Late of Tea Gardens Formerly of Griffith and Sydney
NSW Police Cadet # 1281
New South Wales Police Force
[alert_yellow]Regd. # 9124[/alert_yellow]
Rank: NSW Police Cadet – commenced 18 January 1956
Probationary Constable – appointed 26 October 1958
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 1 April 1974
Chief Inspector – appointed 20 April 1988
Chief Inspector – Retirement
Stations: ?, Griffith Police Circuit Prosecutor in the Riverina area – Moulamein, Barham, Griffith ( early 1970’s ), Legal Services Commander – South West Region – Retirement
Service: From 18 January 1956to 14 November 1994=38+ years Service
Awards: National Medal – granted 22 August 1980
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 15 May 1986
2nd Clasp to National Medal – granted 28 May 1992
Police Overseas Service Medal – Clasp CYPRUS – granted 8 July 1992
Late of Tea Gardens Formerly of Griffith and Sydney
Beloved husband of PAM.
Loving father and father-in-law of NORMAN, CATHERINE and MICHAEL.
Much loved Poppy to his grandchildren.
A dear brother to LESTER, and MARGARET DICKENSEN.
Brother- in-law and uncle to the WEBBER and HASLAM Families.
Relatives and friends of NORM are warmly invited to attend his Funeral Service in St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, cnr Ogden and Witt Sts., Tea Gardens this FRIDAY 12.5.2017 at 2:00pm.
A private cremation will follow.
In lieu of flowers donations to the Mark Hughes Foundation may be left at the church.
Published in The Newcastle Herald on May 6, 2017 – See more at: http://tributes.theherald.com.au/obituaries/theherald-au/obituary.aspx?n=norman-alan-webber-norm&pid=185291713&fhid=31508#sthash.O0hsGOfc.dpuf
[divider_dotted]
John Crowley Wonderful man. Norm was one of the 128 NSW Police who served with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNCIVPOL). For the past 30 years Norm was our passionate leader in fighting for justice for repatriation rights for our members (even though he had his own health problems). Army, Navy and Air Force automatically got it, (plus a generous daily allowance), whereas Police were not recognised (even though Cyprus was a War Zone and they worked side by side in Timor and the Solomons). Without Norm’s determination, expertise and passion we would not have stood a chance. We are forever grateful. To Norm’s wife Pam and the rest of his family we extend our deepest condolences. R.I.P. “True Blue” .
Late of Herbert Street, Inverell and formerly of Sydney.
Jack’s private cremation was held at the Sapphire City Crematorium, Inverell.
THORLEY AND SONS FUNERAL SERVICES INVERELL
See more at: http://tributes.dungogchronicle.com.au/obituaries/dungogchronicle-au/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=184633115#sthash.oOjLem44.dpuf
[divider_dotted]
Robert Jeffrey Joseph CROXFORD
| 10/05/2017
Robert Jeffrey Joseph CROXFORD
aka Bob
Late of Sunbury
1/ Commonwealth Police
2/ Victoria Police Force Academy Squad 1/74
Regd. # 18267 ( VicPol )
Rank: 1/ Constable 21 August 1972 to 28 January 1974 ( ComPol )
2/ Probationary Constable – appointed 29 January 1974 ( VicPol )
Senior Constable – appointed 14 June 1979
Sergeant – appointed 30 December 1982
Senior Sergeant – appointed 26 March 1989
Stations: Russell St ( 17 June 1974 ), Fitzroy ( 14 May 1975 ), Detective at Russell St, then City West and then Homicide Squad. CIB ( 14 March 1979 ), Broadmeadow, Avondale Hts ( 30 November 1983 ), City West ( 22 April 1987 – 1989 ), Altona North, Crime Courses Unit ( Detective Training School ) 20 February 1995 – Retirement
Service 1: ( ComPol ) From? ? 1972to28 January 1974=1 year 161 days years Service with ComPol
Service 2: ( VicPol ) From 29 January 1974to23 September 2000= 26+years Service
Total Policing Service: 28+ years Service
Awards: Nation Medal – granted 7 September 1990
Service Medal – 2nd Clasp – granted 1 September 1997
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 31 July 1999
Service Medal – 3rd Clasp – granted 1 September 1999
Victoria Police Star – granted 2006
1.75 shot whilst on night shift. 2.20am when with Det S/C Kim West – laneway at rear of Cremorne St IRM – 3 shots fired at chest/head height. (Awarded the Victoria Police Star in 2006) . Sick leave 24.1.75 to 11.3.75. Clerical duties in Property Office from 12.3.75 to Retention on 1.4.75.
Born: 3 July 1950 at Euroa Bush Nursing hospital
Died on: 11 September 2010
Age: 60
Cause: Suicide –
Event location: Home
Event date: 11 September 2010
Funeral date: 18 September 2010
Funeral location: Victoria Police Academy Chapel
Buried at: Sunbury Lawn Cemetery, 80A Shields St, Sunbury, Victoria
Memorial:
Grave location:
-37.58941978049802 144.73147629682012
Memorial located at: ?
[alert_yellow]BOB is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO
[divider_dotted]
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
BOB CROXFORD – EULOGY – POLICE ACADEMY SATURDAY 18 SEP 2010
Thanks to Bob’s family for giving me the opportunity to speak about Bob today – privilege to be asked. Also pleased to have Nigel up here with me to act as my ‘wingman’ which he’s done many times before.
My aim is give you an overview of Bob’s professional life; his employment career. To do that I need to cover a 45 year period in the space of about 10/15 minutes. As a consequence I’ll be very brief but hopefully it will add to what you already know about his working life and perhaps fill some gaps.
If any of you have been to a trivia night, you may have taken part in a game they call ‘sit down if’. The way it’s run is that everybody stands up and the host asks a question. If the answer applies to you, you keep standing. If it doesn’t, you sit down. It goes on until there’s only one person standing. For example if everybody stood up now I could say something like ‘sit down if…you’ve eaten takeaway this week. If you had, you’d sit down and I’d keep finding things to ask to get people to sit down.
If we used that approach here today, I’d ask you to sit down each time I told you something about Bob’s life that you didn’t know about. …and then see how many people were left standing.
The reason I thought about it was that I found that Bob had such a diverse and extensive life – and that’s just from the employment perspective.
Let’s set the scene.
Born at the Bush Nursing hospital in Euroa. July 3rd, 1950
Full name was Robert Jeffrey Joseph
He attended Euroa State and High Schools.
Left at age 15 (Form 4) (or Year 10) in July/August 1965
How many people would be left standing?
Bob had four major occupations during his working life.
First Employment – Butchery
His first job – almost the day after he left school (July/Aug 65) was with Smith and Ryan (Butchers in Euroa). (Left when widowed mum moved to Wangaratta).
When mum moved the family to Wangaratta in April 70 he went to work for L & M.Goodwin (Butchers) Rowan St Wangaratta.
It was during this time Bob decided to pursue another career – policing – and in Aug 71 he first applied for VicPol – but fail to pass entrance exam. Education test – 65 errors (40 ‘general ability’.)
He decided instead to try for the Commonwealth Police and wrote on his application that he was leaving the butchery because he was “looking for a more interesting position”!
Second Employment – Commonwealth Police
He was successful and joined the Commonwealth Police in 1972 at the age of 22.
4 week training course – came 10th of 28.
He served as a uniform Constable 21.8.72 to 28.1.74 (1 yr 161 days)
Obviously, however, it wasn’t much more of ….”an interesting position…” as while with CommPol – applied to join VicPol after only 15 months. (Nov 73).
I noted that in his entrance exam for VicPol, this time made only 43 errors (31 in general ability’)
How many of you would still be standing now?
Third and longest Employment – Victoria Police
Joined (Sworn in) 29.1.74
5ft 8 ½ ins (174 cm) 11 stone 7 lb (73kg) – Jarrod Blair (77kg)
Blue Eyes; Brown Hair (!) – How many of you would be sitting down now?
Living in a flat in Brunswick Rd EBBR
Graduated 14.6.74 (Dux of 21 recruits – Squad 1/74)
90%. Sqd avg 84.2%
Registered Number 18267
Russell Street6.74
(Married 74)
1.75 shot whilst on night shift. 2.20am when with Det S/C Kim West – laneway at rear of Cremorne St IRM – 3 shots fired at chest/head height. (Awarded the Victoria Police Star in 2006) . Sick leave 24.1.75 to 11.3.75. Clerical duties in Property Office from 12.3.75 to Retention on 1.4.75.
2 serious operations. Lengthy scar. Grandfather died while in hospital
Passed retention 30.4.75
Fitzroy uniform 14.5.75
It was then I first met Bob – I was at Collingwood which shared a boundary with Fitzroy – between us we covered 70 pubs and would often be ‘backing each other up at brawls’.
It was also then that I first formed a personal relationship with him during the annual football match between Collingwood and Fitzroy Police at Victoria Park or the Brunswick Street Oval called the ‘Crusader Cup’. I’m pretty sure the winner was the team that consumed the most stubbies – during the game!
It was also at that time that I left a lasting impression on Bob – a facial scar – when during a social cricket game I balled a pathetic ball to him which he tried to smash out of the ground only to miss hit it and end up bloodied and sore. (And, typically of Bob – never brought it up again.)
Bob was a great copper. In the 5 yrs at Fitzroy he was officially commended 4 times.
……..for keen observation and zealous and intelligence follow-up action resulting in apprehension and conviction of an offender for motor vehicle theft and other offences. (12.1.76)
………for alertness, keen observation, prompt action, and dedication to duty resulting in the single-hand arrest and successful prosecution of a violent and troublesome offender for a number of serious offences. (3.7.76)
……….for observation, initiative and intelligent action which resulted in the detection of an active and dangerous criminal and the location of exhibits to support other criminal charges. (26.5.77)
……….for observation and attention to duty which led to the apprehension and conviction of three offenders charged with the possession of a large amount of money which they admitted was obtained from the sale of illicit drugs.5.2.79)
His Fitzroy uniform days set the scene for a successful career – initially becoming a detective – first at Russell Street and then at City West and then to the highly sought-after Homicide Squad, seen as one of the elite areas of the Force.
Joined CIB 14.3.79
Promoted to Sen Constable 14.6.79
CIB ARS and ACW 79-80
Jan-March 1980 – DTS Course 115
Homicide 80-82
I was fortunate to work with Bob at Homicide for 2 of those years. It was clear that he was well suited to the role as he was as thorough and meticulous as any person I’d met.
More importantly, it was then that I learnt of one of his most respected characteristics, his empathy and ability to relate to people. Bob was able to establish a rapport with people, a sincere rapport, better than anyone I’d seen. As Maureen could tell you, the family of homicide victims continued to stay in touch for many years, often sending Bob presents and birthday cards for a long time after he left the squad.
When he left Homicide two years later he took promotion to Sergeant in a Police Community Involvement program at Broadmeadows, then to Avondale Hts and back to a detective position at City West until he took promotion to Senior Sergeant at Altona North.
Promoted to Sgt 30.12.82 to Police Community Involvement Program VBC
Feb-April 1983 – Sub-Officers Course 101
Sgt at Avondale Hts 30.11.83
Oct-Nov 1986 – Advanced Detective training School No.27
CIB City West 22.4.87-89
Promoted to S/Sgt 26.3.89 as sub charge Altona Nth
NCA secondment (Sydney) 89
NCA Secondment (Melb) 89-91 – upgraded to Chief Inspector for lengthy periods. (NCA 25.7.88 to 7.4.91)
It was during these years that Bob was seconded to the National Crime Authority with secondments to Melbourne and to Sydney, and at one stage was upgraded to Chief Inspector – a major recognition of his ability, remembering he was a Senior Sergeant at that time.
S/Sgt O/C MAN 91-93
In 1991 Bob was appointed to the position of Senior Sergeant and in charge of the police station at Altona North. He quickly recognised the need to interact with the local community. In his file I found a letter from the Migrant Resource Centre for Westgate Region to CCP thanking Bob for presenting himself to elderly migrant groups and ..’managed through your simplistic approach to gain trust; and the elderly people are confident and feel comfortable with your presence. I thank you for this. I hope other police will adopt the same method and offer the same service as you have provided.
Royal NZ Police College – Inspectors Qualifying Course March – May 1993.
On Feb 20 1995 Bob transferred to his last potions – Detective Senior Sergeant at the Crime Courses Unit (Detective Training School) where he would remain until he retired from policing.
Bob relished the opportunity to lecture young investigators and to use his unique coaching and mentoring skills. In the 5 years at DTS he had a role in the development of 100’s of police members and representatives from various other organisations.
Again his ability was recognised through the promotion into an Acting Chief Inspector position. In (Aug 1999) a file note, his Supt said of Bob – “…adopts a common sense approach. He has demonstrated the mental courage to make hard decisions with appropriate consideration and balance for corporate, unit and individual needs. He is an extremely intelligent, responsible and dedicated member.”
DTS was a special part of Bob’s career and fitting place to close off his policing life. He was highly respected by the staff and I’m proud to use this moment to make an announcement. DTS hold four courses each year and one of the detectives on the course are selected as the Dux (for those unfamiliar with the term it’s spelt DUX!) and are presented with a special award. In addition, one of the four Dux of each year is selected to receive what you may call a Top Gun award…..the best of the best. I’m pleased to announce that from this year onwards, in commemoration of his life, The Dux of The Year award will be known as the Bob Croxford Award.
Bob retired 23.9. 2000 (soon after turning 50) as Detective Acting Chief Inspector after 26 yrs + 239 days service. (Sick leave credit of 384 days)
During that time he received numerous awards, including
The Victoria police Star
National medal 7.9.90
Service Medal Second Clasp 1.9.97
National Medal First Clasp 31.7.99
Service Medal 3rd Clasp 1.9.99
Last entry on his Record of Service described Bob as a loyal and dedicated member who gave consistent and reliable service to Victoria Police and the community.”
Australia Post
The fourth and final chapter in Bob’s career was with Australia Post. Someone had encouraged Bob to take a move and he started with Post as Victorian State Manager of the Corporate Security Group on September 25th 2000.
On November 1st 2004 both was promoted to a national Position in the group as the Manager of Security Operations. It was the last time I’d have the privilege of working with Bob.
In October 2008 he became the head of Corporate Security and was formally appointed to the position on 20 January 2010.
Bob applied his personality and character to people at post and quickly became respected and loved. He could relate to everyone from every part of the organisation and had the same respect for all, whether they were the CEO or the mail room assistant.
“Warmth, sense of humour and genuine care for others”
“A life most people would aspire to….”
“Good luck with your projects”
“a good friend and valued colleague”
When I asked people at Post what they thought of when they thought of Bob, this was some of their responses….
“Bloody Collingwood”
“Beautiful handwriting – a magnificent signature”
“Loved the Soprano’s” – (ironically, today being the birthday of James Gandolfini (who played Tony Soprano), someone whom I suspect Bob secretly aspired to be!
“Ice cream” – you could be in the flashest of restaurants yet Bob would order 3 scoops of vanilla ice-cream for dessert”.
Bob’s professional career was exemplary and will form the major basis for people’s memories of Bob.
It would be wrong though to forget his other work roles – those he did on a voluntary or honorary basis. Just as an example:
Merriwa Wangaratta Apex Club (early 70’s)
Sunbury Fire Brigade (Mgt Team – HR)
Kiwanis Club of Sunbury (Secretary 94/95)
Football League Umpires Assoc. VFL Reserves (69-77)
Vic Amateur Football Assoc. (78-80) Umpired GF 78 and 79
Apex Club Sunbury
Salesian College Team Mgr U16
Sunbury Fair Committee
Tribunal Member Sunbury Basketball Association
Riddell District Umpires Association (Boundary Umpire late 80’s/early 90’s and later as a goal umpire, Tribunal Convenor and Umpire Advisor)
Tennis Australia (Volunteer Driver at Aust. Open) 98-2000
Presenter at Australian institute of Public Safety.
Justice of the Peace
If we had played the Trivia Night ‘sit-down’ game, I’m confident none of us would still be standing.
Bob had lived a full life and along the way touched thousands of people, rewarding each of us with the experience of having known him.
Over his 60 year journey, I believe Bob had given a little of himself to every one he’d touched ……..and the well had now run dry.
Rest In Peace my friend.
[divider_dotted]
Alan Victor DWYER
| 10/05/2017
Alan Victor DWYER
Late of ?
New South Wales Police Force
[alert_yellow]Regd. # 8232[/alert_yellow]
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 7 November 1955
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 3 June 1974
Sergeant 2nd Class – Retirement
Stations: ?, Campsie, Lakemba ( 1970’s & 80’s ), Canterbury HWP, Far North Coast HWP, Paddington – Retirement
Service: From? ? pre November 1955? to 29 May 1986=30+ years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: 4 July 1936
Died on: Friday 28 April 2017 about 8am at Nepean Hospital
Age: 80
Cause: Cancer of the throat
Event location: Nepean Hospital
Event date: 28 April 2017
Funeral date: Thursday 4 May 2017 @ noon
Funeral location: Sacred Heart Chapel, Rookwood Cemetery, Memorial Ave, Rookwood
Buried at: ?
Memorial located at: ?
Bill Davies with Alan Dwyer – July 2016
[alert_yellow]ALAN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO
[divider_dotted]
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
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.
[divider_dotted]
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.
[divider_dotted]
Stanley W. BARKER
| 10/05/2017
Stanley W. BARKER
aka Stan
Late of Taree
New South Wales Police Force
[alert_yellow]Regd. # 9589[/alert_yellow]
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 29 February 1960
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 27 August 1976
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed 19 June 1983
Stations: ?, used to be a Supervisor at 20966 – which is the old Police Switchboard.
Service: From? ? pre February 1960? to? ? ? = ? years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: 17 October 1931
Died on: 26 April 2017
Age: 86?
Cause: Cancer
Event location: ?
Event date: ?
Funeral date: Thursday 4 May 2017 @ 11am
Funeral location: Manning Great Lakes Memorial Gardens, 183 Pampoolah Rd, Pampoolah
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial located at: ?
[alert_yellow]STAN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO
[divider_dotted]
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.
[divider_dotted]
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
[divider_dotted]
‘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.
Passed away peacefully on 18 April 2017, aged 97 years.
Late of Homebush.
Beloved husband of Peace Reubena (deceased).
Dearly loved father and father-in-law of Ross and Mersina, Grieg and Annette, Bruce and Christine, Brett and Lesley.
Dear Pa to Scott, Joshua, Matthew, Gemma, Kate, Sophie, Blake, Leah, Chelcy and Eleace.
Great-grandpa to Noah, Calais and Layla.
Family and friends of RICHARD are invited to attend his funeral service to be held at 10.30am, Wednesday 26 April 2017 at Sacred Heart Chapel, Barnet Avenue, Rookwood Cemetery.
Following the chapel service the cortege will proceed to the St Francis of Assisi Lawn for burial.
Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001), Friday 19 March 1976 (No.39), page 1231
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT, 1919
Shire of Gosford.—Appointment of Member of Parking Advisory Committee
HIS Excellency the Governor, with the advice of the Executive Council and in pursuance of section 270d of the Local Government Act, 1919, has been pleased to approve the appointment of Sergeant 1st Class Richard Tinto Davidson, vice Sergeant 1st Class Laurence Kotze, transferred. (P.A.C. 1019)
JOHN B. FULLER,
Minister for Planning and Environment. New South Wales Planning and Environment Commission,
peacefully passed away at home with his beloved wife Lorraine by his side.
Adored stepfather of Shane Long & Karen Ormandy.
Youngest brother to Cyril and Charlie (both dec’d).
Aged 73 Years
“Gone to the Star”
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Vince’s Funeral Service to be held in the Chapel of Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Stadium Drive, Coffs Harbour on Thursday, 27th April 2017 at 11.30 am
Serving and retired Police Personnel are invited to attend.
In lieu of floral tributes the family would appreciate donations to the Palliative Care Coffs Harbour, a collection box will be at the Chapel.
Friends are invited to join the family in the Garden Lounge for light refreshments following the Service.
20th April 2017, peacefully at Coffs Harbour Health Campus, late of Woolgoolga.
Dearly beloved husband of Elly.
Much loved father & father-in-law of John (dec’d) & Sharon, Lyn & Graeme Eddy, Stephen & Jan, Doug & Donna.
Cherished Pa and grand-Pa of their children.
Aged 84 Years
“In God’s care”
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Des’ Funeral Service to be held in the Northern Beaches Anglican Church, Woolgoolga on Wednesday 26th April 2017 at 10.00 am, thence for interment in the Woolgoolga Cemetery.