Formerly of Tamworth, Allambie Hts – Late of Beacon Hill, NSW and resident of Narrabeen Glades Community Care, Warriewood, NSW
Relations in ‘the job’:
“possible” relation in ‘the job‘: ?
NSW Police Training Centre – Redfern – Class # 095A
NSW Police Cadet # 1633
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 10703
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy as a Police Cadet on Monday 5 December 1960 ( aged 16 years, 6 months, 10 days )
Probationary Constable- appointed 25 May 1963 ( aged 19 years, 0 months, 0 days )
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed 25 May 1968
Detective – appointed ? ? ? ( YES )
Senior Constable – appointed 25 May 1972
Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ? ( N/A )
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed ? ? 1979 ( YES )
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank: = ?
Stations: Cadet: The Rule Book Section – NSW Police Academy at Redfern, Mossman ( 6 Division )( Station Duties & School Crossing Duties ), Public Safety Bureau ( PSB )( Station Duties )( North Sydney )( 1961 ), Warrant Index ( Old C.I.B. building – Campbell St, Sydney ), Regents St ( 2 Division )( Traffic ), Motor Cycle section – Patrol Yard in the basement of Police HQ ( College St, Sydney )( doing the Metropolitan Mail run ),
Constable: North Sydney ( 6 Division )( ProCst )( GDs )( 1963 ), Mossman ( 6 Division )( GDs )( 1963 ), Clearway Cyclist ( 4 years ),
Chatswood ( 25 Division )( Cyclist )( Cst – Cst 1/c )( ? – 1968 ), Mona Vale ( 14 Division )( GDs & Water Bay Water Police )( 1968 – Jan 1969 ),
Plain Cloths ( 21 Division )( Jan 1969 – Oct 1969 ), Balmain ( 8 Division )( C.I. Duties )( Oct 1969 – 1975 ) – included his Detectives Training course during this time and became a Detective Senior Constable,
21 Division ( 1980s ), During the time in 21 Division ( 1981 ) – he was in foot pursuit of an escapee in Kings Cross and suffered a serious injury to his right leg – resulting in him being in a cast for nearly 12 months. He then applied for a Medical Discharge from the employ of NSWPF.
Was also a member of the Police Aero Club
Time employed ( Paid ) with NSW Police: From: 5 December 1960 to ? August 1982 = 22 years,
Service ( From Training Date ) period: From 5 December 1960to? August 1982 = 22 years Service
Retirement / Leaving age: = ?
Time in Retirement from Police: ?
Awards: Commissioners Commendation for confronting a man, armed with a knife, holding his family hostage at Drummoyne ( 1969 – 1975 )
National Medal – granted 1 September 1982 ( Sgt 3/c )
Police Ethical & Good Conduct Medal – granted
NSW Police Medal Police Medal – granted
Born: Thursday 25 May 1944 in Tamworth, NSW
Died on: Thursday 1 February 2024
Age: 79 years, 8 months, 7 days
Organ Donor: Y / N / ?
Cause: ?
Event location: ?
Event / Diagnosis date: ?
Funeral date: Friday 9 February 2024 @ 11.15am
Funeral location: North Chapel, Northern Suburbs Crematorium, 199 Delhi Road North Ryde, NSW
Wake location: Skyline Lounge, Northern Suburbs Crematorium, NSW
Wake date: Friday 9 February 2024
Funeral Parlour: Wilson Family Funerals – 02 99137131
Buried at: ?
Grave Location: Section: Row: ?Plot: ?
Grave GPS: ?, ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( February 2024 )
GRAHAM 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.
KEECH
Graham Lawrence
25.5.1944 – 1.2.2024
Aged 79 years
Late of Beacon Hill
Formerly of Tamworth.
Much loved husband of Jan.
Loving big brother of Elaine and brother-in-law to Bob.
Amazing and proud father of Kelli, Shane-Maree and Kristy.
Cherished grandad of Arin, Zac, Jake, Holly, Oscar and Harry.
A great mate to his son-in-laws Robert and Daniel.
Will be very sadly missed.
A Celebration of Graham’s life will be held in the North Chapel, Northern Suburbs Crematorium, 199 Delhi Road North Ryde on Friday 9th February 2024 to commence at 11:15am.
Please join us for refreshments following the service in the Skyline Lounge.
Wilson Family Funerals
Family Owned and Operated
02 9913 7131
* Story behind any Nickname:
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Deepest condolences to Nicks wife Jessica and their daughters Lizzy and Daisy.
* Story behind any Nickname: Beef Man = ?
In 2022 Nick contracted Bacterial Meningitis which brought on a couple of strokes and then a heart attack.
Nick, despite being on the cusp of death, managed to rally and came good.
With the aid of rehabilitation for months, he was able to return to work in an administrative role.
Unfortunately his brain was not functioning correctly and he had to take ‘sick leave’ again.
Although he was still on the ‘roster’, he was not able to physically return to VKG for months – leading up to his untimely, and young, death.
Nick, from all accounts, was a great guy, highly intelligent, always the gesture and far too young.
He died in his sleep and looked as though he was simply taking a nap.
Forever – Rest In Peace.
Rodney RUDE & Nick JONES
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
NSW Police Training Centre – Redfern – Class # 093
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 10482
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy on Monday ? ? 1962 ( aged ?
Probationary Constable- appointed Monday 29 October 1962 ( aged 20 years, 3 months, 16 days )
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed 29 October 1967
Detective – appointed ? ? ? ( YES )
Senior Constable – appointed 29 October 1971
Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ? ( N/A )
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 1 December 1978
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 1st Class – appointed 9 December 1986
Inspector – appointed ? ? ?
Chief Inspector – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank: = Detective Inspector
Stations: ?, Paddington, ?, Patrol Commander – Paddington ( 10 Division )( Insp )( 1990 ), ?, Eastern Suburbs District HQ – Daceyville, ?, Region South – Retirement
Time employed ( Paid ) with NSW Police: From: ? ? 1962 to 1 January 1996 = 33 years,
Service ( From Training Date ) period: From ? ? 1962 to 1 January 1996 = 33 years Service
Retirement / Leaving age: = 53 years, 5 months,
Time in Retirement from Police: 28 years, 0 months, 28 days
Awards: National Medal – granted 6 November 1980 ( Det Sgt )
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 17 March 1989 ( Det SenSgt )
Born: Monday 13 July 1942
Died on: Monday 29 January 2024
Age: 81 years, 6 months, 16 days
Organ Donor: No – age prohibitive
Cause: suffered from Cancer from which he also suffered fluid around the heart leading to a heart attack. He also suffered fluid on the lungs and also had Covid.
Event location: ? – surrounded by family
Event / Diagnosis date: ?
Funeral date: Wednesday 7 February 2024 @ 11am
Funeral location: Coast Chapel, 50 Pine Ave, Little Bay, NSW@
There will be NO official Police involvement at the funeral
All friends and colleagues are invited to attend
Wake location: The Junior, Anzac Pde & Haig St, Maroubra Junction, NSW
Please join Jim’s family to celebrate his life at the Coast Chapel, a place that holds special significance as it overlooks Little Bay and the ocean that Jim called home for over 50 years.
Time & Location
07 Feb, 11:00 am
The Coast Chapel. 50 Pine Avenue, Little Bay NSW
About the Service
Jim’s family invite you to join them at the Coast Chapel to farewell their husband, father and poppy.
Please join Robyn, Yvette, Brett, Daniel and their families to celebrate Jim’s life at The Juniors, Maroubra, Anzac Parade and Haig Street, Maroubra Junction from 12.30pm.
Please note that you do not need to RSVP if you’re watching the livestream.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
( unconfirmed ) Mick may have worked at Redfern ( 7 Division ) in 1975 and he may be identical to M. McBride who represented and competed in the NSW Police Cricket Team that toured New Zealand.
Source: Liverpool Police Time Line ( 1788 – 2022 ) via Joe Stanioch
Mick was the youngest of seven brothers.
Mick was unmarried, at the time of death, and had no children although he had ( years earlier ) been married to a Policewoman.
* Story behind any Nickname:
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Passed away surrounded by loving family on Saturday, 30th December 2023. Beloved husband of Tish. Dearly loved father of Karly and Glen. Cherished Opa of Ruby. Much loved brother of Raymond (dec), Lynne, and Wendie. Allan will be sadly missed by his loving family and many dear friends.
Aged 68 years
We will miss your smiling face, a special person no one can replace
Alan Baker
Aloha… my old friend
Michele Woods
I have fond memories of Al from Parra… then experienced his kindness at Xavier.
RIP
Lachlan O’Donohoe
Likewise I have memories of Al at Parra and experienced his compassion and willingness to be there for many people who were not at their best and needed a familiar face to chat! May he rest in peace.
Glen Bennett
Al was truly unique man in every way. A true gentleman, an incredible Police officer, a loving family man, a person who unselfishly gave so much to the broader community in the Hawkesbury. Although Alan’s passing leaves so many of us with a heavy heart, I personally feel blessed to have shared part of his life. RIP mate.
Madonna Collis
Al was such a beautiful man and a great Detective. He had a sense of grace and ‘coolness’ about him that I so admired, Sad times – sincere condolences to family ????????????
Ron Viles
Such a kind man a privilege to know sadly missed RIP my friend
Matt Brodin
Al was a great , kind , very compassionate man. I will miss our chats.
R.I.P Mate.. ????????
Jonathan Cornelius
It was my great privilege to know and work with Al. A great friend and mentor who taught me so much. Rest easy Al.
Tish
Thank you to all for the beautiful, heartfelt comments.
From the Duncan family ????
Olli O’Keeffe
Gone too soon Al. Such a dedicated and talented Detective and a mentor to so many young Police. I loved working with you at Granville and Parramatta. You were such great company and respected by all. Deepest condolences to your family and loved ones.
JEFFREY MOORE
Rest in peace Allan, I meet you at Bowen Mountain on many occasions with melissa gods own ???? country, bye mate
Greg Callander
https://police.freom.com/allan-duncan/
May Allan DUNCAN ( NSWPF # 18922 from Redfern Police Academy Class 165 ) who Served the people of NSW from 24 September 1979 – ?, Forever Rest In Peace.
Reputed to be one of the “driving forces of the Windsor Blue Light disco …”
Class 165B – 10 December 1979
* Story behind any Nickname: Dunko – play on surname.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
* Story behind any Nickname: Big Gordy – “hands the size of Legs of Ham”
Some of Class 129 – 13 December 1971. These members have Not been identified in this photo as yet ( 2024 )
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Constable: Eastwood ( 17 Division )( ProCst )( 1969 ), Four Wheels Transport Branch ( 20 Division )( 1972 ), Water Police ( Dawes Point )( 28 Division )( 1976 – 1982), Sydney Water Police – Operational Support ( simply a name change for the same place )( 1982 – 1995, Shift Supervisor – 1995, Ancillary – 1999 ) – Retirement
Time employed ( Paid ) with NSW Police: From: 27 November 1967 to 3 August 2007 = 39 years, 8 months, 7 days
Service ( From Training Date ) period: From 27 November 1967to3 August 2007 = 39 years, 8 months, 7 days
Retirement / Leaving age: = 57 years, 3 months, 22 days
Time in Retirement from Police: 16 years, 4 months,
Awards: National Medal – granted 19 November 1984 ( SenCon )
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 7 May 1994 ( SenCon )
2nd Clasp to the National Medal – granted ? ? 2003
New South Wales Police Diligent & Good Conduct Medal – granted ? ? 2003
4th & 5th Clasp to the National Medal – granted ? ? ?
Local Knowledge of Rivers and Sydney Harbour Certificate – granted 1982
Masters – Class V – Skippers Certificate – granted 1995
Marine Engine Drivers Certificate – granted 1995
Sergeants Course – 1986
Master – Class IV Certificate – granted 1987
M.E.D. Course – granted 1987
National Search and Rescue Course – granted 1992
Marine Security Course – granted 1999 ( leading up to the Sydney 2000 Olympics )
Probationary Constable David John BUCKLEY # 13650
Born: Wednesday 12 April 1950
Died on: Monday 1 January 2024 around pm at home with family by his side.
Age: 73 years, 8 months,
Organ Donor: Y / N / ?
Cause: ?
Event location: ?
Event / Diagnosis date: ?
Funeral date: Wednesday 10 January 2024 @ 2.15pm
Funeral location: North Chapel, Northern Suburbs Crematorium, 199 Delhi Rd, North Ryde, NSW
David did not wish to have an official Police Funeral, however, the Family said Buckowould be honoured ifan Honour Guardincludingall Serving and RetiredNSWPolice Officers with whom he worked, and anyone else who may wish to join in,be arrangedat the commencement of the Service when David’s Coffin will be walked into the Chapel byhis Family.
Wake location: Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club, 117 Ryedale Road, West Ryde, NSW ( TBC )
Wake date: ???
Funeral Parlour: White Lady Funerals – 4 E Parade, Eastwood, NSW
Buried at: Cremated
Grave Location: Section: Row: ?Plot: ?
Grave GPS: ?, ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( January 2024 )
BUCKO 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.
Bucko, amongst others, was involved in, but not limited by, the following Marine incidents:
1983 – Rescue of Police Crew upon Police Launch McKay ( which caught fire off Newcastle ),
1988 – Rescue of Police Crew upon Police Launch Sea Eagle ( which floundered off Nelson Bay in heavy seas ),
December 1998 – During the running of the 54th Sydney to Hobart Yacht race – during severe weather affecting 155 yachts off the coast of NSW resulting in the loss of several lives and yachts, Bucko was the Forward Commander – at Eden, NSW, Co-ordinating the Rescue of 56 sailors.
It is with great sadness that I report the passing of David ‘Bucko’ Buckley. David was a long serving member of the Water Police and a former cadet.
David passed away around 9pm on Monday, 1st January 2024 at his home surrounded by his wife, Christine (Chris), his daughters and other family members.
Funeral arrangements will be passed on once further information becomes available.
On behalf of all members of the NSW Police Force, both serving and retired, including members of RETWATPOL, our sincere thoughts and condolences go to the Buckley Family, and to all those who were fortunate to have know David and worked alongside such an inspiring, knowledgeable and wonderful gentleman.
He will be truly missed…May he rest in peace.
Deepest condolences to Bucko’s wife Chris and daughters Catherine, Joanne & Angela.
On behalf of Victoria Police Veterans – Sgts Pete Howarth, and Mark Greenhill, Leading Senior Constable – Peter Osborne, all ex Melbourne Water Police and current serving, Leading Senior Constable – Graham Shoobert (APM) – East Gippsland Water Police.
We are saddened at the news of Dave’s passing, please accept our sincere condolences.
Our thoughts are with family and the past and present members of New South Wales – Water Police, Marine Area Command.
Dave Buckley
Someone who took you as you are.
Regardless of your state.
Who stood as firm as a block of iron.
Someone you could always rely on.
Because he is your mate.
He will be missed.
RIP
Pete Howarth
Class 118
Class 118
* Story behind any Nickname: Play on surname.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
I have just heard of the passing of a former colleague from Class 158 Geoff Bernasconi. He was a wonderfully generous and giving man and a real entertainer. Your shift is complete Geoff – but your legacy, and the considerable memories you created will live on with many, especially during the times at Wagga Wagga. Special thoughts to Geoff’s family and the friends he leaves behind. Rest easy my friend.
* * *
Geoff featured in the book: ‘Forensic Investigator – true stories from the life of a country crime scene cop’, written by Esther McKay.
Class 158A – Redfern Police Academy – April 1978
Katie BERNASCONI & Geoff BERNASCONI
Katie BERNASCONI & Geoff BERNASCONI
Geoffrey Paul BERNASCONI # 17970
Georgina CLEMENTS & Geoffrey Paul BERNASCONI # 17970 at their wedding. 10 June 2020
Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995),
Tuesday 28 February 1995, page 4
Boys face murder charges
WAGGA WAGGA: Blood had soaked 5cm into the ground around the head of a man found dead by a council worker in Wagga Wagga, the city’s Children’s Court was told yesterday.
Four Wagga boys, aged 11, 12, 15 and 16, have been charged with the murder of Peter William Baker, 55, whose body was found in Victory Memorial Gardens at 8am on November 6 last year.
They were charged also with robbery in company after it was alleged that money had been taken from the dead man.
On the first day of committal proceedings yesterday, Detective Sergeant Geoff Bernasconi said Baker would not have staggered to the spot where his body was found.
He would have fallen to the ground after being struck on the back of the head and stayed there.
A significant feature was that blood had been found only on and under Baker’s head, there had been no blood on the back of his clothes and only minute traces surrounding him.
Peter James Kelly identified three of the four youths as those he had given a lift at about 11.30pm on November 5.
SYDNEY: A pilot spoke to his wife about his plane experiencing electrical difficulties only minutes before the plane plunged into a paddock near Wagga in south-eastern NSW, killing all four people on board.
Police said the 64-year-old Narrandera pilot told his wife in a mobile-phone conversation that he had lost the artificial horizon on the twin-engine Cessna 310’s navigation system.
He said he was flying in low cloud cover during a descent from 9000 feet on his approach to Wagga.
According to the Bureau of Air Safety Investigation, the pilot, from an air taxi service in Narrandera, then made his last known radio contact with Wagga airport at 7.43pm on Friday.
He failed to contact the airport six minutes later as scheduled.
A bureau spokesman said his last contact was routine and made no mention of difficulties.
Police identified the pilot as Don Knight, 64, of Knight Air Taxi, Narrandera. The Wagga men were Dallas Gooden, 42, Bruce Campbell, 54, and David Larwood, 33. They had been on a trip to Longreach in far-north Queensland buying stock.
Wreckage was strewn over more than a kilometre in the open paddock where the plane crashed.
Police said a woman from a property near the crash site, about 15km north-east of Coolamon, reported seeing a large flash in thesky and heard the plane crash about 8.10pm on Friday.
But the officer-in-charge at the crash site, Inspector Chris Morley, said it was too soon to talk about the plane exploding in mid-air.
He said the flash in the sky may have been the plane crash reflected on low cloud.
“It’s a big mess, I have never seen anything like it,” Inspector Morley said.
“It’s just devastating.”
The wreckage was found on the Thalia property by the property owner at midday yesterday after the alarm was raised.
This morning, NSW police video unit and photogrammetry officers recorded the crash site.
Two BASI investigators were travelling from Sydney to pick over the wreckage for clues about how the crash happened.
Inspector Morley said the men’s bodies would be collected and eventually taken to the city morgue in Glebe, Sydney, for disaster victim identification procedures, to be carried out by Riverina forensic services head Detective Sergeant Geoff Bernasconi.
Detective Sergeant Bernasconi was in charge of similar investigations after the Monarch air crash that killed seven people as it approached Young in central NSW on June 11, 1993.
NSW Fire Brigade, bushfire brigade and State Emergency Services workers were involved in the search on Friday night.
Forensic investigator Geoff Bernasconi had always been passionate about his job as a policeman in rural New South Wales, and went the extra mile, both for victims of crime and for their families. But one night in 1984, he was called to investigate the scene of a horrific car accident in which an entire family had been wiped out – and which it was impossible for him to forget.
Geoff‘s day-to-day working life became a catalogue of tragedies, some of which involved people close to him, and he found himself spiralling downwards in the grip of post-traumatic stress disorder.
When Esther McKay heard that Geoff had been awarded maximum compensation for his suffering, she knew immediately this was a story that needed to be told.
This is a harrowing account of what it is like to work on the frontlines of crime and tragedy as a forensic investigator. It is also the inspiring story of one who has been exposed to sights and experiences many of us can hardly even imagine, yet has emerged from the darkness to begin his journey to recovery.
Relationship issues from the autobiographies Allan Sparkes(Sparkes, 2013:136)describes his relationship with his wife Deborah as beingstrong and supportive, although he says “I kept my mental state from her.” Her support, Allanbelieves was central to his later recovery.
John Horner(Horner, 2011)experienced a marriagebreakdown in mid–career, as did Esther McKay.
She described her subsequent partner as“extremely sensitive and comforting” in terms of her battle with the trauma that was then achallenging part of her everyday experience.
Belinda Neil had a similar experience, as didGeoff Bernasconi(McKay, 2010:74)
where he describes his marriage as “weakening underthe strain”.
After being absent from home forfourdaysinvolved with the forensicinvestigation of a plane crash scene, (during which time he made no contact with his pregnantwife) on arriving back to his home town he went straight to the hotel, got drunk and called his wife, suggesting she join him for dinner. The relationship did not survive.
Sleep Problems and Exhaustion: The autobiographies. Alan Sparkes(Sparkes, 2013:140) describeshis confronting dreams and his inability to sleep.
As his Post traumatic stresssymptomsincreased he commenced having nightmaresin whichhe had stabbed to death his wife and daughter.These were the source of profound anxietyand fear for him, prompting thoughts of suicide to protect his loved ones from the possibilitythat his dreams might become reality.
EstherMcKay(McKay, 2005:265/227)gives a similaraccount of nightmares describinga particularly disturbing one where she was ‘lying naked onthe morgue table’.
Belinda Neil(Neil, 2014:2)describes “the long working hours with no time to recover from one traumatic incident to the next.”And continues,“I was falling apart,exhausted and forgetful”.
Geoff Bernasconi,(McKay, 2010:58/59)is “mentally and physically exhausted” and “fatigue was ever–present, especially on long road trips when Geoff would struggle to stay alert.”
These wereofficers nearing the limit of their resilience, unsupported by their organisation, isolated and nearing the end of their police careers.
Thesis Final PDF.pdf Trigger Warning re this link; This document looks into Police, the culture, Stress and Suicide / Suicidal thought by Police.
DAILY TELEGRAPH P15 THURSDAY 23 DECEMBER 2004 FORMER POLICEMAN GEOFF BERNASCONI FROM WAGGA WAGGA WHO SUED THE POLICE DEPT.
My dog Mac reading the book
Forensic officer awarded $750,000
While a judge in Sydney was telling the court that a former policeman should receive the maximum compensation – $750,000 – the man in question was visiting the grave of a victim of a crime he had investigated.
“I have been to a few cemeteries,” said Geoffrey Bernasconi, 48, speaking from his home in Wagga Wagga. “It’s just a solace, a place for me to think and reflect.
“I think about those that are left behind, and I feel for the person … I found it quite peaceful there today. I reflect could I have done more, and I reassure myself, no, I have done everything I can.”
On Wednesday in the District Court, Judge Raymond McLoughlin awarded the former forensic services police officer $785,000 (including interest) for his suffering, and lost career due to work-related post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.
During his 23-year career, in which more than half the cases involved homicides and dead bodies, Mr Bernasconi was only debriefed three times. Those occasions were “poorly organised and often occurred after the event”, the court heard.
A medical report said he had been “repeatedly exposed to some of the most tragic circumstances that may be witnessed in civilised societies”.
Based in Wagga Wagga since 1987, he investigated crime and accident scenes, retrieved body parts from cars, trains and light plane crashes. There were teenage suicides, infant drownings and homicides. Sometimes he was required to remove decomposed bodies because the government contractor “couldn’t stomach it”.
One of Mr Bernasconi‘s strengths was his empathy with the families of victims, who relied heavily on him. But this was also a stress.
The court also heard that for 15 months in the late 1980s he was the only crime scene investigator for the whole region, and was on call around the clock.
Judge McLoughlin criticised the service for failing to properly manage his 70-80 hour week, and failure to order appropriate leave and job rotation.
In 1999, he broke down while giving evidence at a coronial inquiry into a plane crash. The coroner recorded: “I have dealt with this man for 15 years and I have never seen him like this.”
Soon after, his police supervisor took his gun and handcuffs away. He was medically discharged in 2000-2001. He spent months in psychiatric care in hospital.
Judge McLoughlin said there were managerial and psychological interventions which should have been taken by the service. He found Mr Bernasconi was now unfit to work in the labour market.
THE NSW Police Force has wasted millions of dollars fighting “no-brainer” claims by stressed officers, prompting the State Government to order an external review of the force’s legal services unit.
The Herald is aware of at least six cases in which former police officers offered to settle for less than $150,000 but ended up with $750,000 payouts after going to court. Seventy claims are before the courts.
The Police Minister, Carl Scully, said he had “concerns about the performance of the unit, particularly in relation to its management of settlements and litigation”. He mentioned matters “not being handed expeditiously or fairly” and a “reluctance to settle that then causes payouts being larger than what they otherwise may have been”. Payouts include:
■ Child protection officer Rodney Keen: offered to settle for $148,000 plus legal fees of $30,000. Awarded $750,000 plus costs.
■ Forensic services officer Geoff Bernasconi: offer of $150,000 to avoid stress of court before $750,000 judgement.
■ Armed hold-up squad officers Edward Shepherd, Mark Wilson and Craig McDonald: offer of $790,000 for all three. Awarded $2.04 million plus costs.
■ Undercover officer Bob Ridley: offer of $100,000 before $750,000 judgement.
Mr Scully said a solicitor who has worked in the public and private sectors, Helen Vickers, would deliver her report in a few weeks.
He conceded that if the claims were proven, “then obviously I would have to consider ways of improving or potentially changing the way legal services is conducted”.
One police insider said the unit had an “army mentality”. “They want to fight everything and settle nothing and then rage against the courts when things go wrong. It’s scandalous the amount of taxpayer money they are wasting.”
Mr Scully said the current system, under which up to six people must be consulted before making an offer, could be a case of “too many cooks spoiling the broth”. The minister must approve all settlements over $100,000. “No doubt we could potentially streamline that and make it more efficient and effective.”
Mr Ridley‘s solicitor, Philip Sim, settled a case involving another undercover officer – dubbed Miss X – on the fourth day of a District Court hearing last week. “They slow the process down, so they can wear people out,” he said.
He said one attempt at mediation collapsed when police lawyers could not get instructions.
Tom Edmunds, a solicitor and former policeman who represented the hold-up squad officers, was blunt: “$1.4 million – that’s how much the Crown contributed to our legal costs.”
Kim Smith, who acted for Mr Keen and Mr Bernasconi, said the legal costs of running a matter against NSW Police were “so much greater” than her other personal injury matters.
The Crown, which will pay a large amount of Mr Keen‘s estimated $350,000 legal costs, has foreshadowed an appeal.
Ms Smith said the Crown Solicitor’s Office had pointed out many times that NSW Police was exempt from the model litigants’ policy. This demands government departments avoid litigation wherever possible, but only the Attorney-General’s department is bound by the policy.
The secretary of the NSW Police Association, Peter Remfrey, said the way NSW police managed stress had improved but the legal unit’s handling of claims was “dysfunctional”. The association’s research director, Greg Chilvers, said 70 former police – many undercover officers – had negligence claims before the courts.
A precedent was set in a 2000 Court of Appeal judgement which awarded a former child abuse officer, Beth Seedsman, $750,000 for NSW Police’s failure to provide a safe system of work or protection from mental injury. “Given what we know about the law, in these cases it should either be a no-brainer or one to be fought on a matter of principle,” Mr Chilvers said. “It seems on a matter of principle they fight them all.”
* Story behind any Nickname: The man liked a drink.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Western Suburbs Mens Bowling Club · Follow · Today we lost an absolute champion. Life member, great clubman and pleasure to be around. So many stories and life experiences were shared for anyone willing to listen. His larger than life presence will be sorely missed. Condolences to his family and friend. Rest in peace Peter Hardgrove.
RSL & Services Clubs Association · Follow · It is with great sadness that Leagues Clubs Australia had to pass on the news that their Chairman, Peter Hardgrove passed away on Friday afternoon after a short battle with illness. Our sincere condolences to Peter’s family, close friends, LCA Board, Don and Katrina. He was a great character, a good friend to everyone he knew and a strong voice for rugby league and the club industry. He will be missed! Please see details for Peter Hardgrove’s funeral below…. Date: Friday December 22nd Time: 11.00am Venue: Mary, Mother of Mercy Chapel, Barnet Ave Rookwood Dress Code: Black and White or club attire In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Concord Centre for Palliative Care.
Wests Ashfield Leagues Club is with Markets Club and Croydon Sports. · It is with profound sadness that I inform you of the passing of Mr Peter Hardgrove. Joining the Club in 1979, Peter was elected to the Board of Wests Ashfield Leagues in 1988 and assumed the role of Chairman in 2001, serving in that role until 2011. He was awarded Life Membership of the Club in 2001. Peter was also a Director of Wests Tigers Rugby League Football Club, and was proudly Chairman as they tasted premiership success in 2005. Peter was awarded Life Membership in 2021. That same year, following his long involvement with Leagues Clubs Australia (formerly Leagues Clubs Association NSW), Peter became President of the Association, a position he held until his passing. He was also awarded Life Member of the Association. Peter was a keen golfer. Peter has had an association with Wests Ashfield Men’s Golf Club for over 50 years. He is a Life Member and past President of Wests Ashfield Men’s Golf Club and a long-time Patron of Wests Ashfield Ladies Golf Club. In later years, Peter involved himself more with his “local”, Wests Sports Club, where he has served on the Western Suburbs Leagues Men’s Bowling Club Committee. He was Chairman of the Bowling Club for many years. Peter was also awarded Life Member of the Bowling Club in 2019. Peter was a retired Police Officer, with a career spanning over 30 years as a member of the NSW Police Force. To Peter’s children, Josh and Lauren and their partners, grandchildren Billie and Ella, brother John and partner Julie Romero, we offer our deepest condolences and support at this very sad time. Funeral arrangements will be advised. SIMON COOK CEO http://tinyurl.com/ms9bhayb
Peter HARDGROVE is in middle row – 5th from left.
Peter HARDGROVE – Rear row, wearing the white jacket.
It is “possible” that Peter was a Clerical Assistant, Grade 1, Fourth Division for the Department of the Treasury – Taxation Branch, prior to joining the NSWPF.
It is with profound sadness that we inform you of the passing of Mr Peter Hardgrove.
Joining the Club in 1979, Peter was elected to the Board of Wests Ashfield Leagues in 1988 and assumed the role of Chairman in 2001, serving in that role until 2011.
He was awarded Life Membership of the Club in 2001.
Peter was also a Director of Wests Tigers Rugby League Football Club, and was proudly Chairman as they tasted premiership success in 2005.
Peter was awarded Life Membership in 2021.
That same year, following his long involvement with Leagues Clubs Australia (formerly Leagues Clubs Association NSW), Peter became President of the Association, a position he held until his passing. He was also awarded Life Member of the Association.
Peter was a keen golfer. Peter has had an association with Wests Ashfield Men’s Golf Club for over 50 years. He is a Life Member and past President of Wests Ashfield Men’s Golf Club and a long-time Patron of Wests Ashfield Ladies Golf Club.
In later years, Peter involved himself more with his “local”, Wests Sports Club, where he has served on the Western Suburbs Leagues Men’s Bowling Club Committee. He was Chairman of the Bowling Club for many years. Peter was also awarded Life Member of the Bowling Club in 2019.
Peter was a retired Police Officer, with a career spanning over 30 years as a member of the NSW Police Force.
To Peter’s children, Josh and Lauren and their partners, grandchildren Billie and Ella, brother John and partner Julie Romero, we offer our deepest condolences and support at this very sad time.
Peter Hardgrove Obituary, Death – Our Chairman, Peter Hardgrove, passed away earlier this afternoon following a brief battle with illness. He had been battling the illness for some time. We must break the news to you with a heavy heart that he has died away. The LCA is deeply saddened by this news. The election for Peter to serve on the LCA Board took place on January 4, 2005, and he was appointed to the role of Chairman. Up to the moment he passed away, he continued to serve in this capacity. In addition to this, Peter was presented with the achievement of the title of Life Member of the LCA.
In addition, Peter was a Director and Chairman of the Wests Tigers Rugby League Football Club, where he was awarded Life Membership in the year 2021. In this capacity, Peter was recognised for his contributions to the club. Aside from that, Peter was a member of the Wests Ashfield Men’s Golf Club for life and had previously held the position of President of the club. There was also the Wests Ashfield Ladies Golf Club, which he served as the Patron of. Additionally, he was a recipient of Life Membership and had previously served as the Chairman of the Western Suburbs Leagues Men’s Bowling Club. Both of these accomplishments are noteworthy.
Over the course of his thirty-year career with the police department, Peter eventually reached the point where he decided to retire from his post. As a consequence of this information, each and every member of the LCA Board and Staff is experiencing a great degree of sorrow. During this terribly trying time, we would like to express our deepest condolences and support to Peter’s children, Josh and Lauren, as well as their wives, as well as to his grandchildren, Billie and Ella, as well as to his brother John and his girlfriend, Julie Romero. We are truly sorry for the loss of your loved one.
* Story behind any Nickname: The Nose. Could sniff out anything.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Last of the Pre 1988ers’ in relation to Police Superannuation changing on 1 April 1988
New South Wales Police Force
ProCst # 99706
Regd. # 24895
Rank: Commenced Training at Goulburn Police Academy on Sunday 3 January 1988 ( aged 21 years, 7 months ) ( Previously employed as an Electrician )
Probationary Constable- appointed Friday 25 March 1988 ( aged 21 years, 10 months, 21 days )
Constable – appointed 25 March 1989
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Detective – appointed ? ? ? ( NO )
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ? ( Newcastle )
Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ? ( N/A )
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed ? ? 2003 ( Newcastle )
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Inspector – appointed ? ? ?
Chief Inspector – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank: = Chief Inspector
Stations: Lake Macquarie area ( 10 years )( 1988 – 1998 )( GDs ) – Swansea, Belmont, Catherine Hill Bay, Charlestown, Newcastle – Youth Liaison Officer ( 1998 – 2001 ), Newcastle ( GDs )( 2001 – 2007 ), Communications Group ( VKG )( Sgt )( 2007 – 2012 ), Lake Macquarie area ( 2012 – ? )( Field Operations )( Sgt – Acting Insp ), Fairfield ( 34 Division )( South West Metro area )( Inspector )( ? – 2020 ), Lake Macquarie ( Inspector – Duty Officer )( March 2020 ), seconded to VKG Newcastle ( 2021 – 2022 ) but remand attached to Lake Macquarie District as a Duty Officer until his Death.
Time employed with NSW Police: From: 3 January 1988 to 16 December 2023 = 35 years, 8 months, 21 days
Service: From 3 January 1988to 16 December 2023
Retirement / Leaving age: = 57 years, 7 months, 12 days
Time in Retirement from Police: 0
Awards: No Find on the Australian Honours system – however
For those who worked in Fairfield, SWM, Lake Macquarie and their surrounds, it is with much sadness that I inform you that Inspector Dan SYKES has succumbed to the Black Dog and has passed away.
Dan attempted suicide, on Friday, and was placed on life support but has now passed on Saturday.
Dan, you were a great guy and great cop.
I am sorry that the black dog wouldn’t let you go for long enough to reach out.
Photo – 2014 in Newcastle
Photo = 2019
Make sure that everyone is alright.
Check on each other.
Talk to each other.
Seek Help after a shit job.
Make the Welfare check.
Call on the Team after a shit job.
When you are asked, Say you are NOT O.K.
???? Shattered, such a great calibre of a cop, a colleague you want to have by your side. Funny, supportive and great all round guy, he was a Sgt and did periods of acting Chief Inspector whilst stationed at Newcastle.
Paul Lyth
Retired C/Insp.
Newcastle
17 December 2023
Tributes
Paul Gauci wrote on 29 December 2023
Kim Marsden (nee Thomas) wrote on 27 December 2023
Greg Callander wrote on 26 December 2023 May Dan SYKES ( NSWPF # 24895 from Goulburn Police Academy Class 233 ) who Served the people of NSW for 35 years, 8 months, 21 days between 3 January 1988 – 16 December 2023 ) Forever Rest In Peace.<br />
Alan Baker