Gates of memories will never close, how much I miss you Steve no one knows. days pass away into years, but I think about those memories with silent tears.
Love Chris, Jono, Callie, Dave, Callum, Chloe and Curtis
Published by Illawarra Mercury on June 7, 2017 – See more at: http://tributes.kiamaindependent.com.au/obituaries/kiamaindependent-au/obituary.aspx?n=steve-passmore&pid=185712412#_ga=2.44858980.1908542426.1497097293-641006719.1497097293
Stephen Passmore 28/09/44 – 07/06/06
Steve I never go to say goodbye when angels came and took you away. I just wanted to hold your hand so tight kiss you gently and say goodnight. And then just before you had to go I would tell you how much I love you so. I don’t know how I don’t know why. Steve I never got to say goodbye.
Love Chris, Jono Callie, Dave, Callum, Chloe and Curtis
Published by Illawarra Mercury on June 7, 2016 – See more at: http://tributes.illawarramercury.com.au/obituaries/illawarramercury-au/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=180226868#sthash.RgMPQKLo.dpuf
Scientific Police – December 1979 Front Row L – R: Det Sgt 2/c A.J. WOOD, Det Sgt 2/c E.J. KELLY, Det Insp J.E. SNOWDEN, Det Insp J.E. MERRETT ( O.I.C. ), Det Sgt 1/c R.R. BROWN, Det Sgt 3/c D.W. WARDROBE, Det Sgt 2/c B. GIBSON 2nd Row L – R: Det Sgt 3/c L.K. CAMPBELL, P.C. Sgt 2/c J.H. SOILAND, Det SenCon J.R. HESLOP, P.C. Const S.J. HENKEL, Det SenCon D.J. HUGHES, Dets Sgt 3/c D.J. CHIVERS. 3rd Row L – R: Det SenCon R.W. MILLINGEN, P.C. Cst P.J. MARCON, Det SenCon C.S. IRELAND, P.C. Cst G.V. HALLETT, Det Cst 1/c D.M. MARTIN, P.C. Cst R.N. ADAMS, P.C. Cst 1/c D.J. RANSOME 4th Row L – R: P.C. Cst B.W. RITCHIE, P.C. Cst P.E. McCAMLEY, P.C. Cst S.O. HASSELL, P.C. Cst 1/c N.J. RAYMOND, P.C. Cst N.M. MYRIS, Det SenCst S.G. PASSMORE ABSENT: Det Sgt 3/c N.G. EZART, Det Sgt 3/c R.W. JOHNSON, Det SenCon W.F.W. DAY, Det SenCon E.L. OOSTERHOFF, Det SenCon M.R. EDWARDS, Det SenCon R.A. NAPIER, Det SenCon R.H. MUNDAY, P.W. Det SenCon V.L. FLEMING, Det SenCst R.J.W. BARBER, P.C. SenCst D.J. TYSOE, P.C. Cst 1/c T.P. BAKER, Det Cst 1/c R.B. MUSGRAVE, P.C. Cst 1/c P.A. SANDEMAN, P.C. Cst 1/c J.A. AHERN, P.C. Cst 1/c P.J. HOLDER, P.C. Cst G.L. MURPHY, P.C. Cst G.C. RATCLIFFE, P.C. Cst G.J. CLAUSEN, P.C. Cst M. CONWAY
Kate ELLISON-FAWCETT
| 11/06/2017
Katherine Amanda ELLISON-FAWCETT
aka Kathy Fawcett
Late of Toongabbie
New South Wales Police – Public Service
Regd. # 9735005
Rank: Communications Officer – VKG1 Radio – Sydney,
Senior Communications Officer – VKG4 Radio – Penrith
Medical Discharge – PTSD
Stations: VKG1 Sydney Police Radio ( 1977 – September 2001 ),
VKG4 Police Radio Penrith ( September 2001 – 2016 )
Service: From? ? 1977to 14 January 2016=39 years Service
Cal lit a candle for Katherine Amanda (Kate) Ellison
24 May 2017
Dear Rob & Jess,
Our sincerest condolences on the loss of your mum.
We are thinking of you with warmth, sympathy and thoughts of comfort during this difficult time.
Kindest regards,
The Peglers bought sympathy flowers for Katherine Amanda (Kate) Ellison, delivered on 05/05/2017
March 29, 1982 | Two young constables, Warren John Matheson, 24, and Matthew John Payne, 22, died after a vehicle they were pursuing through Adelaide’s south-western suburbs swerved into their police car. Police subsequently charged the driver of the pursed vehicle with a number of very serious driving offences.
29 September, 2010
Police honour their comrades
By Fred Smith (Cross Media Reporter)
Community members joined Limestone Coast police at a ceremony at the Mt Gambier Police Station on Thursday for the National Police Remembrance Day.
The presence of riderless horse at a ceremony at the Mt Gambier Police Station on Thursday was a time-honoured way of paying respects to the fallen.
Such gestures have been hallmarks of military and State funerals since the nineteenth century.
Local officers arranged for the riderless horse with boots reversed in its stirrups to be part of the annual religious ceremony to mark National Police Remembrance Day.
The 16-year-old grey horse called “Limelight” was formerly a part of the South Australian Police Mounted Cadre.
In retirement, “Limelight” was brought to Mt Gambier by its former rider Senior Constable Stephanie Cooper.
After nine years with the Mounted Cadre, Senior Constable Cooper is now on general police duties in Mt Gambier.
She rode another horse “Star of Courage” to the ceremony while “Limelight” was led to it by Constable Barb Bushell.
The two horses stood guard while community members and police honoured those who had given their lives in the line of duty.
The wreath layers at the 45 minute ceremony included local resident Maureen Matheson.
She laid a floral tribute in memory of her eldest son, Warren John Matheson, who was killed while on police duty in Adelaide in 1982.
At the time of his death, he was a 24-year-old married father with an infant son and daughter.
He was laid to rest in the Carinya Gardens Cemetery in Mount Gambier.
Mrs Matheson said another young officer from this region was killed in the same motor vehicle collision which claimed the life of her son.
“He was 22-year-old Constable Matthew Payne, of Rendelsham.
“Matthew was not supposed to be on traffic duties with Warren on this day but his regular partner could not make this shift.
“Matthew is buried at Rendelsham.
“I have been coming to these annual ceremonies for several years.
“One has been held at Warren’s grave while another took place at the Rendelsham cemetery.
“In recent years, we have been holding the ceremony here at Mt Gambier,” said Mrs Matheson.
The other wreath layers were representatives of the Limestone Coast Police Local Service Area, SA Police Legacy, Mt Gambier City Council, District Council of Grant, MFS, SA Ambulance Service and the Rotary Club of Mt Gambier West.
A wreath was also placed on Constable Payne’s grave later in the day by Sergeant Richard Murphy, of the SA Police Legacy.
The master of ceremonies in Mt Gambier was Sergeant Andy Stott while the prayers were led by Police Chaplain and Mt Gambier Anglican parish priest, the Reverend Canon Brian Ashworth.
Beloved granddad, brother, father-in-law and friend.
Aged 71 years
Forever in our hearts Bob’s relatives and friends are warmly invited to attend his Funeral Service to be held in the North Chapel of Forest Lawn Crematorium, Camden Valley Way, Leppington on Friday, 24th February 2017 commencing at 11am.
In the care of Macarthur Lady Funerals 100% Australian family owned & operated.
Narellan 4647 9294
Campbelltown 4626 5666
NSW FDA
Published in Camden Advertiser on Feb. 22, 2017 – See more at: http://tributes.theleader.com.au/obituaries/theleader-au/obituary.aspx?n=robert-john-gollan-bob&pid=184190842#sthash.xV9hsx7n.dpuf
Unlike the Vikings we don’t have a Valhalla, where old warriors who die meet in the great drinking Hall, but we do have the Great Muster Room in the Sky. Soon our old Campbelltown Warriors will be there having an ‘End of shift BBQ and a few Beers’ together along with the other 35 Division workmates who are waiting for them.
It just goes to show that our time is limited on this mortal coil, so enjoy it while we can.
Leslie Kenneth HODGE
| 11/06/2017
Leslie Kenneth HODGE
aka Patty Macey
New South Wales Police Force
NSW Redfern Police Academy – Class 136
Regd. # 16032
Rank: Commenced training at Redfern Police Academy on Monday 6 August 1973 ( aged 19 years, 4 months, 17 days )
Probationary Constable – appointed 19 September 1973 ( aged 19 years, 5 months, 30 days )
Yesterday I lost a mate. The bloke I met was from the bush like me. We worked together at Redfern. It wasn’t all that long that I transferred back to the bush, the country that I love. As it turns out my mate loved the country just as much if not more than I. He loved my birthplace and spent many of his later years working in and around Broken Hill. He had an affinity with the desert. He loved its vast open spaces the quietness of the country the wildness of the storms and he captured that in his photography. I paid tribute to his talents by trying to capture what he had photographed by painting it in oils. Les and my paths crossed again in the 80’s when he walked into the building at Parramatta and joined the Response Group. Yes we were both back from the bush. We worked there on the same shift for awhile until I transferred closer to home. I left the Force in 89 and moved again. I returned to Sydney where our paths once again crossed when he walked into my place of employment. We were grateful to see each other again. “Hey Bunny, come and work with me.” He said. ” left the job and I reckon you would be good at factuals.” I joined him because I liked the bloke he was just that sort of fella. We worked for the same company but he couldn’t live in the city and he moved to Orange. I eventually felt the same and moved to the country as well. I again lost touch with Les and moved back to the coast. I was given information that Les had been and still was crook. I phoned him immediately and it was though we had only seen one another yesterday. The old friendship was renewed. I knew he was crook. I knew he was now housebound. He was down in the dumps, The site here was commenced for him to have something to do and to pick up with his friends he missed so badly. “Get Peter Cameron on the site.” He said. “My old mate from Moree.” He never forgot his mates. Peter joined us and another great bloke. Les could pick them. Les had his ups and his downs. I laugh to myself now just thinking about him with his false teeth he got a 12 or so months ago. ” I cant wear these bastards they hurt.” He persisted and I believe he was using them. I went down it was his turn to advise the crew of my well being. Thoughtful even though he was crook. I got back into painting, he was my greatest follower and critic. Although he said I was my own worst critic. He got a lot of art from me. Said it took him back to the country and that he and I in one particular painting were sitting by the camp fire yarning while the billy boiled. He liked my art I liked his straight forward comments and he wanted all of my work but often complained he did not have the walls. Les got very crook and you all know he was at deaths door. He rallied and recovered but was in constant pain and complained to me often as we were in regular phone contact. That contact slowed because of his breathing. I talked to him on video and the bugger would tease me because he sat there munching chocolates while talking. He called me his brother and loved me as a brother. I returned the compliments because he was as a brother to me. He was having trouble with his breathing and you the people of this site wanted to have a whip round to buy him a BIPAP machine. He cried because of your kindness. Police Legacy stepped in he cried again because they paid for a machine that he never got to use. I spoke to him about a week ago he could hardly breathe. I did not keep him on the line. You know the rest. What I am trying to say is that I want to thank every one of you on this site for being his friend. For rallying to his aid, for reading this and being here for all of us. I wish to thank you for all the messaged of kindness on the post, his Vale. I wish to thank you for your messages to me for your concern for me. We have all lost a mate and good friend. Rest in Peace Les. Loved you like a brother.
Bunny
Ken DaySo sorry mate. I never met Les in person but it was great to be on here and see his posts and his photos. You were both lucky your paths crossed. 2 good blokes.
Garry StillawayThank you for sharing Bunny. Feel your sadness. You are blessed to have been a part of Les’s life. You have shared many a story with me both on the phone & our PM banter. Les was a true Aussie in every sense. a bushie, a larrikin, a terrific Cop & family man. I never met him but through his posts on this site felt as though I had known him all my life. I am typing this with tears as I know what he meant to you & all that knew him. RIP Les.
Ray OwstonBeautifully written Bunny, from the heart which, is exactly what one would expect from his brother. The world is a better place for people like you and our late brother Les and whilst our lives do go on, there are those who depart yet leave us with indelible memories of their presence. I do not want to speak for everyone but feel that those who were privileged enough to have known and worked with Les would hold him in deep reverence. His passing brings home a stark realization that life is very short and we must treasure true friendships like there’s no tomorrow. I personally, whilst not knowing Les for anywhere near the time frame of your friendship with him, am very deeply saddened by his passing and can fully understand your deep sadness. Les is on his final journey home, to be free of the pain and suffering that he has endured over recent years and for that, I am grateful. Our loss, Heavens gain. He’s in a good place now, leaving us with those memories. Bless him, bless his family and bless those who are privileged enough to have called him a friend. We are all richer people for having known him. Farewell and God speed, dear departed friend. We’ll meet next in the here after.
Mel IssaYour both amazing men and I’m grateful through this site that over the years I got to know both of you….. I’ve got no one to call me sunshine anymore ???
Peter CameronBunny, you told me you were off to bed last night and I knew you wouldn’t you bugger. Now I am up at 4.30 with tears reading this magnificent tribute to our old friend. Thanks.
Bill ConnorsThanks Bunny for the insight into a man I’ve never met yet through this site felt I got to know. I too will miss his magnificent photography and his sharp wit, it was great to read the banter between you two.
Stuart NorrisFantastic tribute Bunny. It’s funny how I was first Stationed at Orange in 1987 and never met these champion blokes like Les who were obviously no longer in the job. It can be strange like that, in that when you were an “Ex”, nobody had anything to to with you except your own network of “Ex” Police. Both my best Police mates took their own lives so RIP Les your shift is done brother. Special condolences to you Bunny. Regards Chuck
Greg ElksI am grateful Bunny, that I had the opportunity to work with you & Les at the Response Group. Les was certainly one of those blokes that was great fun to have around on VIPs, always involved in the practical jokes. But not just a joker, a mate that enjoyed a yarn. I am going to miss him, just like everyone else on this site. A good Copper, a great bloke & our Brother.
Robert NorvalThere is that saying, “when you’re gone you will be just a memory. Make sure that memory is a good one”.
Sounds like Les fits this saying to a tee.
Geoff FloodSo sorry you lost a ‘Brother’ Bunny. The rest of us lost a friend, a workmate, a Facebook name that that I couldn’t workout, but more importantly a man who was well respected and loved.
Wayne CoghlanMan, what an eye he had, I just scrolled through the pics on his profile. I assume he took them going off what Bunny has stated. What a loss… for us, there’s some real beauty captured there.
Paul DaviesWow Bunny Warren what a great moving tribute to your ‘brother’. I never had the privilege to meet Les but your words certainly painted a fabulous picture of the man he was. I feel the pain and sadness that you are feeling now having lost Les. Some p…See More
Bill FortierVery well said Bunny…know we are with you and his family and share your sadness…I think we all feel we lost a Brother yesterday… but we will always have him with us through his talent of capturing the true bush scenes…he could see and capture the bush spirit…a man among men…
Peter J. JohnsonSo sad Bunny you and I lost a great mate, love the kind words, finding it hard typing this in the train with eyes full of tears. May he Rest in Peace.
Michael McCulkinAm sitting here in Broken Hill, and after reading your very powerful and emotive post I am going out later to watch the sun set over the desert and toast a beer to our lost brother, and to you.
Ian BorlandBunny Warren many times I messaged Les he would often get into my time at the Hill and ask me had I been to certain places and we’d discuss them. Mundi Mundi held a special place in his heart as did Silverton, which he knew every inch of. That was a tremendous post you’ve put up and shows just how the two of you gelled. Little wonder this news has hit you so hard, but you have the support of us all.
Tony StanleyBunny you have said the nicest things about Les, and your friendship with him is a true testament to both of you blokes. You are a real prick for making me cry like a fucking girl, but I freely admit I feel the same way about Les even though my friendship wasnt nearly as strong as yours. All the best mate.
Bunny WarrenTony, I am sorry but I had to pen my feelings. If I made you cry it show the testament of your feelings for the bloke. Thanks for reading and the lovely comment.
Stevenson ScottYour a Bloody Good Bloke Bunny, so gkad you shared that story with this wonderful group….Luckily we have brothers and sisters on this site united by our wearing The Mighty Suit of Blue….knowing that backup is there….Keep up the good work Bunny, Patty was lucky to share so much of his life with you mate, as we are now!! RIP Patty….you have left Bunny in Bloody good hands mate!!
Graham MarandaGreat written words about your friendship with Patty Macey. Your word description covers a few cup fulls of water from a full rain tank of lifetime occurrences between you both.
Alan HodgeFunny thing is Bunny, several times during my service, I was asked if I was related to Les Hodge. Never knew him, and the past couple of years have been corresponding via this site, only knowing & liking him as Patty. Shame we never met.
Steve McKeownWell said mate. He was a great friend to all his mates. Thank you for helping set up this site as it gave him much joy over the last few years.i was fortunate to be living close to him and was able to see him reasonably regularly. We were out of the same Class. 136 in 1973 and there was small groups of bush boys that hung out together. I lost track of him after the first 11 months and then caught up with him at the Con1/C course. Again lost track of him and didn’t catch up with him again till about 10 years ago. At first didn’t even remember each other but soon worked it out and became great friends again. Like u he was the brother I never had and I loved him like one. It has been a draining few days being with him during his last fight but I consider it an honour and know he would do the same for me. There is much more to tell. It it can wait till later
Ken EmmsGreat memories of Les that you will carry for the rest of your life mate. Thanks for sharing your friendship with him. We were all very fortunate to have been friends or Facebook Friends with him.
Christopher UreI am a atheist, complements of 13 years of Roman Catholic Schooling, so I do not believe in the after life, except to say this. “As long as there is a human on earth that remembers this man, he will exist and as long as he exists, we will remember him for all of his virtues and faults, but especially for his contribution to the safety of the people that are so often opposed to us.
Stevenson ScottRIP Patty, you fought the hard fight mate…Thank you for walking the Thin Blue Line with us ALL!!! Thanks for the laughs and contributions, your Duty is over dear Colleague, Gods Blessings to you and your Family mate, missed already!!
Tony StanleySorry to hear that sad news. I first met Les when I was in the Cadets and he was going through initial prior to being stationed at Redfern. He was a good mate to me and was a really good bloke. Rest easy and travel well mate.
Peter CameronA very sad day. Not only was Les a close friend, work mate but a founding Admin of this site some three years ago. A man that saved my butt more than once and was a bloody good cop. He was a larrikin and not without his faults like all of us and he would be first to admit to it. Les served at Redfern, Randwick, Moree, The Response Group, Newcastle and Katoomba (I don’t think I left any out). A man that served the State better than the average cop. RIP old mate. Les is in the centre of the photo, Bunny on the right and Bruce Rickard on the left.
Kevin LewisThis was one of the many great occasions I had working with Patty. Met him at the HWP Response Group and have many great memories working with the lad. My heart is broken.
Ray OwstonGod speed Les, to that place where all the good, gentle and caring people go. We’ve just lost a great person. Most sincere condolences are extended to his family and friends.
Kevin LewisBunny. Thank you for everything you have done for Patty. The news has broken me and I know you. It is a very sad day for everyone. Once again thank you.
Rene MarkerinkI never met Patty, but did like his input in this site. He must have been a great bloke. RIP Patty. Condolences to all his family and friends.
Ken EmmsVery sad to read of the passing of Patty (Les). My sincere sympathies are extended to Wendy & other members of Patty‘s family. Your sadness Bunny is expected & respected as I know what a good friend he was to you. Vale mate.
Len BalkI have just heard the news. I am so sad about this. Les I will always remember the shifts we shared and the good times we had especially st Bathurst. If there is a silver lining to this cloud it is that you are now free of body that was holding you down and you are now free to soar with the angels.
Wendy my thoughts go out to you and the rest of the family as well as my thanks for the love and care that you gave to Les .R.I.P Old friend.
Geoff FloodI never met ‘Patty‘, for that matter, I didn’t know his real name until today. I have been on this site for quite a number of years, and I always valued his opinions and his friendship over the keyboard. I hope Patty is going to a better place, a place where there is no pain or suffering. Rest easy my friend.
Clare MooreRest In Peace Patty/Les….we will miss your beautiful photographs and your charming wit and personality…..hope you are soaring amongst the angels in paradise ??
Scott EllisThis is just devastating. Patty has fought out of trouble so many times whilst I’ve been part of the group, it’s hard to believe. I know it must have tired him. With the imminent arrival of his machine to help I was hopeful of him enjoying some peace and better health. I am so sorry for those on here that are founders and foundation members of this great group, that has come to mean so much to me and others, that you have lost a brother and a friend. Without ever having shared his company in person, I have come to enjoy his insight, counsel and humour and gauging my feeling of loss, can but imagine and feel greatly for those that knew him personally and, of course, Wendy and his loved ones. We’ve got it from here Patty, although it’s initially a little too heavy a burden without you. Peace mate, Scotty.
Bunny WarrenWonderful words Scott, you feel our pain we all feel pain collectively. You have expressed everyone’s feelings with your feelings. Thank you and may he rest in peace.
Peter J. JohnsonDevastated is an understatement, Rest in Peace Les old mate we have known each other a very long time. I still remember the times we went diving for lobsters and boating around the harbour in the McGill “Flower Pot” calling in to all the bare bum beaches. I will miss you mate.
Cook LazBig wake up call to us ‘never growing olders’…seems like it was just yesterday I would catch up with Les when he was at Charlestown and ‘just a boy’… I don’t know what happened to all those years in between. RIP Les.
Queensland Police Senior Sergeant Mick Isles signed on duty on the morning of Wednesday 23 September 2009, went to work in uniform and has never signed off. We are awaiting response from Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart to adding Senior Sergeant Mick Isles to the Police Honours Roll and officially acknowledging his (Mick’s) signing off. How can that be unreasonable?
2 Jan 2017 – Isles to Queensland Police Commissioner: addressing criteria under Queensland Police Honour Roll Policy, responding to AC O’Regan correspondence
A trait of my father’s, an honourable trait through his commitment, belief and passion in people was more-or-less to always look for the good in people, even when I was a child and assaulted by an adult, my father convinced me to look for the good in the assailant, as there was obviously greater reason to why he was like that, an upbringing or similar. I found myself doing precisely that eventually, after the anger had moved on, I looked to for the good in this individual and many years later made peace in speaking with him and seeing that he had grown and changed and was no longer the same person.
As life has progressed even with some of the trials, especially more recently, I have found myself retreating a little over the last couple of years and trying to remove myself from stressful situations.
I guess, now I am finding there needs to be some happy medium and in an ideal world, my father’s trait would be admirable however in a world where many through generations have strayed from strong morals and treating your neighbour as you, yourself, would like to be treated.
For me both physically and mentally, I have softened over recent years in my zest, interest and drive for life. This in part has seen me too readily trust in individuals and some have resulted in individuals using the apparent lack of energy and zest as an avenue to access a perceived vulnerability and to take advantage.
For mine, in approaching 2017, simply applying much of life experience and the honourable person my father was, I can only aim to regain touch with the inner mongrel I had to find to navigate some of the situations that were thrown my and my family’s way.
This coming year, in order the finalize some matters close to my heart that have come so far, I will dance with the devil while maintaining strong morals however only extend a hand of trust, respect or offer of friendship where it is over time earned.
May those close and many that have shared some of this journey with me be able to toast achievements even beyond boundaries that have been set by individuals and bureaucracy.
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29 Dec2016 – Isles to Queensland Police Union President Ian Leavers
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Daily Mail Australia
‘Weather beaten’ man spotted at remote Queensland creek may be police sergeant Mick Isles missing for five years
Reports of a man resembling a missing North Queensland policeman
Senior Sgt Mick Isles of Ayr has been missing since 2009
A couple saw a ‘weather beaten man’ resembling Isles at a remote creek
Sgt Isles vanished from his home and has never been found despite extensive searches
A ‘reluctant’ coroner declared Isles dead at a 2012 inquest
Published: 15:35 +11:00, 13 January 2015 | Updated: 21:50 +11:00, 13 January 2015
A couple who spotted a ‘weather beaten man’ at a remote creek in northern Queensland have contacted police saying they believe he may be missing Senior Sergeant Mick Isles, who disappeared in mysterious circumstances five years ago.
Graziers, Bill and Elizabeth Tudehope were on a remote road at Landers Creek on the Burdekin River near Millaroo last Sunday when they saw the man who was of the same age and height as the missing police officer, the Townsville Bulletin reported.
Sgt Isles has not been seen since September 23, 2009 after leaving his home in the far northern Queensland town of Ayr for a workshop 80km north in Townsville. He never arrived.
Six days later, his police issue Toyota Aurion was found at Eight Mile Creek, 170km south. The latest sighting of Sgt Isles is at a location between Ayr and Eight Mile Creek.
Following his disappearance, police conducted extensive searches for the 58-year-old, using trackers, the stock squad and the State Emergency Service.
Apart from one alleged sighting by a truck driver soon after his disappearance, Sgt Isles has never been seen again until now.
At the time of his disappearance, Sgt Isles was on only his third day back at work after a lengthy period of sick leave following a Crime and Misconduct Commission investigation which had exonerated him of drug trafficking and money laundering allegations.
His wife, Fiona, reported her husband’s failure to return home after finding an undated note on the last page of a used notebook.
The note read, ‘This is nobody’s fault but mine. I feel old and have lost the will to do anything. I feel a failure and a loser, particularly to my family whom I love so much’. The note was signed ‘Mick + Dad’.
A shot gun and ammunition were found to be missing from the Isle’s family home.
Officers found a police uniform shirt stuffed under the front passenger seat of Sgt isles’ abandoned car and in the boot, along with a hessian bag, was a blanket and a box of ammunition that was missing 16 cartridges, a pair of uniform pants and a belt.
The car keys were on the front driver’s side floor of the vehicle and a set of senior sergeant epaulettes had been placed in the centre drink console.
At a 2012 inquest, Queensland State Coroner Michael Barnes found Senior Sergeant Michael Isles ‘intentionally took his own life‘ on the day he was reported missing. Mr Barnes said: ‘I sincerely regret the distress this will cause his family’.
The Townsville Bulletin reported that on Monday northern Queensland police have sent a team of detectives to the Burdekin river area to interview the couple who made the report.
Mr and Mrs Tudehope said they saw a man walking along a sugar cane train track mid-morning last Sunday and they asked him if he wanted a lift.
‘He wasn’t interested in talking to me and didn’t want any help,’ Mr Tudehope said.
They contacted Sgt isles son Steven, who travelled to the couples’ property and then contacted police.
THE life of former Warwick and Allora police officer Mick Isles will be remembered at a special memorial service to be held in north Queensland next weekend, his family has announced.
Senior Sergeant Isles – who has been missing since September 2009 – was a popular figure in the region during his service here, which ended in 1989.
Mystery still surrounds his disappearance and his family suspect foul play, but the Queensland Coroner last month issued an interim death certificate ahead of an inquest set down for next March.
Snr Sgt Isles (pictured) was on duty and driving from Ayr to Townsville for training when he vanished, but his family still hold out hope his remains at least will be found, if not the people they believe may be responsible for his death.
Son Steven Isles yesterday released details of the memorial service to the Daily News, saying he and his mother and sisters had been deeply moved by the support they had received from locals who remembered their beloved Mick.
“We still think at times that by some magic he might walk through the door tomorrow,” an emotional Steven said.
“But we are realists and we have little choice other than to accept the coroner’s ruling, but it’s an interim and an open ruling and we don’t yet know what may come out of the inquest.”
Mr Isles said the death certificate meant his mother, Fiona, could finalise matters relating to the estate after being forced lean on her children for financial support.
The Isles family has been critical of the hierarchy of Queensland Police, which they say failed to fully investigate Mick’s disappearance and repeatedly gave them the cold shoulder and little respect.
Snr Sgt Isles was police officer-in-charge at Ayr and was reported missing on October 2, 2009. Five days later his police-issued Toyota Aurion was found on a rough track near Ravenswood, 120km southwest of Townsville.
Steven Isles believes that people involved in his disappearance drove the vehicle there as a diversion.
Snr Sgt Isles had been cleared of corruption allegations the previous July and had been struggling to deal with the aftermath, but Steven Isles said his father had shown no signs of being suicidal in the days before his disappearance.
The memorial service will be held at the Burdekin PCYC in Ayr on November 5, at 10.30am.
Burdekin PCYC facility named after missing policeman
By Josh Bavas / Nathalie Fernbach
Part of the new Ayr PCYC building has been named after missing officer Mick Isles. His wife Fiona Isles says the dedication is an honour but feels the family have been let down by the QPS.
The family of missing Burdekin police officer Mick Isles has spoken out at the opening of a new PCYC facility in Ayr today.
The PCYC’s function room has been named after the Senior Sergeant who disappeared in September 2009.
Mick Isles’ wife Fiona feels proud that the work of her husband has been recognised by the community and believes he would have been humbled by the honour.
“Mick would be very proud in fact he’s such a humble person he’d be standing there saying ‘there must be someone more deserving than me’ he’d be that sort of guy”.
Senior Sergeant Isles was last seen driving an unmarked police car, his clothes and the vehicle were later found at a property in Ravenswood, south of Townsville.
Looking back on the past 18 months Mrs Isles feels she was let down by the police service and says the family was not offered any help or counselling until her son insisted they provide it.
“It was rather pathetic They did do it only because he forced their hand.
My family weren’t offered any sort of counselling, my daughters whatever, they had to go looking for their own”.
Eighteen months on the family of Senior Sergeant Isles remain hopeful that he will be found.
“Our family would never give up hope. We keep looking we keep looking, I keep going out to the spot where he disappeared and hope there’s something that may materialise” says Mrs Isles.
A pre-inquest hearing into the case will be held later this year.
A SEARCH by police of rugged bushland where missing policeman Senior Sergeant Mick Isles‘ abandoned car was found has failed to find any trace of the man last seen alive on September 23 last year.
Police wound up the two-day search around noon yesterday. A police spokesperson said the search focused on an area about two kilometres out from where Sen-Sgt Isles‘ unbadged, police-issued Toyota Aurion was found at the end of a little-used bush track at a spot called Eight Mile Creek on Hillsborough Station.
This week’s search involved police cadets, veteran officers and the horseback mounted stock investigation squad from Charters Towers.
A police spokesperson said the search for Sen-Sgt Isles would be ongoing.
“The QPS will never stop looking for Sen-Sgt Isles. The QPS is also helping the coroner with his investigation. As this investigation is ongoing, further searches may be conducted in the future,” she said.
The spokeswoman said the Forward Commander for the search was assisted by 10 police officers from general duties and specialist areas, and 28 police recruits from the North Queensland Academy.
The two-day search was conducted in hot and trying conditions. One police officer told the Townsville Bulletin that conditions for recruits and officers walking the hilly countryside on foot were extremely hot.
“They’ll be pretty knocked up,” she said.
“This was a routine search which had originally been planned for July.
“We had some rain back then and it threw things out a bit, so we’re here now seeing if we can find anything,” she said.
Sen-Sgt Isles‘ car was found at Hillsborough Station on September 28, five days after he was last seen alive. Nothing has been heard of him since.
TownsvilleBulletin.com.au
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Sacked cop claims victimisation
The Sydney Morning Herald
Evan Schwarten September 10, 2010 – 11:20AM
AAP
A sacked Northern Territory cop has launched action against two police forces, claiming he’s been victimised since the apparent suicide of his father.
Steven Isles, a constable with NT police since 2003, has lodged an unfair dismissal claim with Fair Work Australia over his sacking by NT Police Commissioner John McRoberts in July.
Mr Isles was on sick leave for almost three years before his dismissal following a dispute with superiors over police procedures.
However, he said he was ready and willing to come back to work in 2008 but NT police refused a request to institute a return-to-work program, similar to those offered in other jurisdictions, to support him during the transition.
Mr Isles has also made a formal complaint to Queensland’s Crime and Misconduct Commission, alleging he’s been targeted and slandered by senior police since speaking out over the treatment of his father, Senior Sergeant Mick Isles, who disappeared in north Queensland last September.
He alleges senior officers in Queensland and the NT colluded to discredit him in both jurisdictions in order to pave the way for his dismissal.
This included officers making unsubstantiated claims he was suffering from a mental illness and spreading rumours of his involvement in his father’s death, he alleges.
“I personally have been victimised and targeted and the subject of slanderous action taken by senior staff and personnel,” Steven Isles told AAP.
A CMC spokeswoman confirmed a complaint had been received on August 31 and was currently under assessment.
Both NT and Queensland police declined to comment on the matters.
Sen Sgt Isles went missing three days after returning to work at Ayr police station, south of Townsville, following a year-long absence while he was under investigation over allegations of corruption.
His vehicle was found abandoned in bushland west of Townsville but his body has not been located and Queensland’s coroner is investigating the apparent suicide.
Steven Isles has been critical of his father’s treatment, including the length of time it took to clear him of the allegations and the lack of support from within QPS.
He claims senior police responded to his stand by spreading rumours and false allegations about him.
In March this year the QPS notified Mr Isles his weapons licence would be revoked after several officers filed affidavits stating they believed he was suffering from a mental illness and that he’d made threats to knee-cap Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson.
The loss of the weapons licence would have been grounds for his dismissal in the NT.
However, Queensland’s Civil and Administrative Tribunal last month reinstated the licence after police were unable to produce sufficient evidence to support the claims.
Mr Isles then voluntarily surrendered his weapons licence.
The Workers Compensation Act of 1987 and 1998 clearly states that an action by an employer that is unreasonable is an offence.
An Investigation that is dragged out for three years is clearly unreasonable when they are supposed to be completed in 90 days. The Ombudsman can give an extension, but it also must be reasonable. Murders are usually solved within three months. If any of us as investigators take too long to complete a matter, then we face serious managerial actions so why not the investigators of internal matters?
Has there ever been a 173 or 181 issued to an investigator of an internal matter that has failed or not been successful? I’ll bet not, but then again old Reg has been wrong before. Fact is allegations can hurt a person, but more so hurt a good honest hard working officer because of the pride that comes with sound integrity. To be put through such an ordeal for such a long period with such a minor and disproportionate outcome, is plain disgusting and I hope in the end an enquiry into the matter of the good Sergeant reveals this.
This sort of delay in an internal investigation, also does damage to the family unit, especially the wife who like for most of us has to endure watching their husbands become withdrawn and gutted even after the allegations are proven untrue.
https://police.freom.com/tbl
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Parliamentary Crime and Misconduct Committee : Report No. 81 – A report on a review by the Parliamentary Crime and Misconduct Commissioner of the actions and holdings of the Crime and Misconduct Commission in relation to the investigation of Senior Sergeant Michael Isles. http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/view/committees/documents/PCMC/reports/PCMC81.pdf approx. 246KB
It would be an interesting read for those of you without an investigators background and I recommend it to anyone with a genuine interest in this matter. For those of you not bothered to read the report here is the full wording of the conclusion, on page 29 of the report.
CONCLUSION
p29
My review of the actions and holdings of the CMC in relation to the investigation of Sen Sgt Isles revealed that, in regards to the concerns raised by Mr Steven Isles, Senior Sergeant Michael Isles and Mr Terry O’Gorman, the investigation was conducted appropriately but not in a timely manner.
My conclusions in relation to the major issues of concern identified in Mr O’Gorman’s letter to the Committee of 18 May 2009 are as follows:
As to whether there was a proper basis for the issue of a search warrant against Sen Sgt Isles – the CMC received information which suggested that an unidentified Queensland Transport or QPS officer had issued driver’s licences to associates of the principal target for $4000 per licence. The CMC made appropriate enquiries before seeking the search warrants from the Magistrate. Those enquiries established that all testing and issuing of driver’s licences in the area was conducted by
QPS officers at the Ayr Police Station. The CMC ascertained that four of the principal target’s associates had obtained HR licence upgrades in the relatively recent past and that those tests had been conducted and the four licences upgraded by Sen Sgt Isles.
The CMC considered that comments made by the principal target suggested that the person of interest may have been involved as the conduit for the communication and flow of funds and information between the principal target and the subject police officer. Telephone billing and call charge records established a high frequency of telephone contact between the person of interest and Snr Sgt Isles and a fair amount of contact between the person of interest and the principal target.
I do not consider the CMC’s actions in seeking search warrants based upon this information, to be inappropriate. In my view the CMC did consider all relevant and available facts and materials before seeking the search warrants from the Magistrate.
Certain matters which might be regarded as adverse to the issuing of the warrants sought were disclosed in the applications for the search warrants. Other matters were not disclosed in the applications for the search warrants but I do not consider it to have been inappropriate that these matters were not disclosed.
As to concerns about the public manner of the execution of the search warrant – I have concluded that Snr Sgt Isles was not detained in an extremely public manner. It was in his own office at the Ayr Police Station that Sen Sgt Isles was detained and the warrant executed upon him.
The search warrant was not executed at a time and manner where unnecessary embarrassment was occasioned to Senior Sergeant Isles. If anything, it appears that steps were taken to avoid causing unnecessary embarrassment to Sen Sgt Isles. Further, in my view it would not have been operationally appropriate for the CMC to delay executing the search warrants on Snr Sgt Isles.
As to concerns about the return of property seized at the time of the execution of the warrants – the CMC obtained an Order in Relation to Thing Seized under the provisions of section 696 of the PPRA permitting the property to be retained. Therefore, notwithstanding the initial indications by CMC officers that the mobile telephone would be returned within three or four working days, in light of the order obtained by the CMC and Sen Sgt Isles’s written consent to the CMC keeping the property until the conclusion of any investigation or proceeding involving the property, it is difficult to conclude that the CMC’s retention of the telephone was inappropriate.
Conclusion Page 30
The CMC’s retention of the mobile telephone for a further eight days after 29 April 2009 when Sen Sgt Isles was advised that the investigation regarding matters concerning him had been completed, may be regarded as inappropriate.
I have concluded that the CMC’s investigation of Snr Sgt Isles was not conducted in a timely manner. The time it took to prepare the draft investigation report, make the determination as to whether there was evidence capable of supporting any action in respect of Snr Sgt Isles, and to advise him of that decision, was excessive.
Steven Isles, in his letter to the Committee of 1 April 2009 advises that the continued and tardy investigation at the hands of the CMC has and continues to have a very marked impact on the health of my father, Michael Isles, mother, Fiona Isles, and also a number of other family members who were present at the time of executing the search warrant and the like.
It is not surprising that an unduly protracted investigation of allegations as serious as these would have such an effect.
Mr O’Gorman’s letter refers to previous complaints concerning the time taken over such investigations involving serving police officers. The CMC is well aware of such criticisms in the past and should have made a greater effort to complete this investigation within a reasonable time frame.
However it should be noted that I have no adverse comments in terms of the quality of the investigation itself it was appropriately thorough and professionally carried out with suitable recognition of the seriousness of the allegations against Sen Sgt Isles and the QPS more generally.
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Petition calls for resignation of Qld police commissioner
Penny Timms
Updated
The son of a missing police officer has launched a petition calling for the resignation of Queensland’s police commissioner Bob Atkinson.
Senior Sergeant Mick Isles has not been seen since September when he went missing from Ayr in north Queensland.
Steven Isles believes his father was bullied by the Queensland Police Service and says an overhaul is needed.
“I’m actually in the process of starting a 5,000 kilometre trip throughout Queensland, rallying for support to move a no-confidence motion in commissioner Atkinson’s continued service as the chief executive officer of the Queensland Police Service,” he said.
The ABC has approached the Commissioner’s office for comment.
Family of missing police officer Mick Isles turns to witchdoctor
news.com.au 1 November 2009
AFTER exhausting all conventional options, the family of Mick Isles has turned to an Aboriginal tracker and self-professed witchdoctor to find the missing Queensland police officer.
Arnhem Land-based tracker and witchdoctor Victor Huddleston and his son Victor Nathaniel Huddleston have arrived in Queensland and tomorrow will begin searching bushland around Ravenswood, where Senior Sergeant Isles‘ abandoned car was found in late September.
An exhaustive search involving police, army and SES personnel was launched shortly after Snr Sgt Isles‘ disappearance on September 23 but failed to find any trace of the missing policeman.
However, Mr Huddleston believes he and his son will find Snr Sgt Isles within two or three days, even though any footprints left by him a month ago will have disappeared.
“I will know where he is because I will see his spirit,” Mr Huddleston told AAP.
Mr Huddleston has been involved in a number of searches in the Northern Territory and says he has never failed to find the person he’s looking for.
“When I get close to the place I will see the clear picture,”he said.
“It always works, whenever I am serious about it.”
Senior Sergeant Isles‘ son Steven travelled to Mr Huddleston’s community last week to seek his help after learning of his reputation through a police contact in the Northern Territory.
He said having spent time with Mr Huddleston in his community at Ngukurr in Arnhem Land, he was confident in the witchdoctor’s abilities.
“We have no expectations, but we are approaching with open arms,” he said.
“We’re here to establish whatever we can, to identify what has happened and potentially even finding my father, if he is there to be found.”
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Search for missing policeman Mick Isles scaled back
By David Barbeler
AAP News.com.au
October 05, 2009 08:20am
*
THE search for a missing senior police officer in north Queensland has moved into a scaled down third phase, with police to visit property owners in the Ravenswood area.
Senior Sergeant Mick Isles, 58, who is stationed at Ayr in north Queensland, was last seen leaving his home in an unmarked police car at 7.30am (AEST) on September 23.
The car was found near Ravenswood several days later, but an extensive air and ground search, which included 45 Australian Defence Force Personnel, has not been able to locate him in the past 12 days.
A police media spokeswoman said, contrary to some media reports, police were not suspending their search but instead were focusing their attention on property owners.
“Police will visit all neighbouring stations in the area, providing property owners and workers with pictures of Sen Sgt Isles and checking all water holes and water courses for signs of unexplained human activity,” the spokeswoman said.
Yesterday, police said temperatures in excess of 30 degrees Celsius in rocky terrain with lots of steep inclines and gorges had left many searchers exhausted and had had an effect on numbers.
The matter is now in the hands of the state coroner.
Acting Commissioner Ian Stewart said the state coroner had become involved along with the northern coroner and they were now directing the investigation.
Sen Sgt Isles‘ son Steven Isles, a police officer in the Northern Territory, said the family was deeply worried about his father’s welfare.
“Our family is obviously quite distraught. We wake up every morning hoping we are going to hear some good news,” Mr Isles said.
He said his father suffered from severe depression brought on by a delay in the joint Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) and police investigation into allegations made against him.
The CMC investigated Sen Sgt Isles over allegations of receiving payments for improperly issuing driver’s licences and money laundering.
The investigation exonerated Sen Sgt Isles on September 18, but took more than a year.
“The delay in the joint CMC and police investigation certainly impacted on my father,” Mr Isles said.
A Facebook site called Help Find Mick Isles, set up by the family, has attracted the support of more than 4700 well wishers.
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Coroner directing search for missing policeman
Updated
The investigation into the disappearance of a North Queensland policeman is now in the hands of the state coroner.
Senior Sergeant Mick Isles, 58, left his home at Ayr, south of Townsville, to attend a police training session on September 23.
His unmarked police car was found near Ravenswood several days later, but an extensive air and ground search has not been able to locate him.
Police and SES volunteers will continue scouring the area today and will review search efforts this afternoon.
Acting Commissioner Ian Stewart says police are no longer in charge.
“The state coroner has become involved [with] the northern coroner and they are now directing the investigation,” Acting Commissioner Stewart said.
The Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) says it has investigated allegations against the missing officer but they could not be substantiated.
Police Minister Neil Roberts says he will not comment on reports the officer’s family is pursuing legal action after he was cleared by the CMC.
“I can understand the family is going through a very traumatic time at the moment and I don’t want to make any comment on any proposed legal action or not,” Mr Roberts said.
“In the end, individuals have a right to pursue whatever action they feel is appropriate.
“At the moment though, the Queensland Police Service is obviously very concerned, just as the family is, for the welfare of Sergeant Isles, and a lot of resources and effort is going into trying to locate him.”
THE family of missing Ayr police officer Senior Sergeant Mick Isles has set up a trust fund to finance a legal fight.
Sen-Sgt Isles disappeared on Wednesday last week, just two days after he returned to work following an exhausting nine month Crime and Misconduct Commission investigation from which he was cleared.
The move comes as police phase out the search and rescue component of their response and instead launch a missing person investigation.
Police have also confirmed they are investigating why Sen-Sgt Isles disappearance wasn’t reported when he failed to turn up at a planned training session in Townsville.
Son Steve Isles would not elaborate on the exact nature of the legal action, but said his father was suffering depression at the time of his disappearance as a result of the events which had played out over the past year.
”It’s a trust fund which has been established for legal action which is pending,” he said.
”It’s certainly a fund which has been established in the pursuit of justice which the family feels will prevail no matter what the outcome of the search.
”The fund has been established due to the overwhelming requests from the public.
”The family has been humbled and warmed by the compassion of people who have come forward and will do so much in our time of need.”
* ISLES TOOK A GUN WITH HIM
* SOLDIERS JOIN SEARCH FOR MICK ISLES
* AYR COP CLEARED OVER MISCONDUCT ALLEGATIONS
Mr Isles said the family was grateful for the support of those conducting the search, including the police service.
”They are our best hope of getting him home safe at the moment,” Mr Isles said.
However, he urged all organisations to review their procedures when dealing with an employee suffering from a mental illness.
Sen-Sgt Isles left Ayr to attend a training course in Townsville on the Wednesday morning, but it wasn’t until 7pm that evening that his wife, Fiona, raised the alarm despite his non-attendance at the course.
”It is certainly alarming when the police make arrangements for that person to attend training and no one follows up on seeing where that person is or touching base to make sure if they are okay,” Mr Isles said.
Northern Police Region operations co-ordinator Chief Superintendent Mike Keating said the circumstances surrounding Sen-Sgt Isles‘ disappearance would be fully investigated.
”That’s part of the inquiry that we have to go through,” he said. ”The full circumstances of when he left Ayr, where he was going to and discovering where he went to and why he didn’t get to where he was expected to be. So that clearly will be a matter of some interest in that investigation.”
Supt Keating said police were still hoping for the safe return of their colleague but were preparing for the potential of a coronial investigation.
An extra 40 people will be tasked to the search and rescue efforts at Ravenswood today where the car driven by Sen-Sgt Isle’s was found abandoned on Monday.
The 100-strong team will search the less likely areas in the 63km square radius from where the vehicle was found but in the absence of further evidence, efforts will be scaled back in that particular area.
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The Sydney Morning Herald 2 October 2009
From community pillar to recluse: missing cop’s downward spiral
Two weeks before his father vanished, Steven Isles travelled from his home in the Northern Territory to the family home in Ayr.
A fellow policeman, Steven knew his dad, Senior Sergeant Mick Isles, was suffering.
Senior Sergeant Mick Isles (centre) with former state Police Minister Judy Spence and Queensland Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson.
For 13 long months Senior Sergeant Isles, a seasoned general duties officer and pillar of the local north Queensland community, had carried a terrible shame.
Mistakenly caught up in a corruption inquiry linked to drug trafficking and the fraudulent issue of driver’s licenses, he had not recovered from the humiliation of being arrested in front of members of his local Lions Club.
A 35-year veteran of the force, he had been planting trees in July last year when senior police acting on behalf of the Crime and Misconduct Commission detained him for questioning. His house and his workplace were also raided.
He was officially cleared on September 18, but family say few in the town or the confines of Ayr police station ever believed he had done anything wrong in the first place.
And yet the damage was done, Steven Isles said yesterday, eight days after Senior Sergeant Isles, 58, removed his uniform, dumped his police car and took off into rugged bush 80 kilometres from home.
“Over the past 10 months I’ve watched him age in the face five years. He became reclusive, he was too embarrassed to show his face in public,” Steven Isles said.
“My father is a very proud, very strong, very humble man. He did not ever want to be the centre of attention.
“It was like taking a senior public servant or a politician and arresting them at a press conference. Everyone is entitled to a presumption of innocence.
“Even after he was cleared people would come up to him in the street to congratulate him and he hated that. He would say to me, ‘Why are people congratulating me? I didn’t do anything.’
“I have no doubt the police process and the CMC process is behind these recent developments.”
The family, represented by outspoken civil libertarian Terry O’Gorman, is taking legal action against the CMC and has set up a fighting trust – The Justice Fund.
Wife Fiona, daughters Lisa, 31, Nicole, 24, and son Steven, 29, have traversed the state with Senior Sergeant Isles during his lengthy police career serving in Brisbane, the Darling Downs, Cloncurry, Bowen and the Gulf of Carpentaria.
He had returned to work after a period of stress leave just two days before he vanished.
On September 23, as Sydney awoke to an eerie red sky and dust storms tracked north towards Brisbane, Senior Sergeant Isles pulled out of the driveway of his Young Street house about 7.30am in a silver police-issue Toyota Aurion sedan.
Having just returned to the job, he was being retrained in defensive skills and had been due to attend a course at Townsville police station that morning.
Instead, he drove 80 kilometres in the opposite direction, to the remote Hillsborough cattle station.
His car was found abandoned – ignition keys on the passenger side floor – about half a kilometre off a dirt track six days later. His uniform had been removed, leaving him in just a singlet and boots, and investigators say he was carrying no mobile phone.
“Certainly there were no signs that something like this was about to unfold,” Steven Isles said.
“He had had a difficult time but he was not someone who would ask for help.
“He was two years from retirement. I think the way [the CMC investigation was handled] bewildered him but this is completely out of character for him.”
Police on Wednesday called in the army and State Emergency Service to help scour 63 square kilometres of bushland near to where Senior Sergeant Isles‘ car was found.
Northern Region Chief Superintendent Michael Keating said if no new information came to light today, it was likely the land search would be suspended and police would move into “an investigation phase with the view to providing a report for the coroner.”
That is not something Steven Isles or his family is ready to consider. A Facebook page set up by Nicole Isles this week imploring people to “please keep your eyes peeled for my dad” has attracted 3200 members and growing.
“We are absolutely lost but we will not give up hope. We are doing everything we can,” Steven Isles said.
“Members of the community have come to us with dreams they’ve had. We’ve consulted a clairvoyant. We are open to absolutely anything at this point, anything that will lead us to our father.
“He could be disoriented, he’s probably hungry and sunburnt… [but]I would certainly hope he might feel compelled to find someone close by to bring him to a place of safety.
“Once he’s found, getting him better can take as long as it needs to.”
Senior Sergeant Isles is about 180 centimetres tall, of a medium build, with brown wavy hair and hazel eyes. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
If you or someone you know needs help with depression, contact SANE Australia on 1800 187 263.
A MAN matching the description of a missing Queensland policeman has been sighted near Townsville.
Police have appealed for more information after members of the public reported seeing a man dressed in civilian clothing and matching the description of Senior Sergeant Mick Isles walking along the highway near Toonpan, about 30km south of Townsville.
Grave fears have been held for Snr Sgt Isles since he went missing last Wednesday.
Snr Sgt Isles is stationed at Ayr, in north Queensland, and was last seen leaving his home in an unmarked police car at 7.30am on Wednesday.
Officers located the silver Toyota Aurion sedan at a remote property near Ravenswood.
The man sighted on the highway is described as caucasian in appearance, aged in his late 50s, approximately 178cm tall, with greying hair.
He was wearing a short sleeved checked shirt, grey dress shorts with a thin black belt, white socks and black shoes.
He was also carrying a small carry bag.
Police have asked members of the public to remain vigilant for any sightings of any person along the Flinders Highway and in the Toonpan area that may fit the description of Snr Sgt Isles.
It wouldn’t surprise me in the least that when they find Isles, they will charge him with Illegal Use of a Motor Vehicle.
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Police locate car driven by missing officer
28 September 2009 News.com.au
POLICE have found a car believed to have been driven by a missing police officer.
Grave fears are held for Senior Sergeant Mick Isles who has been missing since early Wednesday.
Snr Sgt Isles is stationed at Ayr, in north Queensland, and was last seen leaving his home in an unmarked police car at 7.30am on Wednesday.
A police spokesman said officers had located the silver Toyota Aurion sedan, with Queensland registration number 060KVD, at a remote property near Ravenswood.
The owners of the property called police this morning after locating the vehicle.
Police have arrived at the scene, and an aerial and ground search is underway.
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There has been similar investigations run here in NSW where a bodgey complaint gets lodged for what ever reason and then warrants are obtained to dig up something and then when nothing is found they go down the managerial path and find that the person who was alleged with a serious criminal offence is now only guilty of not signing a diary. It stinks and has been going on for years, destroying careers of very highly regarded officers. Most of all as in this case the family also get hurt, but I am sure, like here in NSW the QLP Senior Executive have not given a rats about the wife and kids.
Royds does this story sound familiar with one of your close mates????
I hope an pray that the good Sergeant has just decided to take some time out as he has a family who will be left in pain forever should something terrible happen.
. . . . .
What you say is so true but to not invite the Senior Sergeant to the opening of his own Police Station is about as low as you can go.
QPS management should hang their head in shame as something like this is all it takes to tip someone over the edge and destroy a long career and a family.
. . . . .
Police sources said Sen-Sgt Isles left a note in a downstairs safe thanking his wife and their three children for their support and for standing by him.
https://police.freom.com/tbl
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Sen-Sgt Mick Isles son pleads for information
September 25th, 2009
LATEST: THE son of Burdekin police officer Senior Sergeant Mick Isles has delivered a tearful plea for information about his missing father.
Police hold grave fears for the safety of 58-year-old Sen-Sgt Isles after he disappeared two days ago.
The former officer-in-charge of Ayr Police Station was recently cleared following a Crime and Misconduct Commission investigation.
He was last seen leaving his Graham St home about 7.30am Wednesday.
Son Steve Isles, a police officer in the North Territory, choked back tears as he spoke to the media in Ayr this afternoon.
He said he had spent the past fortnight with his parents in Ayr to help his father cope with depression.
Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson travelled to Ayr today to support Sen-Sgt Isles‘ family, fellow police officers and staff.
Sen-Sgt Isles was last seen driving a police service vehicle, an unmarked 2009 model silver Toyota Aurion sedan, with Queensland registration number 060 KVD (pictured below).
He is of caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, with a thin build, brown hair and hazel eyes.
Police do not believe Sen-Sgt Isles is a danger to the public but urge against approaching the vehicle.
Anyone who may have seen the vehicle or has any information relating to Snr-Sgt Isles location should contact Townsville Police on 4759 9777 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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Missing cop had just returned to work
DANIEL HURST September 25, 2009 – 2:12PM
A senior sergeant who vanished in north Queensland two days ago had only returned to work this week, having taken stress-related leave during a Crime and Misconduct Commission investigation.
Senior Sergeant Mick Isles, who is based in Ayr, near Townsville, was last seen driving away from his home in a police service vehicle on Wednesday morning.
He was reported missing the same day.
His disappearance comes two months after the CMCcleared him of allegations he received payments for drivers’ licences improperly issued at the Ayr police station.
brisbanetimes.com.au understands Senior Sergeant Isles had just returned to work on Monday. It is believed he signed out the police car on Wednesday morning to go to training in Townsville.
A police statement said the force held “grave concerns for his welfare”.
“We do not believe Senior Sergeant Isles is a danger to the public; however, we urge the public to not approach the vehicle, but to contact police immediately if they see the vehicle, or have any information relating to Senior Sergeant Isles‘ location,” the police statement said.
Senior Sergeant Isles has been a police officer for 35 years, having served as officer-in-charge of various stations including at Ayr, according to a Townsville Bulletin report.
He has previously won a Queensland Police Service Lantern Award for his interactions with the youth population in Cloncurry.
Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers described the officer as well respected.
“He is a very highly regarded officer,” he said through a spokesman.
“We feel for his family who are enduring a terrible time while he is missing.”
People are urged to be on the lookout for an unmarked 2009 silver Toyota Aurion sedan with ( Qld ) registration plate number 060KVD.
Senior Sergeant Isles is about 180cm tall, of a medium build, with brown hair, hazel eyes and a Caucasian appearance.
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
I would just like to thank the QPS and the CMC for their unprofessional, victimising, deplorable, and degrading treatment of my husband, myself and my family. With only two years to go in the service, Mick held the QPS in high esteem for the past 35 years, but you have successfully changed all of that. Thank you for wrecking our lives. I take heart in `What goes round, comes round’. We are so very fortunate to have had the most remarkable PUBLIC support.
Posted by: Fiona Isles of Ayr 12:20pm Monday 11th May 2009
Now I question the usefulness and effectiveness of (1) the hierarchy of the QPS and (2) the integrity of our so called watch dog, the CMC. This is contrived rubbish – whose ego was at stake here? I worked with this officer in many community matters and have not found anyone more honest or dedicated to his job and to improving the lot for Qld. I am disgusted. I have lost faith in the Qld police, who have barely considered this man’s years of exemplary service and the CMC who have run with gossip to enact such dire consequences. Shame on you all. …and you sit in the seats of justice!
Posted by: R B Stewart – prefer unpublished of Central Queensland 09:27pm Saturday 9th May 2009
Senior-Sergeant Mick Isles has been cleared by the Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC), however the fight to clear his name has just begun.
For nine gruelling months, Sen-Sgt Isles has been the subject of a CMC investigation into the suspected improper use of a number of drivers’ licences.
The long-serving officer, who is currently on voluntary sick leave, was never officially stood down from policing duties.
The CMC yesterday confirmed its investigation was unable to substantiate an allegation that Sen-Sgt Isles had corruptly received payments for drivers’ licences improperly issued at Ayr Police Station.
However, the authority said it had referred evidence of `serious maladministration of the Ayr police station, including issues of drivers’ licences’ to the Queensland Police Service (QPS) for further investigation.
CMC spokeswoman Karen Crook said Sen-Sgt Isles was advised of the outcome of its investigation last week, however the Lantern Award-winning police officer only received a letter from the public watchdog on Wednesday “ the same day Ayr Police Station was officially opened by Police Minister Neil Roberts and Deputy Commissioner Kathy Rynders.
Sen-Sgt Isles had not been invited to the ceremony.
Brisbane-based solicitor and Australian Council for Civil Liberties president Terry O’Gorman is acting on behalf of the Isles family to make an official complaint about Sen-Sgt Isles‘ treatment through Queensland’s Parliamentary Crime and Misconduct Committee (PCMC).
Mr O’Gorman told the Townsville Bulletin he was prepared to take the matter even further, if needed.
He said it appeared an unjustified search warrant had been taken out against Sen-Sgt Isles.
“It was carelessly taken out. In any event, on the face of it, as it appears to us, it was unjustified and we want the PCMC to inquire into the circumstances that led to this search warrant being taken out,” Mr O’Gorman said.
“I’m not saying that he should have received any preferential treatment above anyone else, but I am saying that when the CMC are involved in taking out a search warrant, they should exercise “ whether it’s a police officer or anybody else “ much greater care and ensure the facts on which they take out a search warrant are significantly verified, or in effect they can stand a royal commission.”
Sen-Sgt Isles was not able to comment yesterday due to legal issues. However his son Steve Isles, who serves as a police officer in the Northern Territory, said the manner in which his father had been treated was `deplorable’.
“As far as the investigation’s concerned, it’s good to finally see some justice in bureaucracy,” Mr Isles said.
“This goes some way towards vindicating my father of serious criminal allegations, but it does nothing to remove a lot of the mud that will still stick.”
Mr O’Gorman said the CMC needed to answer why it took it so long to complete its investigation.
The watchdog has blamed the delay on the fact Sen-Sgt Isles was on extended sick leave and he had refused to communicate with them – an allegation strongly denied by the Isles family.
“If you are a police officer and your life is effectively put on hold, it’s just unacceptable. On the face of it, this clearance could have been given five, six or seven months ago,” Mr O’Gorman said.
QPS Deputy Commissioner Rynders this week said Sen-Sgt Isles had not been invited to the official opening of his station due to a `miscommunication’ between him and the regional office.
Mr O’Gorman said they must have known his client had been cleared by the CMC well before the station was opened, as the letter sent to Sen-Sgt Isles was dated April 29.
“It just emphasises the slight in not inviting him was not a mere oversight. It was clearly more than that.”
In a short statement from QPS yesterday, a spokeswoman said police would proceed with issues raised by the CMC.
Mr O’Gorman said it added insult to injury for Sen-Sgt Isles.
“All that’s come out of this is a terse statement that there’s no evidence, but then cop this for your troubles “ we’re now going to look at you because your paperwork may not be up to scratch.”
Sen-Sgt Isles, who has been a police officer for 35 years, was nominated for the Townsville Bulletin’s North Queensland Police Officer of the Year award last year.
Sen-Sgt Isles has been in charge of several police stations since 1985. He was also awarded a Queensland Police Service Lantern Award, for youth action commitment in Cloncurry.
Rank: Commence Training at Goulburn Police Academy on 10 November 1986 ( aged 31 years, 10 months, 5 days )
Probationary Constable – appointed 6 February 1987 ( aged 32 years, 1 month, 1 day )
Constable – appointed 6 February 1988
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank: Senior Constable
Stations: Only stationed at Albury – Intelligence Office – death
Service: From 10 November 1986to 7 November 2016=19+years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: Wednesday 5 January 1955
Died on: Monday 7 November 2016
Age: 61 years, 10 months, 2 days
Cause: Short illness
Event location: Albury Base Hospital, NSW
Funeral date: Thursday 10 November 2016 @ 2pm
Funeral location: the Chapel, John Hossack Funeral Services, 435 Wilson St, Albury, NSW
Buried at: Cremated – Ashes with family
Memorial at: ?
Murray River RFPA and Murray River Police District have been working together for some time to establish a memorial to commemorate officers who passed whilst serving. Today ( Police Remembrance Day – 29 September 2021 ) the Virtual Dedication Ceremony was held and the plaque unveiled in Albury Police Station Conference Room in the Church. Many thanks to Supt Paul Smith APM MRPD, Commander & Paul Cole, Assistant Secretary, MR RFPA for their work together to bring about this outcome. We will remember them. Lest we forget.
BRIAN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
Funeral location:
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Awards: M.I.D. ( Mentioned in Despatches) NCA ( No Citation Available ) Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 21 June 1945 Page 1353, position 54
[/blockquote]
Awards: King’s Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air – granted 1 January 1945
Queen’s Police Medal ( QPM ) – granted 11 June 1966
The Order of the British Empire – Commander ( Civil ) ( CBE(C)) – granted 1 January 1974
Born: Tuesday 26 May 1914 in Orange, NSW
Died on: Sunday 26 October 1980 in Terrigal, NSW ( his home )
Age: 66 years, 5 months, 0 days
Cause: Suicide – Carbon Monoxide poisoning
Funeral date: ?
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial at: Police Rugby League competition ( 1970 ) Fred Hanson Shield.
Former NSW Police Commissioner, Fred Hanson, gives an address in Sydney. Picture published 9 July 1986. SMH Picture by Staff
Our photograph shows Sgt Ellis Noack presenting the 1972 premiership Trophy to the then patron of the club, NSW Police Commissioner, Fred Hanson.
The Original 1946 NSW Police Flight or “Flying Squad” with the Avro “Nemesis”. Two future NSW Police Commissioners are here: (from left to right) Senior Constable M.T. Wood (Commissioner 1977-79), Constables H.D.Johnson and D.Paul. Flight Commander, Sgt. F.J. Hanson (Commissioner 1972-1976), Detective S/C V.Murphy and Constables E.D. Baldwin and F.E. Hyland.
FRED 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.
Frederick Hanson was born the eldest of four children to Ernest Frederick Hanson and Vera Marie Hanson. He did not remain in Orange for long before moving to Burwood where he was educated at the Christian Brother’s Saint Mary’s Boy’s School. He became a jeweller’s assistant before being hired as a porter with the New South Wales Government Railways. Hanson joined the New South Wales Police on 7 September 1936 at the age of 22 and the next year was posted to Broken Hill where, in the Sacred Heart Cathedral, he married Carole Louise Whitehall with Catholic rites on 9 November 1938. In 1940 Hanson was transferred to plain clothes duties.[1]
Military service
Hanson served in the Citizen Air Force from 1932 to 1936 and obtained a private pilot licence in 1939. On 31 January 1942 he was transferred to the Royal Australian Air Force. Commissioned on 14 January 1943, Hanson served as a pilot in Britain, the Middle East and Ceylon (Sri Lanka), and was mentioned in despatches. On 30 January 1946 he was demobilized as acting squadron leader and returned to the police.[1]
Policing career
Hanson was promoted to the rank of Constable (first class) while on active service and briefly posted to the vice squad before being transferred to the police air wing as Sergeant (third class).
Such rapid advancement in an organization which was committed to seniority based promotion resulted in a number of appeals. The first appeal was rejected and the remainder were withdrawn which allowed Hanson to overtake more than a thousand other police on the seniority list. After this he became known as ‘Slippery’.
The air wing was disbanded in 1950 and Hanson then moved to the new Number 21 Mobile Division.
He returned to Broken Hill in 1953 and was promoted to Sergeant (first class) in 1955.
Hanson served as an Inspector (third class) and also officer in charge at Bega (1959–62) and Wollongong (1962–64) before moving to the Metropolitan Police District as a Superintendent (third class).
After attendance at the Australian Police College in 1963, Hanson rose to Superintendent (first class) and Assistant Metropolitan Superintendent in 1967.[1]
Hanson was appointed Assistant Commissioner in 1968, Deputy Commissioner on 14 January 1972 and Commissioner on 15 November 1972.
That year he also attended the general assembly of the International Criminal Police Organization at Frankfurt, Germany.
In 1974 he visited the Australian police contingent at Cyprus.
While Commissioner Hanson introduced merit rating, abolished seniority in executive promotions and also established the crime intelligence unit.
By objecting to New South Wales Police Association attempts to gain greater access to the Industrial Commission of New South Wales he sparked contention.
Hanson gained widespread support in 1975 when he initiated aggressive street patrols to counter hoodlum activity, however he failed to control illegal gambling which was to become a major public issue.
In 1976 Hanson sued the then Australian Broadcasting Commission for defamation when it had been suggested that he had a financial interest in an illegal casino situated at Gosford; the case was later settled out of court.[1]
Retirement
Pressured to resign after adverse publicity, he delayed doing so until he was replaced in 1976 by his preferred successor and air wing colleagueMervyn Wood.
Further allegations of corruption were made against Hanson in the 1980s.
Hanson was a modest however humorous man, he kept his family life extremely private. He was a noted practical joker and esteemed by his subordinates for his genuine interest in their welfare, his readiness to delegate responsibility and his unwillingness to be hindered by red tape.
Survived by his wife, Hanson died from carbon monoxide poisoning by inhalation on the night of 25 to 26 October 1980 at his Terrigal home; the Coroner dispensed with an inquest and Hanson was cremated.[1]
Corruption allegations
There were persistent allegations about Hanson’s involvement in organised crime, and was repeatedly claimed that he corruptly received payments from criminals and that he was the part-owner of an illegal casino at Gosford, in which former detective Ray “Gunner” Kelly is also alleged to have had an interest.
Hanson featured prominently in The Prince and the Premier, the 1985 book by investigative journalist David Hickie, which canvassed allegations of corruption against senior NSW government officials, including Premier Robert Askin and senior police including Norman Allan, Hanson and Merv Wood.
Hickie specifically named both Allan and Hanson as corrupt, stating that they knowingly allowed illegal casinos and illegal SP (off-track) betting to flourish in NSW. Citing an “impeccable” and highly placed source within the illegal gaming empire established by Perc Galea, Hickie alleged that Askin and his police commissioners, Allan and Hanson, were paid bribes amounting to A$100,000 per year from 1967 until Askin’s retirement.[2]
Another of Hickie’s informants, a former croupier at Galea’s Double Bay Bridge Club, claimed that A$5000 per week from the club was paid in bribes to Hanson and Askin.[3] Hickie also notes that Hanson was among the mourners at Galea’s funeral in 1976.[4]
In 1979John Hatton, an independent politician claimed in the New South Wales Parliament that Askin and Hanson knew of and may have even encouraged the penetration of Australian crime by “overseas mobsters, gangsters and the Mafia“.[citation needed]
