Absolutely nothing can be found, at this time, on the death or life of this man.
Cal
11 April 2017
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Anthony Joseph SECCULL
| 11/04/2017
Anthony Joseph SECCULL
aka Tony
late of Burrumbuttock, NSW
brother to former member Det. Pat Seccull 18112
New South Wales Police Force
Academy Class 260
Regd. # 29948
Rank: Sergeant – Retired
Stations: Waverley, Maroubra, Nyngan ( early 2000 ), Wagga Wagga ( returned to Uniform to Prosecutors upon his own request ), Albury as a Prosecutor – Retirement
possibly worked as a Prosecutor with DPP after retirement from NSWPF
Service: From? ? 1994to 2 February 2012 ( Medical Discharge )= 19 year Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: 8 August 1975
Died on: Wednesday 1 February 2017
Age: 41
Cause: Suicide – firearm ( not a Police firearm )
Event date: Wednesday 1 February 2017
Funeral location: Burrumbuttock
Funeral date: Wednesday 15 February 2017 @ 11am
Funeral location: St Patricks Catholic Church, 515 Smollett St, Albury
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial at: Tony Seccull Award. Internal Award for Police Prosecutors – commenced in 2017
MISSED: Tony Seccull, pictured in November 2007 at Albury Police Station. He was working as a prosecutor at the time. He was so respected, an award will be named after him.
Parents Alice & Patrick Snr with Tony at his Attestation at Goulburn Academy
TONY is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
It is believed that Tony, by all accounts a really great bloke and colleague to many Police, took his own life by firearm at his property at Burrumbuttock, NSW ( between Henty & Corowa ).
Tony was the youngest of 8 ( 7 boys and 1 girl ) and dearly loved by his family.
He was in Nyngan, GD’s early 2000’s, when he was called to a domestic dispute on a remote rural property. As he and his partner drove up the driveway, with the western sun behind them, the elderly farmer fired shots at the police vehicle with a high calibre rifle. They were pinned down for a time. When back up arrived, and the offender absconded, Tony was put on a road block, late in the night on his own! He told me that that situation ( he would have been in a serious state of shock ), had a very negative impact on him mentally…. he didn’t know where the shooter was!! When the offender was eventually arrested and interviewed – he made admissions to trying to shoot Tony – stating (I am told)…if the sun wasn’t in my eyes I would have got him. Tony saw the transcript. Attempted murder etc charges were not pursued (DPP decision) – discharge firearm recklessly type charges only. That really upset Tony, long term.
With great support from Lola Scott (unbelievable support), we were able to see Tony moved into Prosecuting. All went well for nearly 15years…. until one day at pistol re-accreditation in Albury, (I am told), he became upset and the demons surfaced. He was admitted into hospital – 8 weeks. Reluctantly, he lodged a HOD claim. He nominated me as his proxy/negotiator with NSW Police. That process was very challenging…for all involved. Thanks to great support from Frank Reitano, we were able to negotiate settlement. However, the impact of that battle with the insurance company – ongoing after his discharge (2/2/2012), was debilitating. I watched him struggle over the past 5 years. He told me towards the end, that he ‘just wished he could have been able to retire’. He was tired and exhausted. He now rests in peace.
18 years in the job – the job caused his seriously depressed state of health.
[blockquote]
I do not know this man, but make the following comment:
This is just a small insight into some of the events that Police generally have to deal with and very little thought is given to their overall health or state of mind, during or after such events.
People react differently to the same event. This, from my own experience, stems from their own personal upbringing, other life events, their own mental or coping capabilities, and how much mental effort they put into “the job”. Some see it as just a job, most see it as a career but most, if not all, put their heart and sole into “the job”. What effects one person does not necessarily affect another.
The fear of Police being “victimised” if they speak up about their lack of coping with a situation weights extremely heavy upon the shoulders of those police, for they love “the job” they are doing and don’t want to be removed from that job but hope they can push through their current situation and it will eventually “go away” with no-one noticing any difference in the person. Sometimes it does “go away” but most times, such as in Tony’s situation, it came back many years later at a re-accreditation pistol shoot, which, for this man, was the “trigger” that pushed him over the edge of his personal coping mechanism.
How many Police are still on the front line unaware that an unforeseen “trigger” is about to impact their life, their mental wellbeing?
How many former Police are unaware that an unforeseen “trigger” is about to impact their life, their mental wellbeing and how long is too long for this “trigger” to happen to someone? 5, 10, 20, 30 years after ” the job “? Has your “trigger” already happened?
There needs to be better support for Serving and Former Police ( not forgetting all the other Emergency Services too ).
Those suffering don’t need to feel the “carpet pulled from under them” = disappointment. They need to be understood, positively reassured and the process explained to them in terms they can understand, at that time, because no matter how strong you are ( mentally ), if you have the “carpet pulled from under” you and you can’t understand why, then you ARE going to fall because of your lack of understanding or seeing a positive outcome.
Those suffering from Depression / PTSD need to know that they are still “worthy” for here was a man, on the “front line” doing “the job” he loved who attended an event ( may very well have been more than just this event ) during his “career” only to be left to his own coping devices which were not enough for this man at that time.
Eventually, with the support of his Commander – Lola Scott, he found another niche’ within “the job” he loved or that suited him = and feeling “worthy” of ( prosecuting ); but even though this man was no longer on the “front line”, the demons of the 2002 event resurfaced years later – leaving the man depressed and being forced into a Medical Discharge instead of serving out his “career” and “retiring” at a mandatory age.
The man was 41 years old. He still had another 15 – 20 years of his “career” to look forward to. This was cut short due to one of the many events that Police attend and just to add insult to injury, for a man who dedicated himself to a job where you gather “facts”, present them, they are processed, dealt with and then finally an outcome – this man, like hundreds of other Police – was victimised and belittled by an insurance company trying to save money instead of looking after the man in a timely manner.
Instead of the insurance company following through and supporting those that they insure, they purposely delay the process to the extent that even career criminals don’t have to suffer through the Courts.
The insurance company harasses, intimidate and purposely delay their obligation to the victim.
They do this by surveillance, constantly sending the victim to various doctors ( doctor shopping ) hoping that one doctor will contradict another, asking for various reports ( that have already been done and submitted ) and various other ploys over years in the hope that the victim will finally decide that the process far outweighs the benefit and that the victim will withdraw their claim.
ALL of this has a detrimental effect upon the victim who already feels “worthless”.
Insurance companies and the Police Force ( as an organisation ) need to “lift their game” and ensure that these men and women are treated with the Commitment, Value and Loyalty that they, as Police, gave to our country over so many years.
This man, Tony SECCULL, like so many before him and ( no doubt at this time ) so many after him, should have lived a long, happy life in their community, with their family and friends. He should have died with distinction, of old age, not from fear or persecution leading to depression.
This man deserves his name to be etched in the NSW Police Wall of Remembrance – for he didn’t die instantly at the hand of a criminal but died over many years from two institutions that didn’t look after the man.
He should have been resting in life but May he now and Forever – Rest In Peace.
The next award has been recently instituted by the Seccull family in loving memory of former police prosecutor Tony Seccull, who after an 19 year career, tragically took his own life on the 1st February 2017.
Tony was a proud, diligent and committed police officer who joined in 1994. The last 12 years of his career he battled daily with unresolved stress and horrors which had accumulated from a number of traumatic incidents he attended. However, despite this, he went on to become a highly regarded senior prosecutor with 12 years experience, who gained promotion to the rank of Sergeant.
The Seccull family are committed to ensure that positive initiatives arise from his tragic and devastating loss. In Tony’s memory, the family wishes to raise and maintain awareness of the need for each one of us, to be vigilant and be prepared to take steps when a fellow worker appears to be in need of help or support to deal with the challenges of life
Late policeman’s brother vows to help those struggling
BLAIR THOMSON
THE BROTHER of an Albury policeman who took his own life after a battle with post traumatic stress disorder is helping others in the force who are struggling.
Tony Seccull, 41, followed in the footsteps of his older brother Patrick ( # 18112 ) when he joined NSW Police as a young man.
The father of one lost his battle at his Burrumbuttock property on February 1, leaving a gap in his large family that will always be there.
Patrick, who has also worked as an Albury policeman and has had his own fight with the disorder, said his brother died about five years to the day after his discharge from the force.
By the end of his service, Tony was worn out and just wanted to retire without the grinding stress caused by the police insurance company.
MESSAGE: Patrick Seccull says those battling PTSD should know that there is help out there, and that life can be good despite how bad things can get fighting the illness.
The actions of the police insurer when Tony filed a hurt on duty claim and decided to leave the force were “pretty terrible”, according to his brother.
“He struggled with the pressures, particularly those imposed on him by the police insurance company,” he said.
“The insurance company kept pushing.
“That’s a common theme.”
Despite trying to help, Patrick feels somewhat responsible at the fact the 41-year-old followed his career path.
Tony was one of eight children and grew up in a hard-working family in Mulwala.
“He was 17 years younger than me … he was three years old when I joined the police,” he said
MISSED: Tony Seccull, pictured in November 2007 at Albury Police Station. He was working as a prosecutor at the time. He was so respected, an award will be named after him.
“As a result, all he ever wanted to do was be a police officer.
“He was such a caring, passionate and loving person.
“I think he probably internalised a lot of his work.
“The emergency services are a very, very tough gig and the people who are sensitive, and internalise, are often the ones who can fall foul of this disease.”
Mr Seccull links his brother’s PTSD to an incident early in his career, the full impact of which didn’t surface until a firearms training course on the Border sometime around 2010.
Tony had been stationed at Nyngan in central NSW in the early 2000s and like many times before, he was called to a domestic dispute.
But it was no ordinary call out, with a farmer firing shots from a high-powered rifle at Tony and his partner, leaving them pinned down.
The memory of the incident – coupled with other dangerous and horrific experiences – resurfaced at the shooting range all those years later and resulted in flashbacks, a mental breakdown and eight weeks of intensive therapy in hospital.
Patrick said the police force has some made positive steps towards helping officers suffering as a result of their work.
When he was an officer from the 1970s to 1990s, the advice was usually for members to have a drink and “harden up”, which was changing.
Patrick said often the first sign of trouble was when someone suffering isolated themselves from loved ones.
He noticed that in his brother.
When he died, Patrick vowed to help others.
There are no concrete statistics on the number of Border emergency service personnel who have taken their own lives, but The Border Mail is aware of three current or former Albury police members dying by suicide since late-2012.
While police feature prominently in suicide statistics, paramedics and firefighters, particularly men aged 30 to 49, also die in high numbers.
A National Coronial Information System report found 110 emergency workers took their own lives from July 2000 to the end of 2012.
An Albury officer who was recently medically discharged from the force after about 15 years of service said his life had fallen apart after a fatal incident.
The officer – who knew Mr Seccull and said he was a “top bloke” – said it was important to raise awareness of PTSD and its impact.
He has battled to rebuild his life and said there had been no support from NSW Police.
“Ultimately I lost my family life, health, friends, house and career due to PTSD resulting from this incident,” he said.
“I’ve paid an enormous price for just doing my job.
“Now in the wash up I don’t even have the job anymore.
“The thing is when you are in the grips of PTSD you don’t care about the risks or consequences of your behaviour, so things fall apart very quickly and because people don’t understand why you’re acting the way you are, you lose important relationships and support.”
Patrick stressed the importance of officers seeking help.
While the Reconnect program can help serving officers, groups like Backup for Life and beyondblue can assist those out of the force.
Albury SuperintendentEvan Quarmby said support for officers was improving.
“There are lots of options open to police to get help for themselves and for the NSW police force to provide support,” he said.
“I think there’s certainly been an improvement in the way we identify and acknowledge these traumatic events.
“We take the welfare and the support of serving police very seriously.
“We are constantly looking for ways to help them with the difficult things that they’re exposed to and have to see in the course of their duties.”
Patrick joined Reconnect immediately after Tony died in a bid to make a positive out of the tragedy.
“The message is don’t suffer in silence,” he said.
“You’ve got support around you.
“Don’t isolate – that’s the biggest indicator for the family, when someone starts to isolate.
“I saw Tony isolate more and more.”
He believes his brother, who was married and had a young daughter who were supportive of him, mistakenly believed his actions would stop the “burden” he was placing on those around him.
“That perception was so wrong,” Patrick said.
“We, as a family, would like to make people who suffer this condition very aware that you’re not a burden to your family.”
The former Albury prosecutor is missed by many.
A perpetual award in the prosecutions division will carry his name.
“Part of me has gone,” Patrick said.
“He was my little brother, my littlest brother and we were very close.
“We were very, very close and I feel in some ways responsible, because he looked up to me and followed me into an occupation.
“I’ve got to live with that for the rest of my life.”
Despite his own struggles, Patrick can still see the positives.
“I want to make it very clear that life can be good, and life is good if we get the right support, no matter how bad the illness is” he said.
Those seeking help or information can contact Lifeline on 131 114.
Never knew his GD rank, only knew him for about 10 years as a prosecutor for the DPP.
We became family friends, shared home time & visits, dinners, drinks, the usual.
Saw him weekly when we operated the Cowra Crest Motel in Cowra NSW during the period 2000 – 1010, when he was a part of the judiciary court circuit servicing that area, and they all stayed with us.
So we were his hosts regularly and a friendship grew.
Tony has been very well and accurately described by others.
To us he was dedicated to his job and his family, taking full responsibility for both.
He was very professional and respected in all areas of social and work life.
Tony was a humble and talented man, hard working, diligent, caring and easy to like and respect.
While a Prosecutor, he requested and returned to GD in uniform in Wagga Wagga for a period in an effort to heal himself.
Unfortunately, he suffered severely with his breakdown, which was medically well documented and beyond doubt, but despite that he was then slowly crucified by the Police Service’s insurance system, which seemed to be designed to weed out malingerers while showing a total disregard for causing subsequent damage to the wellbeing of the genuinely sick or wounded, double victim.
Being the responsible person he was, that he suicided is testament to the damage and injury he suffered, and the inherent dangers of depression.
Long suffering casualties like Tony are no less deserving of the full support and respect of the Police Service as extended to those shot on the job.
Sincerely
Tony Neale
Tony & Lynn Neale
Best Western Ambassador Motor Inn & Apartments,
313 Edward St,
Wagga Wagga. 2650
Phone: (02) 6925 7722
Anthony (Tony) Seccull
(8 Aug 1975 – 1 Feb 2017)
SECCULL – Anthony
‘Tony’
Dearly loved husband of Shantel. Loved Dad of Ella. Cherished son of Pat and Alicia.
Treasured brother of Patrick, Ann, David, Graham, Bernard (Dec), Philip and Paul.
Loved son in law of Rex and Alma
Forever In Our Hearts
Funeral Prayers for the late Anthony ‘Tony’ Seccull will be offered at St Patricks Catholic Church, 515 Smollett Street, Albury at 11am on Wednesday, February 15, 2017.
Thereafter a private cremation.
Lorrae Kovacswrote
Words cannot express to Shantel, Ella and family the heartfelt pain you must be going through over the loss of Tony. He was such an unassuming, intelligent and humorous gentleman…a guy who both my husband and I enjoyed working with in the NSW Police Force.
Tony often spoke proudly of his beautiful Ella at work and she was certainly his life.
Know Ella, your Daddy now watches over you as your special Angel, as I know he wouldn’t have it any other way…
our hearts go out to you Shantel, Ella and family…
please know Tony’s friends are here for you and we are also feeling his loss greatly…
Lorrae, Paul and Nylah Kovacs
SECCULL Anthony ‘Tony’
Dearly loved husband of Shantel.
Loved Dad of Ella.
Cherished son of Pat and Alicia.
Treasured brother of Patrick, Ann, David, Graham, Bernard (Dec), Philip and Paul.
Loved son-in-law of Rex and Alma.
‘Forever In Our Heart’
February 12, 2017
To Shantel and Ella,
Shock and sadnesses for your loss. Tragic
Unfortunately we will be away from Albury on Wednesday 15th but will be thinking of you all.
Kate and Paul Stares.
February 11, 2017
SECCULL Tony
To Shantel and Ella; Pat and Alicia; Ann and Peter; and all the Seccull families, our thoughts and love go out to you all at this very sad time. –
Frank, Anne and family.
February 15, 2017
Seccull Tony Our condolences to Shantel and Ella.
Tony you were our colleague and our friend, you will be dearly missed. Gone too soon. Rest in Peace.
Glenn, Andrea and all at Australian SMSF Solutions.
February 11, 2017
SECCULL Tony
Our condolences to Shantel and Ella.
Tony you were a cherished mate who will be missed forever.
A GIRL’S pet horse has died after a horrific attack near Lake Hume.
Wodonga Police are hunting for those who fatally maimed Raghtoo, a recent present for 10-year-old Ella Seccull.
The girl’s father, retired Albury police officer Tony Seccull, said it was the worst thing he had seen done to an animal in 17 years of policing.
He offered a $2000 reward for information that leads to fruitful evidence in the case.
Police released this footage of Raghtoo.
Ella Seccull with Raghtoo.
Ella Seccull, 10, holds a picture of her with Raghtoo. Picture: TARA ASHWORTH
Man is charged, appears in court
NORTH Albury man Adam Gilbert Jolly was arrested by police in an early morning raid at his residence yesterday and subsequently charged with four offences relating to a girl’s alleged abduction at Wagga.
The six-year-old girl was allegedly abducted about 11.30am on February 14 and there have been extensive investigations by police since.
Strike Force Shell, comprising police from Wagga and the state’s Sex Crimes Squad, has been involved in the ongoing investigation which culminated in Jolly’s arrest soon after 8am yesterday.
Jolly, 28, appeared in Albury Local Court yesterday afternoon on charges of sexual intercourse with a child under 10 in circumstances of aggravation, assault with intent to have sexual intercourse in circumstances of aggravation, kidnapping and inflicting actual bodily harm and aggravated indecent assault. He was also charged with possessing a prohibited weapon of handcuffs which were found at his home.
Duty solicitor Chris Halburd said there was no application for bail and he sought an adjournment of the charges to Wagga Local Court next Monday.
No facts relating to the accusations against Jolly were tendered in court and his parents sat in the back of the court. Three Corrective Services officers were present in court for Jolly’s short appearance and he was remanded in custody by magistrate Gordon Lerve.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Tony Seccull sought a suppression order for the protection of the alleged victim. But Mr Lerve said legislation prevents the identification of sex assault victims. Mr Lerve asked whether Jolly sought an order to be held in protection, but Mr Halburd said he had no instructions regarding that. “I assume the authorities will take the appropriate action,” Mr Halburd said.
The girl was playing in her front yard when she was allegedly abducted on February 14. A man tucked her under his arm before bundling her into the back seat of a utility. Almost two hours later the girl was returned after the attacker dumped her in a nearby street.
Police initially identified a white Toyota Hilux utility as possibly being used in the abduction and the following weekend put a similar vehicle on display at the Wagga Marketplace in the hope of getting leads.
Police said they were led to Jolly after discovering a white Holden Colorado, a vehicle similar to the description of the car used in the abduction. It will be alleged the man lived in Wren Street, Mount Austin, at the time of the alleged attack.– The Border Mail
A MAN who exposed his penis to a young woman in the Albury library last year faces sentence next week after pleading guilty to a charge of committing an indecent act.
Magistrate Geoff Hiatt has ordered a short-form pre-sentence report on Maurice Vagg after a belated guilty plea in Albury Local Court yesterday with the victim giving evidence about the circumstances of what happened.
Police prosecutor Sgt Tony Seccull said the offence by Vagg was at the high end of the scale.
Sgt Seccull said people should be able to go about their business in public without being subjected to such behaviour.
Vagg, 45, of Albury, pleaded not guilty to charges of committing an act of indecency and wilful and obscene exposure on October 19 last year.
When police spoke to him about the incident, Vagg admitted being at the library, but said: “I had a hernia protruding out. It comes up and I was just trying to push it down”.
Mr Hiatt yesterday heard evidence from police and the statements of three other witnesses were tendered before the victim gave evidence.
The victim, who turned 18 last year, attended the library about 11.30am on October 19 and sat at a table.
Vagg sat close to her and she moved a little, saying: “He was a bit close. I thought I might be in the way”.
He started reading a paper, began mumbling something and turned towards the woman.
The victim said she could see the top of his penis and he had both hands around it.
She said she “freaked out” and turned away after seeing him exposed for three or four seconds.
She grabbed her phone and walked quickly to the librarian’s desk and advised what had happened.
Vagg stood up and walked quickly out of the library, but police later obtained closed circuit footage from staff.
Solicitor Terrence O’Riain sought an adjournment to discuss the case with Vagg after the victim gave evidence.
Mr O’Riain a short time later advised that Vagg would plead guilty to committing an act of indecency.
Mr Hiatt said an options pre-sentence report considering community service and periodic detention would be
sought and sentencing was adjourned until next Tuesday.
Martin Errol Price, 38, was refused bail at Albury Court yesterday after his arrest at Centro Lavington ended a dramatic chase — on foot and behind the wheel — in the crowded shopping precinct and on nearby residential streets.
Assistant court registrar Yvette Robertson was told patrolling police had seen Price in North Albury just before 3.30pm, driving a gold Mitsubishi Magna which they believed was stolen from Canberra.
The officers signalled for Price to pull over, but he accelerated away from them on Resolution Street and a pursuit ensued.
Price reached speeds of 90kmh in a 50kmh zone on Union Road, before police called off the pursuit when he ran a red light at the intersection of Urana and Sanders roads.
Soon after, another officer saw Price driving down Griffith Road, where he collided with another car, the court was told.
Police claim Price continued driving after the crash, which forced the Mitsubishi’s bonnet up, into the Centro Lavington car park.
On the upper level, Price grabbed a black backpack and ran from his car into the shopping centre, where he was chased by police.
An officer yelled for Price to stop when he was near Big W.
The court was told Price turned around and said, “Don’t come near me or I’ll stab you”.
He kept running and was arrested outside the centre.
A police search found he was carrying a Leatherman containing a knife.
A search of the car found a receipt for the vehicle for $400, which Price had paid in Canberra in June.
The number plates had allegedly been reported stolen by an ACT man in the same month.
Defence solicitor Andrea MacDonald said her client had moved to Albury six weeks ago to be closer to his daughter in Wagga.
Ms MacDonald said he had been undergoing counselling for drug and alcohol problems and had recently found work.
Police prosecutor Sgt Tony Seccull opposed bail, saying Price had a lengthy criminal record and was likely to be jailed if convicted of the fresh charges, which include assault police without actual bodily harm, custody of a knife in a public place, negligent driving, not giving particulars to other driver or police, displaying unauthorised number plates, using an uninsured and unregistered motor vehicle, unlicensed driving, driving in a dangerous manner, and dealing with the suspected proceeds of crime.
Price was refused bail and remanded in custody to appear before a magistrate today.
Gosford Race Club is saddened to announce the passing of former Vice Chairman and Life Member Norman ‘Norm’ Wilfred Cowell on the evening of Wednesday, 22nd March 2017.
Norm was a life long racing enthusiast who served on the GRC Board from 1991-2010. He was elected as Vice Chairman in 2007 until his resignation from the Board in 2010.
The Club extends its condolences to Norm’s wife Mirril and family. The funeral for Norm will be held at Hillside Chapel, Palmdale on Wednesday 29th March from 1:30pm.
COWELL, Norman Wilfred March 23, 2017 at Hospital Gosford.
Late of East Gosford and formerly of Point Clare.
A very much loved husband to Mirril and loved father and father-in-law to Stephen & Jayne.
Loving Pop to Brendan & Megan and Daniel & Emily.
Aged 85 Years
Always Loved
The relatives and friends of NORM are respectfully invited to attend a Celebration of his Life appointed to commence this coming Wednesday (March 29, 2017) at 1.30pm in the Hillside Chapel of the Palmdale Crematorium, Palmdale Road, Palmdale.
Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001), Friday 1 October 1971 (No.108), page 3848
The undermentioned Members of the Police Force to be Inspectors under the Liquor Act, 1912, as amended by subsequent Acts, for the Licensing Districts preceding their names, from the dates specified, viz.:
Kiama.—Senior Constable Norman Wilfred Cowell, stationed at Kiama, during the absence on leave of Sergeant 3rd Class Ronald Elwin Arthur Douglas, from 28th August, 1971.
Detective Se3rgeant 3rd Class John Melville GUDGEON, Sergeant 3rd Class James William DUNBAR and Senior Constable Norman Wilfred COWELL were Departmentally commended for courage and devotion to duty displayed at Jamberoo on the 30th June, 1966, in effecting the arrest of an armed youth, for whom a search had been made in connection with a number of breaking, entering and stealing offences committed in company with two other young men, both of whom had been previously arrested.
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Patrick Francis CURTIN
| 11/04/2017
Patrick Francis CURTIN
Late of
Victoria Police Force
Regd. # 1564
Rank: Trooper / Mounted Constable
Stations: ?, Euroa Police Station
Service: From17 June 1859to 28 May 1872= 12+ years Service
Previous member of the Irish Constabulary
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Victoria Police Star – awarded 22 March 2017
Born: 17 March 1836 in Faithlegg, Waterford, Ireland
Died on: 28 May 1872 near Violet Town, Victoria
Age: 36
Cause: Horse riding incident – whilst in a wagonette – see article below
Event location: Violet Town to Euroa Rd, Victoria
Funeral date: ? ? ?
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: Euroa Public Cemetery, Hume Fwy
Roman Catholic – Section A
Memorial located at: ?
[alert_green]PATRICK is mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green]
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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.
Former Euroa public cemetery caretaker Max Burnside never expected to discover the grave of a police officer who died in the line of duty almost 150 years ago.
He was busy mowing the lawn at the cemetery about 10 years ago when he spotted some white marble sticking out of the ground.
‘‘I thought it was just a stone that would hit the mower and do some damage one day, but it turned out to be a headstone completely under the ground,’’ Mr Burnside said.
The headstone belonged to Victoria Police Mounted Trooper Constable Patrick Francis Curtin, who was born in Ireland on March 17, 1836, and died near Violet Town on May 28, 1872.
Mr Burnside managed to uncover Const Curtin’s headstone and cleaned it up.
Having an active interest in history, Mr Burnside then went home and started researching the police officer’s death.
It was believed Const Curtin was the first police officer to serve at the Euroa police station and died when he was travelling back from Violet Town by wagonette after obtaining a warrant.
While attempting to avoid a rough area on the road the horse stopped, causing Const Curtin to be thrown from the wagon.
The incident caused Const Curtin’s pistol to perforate his bowel and his neck was broken during the incident.
He died a short time later, aged 36, and was buried at the Euroa public cemetery, where he quietly rested until his grave was brought to the attention of police in 2009 when a break-in happened at the cemetery’s storage shed.
During this event Mr Burnside met Leading Senior Constable Simon Hutchings, who was stationed at Euroa police station and showed a keen interest in the discovery.
Leading Sen Const Hutchings obtained a range of records about Const Curtin’s service and brought the grave to the attention of the Victoria Police Graves Committee.
The committee was known to restore graves of police officers who died in the line of duty and hold ceremonies to honour the sacrifice they made in the line of duty.
Const Curtin was honoured during a grave re-dedication ceremony on Wednesday at the Euroa public cemetery.
The service was attended by Victoria Police Chief Commission Graham Ashton, who spoke about the importance of these ceremonies in showing police that their service would never be forgotten.
Const Curtin’s great-great-granddaughter Dawn De Vond accepted a Victoria Police Star from Chief Comm Ashton.
Ms De Vond said it was wonderful for her great-great-grandfather to receive recognition.
‘‘When I got the initially phone call I was just blown out of the world, I just thought this is incredible,’’ Ms De Vond said.
‘‘I’m proud to be here, it’s just really lovely and I didn’t expect such an occasion.’’
Before Victoria Police contacted Ms De Vond she did not know a lot about Const Curtin.
She said the Victoria Police Star she accepted on her great-great-grandfather’s behalf would be donated to the historic society.
Benalla Ensign and Farmer’s and Squatter’s Journal (Vic. : 1869 – 1872), Saturday 29 April 1871, page 2
SHOCKING DEATH AT EUROA. Dr. Henry, M.B., deputy coroner for the Benalla district, held an inquest on Wednesday, the 26th inst., at the Pilgrim Inn, Euroa, on the body of Fritz Bohlmann, a waggoner.
The jury consisted of Messrs. Joseph Freeman, foreman ; James Fraser, David Cree, John Morgan, Charles Pratt, William Hewish, William Hogg, William Beaton, Andrew McGee, Charles Clusky, Thomas Lake, and John Gordon.
The jury having viewed the body, Daniel Kelly, carrier, residing at Benalla, deposed on oath.- I know the deceased Fritz Bohlmann. Have been acquainted with him seven or eight years. He was about 40 years of age. He was born in Holstein-Schleswig. He was, I believe, a single man. I saw him last alive at the Duck Ponds about 12 o’clock noon yesterday. He was a little the worse for drink when I first saw him; and I advised him to go into his waggon and have a sleep, and I promised to drive his team till we came to Euroa, which I did. When I went to awaken him I found he was dead. He was lying with his face downwards on his blankets. His head was lower than his feet, which were resting on some sheep. skins. I reported the matter to the police immediately.
By the Foreman. – It is five miles from the Duck Ponds to Euroa. I saw him several times during the journey, and he had not altered his position. He never spoke to me after he got into the waggon. I did not disturb him thinking him to be asleep.
By the Police. – He has a brother in Melbourne. He has a waggon and seven horses. On the waggon were some sheepskins and a hide. The harness was complete all but one set.
John Nicholson, M.D., deposed.- I am a legally.qualified medical practitioner, residing at Benalla. I have this day made a post-mortem examination of the body of deceased Fritz Bohlmann, now lying dead at the Pilgrim Inn. The body is of a stout, muscular build, height about 5 feet 7 1/2 inches, and aged I should say about 40. The head,, neck, and upper part of the chest were very much congested and black. There were no marks of violence externally, nor any old scars. Internally the lungs were gorged with blood; all the other organs were healthy. It appears to me that deceased died from suffocation. Lying on his face in the manner described by last witness, during a state of intoxication, would be sufficient to account for the suffocation. There was no blood in the pleural cavity. I did not examine the stomach.
Patrick. Francis Curtin, police constable stationed at Euroa, deposed.- From Information I received yesterday I proceeded to a waggon in the main street of Euroa. nearly opposite the Pilgrim Inn. – I found the deceased Fritz Bohlmann, and had him removed to the Pilgrim Inn. I searched him in company with several others. and found 17s. in one pocket and 6d. in another, also a knife. I and two others searched the waggon by candlelight to see if we could find any money, as the deceased was supposed to have some. Not finding any last night I tried again to-day in company with others, and found three £5 notes and two half-crowns. The total amount in my possession is £16 2s 6d., together with seven horses, a waggon and harness, a hide, and some sheepskins When I went first to the waggon he was partly sitting, one leg being bent under him.
The jury brought in the following verdict:- ” That Fritz Bohlmann did, on the 25th day of April, 1871, on his journey from the Duck Ponds to Euroa, die of suffocation, and that there were no marks of external injury on the body of deceased.”
Benalla Ensign and Farmer’s and Squatter’s Journal (Vic. : 1869 – 1872), Saturday 15 April 1871, page 2
FATAL ACCIDENT AT EUROA.
A magisterial inquiry was held by Mr Gall, on Friday evening, the 8th instant, at the Seven Creeks Hotel, Euroa, touching the death of Henry Bond, who had been run over that morning.
John Wakenshaw, residing at Model Farm, near Violet Town, deposed — I have seen the deceased, Henry Bond. He was in my employment about seven weeks. He was assisting me to break in a young horse to harness for Alexander Munroe, and to see him safely on the road. Henry Bond took charge of the break at the incline on the bridge where the floods washed it away. I was in charge of the body horse when going up the incline, and I looked back and saw the wheel go over the deceased’s body. I called to Mr Munroe to stop the team, but seeing that the wheel was likely to come back on the body I called to him to go on to level ground. I then assisted deceased to the nearest hotel. He then said he thought he was dying. Deceased was perfectly sober at the time.
Alexander Munroe deposed — The deceased, Henry Bond, was helping me with a young horse to break it into harness. When we came to the Euroa bridge I asked him to take charge of the break. Next saw him lying on the road. I stopped the horses and came back to his assistance. Deceased said that the wheel of the dray had gone over him. Assisted to carry him to the nearest hotel. The weight on the dray was about 35cwt. There were three horses in the dray at the time of the accident. We started this morning from Mr Garrett’s, Euroa. The accident happened about half-past 11 this day (Friday).
John De Boos deposed — At about half-past 11 o’clock to-day I saw the deceased Henry Bond, and assisted him into my hotel and placed him on a bed, having heard he had been run over. I assisted to undress him. A doctor who was in the township arrived 10 minutes after the accident. In answer to the doctor, deceased said that the wheel of the dray had gone over his body. The doctor examined deceased and said that he could not do anything for him at the present, that the injuries were internal, and deceased was bleeding internally. Remained with deceased until he expired, which was at 12 o’clock at noon. The doctor, being under engagement to attend a patient at the Broken River was unable to be present at this inquiry.
Thomas Bond, son of John Bond, farmer, residing at the Bald hills, near Violet Town, deposed — At about half-past 12 o’clock to-day (Friday) I received information that my brother Henry Bond was hurt at Euroa. Arrived at Euroa at about 1 o’clock, and then saw my brother dead. He was about 22 years of age, and in the employment of John Wakenshaw.
Patrick Francis Curtin, police constable stationed at Euroa, deposed — At about half-past 11 o’clock to-day from information received I ran from the tollhouse on to the road. I saw Mr Wakenshaw assist Henry Bond off the road. Mr Munroe came up nearly at the same time. I spoke to deceased and asked him what had happened to him. He told me that the wheel of the dray had gone over his loins. He then walked about 70 yards with the assistance of two men to the Seven Creeks Hotel, at which place he was supplied with a bed and other necessaries. His clothing and boots were taken off. Mr Clarke was sent for. The doctor was in attendance in about 12 minutes after he was placed on the bed. From the time of the accident up to his death was about half an hour.
The finding was that the deceased, Henry Bond, was accidentally killed by a loaded dray going over him on the bridge at Euroa.
Benalla Ensign and Farmer’s and Squatter’s Journal (Vic. : 1869 – 1872), Friday 1 April 1870, page 2
Inspectors of slaughter yards have been gazetted within the shire of Benalla as follows.:. Constables Patrick Francis Curtin, Euroa;. Timothy Riordan, Violet Town; William Arthur, Benalla, and Augustus Harris Purcell at Longwood.
The Charleville Times of the 11th instant says :- Constable Patrick Curtin was accidentally killed at Adavale through his horse running him against a tree. The deceased had served several years in the Central Division, and was transferred here during the strike.” The deceased was well-known both in Rockhampton and at Mount Morgan, having been stationed at each place for a considerable time. He left here for the south in December last.
Further information is needed about this man, his life and his death.
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Michael (Stevo) Stephenson
The relatives and friends of the late MICHAEL STEPHENSON are respectfully invited to attend his funeral to be held at the Chapel of the Broulee Memorial Gardens Crematorium, 195 Broulee Road, Broulee with a service commencing at 2.00pm on Friday the 7th April 2017.
Rank: His Service Card stated he started as Trainee – commenced 2 March 1959 at the Academy but in the ‘Stud Book’, the 2 March 1959 is the date he was Attested as a Probationary Constable
Probationary Constable – appointed 2 March 1959
Constable – appointed 2 March 1960
Constable 1/c – appointed 2 March 1965
Senior Constable – appointed 2 March 1969
Sergeant 3/c – appointed 15 May 1979
Sergeant 2/c – Retirement
Stations: ?, The Rocks – Retirement
Service: From 2 March 1959to 17 November 1987= 28+years Service
Awards: Pat either received the following. I am unable to determine which is correct from It’s An Honour website:
National Medal – received 15 September 1980.
Born: 19 May 1935
Died on: Saturday 18 March 2017
Age: 81
Cause: ?
Funeral date: Monday 27 March 2017 @ 2.30pm
Funeral location: The Chapel of Pettigrew Family Funerals, 984 Hunter Street, Newcastle West
Buried at: ?
Memorial at: ?
[alert_yellow]PAT is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO
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Funeral location:
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Dearly Loved Husband of MAUREEN. Much Loved Father and Father-in-Law of CHRISTINE & ROB, PETER & JANE, JO & PHILLIP. Loving Poppy to EMMA, PETER, JERRIE, KATE, TIM, LAYNE & Great Poppy to NOAH, PATRICK, & BENJAMIN. PATRICK will be sadly missed by the O’BRIEN, JENKINS, YEOMAN & WISEMAN Families
The Relatives & Friends of PATRICK are warmly invited to attend a Celebration Of His Life to be held in The Chapel, 984 Hunter St Newcastle West this Monday 27th March, 2017 service commencing at 2.30pm.
A Memorial Service will also be held in Coffs Harbour on a date to be advised in April.
March 30, 2017
One of the great story and joke teller at many a Police smoko and send off. The laughter will be subdued, but only for a while. Condolences to Maureen and family from those who remember at Mayfield P.S.
March 24, 2017
may the sadness turn to happy memories with the passage of time.
Condolences to Maureen and families.
Cousin Edwina and Henryk Drewek
Edwina and Henryk Drewek
Edwina Drewek, Murwillumbah, New South Wales
March 24, 2017
Ivan Cerveny, Copmanhurst, New South Wales
March 24, 2017
May you forever Rest In Peace.
https://police.freom.com/patrick-phillip-obrien/
March 23, 2017
So extremely sad for you all. “Memories are Forever”. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family.
Helen & Peter Ralph, East Cape
share
March 22, 2017
Mark Thomas, Sydney, New South Wales
Published in The Newcastle Herald from Mar. 22 to Mar. 25, 2017 – See more at: http://tributes.theherald.com.au/obituaries/theherald-au/obituary.aspx?n=patrick-phillip-obrien&pid=184613188&fhid=31483#sthash.90Mjo4vN.dpuf
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Prior to Pat joining NSWPF, he worked for 3 years as a Clerk, did 9 months as a Salesman, 2 years as a Machine operator and 2 years as a Truck driver.
When Pat joined the NSWPF, pre March 1959, he was described as: 5′ 10″ tall, 12st 6 lb, blue eyes, brown hair with a medium complexion and was a native of Inverell, NSW.
At the completion of Training Class N062, at the Police Training Centre – he received marks of 90.75%
He married in 1973.
On the 18 September 1959 he passed his Typing test with 30 wpm
He passed his Constable 1/c course on the 6 June 1961 but failed his Sergeant 3/c exams on 15 May 1970, again on 12 May 1972, again on 18 May 1973 and again on 18 May 1978. Tenacity or feeling sorry for him, he finally passed his Sergeant 3/c qualifications on 14 May 1979.
He successfully completed Sergeants Course # 4, Class 4 of 1979 with 86.2%
He successfully completed Methods of Instruction Course # 39 of 1980
Over the period 10 – 12 October 1961 he completed a three day course in Civil Defence.
He was deemed Competent on 7 July 1959 to drive motor vehicles and on 9 January 1980 was Certified to drive 4 Wheel Drives.
He was appointed a Solo cyclist on 29 May 1962.
He also obtained his S.L.S.A. Bronze Medallion and all awards to Bronze Cross and Bar.
He was Commended for the part played by him in the search for Kevin John Simmonds and Leslie Allan Newcombe who escaped from the State Penitentiary, Long Bay, on the 9th October, 1959.
C. J. Delany, Commissioner of Police
On the 15 September 1980 he was Awarded the National Medal.
2 March 1959 Trainee Police Training Metro
3 April 1959 GD’s 10 Division Metro
10 June 1959 GD’s 10 Division ( Rose Bay ) Metro
8 July 1959 GD’s Newcastle North Eastern
29 August 1960 GD’s Mayfield North Eastern
30 July 1964 Vice Sqd (Prob) Newcastle North Eastern
30 Jan 1965 Vice Sqd (Perm) Newcastle North Eastern
13 May 1966 GD’s Mayfield North Eastern
21 Nov 1977 GD’s Newcastle North Eastern
9 Dec 1979 Licencing Maitland Newcastle
9 Jan 1980 OIC Stockton Newcastle
23 Mar 1980 GD’s Mayfield Newcastle
* from this point onwards, the system is now computerised.
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Darren James STEEL
| 11/04/2017
Darren James STEEL
aka Steely
New South Wales Police Force
Academy Class 208
[alert_yellow]Regd. # 21874[/alert_yellow]
Rank: Academy – Training commenced 7 January 1985
Probationary Constable – appointed 22 March 1985
Constable – appointed 22 March 1986
Detective Sergeant
Detective Chief Inspector – Death
Stations: ?, 9 Division, Moree ( Plain Clothes 1988 ), Tamworth, Bingara, SPSU, Duty Officer at Oxley LAC, Duty Officer / Crime Manager at Tweed / Bryon Local Area Command – Death
Service: From 7 January 1985to 22 March 2017= 32+years Service
Awards: National Medal – granted 6 April 2001
Born: 10 October 1963
Died on: Wednesday 22 March 2017 – 32nd Anniversary of being ‘Sworn’ as a Pro Cst
Age: 53
Cause: possible pancreas infection?
Funeral date: Tuesday 28 March 2017 @ 9.30am
Funeral location: Melaleuca Station Crematorium, 9394 Tweed Valley Way, Chinderah, NSW
Buried at: ?
Memorial at: ?
Inspector Darren Steel of Tweed Police is encouraging the members of the public to dob in a dealer for $1000 April 2012
[alert_yellow]DARREN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
I have the unenviable task of letting you all know of the passing of Darren Steel Blue Liner No: 8 currently not active with the club. However it is of some note that Darren was a founding member of Blue Liners Australia, being present at the initial meeting at North Region with then Commissioner Tony Lauer, A/C Clive McLachlan, C.I. Middleton and past and famous president Ray “Robbo” Robinson.
It is from these humble beginnings that the Blue Liners Tamworth Ride was commenced and we celebrate the 25 Anniversary of that great event this year.
For those that don’t know of Darren Steel he is a a Duty Officer at the Tweed/Byron LAC. I have had the pleasure of knowing Darren since 1988 when he was an aspiring Plain Clothes Constable at Moree and was the sole Plain Clothes Investigator in the office for sometime an immense responsibility for a young police officer. He was designated as a Detective and moved through the ranks to Detective Sergeant and then to the rank of Inspector, Duty Officer at Oxley LAC and later transferred to Tweed/Byron LAC where he is currently stationed.
Darren was a fine and outstanding Policemen, Friend and Blue Liner ,
Darren will be sadly missed but never forgotten.
R.I.P. Brother, Til Valhalla
Harley Willox
President BLA
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Founding Member # 8 of the Blue Liners TMCC.
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March 28, 2017 | by Darren Coyne
Funeral today for former Tweed/Byron crime manager
A NSW police funeral with full honours will take place today for Detective Chief Inspector Darren Steel, who passed away last Wednesday.
The service is being held at the Melaleuca Station Memorial Gardens at Chinderah this morning.
Insp Steel joined the police academy in 1985 and served as a police officer in Moree, Tamworth and the Tweed/Byron Local Area Command, rising through the ranks to become crime manager.
Superintendent Wayne Starling, Tweed/Byron’s local area commander, said Insp Steel would be sadly missed by all.
‘I think we are all better people for having Detective Chief Inspector Steel in our lives,’ he said.
Insp Steel passed away last Wednesday with his wife and two children present.
Tweed MP Geoff Provest said he was saddened by the event but praised the efforts of an officer who dedicated 33 years of his life to his duties and never once took a sick day.
‘I worked with him for many years and always found him a fine, upstanding officer, deeply committed and dedicated to the wider Tweed community,” MrProvest said.
‘I was very shocked and saddened by what happened and my thoughts and my sympathies go out to his family and friends.’
THE Tweed has lost one of its heroes and a young family must now continue without a father and husband after police confirmed the sudden death this week of Detective Chief Inspector Darren Steel.
The 53-year-old officer’s death, although not suspicious, was unexpected and has left a community grieving.
Tweed Byron LAC Superintendent Wayne Starling paid tribute to his colleague and friend and said the event had left the command in shock.
“His fellow police will greatly miss Darren,” Supt Starling said.
“He was an outstanding police officer who cared for the welfare of the community he served.”
A NSW police funeral with full honours is planned for next Tuesday at Melaleuca Station Memorial Gardens at Chinderah.
Darren Steel Awarded National Clasp 25, with A/Comm Carlene York
Tweed MP Geoff Provest said he was saddened by the event but praised the efforts of an officer who dedicated 33 years of his life to his duties and never once took a sick day.
“I worked with him for many years and always found him a fine, upstanding officer, deeply committed and dedicated to the wider Tweed community,” Mr Provest said.
“I was very shocked and saddened by what happened and my thoughts and my sympathies go out to his family and friends.”
Det Ch Insp Steel will be remembered and celebrated by his wife and two children.
He served New South Wales Police in regions that include Moree, Tamworth and the Tweed Byron Local Area Command.
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Gold Coast R.P.A.
Dear Members,
I am aware that our Secretary has advised you of the pending funeral of Inspector Darren James STEEL of Tweed Heads Police Command – who was merely 53 years of age.
As Secretary KING has indicated Darren, was a man who not only overtly supported retired police, but one who went out of his way, to ensure serving police appreciated that
those who preceded them in the Police Force, were men & women of honour, deserving of the utmost respect, from all serving members.
Darren was a quite outstanding young man who never failed in his support for us ‘older folk’ – he was always there for US …. can we not repay in kind?
Please do make an earnest endeavour to see your way clear, to join with me and other members of your Executive Board, to honour Darren for his sincere advocacy on behalf of all retired NSW Police Officers.
He was never reticent in singing the praise of us ‘older folk’ – can we not now herald, our true appreciation, of this outstanding young man.
Rest in Peace Darren James Steel.
Malcolm Cox
Chairman
Gold Coast RPA Members – Darren was well known to our Branch members. Whilst he was still in the job, he was the one who looked after us on Retired Police Day, cooked the BBQ etc. When I told him that Bryan Kelaher would like one of the badges but couldn’t make it to the Retired Day, Darren went out of his way to personally deliver a badge to him at his home. That was the sort of bloke he was. Leaves a wife and 2 young sons. Very sad – JK
