Greg Muir ( # 15816 ) It was a quiet service at Palmdale. Valedictory given by Jack Williams and reminiscing by Greg Ashurst ( # 14281 ) and Eddie’s son Gavin.
Condolences to Sandra and the family. RIP Eddie, no longer suffering.
Class 120 at Redfern Police Academy in 1969. Back Row ( L – R ): ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, Eddie KAIN, ?, ?, ? Middle Row ( L – R ): ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ? Front Row ( L – R ): ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?
Edwin Francis KAIN Send Off – 2003
This article is obviously not the Edwin Francis KAIN ( above ) but could possibly be a relative.
Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954),
Saturday 29 July 1944, page 21
FUNERALS
KAIN- The relatives and Friends of Mr and Mrs Frank Kain of 41 Burlington avenue, Earlwood and Mr. and Mrs. J. Selator, of Stanmore are kindly invited to attend the Funeral of their beloved Brother and Cousin Edwin Francis Kain to leave our Chapel 7 Missendon Road, Camperdown, This Saturday Afternoon at 1.30 o’clock, for Church of England Cemetery, Field of Mars.
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 17 August 1964 ( aged 21 years, 5 months, 29 days )
Constable – appointed 17 August 1965
Senior Constable – appointed 17 August 1973
Senior Sergeant – appointed 31 December 1987
Final Rank = Senior Sergeant
Stations: ?, ‘D’ District, G.D’s all of his service in Metro & Country areas, Police Academy lecturer at the Secondary Training annexure, Elizabeth St, Redfern ( 1980’s ), Sutherland District Office, Kogarah – Retirement
Service: From? ? pre August 1964?to? ? ? = ? years Service
Awards: National Medal – granted 2 March 1981 ( Sgt 3/c )
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 7 October 1991
2nd Clasp to National Medal – granted 10 August 2000
Born: Friday 19 February 1943
Died on: Monday 3 December 2018
Age: 75 years, 9 months, 14 days
Cause: Parkinson disease ( sufferer for 10 years ) & recently suffered progressive dementia
Event location: ?
Event date: ?
Funeral date: Monday 10 December 2018 @ noon
Funeral location: South chapel, Woronora Cemetery, Linden St, Sutherland
a Sergeants course or First Line Commanders course at Penrith Police Station around mid 1980s. Can’t remember all the names but I will give it a try. Back row: Laurie Eddy ( # 16868? ), Greg Peterson ( # 15106 ), Warren Newton ( # 14491 ), Bob Murrell ( # 15864 ), Hank Vanderwaarden ( # 15760 ), Ron Blake ( # 10029 ). Middle row: John HAMER – instructor ( # 11103 ), Ernie Jones ( # 15468 or # 14515 ) , Gary BUCKLEY ( # 16269 ), Ces Kearney ( # 16804 ), Ray Filewood ( # 15912 ), Dave Clouston ( # 16727 ), Alan Targett ( # 14196 ), Helmut Myers ( # 16359 ). Front row: Kieron Power ( # 17384 ), John Findlater ( # 13571 ), Ron McGOWAN ( # 15631 ), Gordon Middlemisss ( # 17058 ), Gary Winchester ( # 15414 ), Mal Roser ( # 16028 ).
the Metropolitan South Associates Branch of the Police Association have advised of the death of retired Senior Sergeant John Hamer, last station Kogarah.
During his service John performed general duties at country and metropolitan stations, and for a time was a lecturer at the Police Academy. He was an absolute gentleman, a very humble and respected man. For the past ten years John battled Parkinson disease and more recently suffered progressive dementia. Rest in Peace friend.
————–
03/12/2018 – John Robert Thomas HAMER, 75 old, Reg. No. 11103. Ret. Sen. Sgt of Monterey, Sydney NSW.
John’s funeral will be held at 12.00pm on Monday the 10th Instant at the South Chapel, Woronora Cemetery, thence a burial will be conducted within the grounds.
The family are desirous that former colleagues attending John’s funeral may wear relevant medals. If so, appropriate dress clothes would be required. The family have indicated that they would also like a Police Honour Guard to be present. Later, a wake will be held within the grounds to celebrate John’s life.
Les DalrympleSergeant Hamer was an instructor at the Academy when I did secondary training back in the very early 80s. A thorough gentleman — Vale John.
Ron AlexanderI worked with John at the secondary training annexure Elizabeth Street Redfern during the late 80’s. John was admired by all and a true friend. RIP John.
Col ColmanThank you John Hamer for your fine and dedicated Service to our Community. We also thank you for you enthusiastic approach whilst performing instructional duties at the Police Academy, and on behalf of the many hundreds of Probationary Constables you instructed in class, and launching them into a wonderful career, we say thank you, you really did make a difference. As a new Instructor at the Academy, during John’s tour, I found him most helpful and informative, during those first few months. RIP………..
Ken EmmsI was a student of John’s in the Methods of Instruction Course. A very competent teacher & all round good bloke. He will be sadly missed. Sincere sympathies to John’s family.
Glenn Stan Cam StanleyJohn was attached to Sutherland District Office when I was in SOGs and he was always a gentleman who also had a good sense of humour. Will be sadly missed RIP mate
Stewart McNeiceWorked with John at Kogarah. A real gentleman. A dam shame.
Proud police family mourn loss of veteran killed on memorial ride
15 September 2018 — 11:45am – by Joe Hinchliffe
Detective Senior Sergeant Victor ‘Vic’ Kostiuk died after the motorcycle he was riding collided with a car travelling in the opposite direction along the Princes Highway near Orbost on Friday.
Among those mourning the 59-year-old veteran officer are his son, Detective Felix Kostiuk – who was riding next to his father when he was hit – and his wife, retired Superintendent Pauline Kostiuk.
Detective Senior Sergeant Kostiuk’s immediate family asked for privacy. But his broader blue family in the Victoria Police remembered him as a leader in the fight against domestic violence who had much more to give.
Acting Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said Detective Senior Sergeant Kostiuk had been “chuffed” to be given a role at the head of the Somerville Family Violence Unit just a few months ago.
“He’s been a detective on-and-off throughout his career but it was a very big thing for him to again get to the rank of detective and have that in front of his senior sergeant rank,” Acting Chief Commissioner Patton said on Saturday.
“He’s been committed in the latter stages of his career to combating family violence and he’s become somewhat of an expert in family violence and very well respected.
“Victor was planning to be working for many more years to go, he had a much-unfinished business, especially in the family violence world, where he seemed to have a renewed lease of life and energy to achieve great outcomes.”
Victoria Police mourn Victor Kostiuk, one of their own killed on a charity motorcycle ride
15 September 2018 – 6:46pm – by Kathy Lord
Victoria Police is pleading with the public to obey the road rules after one of their own was killed in a charity motorcycle ride in honour of officers killed in the line of duty.
Detective Senior Sergeant Victor Kostiuk, 59, was riding alongside his son, also a police officer, in the Wall to Wall charity ride from Melbourne to Canberra when he was killed.
A car driving in the opposite direction on the Princes Highway east of Orbost, in far eastern Victoria, veered onto the wrong side of the road and collided with Detective Senior Sergeant Kostiuk’s motorcycle.
He and his son had been travelling about 10 minutes ahead of the main group of 300 riders.
Victoria Police Acting Chief Commissioner Shane Patton started the ride in Melbourne on Friday and told them to go safely.
He went through the police academy with the dead officer’s wife and said the family was in mourning.
“Clearly they’re shattered,” he said.
“Victor was a fantastic member of this organisation, a member for nearly 40 years.
“He was really chuffed just the other day to have been recently appointed back to the rank of detective senior sergeant, something he was particularly proud of.
The driver appeared in Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on Monday, charged with culpable driving causing the death of Detective Senior Sergeant Victor Kostiuk, 59.
The crash happened on the Princes Highway at Cabbage Tree Creek, near Orbost, on Friday afternoon.
It is alleged the suspect veered onto the wrong side of the road and was travelling at 137kmh when he struck Detective Senior Sergeant Kostiuk, Seven News reported.
The court heard the suspect had earlier smoked ice, took Valium and drunk alcohol before getting a friend, 16, to blow into an interlock device before he took over driving, Seven News reported. Major Collision Investigation Unit Detective Phil Frith told Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court Mr Reid had had one hour’s sleep when he decided to drive back on Friday, Illawarra Mercury reported.
Mr Kostiuk was riding his motorcycle as part of the Wall to Wall ride in honour of fallen officers. His son, Detective Senior Sergeant Felix Kostiuk, was also among a motorcade of 300 motorbike riders who were due to arrive at the National Police Memorial in Canberra on Saturday.
Acting Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said some of his last words to Det Sen-Sgt Kostiuk as he left on the memorial ride were “travel safely”.
Adored husband of Pauline, wife of 38 years. Devoted father and idol of Felix and perfect father-in-law of Nicole. Loved brother of Alex and Eleanore and inspirational uncle to many.
His mighty presence, passion and joyfulness have made the world a better place.
“Be the instrument of change”
KOSTIUK
A Service celebrating the life of Detective Senior Sergeant Victor Kostiuk will be held in the Chapel of the Victoria Police Academy, View Mount Rd, Glen Waverley on Friday (September 21st, 2018) commencing at 2.00 pm. A Private Burial will follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Victor to Police Legacy. Envelopes available at the Service.
POLICE HONOURS
Victoria Police
KOSTIUK. – Victor.
The President, Executive and Members of The Police Association mourn the passing of Detective Senior Sergeant Victor Kostiuk and extend their deepest sympathy to his family.
At Rest
Paul James REYNOLDS
| 18/12/2018
Paul James REYNOLDS
AKA ?
* Nickname: Beau REYNOLDS
Late of ?
Relations in ‘the job’:
“possible” relation in ‘the job‘: ?
Tasmania Police Academy –Class # ? ? ?
Tasmania Police Force
Regd. # ?????
Rank: Commenced Training at Tasmania Police Academy on Monday ? ? 1980
Probationary Constable- appointed ? ? ?
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Detective – appointed ? ? ?
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Inspector – appointed ? ? ?
Demoted to Senior Sergeant – ? ? ?
Final Rank: = Senior Sergeant
Stations: ?, Savage River, Launceston, OIC – Prosecution Services – North West, Death
Time employed ( Paid ) with Tasmania Police: From: ? ? 1980 to 13 September 2018 = 38 years,
Service ( From Training Date ) period: From? ? 1980 to 13 September 2018 = 38 years Service
Retirement / Leaving age: = 58 years,
Time in Retirement from Police: 0
Awards: National Medal – granted 8 April 1995 ( Constable )
Born: ? ? ? in Devonport, Tasmania
Died on: Thursday 13 September 2018
Age: 58 years,
Organ Donor: Y / N / ?
Cause: Depression – Suicide – ( Method ? )
Event location: Parkham in Tasmania’s north
Event / Diagnosis date: ?
Funeral date: Wednesday, 19th September 2018, 11am
Funeral location: The Church of the Apostles in Margaret Street
LIVE STREAM?
Wake location: ???
Wake date: Wednesday, 19th September 2018
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ? TBA
Grave Location: Section: Row: ?Plot: ?
Grave GPS: ?, ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( February 2024 )
PAUL 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.
Coroner urges six-monthly welfare checks after inquest into four police suicide deaths
Posted
In short: A Hobart coroner who investigated the deaths of four police officers who took their own lives has recommended Tasmania Police conduct mandatory half-yearly well-being screenings for PTSD.
What’s next? The Police commissioner says work will continue with the police association to implement changes
The family of one of four Tasmanian police officers who died by suicide between 2016 and 2020 say they hope the findings of a coronial inquest may prevent a similar tragedy in the future.
Coroner Simon Cooper has handed down his findings into the deaths of Constable Paul Hunt, Senior Sergeant Paul Reynolds, Constable Simon Darke and Sergeant Robert Cooke, recommending a swathe of welfare supports be implemented.
WARNING: This story touches on themes of depression and suicide.
During last year’s hearings, the court was told how overworked officers were self-medicating with alcohol and drugs, and of significant shortfalls in welfare support — particularly in areas such as fatigue management and protocols around interactions with the Professional Standards Command.
In his findings, Coroner Cooper, acknowledged the fact that these men were all serving police officers was “only part of the whole picture” of their lives, but he said he had “no doubt” that “Sergeant Cooke‘s police service was the direct cause of his death“.
But he said the provision of welfare support and whether it was adequate was a “central consideration at the inquest.”
He called for Tasmania Police to immediately develop and implement a fatigue management policy saying it was essential it was “addressed urgently”.
The inquest heard Robert Cooke had reportedly worked “16-hour continuous shifts for four weeks” during the Central Highlands bushfires in 2019.
This had left him “exhausted and barely functioning towards the end of the third week”.
“Tasmania Police had no fatigue management policy at any time, up to and including as recently as when the evidence at the inquest was publicly taken at the end of 2022,” he said.
“The absence of any fatigue management policy was, I consider, a direct factor in Sergeant Cooke’s death.”
Tasmania Police officers salute at Robert Cooke’s funeral in 2020 .(ABC News: Luke Bowden)
The coroner also recommended six-monthly screenings of all operation police officers for post-traumatic stress disorder.
“Sergeant Cooke obviously suffered from the effects of PTSD for a long time before it was diagnosed,” he said.
“Every health care professional who gave evidence … unanimously agreed that his PTSD was entirely attributable to his service as a police officer.
“Every health care professional also agreed that earlier detection of PTSD increases the chances of successful treatment and recovery.”
Tasmania Police investigating the feasibility of “introducing a points system”, whereby an officer’s exposure to severe incidents would be tracked, was also recommended.
When a “critical points threshold” was reached, an automatic referral to a psychologist should be triggered, Coroner Cooper said.
The coroner also called for better support for officers under investigation for misconduct — including ensuring that those who had their phone seized by Professional Standards be given a replacement mobile pre-programmed with well-being support numbers.
“The death of any member of the community by suicide is a tragedy,” Coroner Cooper said.
“The suicide of serving police officers, whatever their individual circumstances, is particularly tragic for serving members of the police force and the community at large.
“My sincere hope is that some improvements and learnings can emerge from the deaths of Constable Hunt, Senior Sergeant Reynolds, Constable Darke and Sergeant Cooke.”
Sergeant Robert “Cookie” Cooke was well-regarded among his Tasmania Police colleagues.(ABC News: Luke Bowden)
Families welcome findings
In a statement, Robert Cooke‘s mother Lyn and sister Michelle said they were satisfied with the findings, particularly the recommendations for a fatigue management policy and screenings for PTSD stress disorder.
“The family miss Rob terribly and hope the findings and increased support for mental health may prevent similar events in the future,” they said.
“[Our] thoughts are with all the families involved in this inquest.”
Commissioner committed to ‘safe model of policing’
Police Commissioner Donna Adams acknowledged it was a difficult time for the families and colleagues impacted by the coronial report.
She said improvements had already been made within Tasmania Police.
Strategies included “a strong peer support group, and a critical stress program” to ensure officers could access the help they needed.
But she said changes wouldn’t end there — and that Tasmania Police would work with the Police Association to examine the coroner’s recommendations.
Police Minister Felix Ellis said the government had allocated funding to “Tasmania Police and the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management’s nation-leading wellbeing program”.
“Police officers, by the nature of the job, are exposed to some pretty difficult and extraordinary circumstances, so providing that support is important,” he said.
“We want to work to make sure that policing continues to be a career or choice, and that we’re supporting our officers if they do find themselves facing challenging circumstances.”
Inquest hears Tasmania Police officer Paul Reynolds was facing child exploitation claims before suicide
Posted , updated
The inquest heard the allegations involved numerous underage male youths being sent photos and inappropriate messages.(ABC News)
A senior police officer who was part of the response to the Port Arthur massacre and the Beaconsfield Mine collapse was facing serious child exploitation allegations before his death, a coronial inquest has heard.
Senior Sergeant Paul Reynolds was 54 when he died by suicide in September 2018 in Parkham in Tasmania’s north.
The deaths of Constable Paul Hunt, Constable Simon Darke and Sergeant Robert Cooke will also form part of the inquiry.
All four men died by suicide between 2016 and 2020.
Counsel assisting the coroner, Cameron Lee, said Senior Sergeant Reynolds was a “highly respected police officer” but that reputation was tarnished when “shocking and despicable allegations” came to light.
On the night before his death, Senior Sergeant Reynolds was visited at his Westbury property by officers from the Professional Standards Command.
They were there to search the property after allegations he had sent and received child exploitation material, and that he had groomed young men, including members of the local Deloraine Football Club, into doing unlawful acts.
The allegations against Senior Sergeant Reynolds involved numerous underage male youths being sent photos and inappropriate messages.
Senior Sergeant Reynolds is also alleged to have given young boys “rub downs” at the football club, been present when they were showering and during “naked ice baths.”
Police also are alleged to have found photos and sexually explicit messages on his phone sent to other male adults.
The inquest heard a senior officer had lodged a complaint the week before outlining the claims to Blue Teams — a tool available for officers to report and make complaints about colleagues.
At the time of the search, the inquest heard Senior Sergeant Reynolds denied any wrongdoing and told his wife there was no evidence to find.
At the inquest, Mr Lee read a quote from a transcript of Senior Sergeant Reynolds during the search of his property.
“This is career destroying … what an end to a 40-year career,” Mr Lee said.
He told the inquest that “it was widely known in Deloraine that he was a paedophile“.
Paul Reynolds joined Tasmania Police in 1980.
He was one of the first on the scene at the Port Arthur massacre in 1996 and at the Beaconsfield gold mine collapse 10 years later.
The coroner was told Senior Sergeant Reynolds was diagnosed with depression in 2012.
In the same year, he was formally reprimanded for poor work performance and demoted from inspector to senior sergeant.
“He didn’t like being an inspector, he wanted to return to being a sergeant and be one of the troops,” Mr Lee told the inquest.
Welfare officer felt ‘let down’
Sergeant Fiona Smith told the inquest her workload as a welfare officer “was massive”. ( ABC News: Jessica Moran )
Sergeant Fiona Smith was Tasmania Police’s welfare officer at the time.
The inquest heard she was asked to contact Senior Sergeant Reynolds the morning after the search and check on him.
She was unable to get in touch as his mobile was confiscated during the search.
“It was obviously difficult to contact him when he didn’t have a phone,” she said.
During her evidence, she said felt let down by Tasmania Police and was not offered the support she needed for her growing caseload.
When she was in the role, she said she could have more than 100 cases. The role is now split between eight people.
“I had, at one stage, grave concerns for 13 members of the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management teams … my workload was massive.”
In regards to the management of Constable Paul Hunt, Sergeant Smith said she was not invited to be involved in his meeting with Professional Standards on the day he died.
On Monday, the inquest heard that Constable Hunt took his life on the day he had a meeting with the police professional standards team.
“I knew him very well, we were very good friends, he trusted me and our relationship was really good,” she said.
“I stressed to the inspector at the time that I needed to be in that meeting … it made me quite angry that I wasn’t, even just for me to be outside afterwards.
I’m not saying he wouldn’t have done what he did when he got home, but I’m confident I would have got him home and supported him.”
The inquest also heard Sergeant Smith was served with an official directive to not communicate with Paul Hunt’s family after his death as it could be perceived as a conflict of interest.
“Paul was the Inspector in Charge during the rescue operation at the Beaconsfield mine collapse on the 25th April 2006 where one person died and two others, Todd Russell and Brandt Webb were rescued a fortnight later. Paul received a Police Commendation for his efforts in that disaster.” – FB user
“This event (Beaconsfield mine rescue) was a defining moment in his career. His ability to adapt his leadership approach from briefing EM committees to the media conferences (where he virtually led the way for TasPol, to the sensitivities of dealing with volunteers eg. within SES was without a doubt, extraordinary. It was recognised from afar eg WAPOL who flew us over to learn from the experience. I remember the way Beau stood out the back with Bill Shorten and how he carried himself in those moments. Sharp wit mixed with tailored delivery.” – FB user
“I’ll never forget the cheeky look on his face every time I walked into the PFCP at beaccy and he’d kick you and your slow typing off the computer. Every single time. I can’t believe I’ll never see that cheeky smile again.” – FB user
“I was only a young boy growing up in the town of Savage River and PR was our local police officer, a fresh-faced young Constable. Sorry, I can’t recall the years, I was born in 77 and we left in 90. He left before we did, I believe they closed the station a few years before we left.” – FB user
“Paul ‘Beau’ Reynolds was serving at Tullah in the late 80s when I was about 14/15 years old. I was playing basketball for the Tullah men’s side as teenagers and Paul was a part of that… he taught us hardness and respect… treating us as adults… absolute champion bloke who had our respect both as a person and a police officer. RIP Beau… absolute legend!!” – FB user
“A truly wonderful gentleman whom we had only met in the last few years through football but he made such a positive impact in our son’s life and ours he certainly will be missed. RIP Paul. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends and work colleagues” – FB user
“I first came across Beau having him as our basketball coach, then as a referee when I joined the Coppers. A true gentleman who treated everyone with respect. His jokes and laughter were infectious… Always made people smile.” – FB user
“So many funny and fond memories of my friend Beau from our St Brendan’s Shaw days then later in life when I happened to be at the police academy for a visit. What a great funny man who should have been beside the great comedians in Hollywood. Forever his pranks and humour will live on. The world is now less without you in it old mate” – FB user
“Directing Staff on 2002 Sergeants Course. I never forgot his influence…” – FB user
Tasmania Police senior sergeant Paul Reynolds has died
Matt Maloney
We are mourning the death of Paul “Beau” Reynolds who passed away suddenly on Thursday, 13th September 2018.
Senior Sergeant Reynolds served with Tasmania Police for 38 years, including time as an inspector in Launceston. He was born in Devonport and attended Charles Sturt University.
He was most recently in charge of prosecution services in the North-West.
Commissioner Darren Hine said welfare support was being provided to his family and the wider police community.
Senior Sergeant Reynolds was elected president of the Northern Tasmania Football Association last year after serving as coach for the Longford Tigers and working with the St Patrick’s College senior team.
He was chairman of the Tasmanian Football Council.
AFL Tasmania chief executive Trisha Squires said the Tasmanian State League would observe a moment of silence this weekend and players in all three grand finals would wear black armbands in his memory.
He will forever be remembered for his dedication to serving the community and as a true leader within the state’s police and football community.
Senior Sergeant Paul Reynolds remembered as ‘a wonderful father, husband and a very fine police officer’
19 2018, 5:30PM – Melissa Mobbs
Hundreds of police formed a guard of honour at Senior Sergeant Paul Reynolds’ funeral on Wednesday. Pictures: Scott Gelston
As the church bells rang on Wednesday, hundreds of police officers stood side by side, in solidarity, as they farewelled their colleague and their mate.
Senior Sergeant Paul “Beau” Reynolds tragically died last week, leaving his family, friends and Tasmania Police team devastated.
Long-time friend and celebrant of the funeral Father Richard Ross said Senior Sergeant Reynolds was remembered as a man “who had time for everyone”.
“He always made the person he was speaking to feel so special,” he said.
“He was full of love, warmth, and generosity, and was just such a terrific and well-respected guy.
“He was a wonderful father and husband, and a very fine police officer. He was a really effective coach and administrator, particularly in the football community, and the sense of loss [during the funeral] was massive.”
Father Ross also shared a message for Senior Sergeant Reynolds’ colleagues, and that was “thank you”.
“Just for what they do, they see the worst of humanity and they deal with that on a daily basis,” he said.
“The cumulative effect of trauma has been well documented and I think ultimately Paul was a victim of that.
“I encourage police to take care of themselves and know it is OK to ask for help.”
Speaking at the service, Commissioner Darren Hine shared some of the many highlights from Senior Sergeant Reynolds’ 38-year career.
He was one of the first officers on the scene at Port Arthur after the 1996 massacre and received a commendation for his work following the tragedy.
He was also commended by the Commissioner for his performance as the officer in charge of managing police activities during the rescue of miners Todd Russell and Brant Webb and the recovery of the body of Larry Knight at Beaconsfield in 2006.
The dedicated officer also spent time working in the Coroner’s office and attended countless fatal crashes throughout his career.
Senior Sergeant Reynolds’ 38-year career with Tasmania Police was recognised.
“Beau was posted all over the state during his 38-year career,” Commissioner Hine said.
“Beau successfully completed many courses throughout his career and he put those skills to good use wherever he served.
“His loss will be deeply felt across Tasmania Police, and our thoughts are prayers are with [his family] at this difficult time.”
Officers from across the state formed a guard of honour after the funeral service for the much-loved son, husband, father, brother and uncle.
Beyond his work in the force, he was highly regarded among the local football community.
Last year he was elected president of the Northern Tasmania Football Association and had served as coach for the Longford Tigers, worked with the St Patrick’s College senior team, and was chairman of the Tasmanian Football Council.
Senior Sergeant Reynolds leaves behind his wife Sharon, and children Jacob, Emily, Ben and Tori.
Launceston road closures expected as police, family prepare to farewell Senior Sergeant Paul Reynolds
September 19 2018, 8:18AM
Police officers, family and friends will gather in Launceston today to farewell Senior Sergeant Paul Reynolds.
The funeral service is expected to cause some delays and police are asking drivers to be patient.
Margaret Street between Frederick Street and York Street and Elizabeth Street between Margaret Street and Bathurst Street will be affected from about noon.
Senior Sergeant Reynolds died suddenly last week.
He served with Tasmania Police for 38 years, including time as an inspector in Launceston.
His funeral will be held at 11am today at The Church of the Apostles in Margaret Street.
Beau served as a member of the Tasmania Police Service for 38 years and his loss will be felt deeply across our agency.
The Commissioner, Members and Employees of Tasmania Police are saddened by the sudden death of their colleague and offer their deepest sympathy to his family.
McKINNON
Harold Peter (Harry)
31.01.1947 – 26.08.2018Harry Peter McKinnon was born in Sydney 31.01.1947. An identical twin to brother Sidney who passed away at the early age of 6. He grew up in Seven Hills with brothers Paul, Danny, Terry, Anthony, and sister Ann. Harry was the eldest of 6 and went to Seven Hill’s Primary School and completed High School at Seven Hill High.
Harry left home at an early age and within a short time, took up a position within the NSW Police Department as a Public Servant at the age of 17. The Police Department was to become a major part of his life spending 43 years on the job in which he held high level positions across Sydney Metro Area. Harry also completed a Bachelor of Law Juris Doctor at Sydney University and passed the bar to become a Barrister.
Harry married Maree and soon after saw the birth of their only child Matthew in 1978, who survives Harry and cared for him for the later years of his life.
Harry received numerous accolades and awards during his time in the NSW Police Service. He also devoted 25 plus years, working in the service of the community in the positions of Director and then further along, President of the Five Dock RSL Club.
Harry was an admired and well respected member of the community who would always go out of his way to help others. He was witty, humorous, intelligent and enigmatic. Harry’s infectious character drew people to him his whole life. Even until the very end, all that encountered him, loved his unique sense of humour, his cheeky smile and witty rebuttal’s. Harry was much loved by friends and family and will be terribly missed.
Aged 71 Years
The relatives and friends of Harry are invited to attend his Funeral Service to be held in the South Chapel of Rookwood Gardens Crematorium, Memorial Avenue on FRIDAY (31st August 2018). Appointed to commence at 2.30 pm.
Published in The Sydney Morning Herald on Aug. 29, 2018
Passed away 17-06-2018 after a courageous 3 year battle with cancer
Aged 82 Years
Late of Harrington Formerly of Cessnock
Beloved husband of MARLENE.
Loving father and father-in-law to LES and KATHLEEN, RHONDA and MARK.
Much loved Poppy to 4 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
A loved and respected member of the MILLWARD and KING FAMILIES.
Relatives and Friends of BILL are warmly invited to attend his Funeral Service in St. John’s Anglican Church, Westcott St., Cessnock this MONDAY, 25-6-2018 at 11.00 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Cancer Research may be left at St. John’s. C. R. SMYTH & SON One Firm, One Family Since 1925
Published in The Newcastle Herald on June 23, 2018
Bill was involved in the investigation of Crump and Baker whereupon Bill was shot in the head whilst in pursuit of the offenders in 1973 – for which he received the Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct in 1974.
Kevin CRUMP & Allan BAKER killed Ian James LAMB & Virginia MORSE with a .308 rifle.
On the 13 November 1973 they were both arrested and are both currently doing LIFE Sentences in gaol.
Kevin Crump and Allan Baker were convicted criminals who had met in prison whilst serving sentences for such offences as breaking and entering, and larceny. After they were released, they met up and opted for a life of robbing for a living – and as it turned out, murder. Their new life began on November 3, 1973.[1]
On that date, and whilst driving a previously stolen vehicle, they used a .308 rifle to murder Ian James Lamb, 43, who was sleeping in his car next to the road to save accommodation costs while he was in the area to look for seasonal work.[2] The murder appeared to be a thrill killing as the pair did not know Lamb.[3]
Three days later they camped near the home of Brian and Virginia Morse in Collarenebri, where one of them had previously worked, as a migrant farm labourer. After watching the house for two days, they abducted 35-year-old Virginia Morse when her husband and their three children left the property. The men drove via back roads towards Queensland, stopping at hotels and garages along the way, and buying beer and petrol with the $30 they had stolen from the Morse homestead. They drove mainly at night to avoid detection. During the journey, Morse sobbed and pleaded for her life. The men stopped south of the Queensland border, tied Virginia Morse to a tree and took turns raping her repeatedly. They then threw her back in the car and continued on their journey.
When they stopped by the Weir River near Moonie they tied Virginia Morse to another tree. They raped and tortured her repeatedly before one of the men shot her between the eyes in an execution style killing. They rolled her body into the river, burnt her clothes then drove back to their camp site.
Arrest
On November 13, ten days after Lamb‘s murder, the pair headed towards the Hunter Region, intending to commit a burglary. However, after their stolen vehicle was spotted near Maitland, the pair took flight from the scene. A police vehicle responding to the attempted burglary intercepted their vehicle en route and a high speed chase ensued. The police car was rammed off the road, and the chase taken up by a second police unit. A police officer in this vehicle was seriously injured when the fugitivesshot him in the face. The car chase culminated at a police roadblock at Woodville, where the pair ran off, shooting at police as they fled into the bush. An intensive ground and air search of the area followed, and the two men were eventually arrested in a nearby river three hours later.
After their capture, Crump tried to evade responsibility for Morse‘s murder in his police statement. “I was forced to kill Mrs. Morse by Baker, because he wanted me to be in as deep as him. He said he was going to kill me if I didn’t. I admit that I was prepared to kidnap Mrs. Morse and even to sleep with her, but once again, as with Mr. Lamb, I did not want to be a part of her death… It was a choice of either me or Mrs. Morse.”[4]
Even though there was compelling evidence that Crump had murdered Virginia Morse, he was not charged with this crime, as she had been murdered in Queensland, outside the jurisdiction of the Government of New South Wales. However he was charged with the murder of Ian James Lamb and with rape and conspiracy to murder Virginia Morse.[3]
Trial
Crump and Baker were tried in the Supreme Court of NSW. At their trial, Crump and Baker pleaded not guilty to the four charges of murdering Ian James Lamb, conspiracy to murder Virginia Morse, maliciously wounding a police officer with intent to prevent lawful apprehension and shooting at police with intent to prevent lawful apprehension. It took the jury an hour and 45 minutes to convictBaker and Crump on all charges. Bakershowed no emotion at the verdict, while Crump appeared to stare at the floor and shudder.[2]
Mr. Justice Taylor then sentenced both men to life imprisonment plus 55 years. The judge said: “You have outraged all accepted standards of the behaviour of men. The description of ‘men’ ill becomes you. You would be more aptly described as animals, and obscene animals at that. … I believe that you should spend the rest of your lives in gaol and there you should die. If ever there was a case where life imprisonment should mean what it says – imprisonment for the whole of your lives – this is it.”[5]
Details of the torture Virginia Morse endured at the hands of Baker and Crump were suppressed during the trial as the information was deemed too graphic and disturbing for the public.[citation needed]
Parole, legislation and court appeals
In 1997, Kevin Crump successfully applied to the Supreme Court of NSW to convert his life sentence into a minimum term and an additional term. McInerney J sentenced Crump to a minimum term of 30 years and an additional term for the remainder of his life[6][7]
In response to this determination the Parliament of New South Wales passed legislation that was intended to ensure that 10 named individuals remained incarcerated for the rest of their lives. The people named in Parliament were Baker and Crump, together with Michael Murphy, Leslie Murphy, Gary Murphy, John Travers and Michael Murdoch who were convicted of the murder of Anita Cobby and Stephen Jamieson, Matthew Elliot and Bronson Blessington who were convicted of the murder of Janine Balding.[8] The legislation required the Parole Board to give substantial weight to the recommendations, observations and comments made by the original sentencing court.[9]
Baker challenged this legislation in the High Court of Australia arguing that it was invalid and incompatible with the integrity, independence and impartiality of the Supreme Court. In October 2004 the High Court rejected his challenge, holding that there was nothing repugnant to the notion of judicial power in requiring significant weight be given to a past judicial recommendation.[10][11]
The effect of the 1997 determination by McInerney J was that Crump had some prospect, however minimal, of being released on parole after November 2003. In 2001 the Parliament of NSW passed further legislation that was intended to ensure that Baker, Crump and other never-to-be-released prisoners could only ever be released on their death beds or if they were so incapacitated that they would pose a threat to nobody.[12][13] In 2003 Crump sought parole; however, this was rejected by the Parole Board due to the 2001 legislation. In May 2012 the High Court rejected Crump‘s challenge to the 2001 legislation, despite the ad hominem component of legislation apparent in the Second Reading Speech.[14][15]
In February 2016 the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal dismissed Crump‘s application for leave to appeal the 1997 sentence determination of McInerney J.[16][17]
Kevin Crump was convicted of the murder of Ian Lamb and conspiracy to murder Virginia Morse in 1973.
With his oversized spectacles, balding head and stubby hands, Kevin Crump bore little resemblance to someone described by former premier Bob Carr as “evil incarnate”.
As he rifled through reams of paperwork and struggled to enunciate his arguments, Crump, 66, looked quite ordinary.
Crump is one of the state’s current longest-serving prisoners, having been in jail for more than 42 years for the callous rape, torture and murder of housewife Virginia Morse, 35, and shooting murder of itinerant worker Ian Lamb, 43, in 1973.
In sentencing Crump and his co-offender Allan Baker in 1974, Justice Robert Taylor said the pair should never be released.
“If ever there was a case where life imprisonment should mean what it says – imprisonment for the whole of your lives – this is it.”
However, prior to “truth in sentencing” reforms in 1990, life did not mean life and people sentenced to life imprisonment were released on parole after serving an average of 11 to 12 years.
In 1997, Crump’s sentence was re-determined to a minimum of 30 years, expiring on November 12, 2003, with a maximum of life imprisonment.
Justice Peter McInerney said expert psychiatric reports found he was largely rehabilitated and would not be a danger if released.
Following a public outcry, the NSW government made several legislative changes to ensure Crump and nine others – the men who killed Anita Cobby and Janine Balding – are virtually never released on parole.
The changes provide that if a “non release recommendation” has been made by the original sentencing judge, the offender is to remain behind bars until he is so physically incapacitated or close to death that he poses no risk to the community.
In introducing the laws, Mr Carr said the changes would “cement them to their cells”.
As a result, he remains in Wellington Correctional Centre in protective custody despite becoming eligible for parole almost 12 years ago.
Appearing via video-link in the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal on Wednesday, Crump pleaded for another chance to appeal against his sentence. First, he has to convince the court grant him an 18-year extension of time to seek leave against the 1997 judgment.
He said he was representing himself in court because he was unable to get Legal Aid assistance and apologised several times for “not having me paperwork in order”.
He told Justices Anthony Meagher, Geoffrey Bellew and Stephen Rothman: “I believe the sentence I received is over the limit of what I should have received.
“I believe that I should never have received a life sentence because it was not in the worst category of murder cases.”
Ms Adams said that, even if Crump won the right to be re-sentenced, the effect of the 1999 Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act is that whatever non-parole period the appeal judges thought appropriate, the court would still have to impose a head sentence of life, which is what he already has.
Crump and Baker killed Mr Lamb at Narrabri on November 4, 1973, by shooting him four times to the head. Soon after, they abducted Mrs Morse, a mother of three, at her homestead, subjected her to 22 hours of atrocities including sexual assault, before shooting her once they were across the border in southern Queensland. They threw her body into a billabong.
Crump was convicted of conspiracy to murder Mrs Morse in NSW and in theory could still be tried in Queensland for her murder, although that is unlikely to eventuate.
The court reserved its decision and told Crump to expect a judgment in two to three weeks.
Always loved, ever remembered and forever in our hearts
Family and friends of Michele are invited to attend her funeral service to be held at St Joseph’s Catholic Church Bulli, 50 Park Road, Bulli on Friday 6th July, 2018 commencing at 2.30pm.
In Lieu of Flowers donations are invited to The McGrath Foundation & Breast Cancer Network Australia.
At Michele’s request, we ask you to wear a splash of colour to celebrate her wonderful personality and colourful life‘
Early this morning the night sky gained one of its most brightest additions. Mum passed away, sleeping peacefully after a very brave fight.
Our hearts are broken at the universe’s need to take back someone so special but we are forever grateful for the small amount of time we had left to spend with her. There is no amount of time that would have ever been sufficient before we had to say goodbye, and the hole in our hearts that has been left behind will never be filled. No words can describe just what she meant to those who loved her and a life without her seems incomprehensible, but how lucky are we to have had such a beautiful person in our lives, one who lit up any room when she entered, knew all the right things to say and who always knew how to laugh at herself.
Today I lost my best friend, my mum and the other half of my heart, but I am forever thankful to whoever or whatever sent me to her, because there are very few people who have such the effect mum did, and I am truly proud to be her daughter.
Sean, Carly and myself are overwhelmed with the amount of love and support from every person we have spoken to, who’s visited and who sent their love over the last, very quick, few days. We tried so hard to get in contact with as many people as we could, but time kept moving and we just didn’t have the chance to get to everybody.
Details for Michele’s service will be sent out in the coming days – please contact us if you would like any further information. We will try to get back to you as soon as possible.
Hello Everyone,
Below are the details for Mum’s service should you wish to attend.
At Michele’s request, we ask you to wear a splash of colour to celebrate mum’s vibrant personality and colourful life.
Friday 6th July 2:30pm St Joseph’s Catholic Church. 50 Park Road Bulli
Followed by a celebration of mum’s life at Towradgi Beach Hotel. 170 Pioneer Rd, Towradgi.
Please feel free to contact myself or any of the family should you want/need to. A notice will also be placed in the Illawarra Mercury.
Thank you for all of your love and support over the last few weeks and we look forward to celebrating just how wonderful a person mum is and was xx Olivia Michele Southam-Byrnes
My memories of Michele:
When I, and other mates, transferred from Cabramatta / Fairfield to Wollongong G.D’s around 1982, Michele was a Public Servant working the front counter of the very old Wollongong Police Station in Church St, Wollongong.
We worked with Michele most shifts and she was a great girl and we were always laughing.
One shift that we were working with Michele, we had loaded a couple of her cigarettes with bits of a sparkler.
She finished her late shift and left to go home to Bulli where she was living with her parents, Kath & Reg, at Bulli Police Station residence.
Southam’s, at the time I lobbed up at Wollongong Police Station, were a local police identify.
Reg was a SenSgt at Bulli and, later, Wollongong whilst his brother, Darrell was a Senior Constable with the Police Prosecutors at Wollongong Police Station. Both were lovely and likeable blokes.
On our next shift together Michele related a story about how she was driving north, along the Princes Hwy, North Wollongong, and decided to have a cigarette.
As she was driving, she lit her cigarette and was enjoying drawing back on the thick smoke entering her lungs ( as most of use smokers did back in those days ).
She said she was driving along and next thing, her cigarette started to sparkle and shoot sparks out everywhere and she nearly crossed to the wrong side of the road as she tried to comprehend what was happening before throwing the cigarette out the window in disbelief.
We all laughed at the way she described it and, to this day, I’m not sure whether we told her how it happened or not.
We used to have great times with practical jokes and the old telex confetti over the years.
Michele worked with us, at Wollongong, for many years before she finally pulled the pin and went onto other, and greater, things in her life.
The cigarette mischief was well over 30 years ago and I still laugh about it.
The next time I met up with Michele was at either Darrell’s funeral or her father, Reg’s funeral, and it was like yesterday. She was a bit older but still the same Michele from back in 1982.
May you forever Rest In Peace mate. Your smile and humour will always be remembered.
Love
Greg Callander
Retired NSWPF
1975 – 2004
Graeme Andrew ADAMS
| 18/12/2018
Graeme Andrew ADAMS
Late of Leichardt, NSW
New South Wales Police Force
Redfern Police Academy Class 206
Regd. # 21746
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy on Monday 24 September 1984 ( aged 21 years, 7 months, 14 days )
Probationary Constable – appointed 7 December 1984 ( aged 21 years, 9 months, 27 days )
Constable – appointed 8 December 1985
Final Rank = ?
Stations: ?, Prosecutors – Resigned
Service: From? ? pre December 1984? to? ? 1991 = 7 years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: Sunday 10 February 1963
Disappeared: Tuesday 6 June 2000
Body recovered: Wednesday 12 July 2000
Died on: 6 ( Wednesday ) or 7 ( Thursday ) June 2000
Age: 37 years, 3 months, 28 days
Cause: Murdered – shot
Event location: Hawkesbury River near Dangar Island
Event date: 6 ( Wednesday ) or 7 ( Thursday ) June 2000
Funeral date: ? ? ?
Funeral location: ?
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial located at: ?
GRAEME is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * NOT JOB RELATED
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Strike Force Sari headed up the investigation into this murder.
Class 206A
AAP General News (Australia) 08-30-2000 NSW: Man charged with murder of former police officer.
A court’s been told a former Sydney policeman whose body was found dumped in a river was killed to stop him earning a share of a lucrative Olympic-related security contract.
GRAEME ADAMS’ business partner, 29-year-old SIMON CHRISTOPHER CROWTHER-WILKINSON, was charged with his murder this morning.
According to police facts tendered to Manly Court, Mr ADAMS was a silent stakeholder in CROWTHER-WILKINSON’S firm Excell Security Pty Ltd.
The company had recently won a $1.6 million contract to supply staff to security giant and Olympic sub-contractor Chubb Security Australia.
But police allege that rather than share the proceeds, CROWTHER-WILKINSON and another associate shot and killed Mr ADAMS, wrapped him in chains and dumped him in the Hawkesbury River, north of Sydney, on June 6 or 7.
The accused man has been refused bail and will appear in Central Local Court on September 6.
08-30-2000 NSW: Ex policeman murdered over Oly security contract, court told
By John Kidman, Crime Reporter
SYDNEY, Aug 30 AAP – A former Sydney policeman whose chained body was found dumped in a river had been shot in cold blood over a lucrative Olympic-related security contract,
a court was told today.
Detectives allege the two men charged with the slaying stood to gain his share of a $1.6 million personnel deal struck with industry giant and Olympic sub-contractor Chubb Security Australia.
The killing had “all the hallmarks of an execution-style murder”, according to a statement of police facts tendered in Sydney’s Manly Local Court.
“There is evidence of premeditated and deliberate planning well prior to the event,” the document read.
Mr Adams’ business partner, Simon Crowther-Wilkinson and another of his associates, private security agent James Cowie, were arrested by strike force police early today following a high-profile investigation.
Mr Adams, a one-time police prosecutor who left the force to start his own companynine years ago, was pulled out of the Hawkesbury River off Dangar Island, to Sydney’s
north, by a local fisherman on July 12.
An autopsy revealed he had been shot in the back of the head from close range.
He was also wrapped in a 135 kilogram length of chain.
It was initially believed Mr Adams had last been seen alive by Crowther-Wilkinson at 10pm on June 6 after they dined at Antos Pizzeria and Pasta in suburban Chatswood.
However, it is now alleged that the version of events was a smokescreen to divert suspicion.
According to receipt records, the accused man bought cigarettes and drinks at a Chatswood service station at 9.25pm the same night.
Neither the owner nor staff of the pizza parlour were able to place the men at the eatery, police allege.
According to the fact sheet, mobile phone checks also revealed both Crowther-Wilkinson and Cowie made or received calls near Dangar island on the night of the murder.
Crowther-Wilkinson denied ever having been to the area or having access to or owning a boat, it said.
Despite this, detectives alleged evidence would show he was in possession of an aluminium runabout at the time of the homicide.
It was also claimed Crowther-Wilkinson bought 15m of chain and a number of metal clamps like those found on Mr Adams’ body at a Brookvale hardware shop a week before the murder.
“Direct lies and inconsistencies exist in the versions of (both) Wilkinson and Cowie,”the facts stated.
Mr Adams had been a silent 51 per cent partner in Excell Security with Crowther-Wilkinson until his death but took little part in the company’s day-to-day business.
In the weeks before his death, he allegedly tried to gain financial records which showed he may not have been receiving his due profit share.
Police allege he expressed concerns over the matter to his accountant.
By contrast, Crowther-Wilkinson is said to have told an Excell employee that “he did not want to give up any profits made through his Olympic contract”.
Both accused men were today refused bail and will appear in Central Local Court next month.
A week before his disappearance in 2000, murder victim Graeme Adams told his accountant he was afraid of former associates in the security company Blue Falcon Agency and thought he was being followed, the Supreme Court heard yesterday.
Accountant Eric de Haarte said Mr Adams had formed another company, Excell Security, after leaving Blue Falcon and had told him he had ”sort of tricked” Blue Falcon by taking their database of contacts for security guards.
Mr Adams had expressed apprehension about two principals in Blue Falcon, Peter Murrant ( # 22195 ) and Andrew King.
Mr Murrant, who had been a serving police officer at the time he was a principal of Blue Falcon, had been investigated by the Police Integrity Commission and had later been convicted of a criminal offence and sentenced to periodic detention.
”He told me he thought his former partners [Mr Murrant and Mr King] considered him a snitch,” Mr de Haarte said.
Mr Adams disappeared on June 6, 2000. His body was recovered, weighed down by chains, in the Hawkesbury River near Dangar Island on July 12 that year.
A partner of Mr Adams in Excell Security, Simon Christopher Crowther-Wilkinson (referred to in court as Wilkinson), was later charged with Mr Adams‘s murder. Wilkinson is now on trial before Justice Virginia Bell.
Questioned by Paul Byrne, SC, for Wilkinson, Mr de Haarte said Mr Adams had indicated that he wanted his involvement in Excell Security to be kept ”more or less secret” so that he was ”essentially invisible”.
Mr Adams had a 51 per cent shareholding in Excell Security but Wilkinson, with 49 per cent, did the day-to-day work.
Janelle Johnson, a girlfriend of Mr Adams at the time of his disappearance, said in evidence that according to what Mr Adams had told her, Blue Falcon went broke in June 1999 and Mr Adams himself was in debt as a result. He had blamed Mr Murrant and Mr King for ”taking money on the side”.
Ms Johnson said that four or five weeks before he disappeared, Mr Adams had made no attempt to discover the financial position of Excell Security though he had concerns about it.
On 28 March 2003 the appellant, Simon Crowther-Wilkinson, was sentenced to imprisonment for 20 years with a non-parole period of 15 years for murder. His co-accused, James Cowie was found not guilty. He appeals against this conviction but not against the sentence.
The appellant had been a silent partner in a partnership with the deceased in a security company, Excell Security Pty Limited (“Excell”). The deceased’s body was found floating in the Hawkesbury River wrapped in plastic, metal 3/8 inch steel galvanised chains and 12 mm D-shackles. The Crown case was that he had been shot once in the back of the head, consistent with a .22 calibre bullet having been fired by either the appellant or James Cowie, with the other present and assisting or encouraging the killer. The deceased’s body had then been transported to the Hawkesbury River and dumped from a small aluminium boat.
A NSW Police critical incident team will investigate the death of one of its own officers after a policeman was found dead near Wagga Wagga.
Concerns were raised for the male officer’s welfare with colleagues heading to the Sturt Highway about 30km from Wagga Wagga on Wednesday afternoon.
The officer’s death is non-suspicious circumstances, and a critical incident team has been formed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the matter.
Police say a critical incident investigation has been launched after the death yesterday of a police officer near the Sturt Highway 30km from Wagga Wagga. “At this time there is no evidence the incident is suspicious.”
Police Statement: A critical incident investigation has been launched after the death of a police officer near Wagga Wagga. Police were called to the Sturt Highway about 30km from Wagga Wagga around 4.25pm yesterday (Wednesday 11 April 2018) after concerns were raised for the welfare of an officer. Ambulance paramedics responded to the location but were unable to revive the officer. At this time there is no evidence the incident is suspicious. A critical incident team has been formed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the matter.
That investigation will be subject to independent review.
Police disappointed at close of Operation Tortoise
It would have been difficult to escape a random breath test in Wagga across the Easter long weekend.
It follows a Highway Patrol crack down on fatigue, drink and drug-driving.
With thousands hitting the roads for the holiday, Riverina police conducted more than 6600 random breath tests across four days.
These numbers come at the close of Operation Tortoise, with double-demerits in force until midnight on Monday.
Despite the low number of drivers busted drink driving, acting-Senior Sergeant Stephen Sivewright said the behaviour of drivers across the region had been disappointing.
“The message isn’t getting out there,” Sergeant Sivewright said. “People are still speeding.”
He said road users continued to put the lives of their passengers and other people in danger, with more than 200 drivers issued speeding fines.
A further 25 infringements were issued for not wearing seatbelts and 308 drivers were busted for other traffic offences.
“People shouldn’t have to die for drivers to listen,” Sergeant Sivewright said. “This should be a wake-up call.”
His words follow the tragic death of an elderly driver on a Riverina road, near Jindera, on Monday morning.
This death brought the number of fatalities on Riverina roads to six this year.
“That’s ridiculously high,” Sergeant Sivewright said. “Up until March 28, there were 59 fatalities on state roads – a definite increase on last year.”
Police say the results of this year’s initiative to reduce the holiday road toll are concerning.
It follows Wagga Highway Patrol’s launch of Operation Safe Arrival on December 22.
Acting Senior Sergeant Stephen Sivewright on Tuesday said local officers, combined with resources from Sydney, had already performed thousands of random breath tests across Wagga.
The Highway Patrol chief said of more than 8520 tests, ten drivers had been caught drink driving.
In addition, Sergeant Sivewright said 225 drivers had been fined for speeding across the region, which was more than half the combined number of traffic-related offences, during that period.
“We are concerned about the 10 drink driving offences,” Sergeant Sivewright said. “We’d like that to be zero.”
Double demerits will apply from Friday, December 22 with all Traffic and Highway Patrol Command staff on duty until New Year.
Sergeant Sivewright urged Riverina drivers to stick to the speed limit, to make a plan-b and to get to their destination safely.
Highway Patrol want you to survive the drive home this Christmas | Video
Madeleine Clarke
Wagga’s Highway Patrol force are gearing up for the busy Christmas period with Operation Safe Arrival kicking off today.
Double demerits will apply from Friday, December 22 with all Traffic and Highway Patrol Command staff on duty until New Year performing random breath tests, mobile drug testing, speed enforcement and vehicle and driver compliance checks.
Acting Senior Sergeant Stephen Sivewright said the Riverina cluster will be boosted by additional resources from Sydney.
“We’ll have all our vehicles out on the roads during the day and night time so the public can see us.”
The Wagga Command is made up of 20 officers and nine vehicles.
“With more people going away, wanting to get there, they can get distracted by their mobile phones, we’ll be out there trying to deter people from committing offences,” Sergeant Sivewright said.
“For those travelling long distances we hope they have had at least eight hours sleep before they begin their journey, and stop every two hours or when tired.
“Personal responsibility is the key to road safety in NSW. We urge those on our roads over the school holidays, Christmas and the New Year to help us keep everyone safe on NSW roads.”
Last Christmas and New Year period saw 40 people die on Australian roads, up from 34 the year before.
NSW was the worst state for fatalities, claiming 12 of the dead.
I have decided to support NSW Police Legacy’s largest annual fundraiser in remembrance of all deceased NSW Police Force Officers.
I’m raising funds to continue providing essential financial assistance and social programs and experiences to the widows, widowers and dependent children of deceased police officers.
Through here you can easily support this great cause.
I would also really appreciate it if you could share my page above or comment below so more people know about it.
Click ‘Donate Now’ to make a secure online donation.
Thanks so much for your support!
.
Stephen Sivewright
Donated AUD $53.00 online in support of David Clarke
Stephen Sivewright, from Diddine Brahman Stud at South Lismore, was awarded junior and senior reserve champion bull at the Sydney show, making it three out of four Royal Easter Shows he has entered where he has won reserve champion.
