In loving memory Dear husband Thomas David GREGORY Died 31st March 1962 Aged 68 years A loving wife & Mother Mildred Jane GREGORY Died 26th May 1972 Aged 59 years
[alert_yellow]THOMAS is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow]
*NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
A former policeman, who drove the first ‘PD’ car ever used in Parramatta, died recently after nine years’ retirement from the force.
He was Constable First Class Thomas David Gregory ( 68 ) and he is survived by his wife and two married sons and daughters. Many senior police officers joined the guard of honour outside All Saints Church following the funeral service.
Constable Gregory, who served for many years in Parramatta and Dundas, retired from the force in 1953 after 32 years service.
Popular
A returned soldier from World War I, he was popular with children throughout the district for his care and attention while directing traffic at the city’s busiest intersections.
A former fellow – officer said yesterday that Constable Gregory was one of the most popular officers ever to serve in Parramatta. He said Const. Gregory was a familiar sight throughout the district driving a ‘bullnozed’ PD car in 1925.
Tributes
Const. Gregory was later transferred to duty in Parramatta Court House, and on his retirement, tributes to him were paid by Judges, Senior Counsel and other members of the Bar. His death came as a blow to the hundreds of people who knew him during his police service and since his retirement.
A long guard of honour of friends and former fellow officers stood in respect as the cortege left from his Grose Street home. Rev. O. Crawford conducted the service at All Saints Church, and later at the graveside in St. Paul’s cemetery, Carlingford.
Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate (Parramatta, NSW : 1888 – 1950), Monday 22 June 1936, page 1
Wireless Patrol in Crash
Chase of Stolen Car
FENCE KNOCKED DOWN
Constable Gregory’s promptness and presence of mind averted what might have been a fatal crash In Church-street, Parramatta, early on Sunday morning, when a stolen car, travelling at over 70 miles an hour, swerved in front of the Parramatta Police wireless patrol car.
Constable Gregory, who was driving the wireless car, turned quickly to avoid a collision. A front tyre blew out and the car, getting into a broadside skid, ran on to the footpath,knocked down a fence and finished up in a hedge.
The accident occurred after the two cars had crossed Lennox Bridge. The driver of the stolen car, who was accompanied by a man and a woman, swerved in front as the police drew abreast.
Despite the high speed at which it was travelling, the patrol car received relatively small damage. With Constable Gregory were Constable Tompkins ( operator ) and Detective Booth.
Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate (NSW : 1876 – 1954) , Monday 9 March 1931, page 4
TWO MEN CHARGED
Fugitive Shot in Knee
SYDNEY Sunday.
When one of two men failed to stop after being challenged by the police in Sydney-road, Granville last night, Constable Gregory fired three shots, one of which struck a fugitive in the left knee. The man was conveyed to the Parramatta Hospital, and admitted. The other man made no attempt to escape when the police made their challenge. Subsequently both men were charged.
The police visited a house in Auburn and recovered £300 worth of property, alleged to have been stolen.
Thomas David Gregory was born in 1893 in the Queanbeyan district on NSW. Some sources, including his enlistment papers, state his name as David Thomas Gregory although birth and baptismal records give his name as Thomas David Gregory. His grandfather and father were rural workers at properties around Duntroon and Tharwa and Gregory is associated with Royalla, NSW where he too was a farm labourer.
Gregory enlisted in April 1916 with the 56th Battalion and joined his unit near Flers in France in February 1917. The 56th Battalion fought at Louverval and Bullecourt during April and May 1917. Gregory was gassed at Polygon Wood in Belgium in September 1917. He rejoined the 56th Battalion in June 1918 and was wounded three months later at Péronne on the Somme River where he was shot in the ankle, leg and forearm.
After the war, Gregory worked for a few months at the Royal Military College, Duntroon before applying for a Soldier Settlement block. In his application, he indicated he wanted to graze sheep, that he was single with no dependents and that he had £250 in capital.
Gregory was granted the lease on Woden Block 110D of 208 acres (84 hectares), one of the smallest blocks in the District of Woden. Jerrabomberra Avenue (now the Monaro Highway) boarded the block on the west and Narrabundah Lane on the north. The lease began on the 3rd April 1920 for 25 years at an annual rental of £50/10.
Plan of Woden Block 110D.
The Commonwealth never intended for anyone to be able to make a living from Woden Block 110D; Gregory certainly didn’t. He applied for an advance of £168/15 to buy 150 ewes as well as funds to build fences worth about £35. However, it seems that Gregory did not stock his block but sublet it, as he wrote in 1922, “for 2 years to Messrs Hardy and Reid.”
Google Maps image of area c2013 with Woden Block 110D boundary in red.
By 1922, Gregory had moved to Parramatta, NSW where he married and also joined the New South Wales Police Force. William Harris, a neighbour at Jerrabomberra, looked after the block on Gregory’s behalf. He held onto Woden Block 110D until May 1931 when he transferred it to another neighbour, Hector McIntosh, who in turn sold it to Hugh Read in 1934. Thomas Gregory retired from the NSW Police in 1953 as a Senior Constable and died on the 31st March 1962 in Parramatta.
Rank: NSW Police Cadet – commenced 26 February 1942
Probationary Constable – appointed 29 June 1945
Inspector 3rd Class – appointed 1 March 1974
Inspector 2nd Class – appointed 2 March 1976
Inspector 1st Class – appointed 1 August 1977
Senior Inspector – appointed 14 April 1978
Superintendent – appointed 21 December 1978
Senior Superintendent – appointed 17 September 1982
Executive Chief Superintendent – Retirement
Stations: ?, “possibly” Parkes ( as Detective ), “possibly” Penrith ( as Detective Sgt ), Superintendent ( Dubbo ), Chief Superintendent ( Parramatta – 18 Division ), Superintendent of Metropolitan Area
Service: From26 February 1942to 14 February 1985=43years Service
Awards: National Medal – granted 15 November 1982
Born: 15 February 1925 in Nabiac, NSW
Died on: Wednesday 14 June 2017 at Kingswood, NSW
Age: 92
Cause: ?
Event location: Kingswood, NSW
Event date: Wednesday 14 June 2017
Funeral date: Tuesday 20 June 2017
Funeral location: private funeral via Supremacy Funerals Chapel, 44 Station St, Penrith
Memorial Service: A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday 12 July 2017 at Caddens Retirement Village, 21 Braeburn Street, Caddens at 2.30 pm.
Buried at: ?
Memorial located at: ?
Lion Frank Killen, one of two founding members of the Penrith Lions Club, has been awarded the highly prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship award for his ongoing dedication to the club.
FRANK is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
May they forever Rest In Peace
Frank Killen passed away and funeral notice in this mornings Daily Telegraph. He was a senior officer and the family well entrenched in Police history with siblings Louise F. KILLEN (Cummings) ( Regd # 11006 ) with John Francis KILLEN ( Regd # 19176 ) and Martin P. KILLEN ( Regd # 17965 ) former members too. R I P.
Francis Leonard (Frank) Killen
Born in Nabiac NSW, Australia on 15 February 1925
Passed away in Kingswood NSW on 14 June 2017
Late of Penrith District
Aged 92 years
Service Details
A private funeral service will be held on Tuesday 20 June 2017. A Celebration of Live Service will be held in July 2017, date to be advised.
KILLEN, Francis Leonard (Frank)
15/2/1925 – 14/6/2017
Late of Penrith District Beloved husband of Anne. Loved and devoted father, step-father, father-in-law, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Forever in our Hearts
A private funeral service will be held on Tuesday 20 June 2017. A Celebration of Frank’s Life will be held on Wednesday 12 July 2017 at Caddens Retirement Village, 21 Braeburn Street, Caddens at 2.30 pm.
Supremacy Funerals
(02) 4721 2020
Penrith and All Suburbs
Published in The Sydney Morning Herald on June 17, 2017 – See more at: http://tributes.smh.com.au/obituaries/smh-au/obituary.aspx?n=francis-leonard-killen-frank&pid=185822696#sthash.ZPEgyiu1.dpuf
Lion Frank Killen, one of two founding members of the Penrith Lions Club, has been awarded the highly prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship award for his ongoing dedication to the club.
Mr Killen started the Lions Club in 1957 and after more than 50 years of dedication, the Lions International’s Head Office in Oak Brook, Illinois, America bestowed on him the Fellowship.
“I appreciate the award but never set out to win it,” Mr Killen said.
“I started the Lions Club in 1957 and was formerly the president and then also the secretary for 17 years straight.
“One of our longest lasting community initiatives has been support for the Nepean Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Each year for nearly 20 years we have provided them with finances to help import expensive equipment that they may need.”
Fellow Lions Club member, Barry Leavett-Brown said that Mr Killen has served the Penrith Lions Club earnestly with great determination and, as one would expect, had very high standards in his position of club secretary for more than twenty years.
“He has been a stalwart on the committee that runs the Chocolate Wheel project in the Westfield Plaza,” he added.
Appearing in Penrith Court last week on a charge of murder at Springwood, a Woodford man was alleged to have told police that he also intended killing the wife of the dead man.
The man charged, James Frederick Burne, 23, of Woodford, was committed by Mr. A. Cummerford, S.M., for trial at Central Criminal Court sitting to commence on February 26.
For the defendant, Mr. E. O’Loughlin said Burne would plead not guilty and reserved his defence.
Burne was charged with having murdered his brother in-law, Allan Frederick Edwin Wright, 27, at Springwood on January 15, 1962.
In evidence, Sergt. Ronald F. Stewart, of Lawson, said a man rang him at the Lawson Police Station early on Monday morning, January 15. The man had told the sergeant his name and said he had just killed Allan Wright.
Sergt. Stewart said Burne had told him that Wright was married to his (Burne’s) sister.
Burne had said: “I intend ed to kill them both. She bullied me, and they both annoyed me.”
PUSHED GUN AWAY
Police also alleged that Burne had said Wright had sat up in bed and pushed the barrel of Burne’s gun away. “I pulled the trigger and he fell over the end of the bed,” Burne is alleged to have said.
Detective-Sergt. Francis J. Killen, of Penrith, told the court he went to a house in Springwood at 2.20 a.m. on January 15. A body was lying on the floor of the bedroom.
A post-mortem showed two gunshot wounds in the head, either of which could have caused death, Dr. E. Scott Young said in evidence.
Detective-Sergt. Killen, who had been accompanied to the house by Sergt. Stewart and Senior Constable W. Power, of Springwood, said Burne had told him at 3.40 a.m. he had not been at work the previous day.
After reading magazines and thinking a lot, he had decided to kill Allan Wright and Mrs. Wright, Burne told Detective-Sergt. Killen.
Widow of the dead man, Mrs. Eileen Wright, employed as a casual nurse, said she had been at work on the night of the shooting. There had been frequent disagreements between her and her brother, Mrs. Wright said.
Former Tallaganda Shire Clerk To Stand Trial Stealing Charges
Mr.. C. N. Finlay, S.M, yesterday committed a former Shire Clerk of Tallaganda Shire Council for trial on two charges of stealing money from Tallaganda Council.
He Is Malcolm Joseph Noonan, 36, a married man with five children, now a member of the R.A.A.F. station at Glenbrook.
Noonan was charged with: Stealing £155 from Tallaganda council between April 2 and April 7 while a servant of the council.
Stealing £164 from Tallaganda Council between April 17 and April 20.
Tallaganda Shire Council has its headquarters at Braidwood.
Mr. Finlay committed Noonan for trial after hearing evidence on both charges in Goulburn Court of Petty Sessions yesterday. The trial will be held at next Goulburn Quarter Sessions to commence on September 13.
£100 BAIL
The defendant has been allowed £50 bail on each charge. He reserved his defence.
DETECTIVE’S EVIDENCE
Detective Francis Leonard Killen, of Penrith, said he had seen the defendant at R.A.A.F. Headquarters at Glenbrook on May 20 this year. The defendant had told him he had been in the Air Force since June 4 last year. Prior to that he had been Shire Clerk for the Tallaganda Shire Council.
He had told the defendant he (Killen) had a warrant for his arrest on a charge of stealing £155 from the Tallaganda Shire.
Witness said the defendant had commented, “This is a bit of a blow. I fixed that up.” Witness said the defendant had added: “I took £155 and I took other money too, but I put it all back and I thought every thing would be all right. “I was a bit silly. I was having a bad run at the punt but I had assets and I knew I could pay the money back. “But I did not get things fixed up as quickly as I thought I would and I had to go to Sydney and see my solicitor. “On May 8 I went with my father and gave them a bank draft for the money I owed.” Witness said the defendant had made a signed statement the following day at the Penrith Police Station. Killen added that at 11 a.m. yesterday he had again seen defendant at the Goulburn Police Station.
He had told him it was believed that he had taken a further £164, the property of the Tallaganda Shire Council, between April 17 and April 20. The defendant had said that was right. Witness said he had then asked the defendant why he took this money. The defendant had replied: “The same as the other.” Witness: “I said to him, ‘You mean you did that money on the horses or, as you say, on the punt.'” The defendant had said “Yes.” Witness said he had asked the defendant what had led up to him repaying the money eventually. The defendant had said: “I received a letter demanding that the money be repaid by May 9 or proceedings would be taken against me. “I went with my father on Friday, May 8.” The defendant had told him he had realised on his assets to the extent of £364 to repay money he owed to the council, witness said.
CLERK’S STATEMENT
Cleve James Taylor, an A grade clerk employed by Tallaganda Shire Council, said he had been employed by the council for five years and knew the defendant during that period. On the morning of April 7, 1953, a Miss Morris, who is now Mrs. Gowen, told him something as a result of which he checked the receipt books and checked cash for the takings on April 2 in a drawer in the strong room. He had found a deficiency of £155.
There was a note in the drawer with Mr. Noonan’s initials, M.J.N., and £155 written on it. He would say the note was in Noonan’s hand writing. He had seen the defendant on April 9 when Miss Morris told Noonan there was a deficiency of £155 in the cash drawer Witness said the defendant had told him he knew it was missing. “He did not give a reason for it being missing,” witness said.
EXPECTED CHEQUE
“He said he expected to receive a cheque in a day or so and would repay the money them ‘ Witness said he had found a further deficiency in cash in the strong room to the extent of £164 .on Monday, April 20. He did hot see the defendant that day and did not see him again as an employee of council. On May 8, 1953, Mr. Noonan had come to the shire office with his father and handed him a bank draft drawn on the Commonwealth Bank for £365 and 5/- In cash.
Witness said he had made out a receipt for £46/5/- for goods purchased from the council and given it to the defendant.
During the period from April 2 to April 20, he and Noonan were the only persons with keys to the strong room. “Only I and Mr. Noonan would have access to the safe after it was locked. “Money placed in the safe had been received on behalf of the Tallaganda Shire by the various employees in the office.”
“NO DOUBT MONEY WOULD BE REFUNDED”
The defendant, Noonan, asked the witness if he at any time had had any doubt that the money would be refunded. Witness : “I had no doubt at all.” To Noonan, witness said the Shire Clerk Would be “overall” responsible for any deficiency.
Mrs. Marie Clare Gowen, formerly Miss Morris, a clerk employed by the Tallaganda Council, corroborated the evidence given by witness Taylor.
SYDNEY : A 22-year-old farm worker had become too scared to take delivery of a motor truck which he purchased from a Sydney firm with two forged cheques for £1318, Det. Frank Killen, of Parkes, said in the Quarter Sessions today.
John Whitfield Dunstan, of Cowra, pleaded guilty to having forged both cheques, one for £860 and the other for £458, in the name of his employer, Roy Attenborough. grazier, of Parkes. Dunstan also pleaded guilty to having uttered the cheques. Judge Redshaw sentenced Dunstan to 12 months’ gaol and said that after Dunstan had served a reasonable part of it, he might recommend release provided Dunstan’s family arranged to establish him on the land.
Detective Killen said that Dunstan, a former fireman in the N.S.W. railways, had, after separation from his wife at Newcastle some months ago, become farm laborer in the Parkes district. Stole Cheque Forms In December last while employed by Mr. Attenborough, Dunstan had stolen two cheque forms from Mr. Attenborough’s cheque book, made passable imitations of Mr. Attenborough’s signature and had negotiated the cheques in the purchase of a motor truck. ‘I think he is more foolish than criminal,’ Det. Killen told Mr. Trevor Martin (for Dunstan).
When arrested, said Det. Killen, Dunstan was employed as a laborer at the Cowra gas works and in his spare time assisted in the training of trotting horses. In refusing to grant Dunstan a bond, the judge, referring to a previous conviction against Dunstan in 1950 for cattle stealing, said: ‘This is your second step in crime.’
Three detectives, whose CIB car was in a collision at Matraville last night with an oil waggon, each received injuries to the spine and fractures of the pelvis, an X-ray showed today.
The detectives, Norman Thomas, Thomas Quinn and Frank Killen, have all shown improvement since their admission to Prince Henry Hospital.
Det.-Sgt. Bennett Toms, who was also a passenger in the police car, was treated in hospital for severe shock. He is still too ill to resume duty.
In the collision, which occurred in Bunnerong Road, the police car was wrecked.
Detectives In Mangled Car SYDNEY, Friday.- Four Sydney detectives were in a police car when a 10-ton oil tender capsized and crushed it to-night at Matraville.
Two of the detectives were admitted to Prince Henry Hospital with serious injuries. They are Senior-detective Norman Thomas, 44, and Senior-detective Thomas Quinn, 39.
Detective Frank Killen, 23, went home after treatment. Detective sergeant Bennet Tome escaped in jury.
The tender loaded with 500 oil drums, is believed to have got out of control while rounding a corner in Bunnerong Road. The tender veered across the road and capsized on the police car, crushing it.
Gates of memories will never close, how much I miss you Steve no one knows. days pass away into years, but I think about those memories with silent tears.
Love Chris, Jono, Callie, Dave, Callum, Chloe and Curtis
Published by Illawarra Mercury on June 7, 2017 – See more at: http://tributes.kiamaindependent.com.au/obituaries/kiamaindependent-au/obituary.aspx?n=steve-passmore&pid=185712412#_ga=2.44858980.1908542426.1497097293-641006719.1497097293
Stephen Passmore 28/09/44 – 07/06/06
Steve I never go to say goodbye when angels came and took you away. I just wanted to hold your hand so tight kiss you gently and say goodnight. And then just before you had to go I would tell you how much I love you so. I don’t know how I don’t know why. Steve I never got to say goodbye.
Love Chris, Jono Callie, Dave, Callum, Chloe and Curtis
Published by Illawarra Mercury on June 7, 2016 – See more at: http://tributes.illawarramercury.com.au/obituaries/illawarramercury-au/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=180226868#sthash.RgMPQKLo.dpuf
Scientific Police – December 1979 Front Row L – R: Det Sgt 2/c A.J. WOOD, Det Sgt 2/c E.J. KELLY, Det Insp J.E. SNOWDEN, Det Insp J.E. MERRETT ( O.I.C. ), Det Sgt 1/c R.R. BROWN, Det Sgt 3/c D.W. WARDROBE, Det Sgt 2/c B. GIBSON 2nd Row L – R: Det Sgt 3/c L.K. CAMPBELL, P.C. Sgt 2/c J.H. SOILAND, Det SenCon J.R. HESLOP, P.C. Const S.J. HENKEL, Det SenCon D.J. HUGHES, Dets Sgt 3/c D.J. CHIVERS. 3rd Row L – R: Det SenCon R.W. MILLINGEN, P.C. Cst P.J. MARCON, Det SenCon C.S. IRELAND, P.C. Cst G.V. HALLETT, Det Cst 1/c D.M. MARTIN, P.C. Cst R.N. ADAMS, P.C. Cst 1/c D.J. RANSOME 4th Row L – R: P.C. Cst B.W. RITCHIE, P.C. Cst P.E. McCAMLEY, P.C. Cst S.O. HASSELL, P.C. Cst 1/c N.J. RAYMOND, P.C. Cst N.M. MYRIS, Det SenCst S.G. PASSMORE ABSENT: Det Sgt 3/c N.G. EZART, Det Sgt 3/c R.W. JOHNSON, Det SenCon W.F.W. DAY, Det SenCon E.L. OOSTERHOFF, Det SenCon M.R. EDWARDS, Det SenCon R.A. NAPIER, Det SenCon R.H. MUNDAY, P.W. Det SenCon V.L. FLEMING, Det SenCst R.J.W. BARBER, P.C. SenCst D.J. TYSOE, P.C. Cst 1/c T.P. BAKER, Det Cst 1/c R.B. MUSGRAVE, P.C. Cst 1/c P.A. SANDEMAN, P.C. Cst 1/c J.A. AHERN, P.C. Cst 1/c P.J. HOLDER, P.C. Cst G.L. MURPHY, P.C. Cst G.C. RATCLIFFE, P.C. Cst G.J. CLAUSEN, P.C. Cst M. CONWAY
Beresford John KILL
| 19/06/2017
Beresford John KILL
aka Barry
Late of Corrimal
New South Wales Police Force
[alert_yellow]Regd. # 10867[/alert_yellow]
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 28 October 1963
Loving father and father in law of Evan, Alanna, Tahnee, Mitchel, Rowan and Leonie, Patrice and Nathan, Bethany and Matthew, Julieanne and Michael, Leonard.
Much loved Grandad to his 14 grandchildren and Sookie.
Aged 80 Years
At Peace
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Barry’s funeral service to be held in the chapel, Parsons Funeral Home, 278 Princes Highway Bulli on Tuesday June 13, 2017 at 10am.
Published by Illawarra Mercury on June 9, 2017 – See more at: http://tributes.illawarramercury.com.au/obituaries/illawarramercury-au/obituary.aspx?n=beresford-john-kill-barry&pid=185746807#sthash.s16AoXZC.dpuf
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John Patrick BEHAN
| 19/06/2017
John Patrick BEHAN
Late of Sydney
New South Wales Police Force
[alert_yellow]Regd. # 7661[/alert_yellow]
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 26 October 1953
May have been a Railway Detective prior to joining the NSW Police Force.
Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1931 – 1954),
Tuesday 22 May 1951, page 12
RAIL POLICE RAID HOUSES
Railway detectives yesterday recovered more than £1000 worth of goods allegedly stolen recently from the railways.
They recovered the goods in a raid on a house in Park Avenue, Pagewood.
Later they seized more goods in a raid on a house in Erskineville.
Detective Bert James, of the C.I.B., Railway detective A. R. Whittaker and five other railway detectives made the raids.
They raided the house in Pagewood when they saw a man drive an empty truck into the premises. They found the living-room stacked high with carpets, tyres, arid men’s sports coats.
The carpets included 12 wall-to-wall carpets and about 100 yards of carpet runner.
In the raid at Erskineville the detectives arrested a man carrying a sugar bag. The sugar bag contained 12 dozen new spoons and a quantity of men’s sand shoes.
Later, at Daceyville Police Station, the detectives charged a young married woman with having had in her custody goods suspected of being stolen.
At Central Police Station they laid similar charges against the woman’s three brothers.
Nothing further is known about this man and further information is sought.
Cal
6 June 2017
Peter John ARMSTRONG
| 19/06/2017
Peter John ARMSTRONG
aka Sheepdog
Late of Picketts Valley, NSW
New South Wales Police Force
[alert_yellow]Regd. # 21800[/alert_yellow]
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 25 January 1985
Constable – appointed 25 January 1986
Stations: ?, Burwood & Enfield ( 9 Division ), VKG1 ( Sydney ), Flemington, Gosford – Medical Retirement
Service: From? ? pre January 1985? to? ? ? = ? years Service
Awards: There are two Peter John Armstrong’s mentioned on It’s An Honour.
They both received the National Medal & 1st Clasp to National Medal with one receiving the 2nd Clasp but I am unable to confirm who is who on that system.
Born: 2 March 1965
Died on: ” Left to go to heaven” on Thursday 1 June 2017 @ 2.15pm at home
Age: 52
Cause: Tumour in the brain. Diagnosed in May 2016
Event location: ?
Event date: Thursday 1 June 2017 @ 2.15pm
Funeral date: Friday 9 June 2017
Funeral location: Pete requested a private funeral for his family and close friends. The Chapel, Greenways Chapel and Memorial Gardens, 460 Avoca Dve, Green Point
Buried at: ? TBA
Memorial located at: ?
[alert_yellow]PETER 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.
In the words of his wife, former member Peter Armstrong “left to go to heaven” at 2.15pm this afternoon., (1st June). No funeral details at this stage but will advise. Please give Prue and the girls as much support as you can and keep them in your prayers and thoughts.
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Pete also played Police Footy with five Dock Police.
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Edwy Frederick BUNT
| 19/06/2017
Edwy Frederick BUNT APM
older brother of Alex Robert BUNT RIP – November 2017 ( NSWPF # 7854 )
aka Ted BUNT
Late of ?
NSW Police Cadet # 503
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 5771
Rank: NSW Police Cadet – commenced 17 January 1945 ( aged 16 years, 5 months, 29 days )
Probationary Constable – appointed 19 July 1947 ( aged 19 years, 0 months, 0 days )
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 8 October 1963
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed 23 May 1970
Sergeant 1st Class – appointed 1 April 1974
Inspector 3rd Class – appointed 30 September 1977
Senior Inspector – 1982?
Chief Superintendent – appointed ? March 1984
Assistant Commissioner ( General ) – appointed 12 December 1984
Stations: ?, Central – ‘ A ‘ District – 1 Division, District Commander – Parramatta ( 18 Division ),
Prosecutor ( – Senior Inspector – 1982 ), The Downing Centre Court, Region Commander – North West ( 1987 )
Friday 4 November 1988 – changed from the Roll of Barrister to the Roll of Solicitor
Service: From17 January 1945to 18 July 1988=43years, 6 months, 1 days Service
Age at Retirement: 59 years, 11 months, 29 days
Years in Retirement: 28 years, 10 months, 9 days
Awards: National Medal – granted 19 November 1984 ( Chief Supt. )
Australian Police Medal ( APM ) – granted 9 June 1986 ( Assistant Commissioner )
Dearest father of Frances, Amanda, Joanne, Edwy (Ted) and Alexis.
Loved father-in-law of David Curtis, Ian Templeton, Brian Keogh and Erkin Aytekin.
Adored Grandfather of Ellen, Huon, Robbie, Erica, Laura, Aidan, Declan, Liam, Kade and Lauren and
Great Grandfather of Zac, Cooper and Josephine.
Loving brother of Alex and loving cousin of Jacqueline Milledge ( P/Women # 0171 )
Cherished by many.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend TED’s service in the Magnolia Chapel, Macquarie Park Crematorium, Cnr Delhi and Plassey Roads, North Ryde, on Thursday 1st June 2017 at 2.00pm.
ALBERT & MEYER
AUSTRALIAN OWNED
Thornleigh 9484 3992
Published in The Sydney Morning Herald on May 29, 2017 – See more at: http://tributes.smh.com.au/obituaries/smh-au/obituary.aspx?n=edwy-frederick-bunt-ted&pid=185641701#sthash.tQXUT2BZ.dpuf
Both Ted BUNT & Alex BUNT were cousins to Jacqueline Mary MILLEDGE, NSWPF – P/W 0171 who also became NSW State Coroner.
Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995),
Wednesday 26 September 1990, page 5
Minister ‘ interfering ‘ with NRMA
The president of the NRMA has criticised a federal minister for endorsing an ” action group ” against the present NRMA leadership.
The Minister for Land Transport, Bob Brown, has endorsed publicly the Motorists’ Action Group, headed by the NSW cricket captain, Geoff Lawson, and a former
TV journalist, Jane Singleton.
The NRMA president, Jim Millner, accused Mr Brown yesterday of using his position ” to interfere . . . in the election procedures of a private organisation “.
With 2 million NRMA members in NSW, the council election next month is the biggest poll in NSW after the state election.
Thirteen candidates are standing for the six council posts. Traditionally, existing councillors have been re-elected, but this year the six member Motorists’ Action Group is making a concerted bid.
Other members of the group include the Mayor of Bathurst, Ann Ashwood, and a retired assistant Police Commissioner, Ted Bunt. Former swimming champion Dawn Fraser is running on her own ticket.
An executive of the ACT branch said incumbent councillors tended to get re-elected because very few members voted.
QUEENSLAND’S police union has labelled the torment of Brett Forte’s wife today as “nothing short of a disgrace”.
Widow and fellow senior constable Susan Forte built the courage to make a midday public appearance, after spending the morning surrounded by family, friends and colleagues inside the Toowoomba police station.
About 10.45am, Susan emerged from the station with tears streaming down her face and a large bouquet of flowers in her hand.
She walked slowly towards the makeshift memorial that had been made in her husband’s honour.
Susan Forte is supported by friends and family as she visits a makeshift memorial to her husband outside Toowoomba police station. Picture: Darren England
But as she laid the bouquet down — inconsolable and barely able to stand on her own accord — Rick Maddison’s supporters saw an opportunity to let their voice be heard.
One person in a full car yelled “What about Rick?” as the Forte family huddled together, hunched over Susan in the floral sea of colours.
A gasp could be heard, but the family did not retaliate as the station wagon continued down Neil St.
Union president Ian Leavers lambasted the culprit.
“It is nothing short of a disgrace that associates of a career criminal and murderer would dare heckle a grieving widow while she pays tribute to her husband,” he said.
“Police and their families deserve better than to be treated like this.”
Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers says officers and their families deserve better
Despite the shock, Brett’s father Stuart turned and smiled as the family walked away — Susan arm-in-arm with her daughter Emma Morris.
Stuart confirmed yesterday that Brett’s funeral would be held in Toowoomba next Wednesday at the University of Southern Queensland campus.
Stuart said the family was doing its best to cope with the tragedy and the subsequent attention it had received.
Early morning visits to the Brett’s shrine outside the station have formed part of the grieving process for the family over the last two days.
Via a lawyer yesterday, Maddison’s family also spoke of their pain.
Memorial located at: ? A card left by Brett Fortes in-laws. Picture: Darren England
A statement — read out by Alroe and Sullivan’s Solicitors practice manager Michele Alroe -claimed the murderer was more than just a career criminal.
“To us he was not the one-dimensional career criminal which the media are now portraying but rather a loved son, brother, nephew, uncle, grandson, friend and mate to many and as such will be sadly mourned,” the statement read.
The statement went on to say that Maddison’s actions may never be fully understood, but it expressed condolences to the police force and the Forte family.
The streets of Toowoomba are rife with anecdotes about Maddison’s self-destructive behaviour.
Friend Anthony Hogan said Maddison was “banned from more licenced venues than he was allowed into”, but said he would never hesitate to help out a mate.
“His name can strike fear into people. He was notorious … I’ve known Rick for many years and I’m not ashamed to say,” Mr Hogan said.
“I loved the guy and I will miss him.
“I’m not defending his actions or his criminal side, nor would he want me to defend him, but those who truly know him, well there was a caring and fiercely loyal side to the man too.”
Stuart acknowledged that the Forte’s were not the only family grieving and maintained that he felt no ill-will towards Maddison for his actions.
Susan and Brett Forte on their wedding day.
Brett Forte’s funeral is expected to be held in Toowoomba next Wednesday.
Constable Forte was shot by Maddison as he gave chase to the criminal in bushland on Monday.
It is understood Constable Forte and his partner were in one of three police cars that followed known criminal Maddison down a dirt road in a “low speed chase” around 2pm on Monday at Seventeen Mile, near Toowoomba.
His colleague used her bare hands to tear a hole in the windscreen of their upturned car so she and others could drag him to safety — all while under fire from a crazed gunman with an automatic weapon.
The Courier-Mail understands Constable Forte and his partner were in one of three police cars that followed known criminal Maddison down a dirt road in a “low speed chase” around 2pm on Monday at Seventeen Mile, near Toowoomba.
In bushland, Maddison stopped and opened fire with a high-powered automatic weapon, hitting Toowoomba Tactical Crime Squad officer Constable Forte.
His vehicle and the other vehicles tried to reverse, but his rolled on the rough terrain, trapping him and his partner inside. With Maddison still firing, several officers from the second vehicle ran back to try to get their badly injured colleague out.
THE FAMILY of a gunman who shot dead Senior Constable Brett Forte have called his actions inexcusable but deny he was a “one dimensional career criminal”.
In a statement released through lawyers this morning, the family of Toowoomba man Rick Maddison expressed their condolences to the family and friends of Senior Constable Brett Forte.
“The Maddison family wishes to express our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the late Senior Constable Brett Forte for their tragic loss,” the statement read.
Senior Constable Forte’s funeral is expected to be held in Toowoomba next Wednesday.
The scene of a tense stand-off between police and Rick Maddison near Gatton earlier this week.
They said Rick’s actions could not be excused, “nor is it likely they will be ever fully understood”.
“To us he was not the one- dimensional career criminal which the media are now portraying but rather a loved son, brother, nephew, uncle, grandson, friend and mate to many and as such will be sadly mourned,” the statement read.
The family also expressed their support for QPS and thanked negotiators for their attempts to resolve the situation peacefully.
Senior Constable Brett Forte.
“We express our support for the Queensland Police Service and the often difficult and dangerous work its officers are required to undertake. We particularly wish to thank the police negotiators for their attempts to resolve a very difficult situation peacefully.
“The Maddison family thank the many people who have expressed to them their overwhelming support, sympathy, love and prayers,
“We ask both the press and public to accept the pain and remorse we are feeling and to respect our privacy at this very difficult time.”
Rick Maddison was shot dead by specialist police officers after a tense 20-hour standoff at his barricaded rural property in Adare, east of Toowoomba on Tuesday
Constable grew up to passionately follow in his father’s policing footsteps
Chris Clarke, The Courier
Senior Constable Brett Forte.
-Mail
AN OLD police hat will be placed in Senior Constable Brett Forte’s hands when he is laid to rest in the coming days.
It was the hat his father Stuart wore during his more than 42 years with Queensland Police.
More than a decade ago – soon after Brett had married the love of his life and fellow officer Susan – the respected Toowoomba officer had found the hat sitting in the laundry of his father’s home.
He claimed it and wore it as his own until his final day on Monday when he was shot and killed by a cop-fearing gunman.
The hat is a symbol of the Forte family’s affinity for policing, Stuart told The Courier-Mail yesterday.
A treasured possession that will forever remind him of the boy who would sneak out of home to turn on his old man’s police radio.
The boy who would grow up to passionately follow in his father’s policing footsteps – like Stuart had done himself years earlier.
“He’s just a hero,” Stuart said. “He was a great bloke and he needs to be remembered,” he said.
Brett – known for his humour at home and at work – wasn’t afraid to do the hard yards and he rose through the ranks by doing his time in the regions around Brisbane.
Brett Forte with wife Susan on their wedding day.
Brett’s children: Step-daughter Emma with Brodie and Samuel.
His career had him sent to Cunnamulla, west of Brisbane, before going to Toowoomba, then Caboolture and settling down in Toowoomba again.
Brett leaves behind two sons, Brodie, 9, and Samuel, 3, and stepdaughter Emma, 16.
Similarly, Brett grew up in a family of three, but it wasn’t until early adulthood that he informed his father of his desire to join the force.
While Stuart’s father had some reservations about his own son joining the force around 1970, Stuart himself was never reluctant to see his son sign up.
“(Brett) was always that way (passionate about policing),” he said.
“I wouldn’t say he was gungho, but he wanted to get in there and do the job and do the job right.
Brett’s father Stuart Forte: He was a great bloke and he needs to be remembered. Picture: Liam Kidston
“I’ve been told that he was the guy who had the knowledge of the guidelines and how you’re supposed to do things.
“If anyone wanted any advice, he’d tell them that you do it this way.
“He knew what he was doing and he was very smart in that area.”
Brett’s heartbroken stepdaughter Emma Morris yesterday laid flowers outside Toowoomba Police Station in memory of her father figure.
Bretts son Samuel, 3, is comforted at the Toowoomba police station memorial. Picture: 7 News Queensland
She echoed her grandfather’s sentiments, calling Brett a hero.
But Emma wept at the thought of her brothers growing up without the guidance she had received from him.
“Brett was just a true hero to everybody he knew … a true family man that would put his life on the line for anybody,” she said.
Slain police officer Brett Forte’s step-daughter Emma, 16, placed flowers and read cards with a friend at the Southern District Headquarters Memorial, Toowoomba. Picture: Liam Kidston
“Especially because I have younger siblings and they’re never going to remember him.”
Brett is expected to be laid to rest in coming days with his faded police hat.
But Stuart expects his son’s legacy to live forever within Queensland police ranks.
It remains to be seen whether Brodie and Samuel will follow in their father’s footsteps and continue the family tradition.
One thing Stuart will ensure is that they will grow up knowing their dad was a hero.
Arrangements for Brett’s funeral are still being discussed by his family, who gathered at the home he and Susan shared at Highlands, a suburb of Toowoomba, yesterday. The funeral will be held in Toowoomba next Wednesday in Toowoomba but the location of the ceremony is yet to be determined.
While some in the Forte family have expressed anger towards the slain officer’s killer, Stuart says he has no ill will.
“I don’t hate anybody,” he said. “Funnily enough I thought I would, but there’s no hatred there.”
A tribute outside police Regional Headquarters in Toowoomba. Picture: Liam Kidston
Such a waste…………………both to Brett’s personal family and friends and his Police Family. Why such a good soul has to be taken from this world, is beyond comprehension!! Cherryl
You’re a hero of the thin blue line. May you now rest in peace brother. Fred
No words can be said other than THANK YOU and you will be missed. noel
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EXCLUSIVE: Harrowing video shows the frantic moment police race to save the life of a fellow officer and married father-of-two ‘shot dead by a wanted man armed with a machine gun’
Video has emerged of the moment police tried to save an injured officer’s life
Snr Const Brett Forte was shot and killed in the Lockyer Valley, west of Brisbane
Mr Forte was shot by a wanted man during the incident west of Brisbane
Harrowing footage shows police frantically performing CPR on Snr Const Forte
Local residents have reported hearing ‘non-stop automatic machine gunfire’
The gunman is believed to currently be holed up in a rural farmhouse nearby
Published: 22:00 +10:00, 29 May 2017 | Updated: 01:50 +10:00, 30 May 2017
Harrowing video has emerged of the frantic moment police officers bravely tried to save the life of a hero Queensland senior constable who was shot dead allegedly by a wanted man on Monday.
Daily Mail Australia has obtained video from a Lockyer Valley resident who watched with her heart in her mouth as cops worked frantically to save the life of a married father-of-two.
A known offender, Rick Charles Maddison, 41, allegedly shot Senior Constable Brett Forte at about 1.40pm during a police chase in the regional area near Toowoomba, an hour west of Brisbane.
‘A hero lost his life today,’ state police minister Mark Ryan said in a statement.
In the video, filmed on a mobile phone from the window of a nearby home, officers sprint up the road, sirens wail and police can be seen performing CPR on Snr Const Forte.
WARNING *******UPSETTING AUDIO IN THIS CLIP ***** PTSD TRIGGERS
‘Jesus Christ!’ the woman could be heard exclaiming.
Police later bellowed for her to step away from the windows due to the active shooter, sources said.
Maddison, who was believed to be armed with a machine gun, abruptly stopped and got out of his car during the chase involving two police vehicles and four officers and allegedly shot Snr Const Forte.
Maddison, from Toowoomba, then drove down a dirt road at Seventeen Mile, just northwest of Gatton.
A police vehicle is towed from the scene where Snr Const Forte was killed on Monday afternoon
It was understood the police vehicle Snr Const Forte had been travelling in rolled over after the chase resumed and Maddison also allegedly fired at a police helicopter while fleeing into bushland before entering a farm house.
The husband of the woman who filmed the video told Daily Mail Australia she was frightened and ‘freaking out a bit’ after gunfire rang out through the area.
Police officers would later carry the wounded officer off the paddy wagon onto her front lawn and ‘keep him alive’, he said.
Several locals were forced to watch helplessly behind a barricade for hours while their wives were stuck in their homes behind police lines.
Truck driver Peter Hills had been stuck outside on Adare Road for six hours when he spoke to Daily Mail Australia.
Mr Hills, who drives fresh produce for a living, said his wife called him on Monday afternoon asked: ‘Do you know if they’re shooting a movie or something?’
His partner witnessed streams of police cars, including black specialist vehicles and detective vehicles zooming down her street and then changing direction.
‘There’s a black paddy wagon, there’s another police car, now there’s an unmarked D-car… and then there was a little bit more – and then more went!’ he recounted her telling him.
‘And then all of a sudden they’ve all gone back the other way.’
Fatally wounded as he pursued the offender through the Lockyer Valley Region, Snr Const Forte was remembered as a hero by the Queensland police minister.
‘My thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of the Queensland Police Service officer who was tragically killed this afternoon while doing his job selflessly serving the people of Queensland,’ Mr Ryan said.
‘Along with millions of Queenslanders, I pay tribute to his service. He will never be forgotten. With honour, he served.’
TIMELINE OF EVENTS
– Tactical response officers travelling in two police cars tried to pull over a vehicle on Wellers Road, Seventeen Mile, in Queensland’s Lockyer Valley about 1.40pm on Monday
– Rick Charles Maddison, who was believed to be armed with a machine gun, got out of his car and allegedly opened fire on the police vehicles
– Senior Constable Brett Forte was shot
– Maddison then drove down a dirt road and it was understood one of the police vehicles rolled over after the chase resumed
– Maddison also allegedly fired at a police helicopter while fleeing into a farm house
– Snr Constable Forte was airlifted to Brisbane Hospital but was confirmed to have died by 4pm
– Police announce an emergency declaration has been declared under the provisions of the Public Safety Preservation Act and an exclusion zone has been put in place
– A manhunt begins for Maddison who is believed to be holed up in the farm house
Police are now negotiating with Maddison who is holed up in a farm house inside a locked-down area.
‘We have a person contained and at my last advice we were negotiating with that person,’ Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said at a press conference on Monday night.
Police had warned locals to stay indoors while negotiations were underway.
Local resident Kyal Pennell, 23, who was trapped in his home due to the exclusion zone, said he could hear ‘non-stop bursts of automatic gunfire’ and police sirens.
‘Every five minutes there’s gunfire. There’s been handgun shots, machine gun shots, and shotgun shots from what I can tell,’ he told Daily Mail Australia on Monday afternoon.
At 4.30pm, Mr Pennell said police holding semi-machine guns arrived at the front gate of his home to evacuate him and his neighbours from the area. Gunshot bursts were still echoing through the valley.
‘As far as I know, a couple of guys broke out of a jail and they’ve shot a police officer on the front lawn,’ one man told 9 News.
I had to go pick up the kids because the wife couldn’t get out, I was at work.’
Snr Const Forte was airlifted to Brisbane Hospital but was confirmed to have died by 4pm.
He had served in the force for 15 years and was a member of Toowoomba’s Tactical Crime Squad.
His wife, Susan, is also a police officer.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said in a statement her thoughts and prayers were with Snr Const Forte’s family and friends.
‘Every day, the brave officers of the Queensland Police Service put their lives on the line when they go to work,’ Ms Palaszczuk said.
‘Each of us should be immensely grateful for the work they do.’
In a tragic coincidence, Snr Const Forte’s death comes on the anniversary of slain Gold Coast detective Damian Leeding‘s shooting after he responded to an armed robbery at the Pacific Pines Tavern in 2011.
Heartbreaking attempt to save ‘hero’ cop caught on camera
May 30, 2017 1:51am
A DESPERATE attempt to save a dying policeman shot by a gunman in Queensland has been caught on camera.
Senior Constable Brett Forte, a father of two, was shot in Queensland’s Lockyer Valley on Monday afternoon when a man got out of his vehicle and opened fire on a number of police cars with an automatic weapon.
Police officers try to save the life of their shot colleague Brett Forte. Picture: Daily MailSource: Supplied
The heartbreaking footage, obtained by the Daily Mail, shows cops performing mouth-to-mouth and heart massage in a ditch beside a police car.
When officers notice the woman shooting the video, they yell at her to “get inside” and “get away from the window” because the shooter was still at large.
Queensland Police confirmed that Snr Const Forte had died in a statement on Monday night.
“A hero lost his life today,” Queensland Police Minister Mark Ryan said.
Officers try to revive Brett Forte. Source: Supplied
The gunman, who The Courier-Mail identified as “career criminal” Rick Maddison, is in a stand-off with police in an area near Gatton in southeast Queensland.
The incident began about 2pm when police attempted to stop a vehicle being driven by a “person of interest” on Wellers Rd at Seventeen Mile, near Toowoomba.
Snr Const Forte’s fellow officers were able to move him away and extract themselves from the scene.
Police are in negotiations with the gunman, who fled the vehicle into nearby bushland.
While neighbours reported hearing what sounded like machine-gun fire, police did not confirm details about the weapon.
Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart described the situation as an “active scene” and said the gunman was considered to be “at large”.
“Obviously we want to resolve this situation as peacefully as humanly possible,” he said.
Officers from the Special Emergency Response Team have arrived at the scene and a huge area has been locked down around Seventeen Mile, 115km west of Brisbane.
Gatton resident Kyal Pennell told news.com.au that he heard the first shots, which sounded like machine-gun fire, about 2.30pm and then a police siren for about 15 minutes.
“Then there was basically gunfire every 10 to 15 minutes from about 2.45pm through to 4.30pm,” he said.
“It was pretty scary, I wasn’t sure what to think, I wasn’t sure what was going on and I couldn’t see anything. I was only hoping it wasn’t getting any closer.”
Mr Pennell said he was eventually evacuated about 5.30pm and was now staying at a hotel with his family as police continued to hunt for the shooter.
Snr Const Forte was part of Toowoomba’s Tactical Crime Squad and worked with Queensland Police for about 15 years.
“My thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues … along with millions of Queenslanders, I pay tribute to his service,” Mr Ryan said in his tribute.
“He will never be forgotten.
“With honour, he served.”
There were also unconfirmed reports shots were fired at a police helicopter, which was forced to land for its own safety.
Police have urged nearby residents to remain inside as they try to locate the gunman.
A Queensland Ambulance Service spokesman earlier confirmed paramedics had been called to the scene to treat two people, one with critical injuries, however only one was transported to hospital.
One person was taken to nearby Toowoomba Hospital with shortness of breath.
An exclusion zone in place for the area of Fords Rd, Forestry Rd West, Sandy Creek Rd, Gerard Lane, 17 Mile, Wallers Rd and Forest Rd.
Cop shot dead as he tried to escape crashed police car
Yahoo7 News
Senior Constable Brett Forte had been pursuing the wanted violent offender when he opened fire at a patrol car.
Shortly after the officer was killed, police engaged in a shoot-out with the fugitive as residents reported hearing a volley of gunshots.
Pictured: Cop shot dead as he tried to escape crashed police car. Source: 7 News
On a country road in the rural Locker Valley is where a police pursuit came to a bloody and abrupt end.
Some residents have recorded the moment a gunman opened fire on police with a semi-automatic weapon.
It’s understood Senior Constable Brett Forte and his partner had pulled over wanted man Rick Maddison on Waller Street just after 2pm on Monday when the fugitive began shooting their patrol car.
It’s believed it rolled down an embankment during the gunfire.
The Toowoomba tactical crime officer was critically injured.
Details aren’t clear but it’s understood police had tried to return fire.
Those nearby attempted CPR however his injuries were too severe.
Police say the shooter then fled in a vehicle and then on foot.
An exclusion zone was set up across several hectares streets locked down and residents told to stay inside.
“I looked out the window, couldn’t see nothing but I could hear sirens then all of a sudden like 6 or 7 short bursts of a machine gun,” Kyal Pennell a neighbour told 7 News.
PolAir assisted from above until Maddison opened fire on the police helicopter.
“I haven’t heard police fire for about 25 minutes, half an hour, but the machine gun every five or then minutes he’s letting off like quick bursts,” Pennell continued.
It’s understood the man was wanted over a series of serious crimes – including torture.
He was being pursued at the time by Senior Constable Brett Forte, a married father of two and the son of a highly regarded retired police officer.
The tragedy comes on the anniversary of the shootings of detective senior constable Damien Leading and former deputy Commissioner Ross Barnett.
Queensland Police have requested locals avoid Wallers, Forestry, Ringwood, and Fords Rds near Seventeen Mile.
Bravery awards for police who tried to save fellow officer’s life
Brisbane Times on 28 March 2018, 6:30pm
When thousands of mourners had filed away, as slain Queensland policeman Brett Forte’s family stood by his grave for a private service, a woman approached them.
“Brett saved my life,” she said.
Thousands of mourners farewelled slain police officer Senior Constable Brett Forte at his funeral in Toowoomba.
Photo: Supplied
It’s one of many memories that make Stuart Forte proud as he struggles to come to terms with the killing that tore his family apart 10 months ago to the day.
When Senior Constable Brett Forte is posthumously awarded a Commendation for Brave Conduct on Thursday, it will be “lovely”, a fitting recognition of his sacrifice.
But it won’t stop Stuart Forte breaking down when he tries to pick out a photo to go up on the wall from his son’s wedding to still-distraught fellow officer Susan, a tribute that’s been a work-in-progress for months.
When Brett’s policing partner Senior Constable Cath Nielsen, along with Senior Constable Stephen Barlow, Acting Sergeant Scott Hill and Constable Brittany Poulton, are bestowed with Bravery Medals for trying to save his life, the 67-year-old won’t find it easy to express his thanks for what they did.
Brett Forte’s wife Susan and daughter Emma at his funeral in Toowoomba last June.
Photo: Dan Peled/AAP
Those four officers risked their lives deep in the Lockyer Valley, west of Brisbane, on the afternoon of May 29, as a cop killer sprayed them with bullets from an automatic rifle.
On Thursday, they will be among 34 Bravery Medal recipients to be honoured in this year’s Australian Bravery Awards, a federal tradition dating back to 1975.
“It’s hard to answer because we still feel the tragedy of it,” former cop Stuart Forte said.
“It’s had a huge impact on the family and everything and it’s lovely to hear when these things are going to happen and everything.
“Because it’s a recognition of the sacrifice that he made and what sort of person he was and the heroic things that went on by the other officers there trying to save him.”
The repeat offender had been convicted of assault and charged with torture at one point and had a “grievance” with the Toowoomba Tactical Crime Squad, according to police.
By the time Maddison had driven down the hill from Toowoomba, the crew from Gatton and another from Helidon had joined in.
He avoided road spikes before driving off the edge of the highway, eventually ending up on Wallers Road, where he seemed to lie in wait for the first car to come over the hill.
Senior Constable Barlow heard the shots first, before the Helidon crew started reversing back over the rise and Senior Constable Nielsen shouted for help over the radio.
Confronted with such a heavily armed offender, Senior Constables Hill and Barlow and Constable Poulton knew their cars would be too large a target, so ran along a driveway up to the scrub and down the hill to rescue their colleagues.
“It was daunting,” Senior Constable Barlow said.
“At first when we got out of the car, our training kicked in.
“ … When we got to the actual scene, the police vehicle was on its side. The siren was blaring out.
“It was quite overwhelming but, as I say, we knew what we had to do.”
All the while Senior Constable Nielsen was firing back at Maddison with nothing but her police service handgun.
When the other three arrived, Constable Poulton laid down cover fire as officers Nielsen and Barlow kicked in the window to rescue their dying colleague.
Despite the gunfire, Senior Constable Barlow started first aid, before Constable Poulton raced away from the area in a squad car with Senior Constable Forte on board, according to the bravery citation.
“We didn’t know where he was but we could certainly hear machinegun fire,” Senior Constable Barlow said.
“We didn’t know whether he had us in his sights or what he was doing.”
Realising they were outgunned, officers Barlow, Nielsen and Hill retreated once the car was safely away.
Ten months on, the extended Forte family will gather in Narangba for Easter, where Stuart promises there will be a massive Easter egg hunt as Brett loved it last year.
The 2018 awards will also recognise with the Star of Courage slain Lindt Cafe manager Tori Johnson for his role in calming the gunman in the December 2014 Sydney siege, and NSW man Antonio Rokov, who died saving the life of a 14-year-old boy in a skydiving accident.
Also in Queensland, 65-year-old Norman Olsen will be posthumously awarded a Bravery Medal for freeing a woman from her partner’s assault in Toowoomba, on February 22, 2016.
The woman was able to run from the scene, but Mr Olsen was punched in the head and fell backwards, fatally striking his head on the footpath.
Several other Queenslanders, both in and out of the emergency services, will be recognised with a Commendation for Brave Conduct.
Doug lost his battle with Cancer. He was a great cop and a very decent bloke. He will be missed.
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Resident questions council rate figures
SAM NORRIS
UNIMPRESSED: Bolwarra resident Doug Preston
Maitland City Council has been called out on the maths behind a rate increase worth millions.
A pamphlet outlining the extent of potential rate rises has landed in letter boxes across Maitland and Doug Preston, for one, has questioned the full impact.
“The figures are very rubbery and something stinks,” Mr Preston said.
The average urban residential rates notice, based on a $148,000 land valuation, would climb 8.94 per cent annually from $986.54 to $1796.32 – an 82 per cent cumulative increase. Not 62 per cent as council has published.
Council defended the difference as a matter of reporting methods.
“Council acknowledges there are different views as to how the percentage increases should be expressed,” council’s acting general manager Bernie Mortomore said in a statement to the Mercury.
“Council has been active in distributing as much information as possible on both the increase proposed and the services to be provided by council over the period.”
The pamphlet is part of council’s community consultation, which includes 10am and 6pm public meetings today at the town hall, on proposed rate increases.
The rate rise would affect business, farming and residential landholders, with successive increases over seven years starting in July 2014.
Mr Preston estimated the increase would likely hit ratepayers even harder when the Valuer-General reviewed property values in 2014 and 2017.
“Even if it’s a conservative 3 per cent it will add about $100 a year and the end result will be more like $2000,” he said.
The proposed rate increase is the product of surveys to gauge what services residents wanted and what they were prepared to pay as council faced a $92 million deficit within 10 years.
“I don’t agree with council’s argument that rates must increase,” Mr Preston said.
But council said it had worked hard to communicate the proposed increases clearly.
“Council has been active in distributing as much information as possible on both the increase proposed and the services to be provided by council over the period,” Mr Mortomore said
Patients mortgaging homes to pay for life-saving drugs
June 23, 20138:00am
Homes mortgaged for life-saving drugs
PATIENTS in Eastern Europe and even poverty stricken Greece and Italy are getting access to lifesaving medicines ahead of people in Australia, who in some cases are being forced to remortgage their homes to afford the costly treatments.
As critical government subsidies are refused or delayed in Federal Cabinet, two pharmaceutical companies have dramatically decided they won’t reapply for a subsidy after being knocked back up to seven times.
Their decision has left patients who need the life-extending melanoma treatment Zelboraf facing a $9,400 a month bill for treatment.
Meanwhile, the small number of people with the rare Pompe’s Disease which impairs muscle function and reduces life expectancy are expected to afford $400,000 a year for the treatment Myozyme.
And other crucial medicines which have been approved for subsidy by an independent expert government committee are months later still waiting for cabinet to approve the funding.
Former policeman Doug Preston risked death if he waited for Cabinet to approve subsidy for his $3,500 a month prostate cancer treatment Zytiga. He had to remortgage his house to find the money.
“If I hadn’t done that I would have got past the no return point, my back would have decayed, my legs would have crumbled, I would be bed bound and waiting for death,” he said, explaining that he has a new lease of life since he started the drug.
Zytiga was approved for subsidy by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee in March, July and November 2012 but the drug company was initially unhappy with the price it was being offered, delaying the subsidy approval.
A new anti-clotting medicine Pradxa was approved for subsidy two years ago and then again in March but 100,000 stroke patients who could benefit from it are still waiting for cabinet to fund it.
Under an agreement the government has with the medicines industry it has six months to approve a medicine if it is approved for subsidy and a price agreement is reached with the company.
The knock-backs and delays come as a study commissioned by pharmaceutical lobby group Medicines Australia found last month that the number of new medicines placed on the nation’s drug subsidy scheme was the lowest in 20 years in 2011-12.
Just 15 new medicines were added to the scheme that year, 40 per cent fewer than the 20-year average of 25 new drugs a year, the Centre for Strategic Economic Studies found.
Many Australians get free access to breakthrough new drugs through clinical trials but the number of new clinical trials approved in Australia is also down 30 per cent in the past six years.
Medicines Australia chief Brendan Shaw says patients waiting for cabinet to approve funding for their medicines are now worried the caretaker period where government ceases entering contracts during the election may further delay subsidies.
Medical Oncology Group of Australia chair Professor Gary Richardson says Australia’s drug approval system is out of date a needs to be reviewed.
“We are now falling behind Eastern European countries with the availability of medicines,” he said.
Drugs should be reimbursed earlier and monitored for five years after which their performance and price should be reassessed, he said.
Dr Shaw says the pharmaceutical industry wants all parties to agree after the election to a new framework for approving medicine subsidies that will speed up the process and provide certainty.
