CIB, Sydney.
Constable Schmidt flew to Canberra for the day to help compile a composite picture of the youth from descriptions.
He said the identi-kit had been used successfully by NSW police investigating crimes. It contained 525 slides, and was capable of producing 62 billion variations of the human face.
The body of Alan Redston was found, bound and wrapped in a house coat and in pieces of felt, in the bed of Yarralumla Creek at Curtin on Wednesday morning. An autopsy showed he had died of strangulation caused by a rope looped around his neck and tied lo another rope binding his hands and feet.
Detective Constable B. W. Baulman, of Canberra, one of the 12 detectives on the case, said yesterday police had discontinued inquiries in the northern suburb of Hackett after questioning several boys.
Investigations in that area had failed to produce any new information.
Police have been working 18 hours a day interviewing children and householders. They have called at homes, and have stopped boys in the street in the Woden Valley seeking information. They attended Alan Redston’s funeral at the Methodist National Memorial Church, Forrest, on Saturday afternoon with several boys.
JOHANSEN, Peter Bjarne.
Passed away peacefully 18th March 2017.
Late of Medlow Bath.
Devoted husband of Deirdre.
Proud father and father-in-law to Thorbjorn & Svetlana, Tim & Melanie and Ashley & Melissa.
Loving grandfather of Morgan, Samual, Mischa, Nikita, Edward and Henry.
Aged 78 years.
Peter’s family and friends are warmly invited to attend his funeral service to be held at St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 168 Hawkesbury Road, Springwood on Friday 24th March, commencing at 11:00
In God’s Care.
Published in The Sydney Morning Herald on Mar. 21, 2017 – See more at: http://tributes.smh.com.au/obituaries/smh-au/obituary.aspx?pid=184584852#sthash.rMPgNE3v.dpuf
Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995),
Sunday 21 October 1990, page 2
Police to blitz speeders
SYDNEY: Police will launch a second special Night Car patrol on the Pacific Highway for one week from today in a bid to prevent accidents on Australia’s notorious road.
The special patrol coincides with the first anniversary of the Sunliner coach crash at Cowper, near Grafton, in which 22 people died.
In a statement issued in Sydney, Chief Inspector Peter Johansen, of Northern Region headquarters, said increased patrols were to continue for the remainder of the year, as statistics gathered over several years had revealed an increase in serious crashes in the September December quarter.
The patrol would be on the road between 8.30pm and 4am, covering the area from Hexham, near Newcastle, to the Queensland border.
It would complement routine traffic police operations based in all major towns along the route. Chief Inspector Johansen said the Night Car patrols were necessary to maintain a constant high profile for police.
The first Night Car operation earlier this year travelled more than 3000km and booked 55 vehicles for exceeding the speed limit. This included 18 coaches, and two heavy vehicles were found travelling at 96 and 110km/h in a 60km/h zone near Coffs Harbour.
Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995),
Wednesday 6 June 1990, page 16
Random patrols to cut toll
SYDNEY: The number of fatal accidents on the Pacific Highway at Port Macquarie on the NSW mid-north coast has forced police to increase patrols and start community-awareness programs, a police spokesman said yesterday.
Since January, 27 people had been killed in 20 accidents in the area, compared with 18 deaths in the same period last year, operations support commander Chief Inspector Peter Johansen said in a statement.
He said a traffic policing system had been adopted from Tasmania using a computer to select random patrol points along the Pacific Highway.
“It has the potential to reduce the accident rate by up to 50 per cent,” he said.
Chief Inspector Johansen said the system aimed to undermine the security of drivers who thought they knew the “favourite radar spots”.
There will be a six-month trial of the new patrolling system by Port Macquarie police and if successful it could be extended to other areas.
SYDNEY: Tougher CB radio laws and increased police patrols were foreshadowed yesterday as a means of cutting the number of fatalities on NSW’s notorious Pacific Highway.
Senior police have recommended stiffer penalties for truck drivers who use CB radios to warn colleagues of police patrols on the state’s roads.
North region commander Chief Inspector Peter Johansen said many truck drivers were using the CBs to undermine police operations, particularly those involving marked car’s.
“I imagine the trucking industry has a code of ethics, but I don’t think it’s ethical when they divulge the position of marked cars to other drivers,” Inspector Johansen said.
“I would like to see-heavier fines for the illegal use of CB radios.”
Inspector Johansen said existing resources would be re-examined with a view to assigning more officers to the Lismore and Port Macquarie districts to boost patrols on the Pacific Highway.
Northern NSW was the scene of two recent crashes involving tourist coaches which claimed more than 50 lives.
Recently I posted in relation Alan Victor Dwyer, who I served with a Campsie and Lakemba back in the late 70,s and early 80,s. Alan and I were also close mates outside the job. My family and his spent many outings together. Alan died today at abot 8am, at Nepean Hospital, after a short but uncomfortable , battle with throat cancer. The Cancer spread to his leg and other locations on his body. I have no idea of funeral arrangements. I am in contact with his wife, Narelle. I will post any further info when it comes to hand.
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Bill Davies – 20 April 2017
Not even 12 months ago, I met up with Alan Dwyer, to celebrate his 80th Birthday. He looked, moved and spoke like a bloody healthy 50 year old. Unfortunately now I have to report that Al is not doing so great. In fact, things have turned pretty Sh$%y for him. Al has cancer. He now has a trachy. He cannot speak and has trouble breathing, due to congestion on his lungs. The outlook is not great. I know many in our group , know Alan. I have spoken with his wife, Narelle, who has agreed to let me now tell of his plight. Al is in ICU, Nepean Hospital. Visiting from 11am. 2 persons at a time. Narelle tells me he perks up when he has a visitor. he communicates by writing on a board.
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Kenneth Francis RICH
| 26/05/2017
Kenneth Francis RICH
Late of ?
Victoria Police Force
Regd. # 22376
Rank: Sergeant
Stations: ?, Berwick, Narre Warren ( 25 years ) – death
Service: From? ? 1980to 14 April 2017=37 years Service
Awards: National Medal – granted 26 March 1998
Born: ? ? 1962
Died on: Friday 14 April 2017
Age: 55
Cause: Motor Vehicle Collision – Push Bike rider
Event location: Princes Hwy near Dore Rd, Pakenham, Victoria
Event date: Friday 14 April 2017
Funeral date: Wednesday 26 April 2017 at noon
Funeral location: Victoria Police Academy, Glen Waverley
Police Honours
At the conclusion of the Service the cortege will leave for the Gembrook Cemetery, Blackwood Lane, Gembrook arriving at approx. 2.30 p.m.
To help celebrate Ken’s life and to reflect his love of the Sydney Swans, please wear
a touch of red and white.
No flowers by request.
A donation in memory of Ken may be made to the Amy Gillett Foundation.
Envelopes will be available at the Chapel.
Buried at: Gembrook Cemetery,
Memorial located at: ?
May 1999
May 1999
[alert_blue]KEN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_blue]*NOT JOB RELATED
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Taken too soon Husband and soul mate to his loving wife Kerry.
Devoted and loving Dad to Samantha, Charlene, Jacinta, Crystal and Brandon.
Cherished Memories
Forever In Our Hearts
x
xxxxx
Our dearest Ken, we have always thought of you as a son.
Thank you for the love and care you have always given to all the family.
‘‘How we will miss you’’
Love always — Doug (dec) and Nan. xo
RICH – Ken
What a loving, caring family man you were. Always willing to help.
We all looked up to you for guidance. We will miss your passion for the Sydney Swans.
– Tracey and Gary, Kellie and Kaycee.
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Hi
A lot of really wonderful people contributed tributes and photos.
Some info:
Ken Rich was promoted to Sgt. at Narre Warren where he has been for the past 25 years. Before that, he worked at Berwick. He was one of the original sergeants at Narre Warren.
Tributes:
Ken I am so lost for words. You were a fixture at Narre and I always loved to catch up with you personally or by phone. You were never too busy to help me out or have a laugh. A special colleague for so many years. Called home too early. Rest in peace and pride for your many years of service. Condolences to family, friends and colleagues. – Barb Rawlings
All the love for the Rich family. Sammy Rich Jacinta Rich Charlene Rich. Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the whole family. R.I.P Mr. Ken Rich – Delmar Dimay Limosnero
Deepest sympathy to Ken’s family. Your keen wit and sense of right and wrong will be missed. Your legacy is the good you did over the years of your service. Remembered with respect. – Ron Gardner
Great bloke. We were mates years ago in the job. At each other’s 21st and had the same circle of friends and parties. I regret that I have not seen Kenny for many years. RIP brother. Taken far too soon. – Brian Igoe
R.I.P. Ken, your work is now done!
You were a gentleman and a great Cop.
It was a pleasure to have served with you.
To the Rich family, be very proud of Ken.
Trev Beattie (22472)
What a wonderful man. So terribly sorry for your loss Jacinta, Crystal and family. I remember him very fondly. – Kristine Baird van Ruiten
As a JP who works at Narre Warren Police Station, I send condolences to Ken’s family and all officers at the station. – Margaret Tinschert
RIP Sergeant Ken Rich. From all members at the Beechworth police station. – Geoff PS
Omg jacinta!!!!! So so sorry to hear about your loss, cant imagine how you are feeling or what you are going through! Thinking of you and your family at this devistating time 🙁 big hugs xxxxxxxxxx – Chookie Chook
RIP from the staff of Pakenham Hills Primary School – Paul Taylor
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‘His kids were his world’: Family of veteran police officer Ken Rich killed in bike crash share grief
Timna Jacks, Melissa Cunningham
A heartbroken relative of an off-duty police officer who was hit by a ute while cycling with his daughter in Melbourne’s south-east on Good Friday says his family were “his world” and he was on the cusp of retiring when he was killed.
The pair was riding east on the Princes Highway, near Dore Road, at Pakenham when the officer, Sergeant Ken Rich, was hit by a Toyota Hilux ute about 8.50am.
Ken Rich surrounded by his brother, sister and cousins on his graduation day from the police force. Photo: Supplied
Sergeant Rich’s daughter cared for him at the scene until an ambulance arrived.
Paramedics worked on him for about an hour, but he died at the scene.
His devastated cousin Sue Dickson said the father-of-five loved nothing more than spending time with his wife Kerry and their adult children Samantha, Charlene, Jacinta, Crystal and Brandon.
“His kids were his world,” Ms Dickson said.
“He was involved in all their activities as they were growing up and coached many kids in the Pakenham area.”
“He was a real family man and loved being at home with his wife and kids.”
Sergeant Ken Rich pictured celebrating his birthday with his cousin and close friend Sue Dickson. Photo: Supplied
Ms Dickson said she’d grown up with Sergeant Rich and the pair remained close, sharing every birthday together.
“We were born two days apart,” she said.
“Our mothers are identical twins so we grew up together (and we) saw each other almost every day.”
Ms Dickson said the devoted father and police officer had confided in her recently about the increasing pressures of his work and his desire to retire soon.
“The last few real conversations I had with him made me realise how much the police force got him down,” she said.
“He hated the youth suicide problem and the fact that many young people were not growing up in a loving family environment any more.”
By others that knew him, Sergeant Rich was remembered as a “real personality” and a highly regarded law enforcement officer .
“He was out enjoying Good Friday with his family as most people are across the country,” Assistant Commissioner Robert Hill said.
Sergeant Rich, had only taken up cycling in recent years.
“The family is heartbroken. They are dealing with the loss of a husband and a father,” Mr Hill said.
The officer had been in the force since 1980 and worked at the Narre Warren police station for 25 years.
Sergeant Rich was in “the twilight of his policing career” and “looking forward to retirement, looking forward to spending time with his wife and children … looking forward to travel and all of those things on our bucket list when we come to the end of our careers,” Mr Hill said.
His colleagues were devastated at the tragic news.
“They have lost one of their members, one of their leaders, their friend,” Mr Hill said.
“He was certainly well respected and well regarded … a member that was full of life, affable, a real personality around our police station.”.
“Road trauma; it doesn’t discriminate.”
Sergeant Rich’s friends and acquaintances have left tributes on social media for him.
“A good man lost his life today,” Simon Yeo said.
“Ken was swimming coach to our boys and President of the Cardinia Piranhas Swim Club. RIP.”
Mandy Yeo wrote: “RIP Ken our thoughts with you and your family.”
Angie King described him as a “wonderful man, brave, kind”.
“Rest in peace, Ken Rich,” she said.
“Thank you.”
The officer and his daughter were cycling east, on the shoulder of the highway in a 100km/h zone.
The ute was also travelling east when it struck the officer, police said.
It has been reported the ute was trying to overtake the cyclists, when the side mirror of the vehicle hit Sergeant Rich.
The driver of the ute, a 58-year-old man from Pakenham, was not injured. He stayed at the scene and was assisting police with their inquiries.
Major collision investigation unit detectives are working to determine the cause of the crash.
Secretary of the Victorian Police Association, Sergeant Wayne Gatt sent his condolences to the officer’s family.
“Earlier today, we learnt that one of our members was tragically killed in a road accident,” he said.
“For the member’s family, friends and close policing colleagues, the Easter period will now always be tinged with sadness. Our prayers and condolences are with them all, at this very difficult time.”
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Catherine WallRIP Sergeant Ken Rich & condolences to his wife & family & his daughter who was there, May God bless & protect her & also the driver of the car from the little I have heard it WAS an accident & I can only “imagine” the agonies this poor man is going through & will continue to endure, so sad .
Daniel GabrielYet a couple weeks ago the Victorian government announced that it has no immediate plans to introduce a minimum passing distance law for vehicles overtaking cyclists despite other states bringing it in. RIP
Rose NelanjRIP Sgt RICH. A stalwart man if ever there was one. I am fairly sure the world stopped turning for just a second when you left it behind. May you watch over us now from a better place, where peace and kindness rein. Loving thoughts and prayers for your family Ken and for your brave and loving daughter, who was by your side.
Assistant Commissioner Robert Hill on behalf of all staff within Victoria Police Southern Metro Region express heartfelt condolences and offer our deepest sympathy to the family on the tragic passing of our much respected colleague and valued friend.
RICH. Ken. The President, Executive and Members of The Police Association mourn the passing of Sergeant Rich and extend their deepest sympathy to his family.
The Chief Commissioner, Officers, Employees of Victoria Police Force regret the tragic death of their colleague and offer their deepest sympathy to his family.
By John Kidman and Sean Berry August 3 2003
The Sun-Herald
A brief is being prepared for the coroner on the baffling overdose death of a young Sydney police officer, with detectives unable to discount the possibility he met with foul play.
The tragedy has also sparked a crisis of confidence within the force’s elite Special Crimes and Internal Affairs branch (SCIA), following claims that repeat warnings about the constable running off the rails were ignored.
City Central general duties officer Matthew Williams was found dead at his Fairlight home unit on the city’s northern beaches 17 days ago, The Sun-Herald has learned.
Sources close to the investigation say he was discovered by his flatmate – also a police officer – with two isolated needle marks in his arm and a used syringe beside his bed.
Suicide and misadventure have not been ruled out, but detectives are also said to be considering the extraordinary prospect that the 26-year-old policeman was deliberately injected with a lethal dose of heroin – known within the criminal fraternity as a “hot shot”.
Internal affairs and crime scene investigators are understood to have spent almost five hours combing the apartment without finding any further trace of the drugs that killed him or other incriminating evidence.
Williams was thought to have spent the night before he died drinking with workmates into the early hours of the morning.
“There was talk about him heading up to the [Kings] Cross afterwards,” one said on condition of anonymity. “But that’s the last anyone knows about what happened.”
On Friday, senior detectives from Manly, the nearest command to where Williams’s body was found, spent the morning speaking to his parents, Robert and Mary Williams, at their home in Sydney’s inner-west.
The couple is still too distraught to speak about the case.
A spokeswoman for NSW Police Commissioner Ken Moroney said on Friday he was unable to comment on the incident while it was before the coroner.
However, a Sun-Herald investigation has found that Williams had been the subject of a series of police intelligence reports alleging his involvement with party drugs and the inner-city club scene.
Last year, Mr Moroney announced plans to thwart corruption by profiling at-risk officers and intervening to save their careers before they did the wrong thing.
An ongoing audit of internal corruption complaints by SCIA has revealed that hundreds of complaints are not being acted upon.
In Williams’s case, at least one of his colleagues is alleged to have referred to his association with staff at the Cross’s notorious Stripperama, the same club where four off-duty police officers were savagely bashed in June.
Williams’s City Central colleagues spoke warmly of him yesterday.
“He was popular, really popular,” one told The Sun-Herald.
Service: From 20 June 1974to 29 March 1982 = 7+years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: 6 June 1957
Died on: 29 March 1982
Age: 24
Cause: Motor Vehicle Collision – Driver – Urgent Duty
Event location: Tapleys Hill Rd, Glenelg North
Funeral date: 1 April 1982
Funeral location: Mt Gambier, S.A.
Buried at: Carinya Gardens Cemetery, Mt Gambier
Memorial located at: ?
Warren Matheson had two small children when he died. The mother ( Barbara ) of those two small children kept in close contact with the parents of Warren after his death and are still in contact to this day. Warrens, now adult children ( Brett, 38 & Hayley, 36 ) ( in 2017) and their mother ( Barbara ) travelled from Qld to Mt Gambier in November 2016 and visited the grave of Warren. Warren now has two grandsons, now aged 5 & 1. The memory of Warren is still alive and the family will never forget the loss.
Warren Mathesons’ now adult children ( Hayley, 36 & Brett, 38 ) ( as of 2017) as seen in November 2016 with Warrens’ two grandsons, now aged 5 & 1.
This photo is Warrens parents Ian and Maureen Matheson ( seated ) with the family celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary November 2016.
Certificate of Service
[alert_green]WARRENis mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green]
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
March 29, 1982 | Two young constables, Warren John Matheson, 24, and Matthew John Payne, 22, died after the vehicle they were pursuing through Adelaide’s south-western suburbs swerved into their police car. Police subsequently charged the driver of the pursed vehicle with a number of very serious driving offences.
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29 September, 2010
Police honour their comrades
By Fred Smith (Cross Media Reporter)
Community members joined Limestone Coast police at a ceremony at the Mt Gambier Police Station on Thursday for the National Police Remembrance Day.
The presence of riderless horse at a ceremony at the Mt Gambier Police Station on Thursday was a time-honoured way of paying respects to the fallen.
Such gestures have been hallmarks of military and State funerals since the nineteenth century.
Local officers arranged for the riderless horse with boots reversed in its stirrups to be part of the annual religious ceremony to mark National Police Remembrance Day.
The 16-year-old grey horse called “Limelight” was formerly a part of the South Australian Police Mounted Cadre.
In retirement, “Limelight” was brought to Mt Gambier by its former rider Senior Constable Stephanie Cooper.
After nine years with the Mounted Cadre, Senior Constable Cooper is now on general police duties in Mt Gambier.
She rode another horse “Star of Courage” to the ceremony while “Limelight” was led to it by Constable Barb Bushell.
The two horses stood guard while community members and police honoured those who had given their lives in the line of duty.
The wreath layers at the 45 minute ceremony included local resident Maureen Matheson.
She laid a floral tribute in memory of her eldest son, Warren John Matheson, who was killed while on police duty in Adelaide in 1982.
At the time of his death, he was a 24-year-old married father with an infant son and daughter.
He was laid to rest in the Carinya Gardens Cemetery in Mount Gambier.
Mrs Matheson said another young officer from this region was killed in the same motor vehicle collision which claimed the life of her son.
“He was 22-year-old Constable Matthew Payne, of Rendelsham.
“Matthew was not supposed to be on traffic duties with Warren on this day but his regular partner could not make this shift.
“Matthew is buried at Rendelsham.
“I have been coming to these annual ceremonies for several years.
“One has been held at Warren’s grave while another took place at the Rendelsham cemetery.
“In recent years, we have been holding the ceremony here at Mt Gambier,” said Mrs Matheson.
The other wreath layers were representatives of the Limestone Coast Police Local Service Area, SA Police Legacy, Mt Gambier City Council, District Council of Grant, MFS, SA Ambulance Service and the Rotary Club of Mt Gambier West.
A wreath was also placed on Constable Payne’s grave later in the day by Sergeant Richard Murphy, of the SA Police Legacy.
The master of ceremonies in Mt Gambier was Sergeant Andy Stott while the prayers were led by Police Chaplain and Mt Gambier Anglican parish priest, the Reverend Canon Brian Ashworth.
