Passed away peacefully surrounded by family at St. Francis Aged Care. Loving husband of Jan.
Much loved father, grandfather and great grandfather
“In God’s Loving Care”
Aged 89 Years
Funeral details to be announced at a later date.
NORMAN J PENHALL FUNERALS AFDA, FDA of NSW
33 William Street, Orange Phone 63623751
Our family caring for your family
January 31, 2019
Thanks Big Al for your enduring love
and support. So glad that I got to call you my father. Love you so much xx
*
January 31, 2019
I love you, Pop.
Thank you for loving me, for encouraging me.
I am so proud to be the granddaughter of such a kind, faithful, hard-working, downright good bloke.
All I know from working with him that he was a devout catholic, had 13 children and was a shearer when he wasn’t working as a cop. He was a sergeant and a truly good man and I remember him saying when cigarettes got to $2 a pack he would quit and he did.
RIP
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William John SCOTCHER
| 31/01/2019
William John SCOTCHER
AKA BILL
Late of Boambee East ( Coffs Harbour )
Father to Pete SCOTCHER – # 22184
NSW Redfern Police Academy Class # ? ? ?
NSW Police Cadet # 1128
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 8816
Rank: NSW Police Cadet – commenced 7 January 1955
Probationary Constable – appointed 20 October 1957
Constable 1st Class – appointed 20 October 1963 ( Western District )
Senior Constable – appointed 1 July 1968 ( North East District )
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 28 September 1973 ( Peak Hill )
Senior Sergeant – appointed 31 March 1983
Final Rank = Senior Sergeant
Stations: ?, Western District, Lithgow HWP ( 1963 – 1968 ), Wallsend?, North East District, Peak Hill ( ? – 1983 ), North Sydney – 6 Division ( from app. 1983 ), Mossman ( OIC – SenSgt ) – Retirement
Service: From 7 January 1955 to? ? pre 1989? = 34? years Service
Nothing further, at the time of publication, is known about this man or his career other than what is now shown.
When / if further information is obtained, it will be reflected upon this Memorial Page.
Penned by Richard John CRICKMORE – NSW Police Cadet # 1287:
My first attempt to join the N.S.W. Police Cadets ended in bitter disappointment – deferred – under weight – back to the Rural Bank, Parramatta – “Eat plenty of bananas!” My mate John Valdmanis and I used to go and look at the police exhibits at the Royal Easter Show. There was the famous pyjama girl and the shark – tattooed arm murder cases, which absolutely fascinated us. John passed the medical first try. Oh, well, persevere! So I waited a couple of more months and applied again – got through the G.M.O this time. One of my ancestral great grandfathers, Edward Moloney, had been a member of the N.S.W. Police Force in the latter part of the 19th century. First Class Sergeant Wal Glascock, then head of the Police Wireless Section, resided just up the road from us on the corner of Dorritt & Little Streets, Lane Cove. Detective Sergeant Stanley Dugald Cameron lived just around the corner at 177 Longueville Road, Lane Cove and Inspector Ken O’Hara resided not very far away. It was my ultimate objective in life to be a policeman and a detective.
On the 8 February 1956 I reported at the Police Training Centre, Redfern with a number of other fresh police cadet recruits where I was advised by Sgt. 3/c Jack Hyslop that a cadet aged 17 years or more had to be able to not only write and transcribe shorthand at the rate of 100 words per minute but to be also proficient at typing and pass rates of 45 words per minute prior to attaining 19 years of age as one of the mandatory requirements to qualify for acceptance as a probationary constable.
The officer in charge of cadets, Sgt. l/c McCorn, then accompanied three of the fresh recruits, including yours truly, to the Police Rules Section, which at that time was located on the northern side of the quadrangle near the Traffic Infringement Office. Our duties there included updating Police Rules and Instructions which, incidentally, gave me a very good introduction to the various facets of law with which I was to be associated with in numerous capacities during my entire working life – Criminal, Mining, Environmental, Local Government, Valuation, Land, Commercial and Civil Acts in N.S.W., Queensland and Papua/New Guinea. We had only been in this section for a matter of two weeks when one of my fellow recruits aged 15 committed suicide at Liverpool over a girl friend.
The O.I.C. Police Training Centre was Inspector Jim Ferguson, Brian Ferguson (son). The Cadet Sergeants were Sgt. 1st Class McCorn, Sergeants 3rd Class Jock Stewart, “Bricky”, Jack Hyslop, while Sgt. Len Barber and Sgt. Porche were law instructors. Drill/Gym instructors were Senior Constable Ben Hall, Constables Dave Ferguson, Roy Dykes, Brian Andrews and Barry Harris. Finallym, the Shorthand Instructors were Sgt 3rd Class Jack Hyslop, Constable 1st Class Joe Smith, and Constables Keith Belcher, Ernie Carmichael and Ron Gould until he left the force to sell AMP insurance in the latter part of 1956.
Shortly afterwards I was transferred to Regent Street No. 2 Division where I carried out telephone operations and intercepted wireless messages in a small alcove alongside of the charge room. The time spent there was very enlightening, to say the least. Les Walsh was one of the station sergeants and Jack Healey was in charge of No. 2 Detectives at that time.
During this transitional period between March/April 1956, Ian Beckett, Neil Taylor, Merv Lane, Brian Bourne and myself were learning elementary shorthand at the Metropolitan Business College, Macquarie Street, Parramatta, which was located about two blocks south of the Parramatta Police Station. On one occasion a girl sitting behind me took an epileptic fit and I managed to place a ruler in her mouth to stop her biting her tongue. The college later wrote to the Cadet Sergeants and I was permitted to read the complimentary letter. I studied very hard concentrating on learning and utilising the various phonetic outlines and grammalogues, building up my shorthand writing speed by taking down and transcribing parliamentary sessions and songs during this period. I was very concerned about the limited period that I had to pass the required shorthand and typing rates before I turned 19. Constable 1/c Joe Smith was in charge of the elementary shorthand class at that time. The cramming certainly helped me a lot because I breezed through the low speed class up to 80 words per minute in eleven working days and I was writing and transcribing shorthand at a 100 words per minute in four and a half months. This then enabled me to apply for a country transfer.
During this period we were attending the Police Training Centre on a daily basis, carrying out physical training, learning law and debating as well as participating in sport. While we were members of the N.S.W. Police Amateur Swimming and Life Saving Club, we swam mainly at the Sydney Domain Baths but on occasions held long distance swimming events at Brighton (outside of the baths). During the earlier part of 1956, various ideas were put forward as suitable “shark repellants” and on one occasion, just prior to our swimming out to the two distant buoys and returning to the shore, dry ice was used as “an efficient shark repellant”. All it appeared to do was send up enormous amounts of bubbles and whilst swimming back to the beach when some cadet yelled out “Shark!” That sure encouraged everyone to treble the speed and be running by the time we reached the shore. Johnny Raper (with Ray White and Andy Lynch hanging out of the box) rang the Daily Mirror from a public telephone down the road and reported the incident. I do remember that dry ice was not used as a shark repellant on any future occasion we swam there.
After working at Regent Street for a period of about three months, I was transferred to Parramatta Police Station No. 18 Division where I carried out similar station duties – Jack Fisher was in charge of the Detectives at that time about May, 1956.
Two months later I was transferred to country duties at Maitland Police Station arriving there in early July 1956. My duties there were carried out in the Public Safety Bureau office, typing up traffic breaches for PSB officers Dick Burgess and Ted Hamilton – Inspector Dave Sutherland was in charge at Maitland, assisted by Sgt 1/c Fraser with Ted Cahill, Prosecuting Sergeants Maurie Baker and Tom Sleeman were in the detective office at that time.
For the first four weeks that I carried out duties at Maitland, I did not receive my fortnightly salary, as there was a mail strike in Sydney. Things were really tough as I was boarding in Church Street and was unable to pay my second fortnight’s board until my parents had wired some money up to me. To the best of my knowledge the pay rate was seven pound twelve shillings and sixpence per week at that time because prior to my leaving home, my parents deducted five pound per week board and I had approximately two pound left, which just managed to see me through until the next fortnightly pay.
One day whilst performing duty at the old Maitland police station, which was directly behind and part of the court house, a list of stolen vehicles was broadcast over the radio from Newcastle police station and included: “Stolen – one sanitary motor truck”. The on duty police constable Tommy King called Newcastle by radio and said: “We’re all pretty browned off about that up here!” On another occasion, I was requested to accompany Detective Tommy Sleeman to a tennis court at East Maitland where I was directed to walk into the shelter at the rear of the courts and in a discreet manner, ask a man who had been previously identified to me by Det. Sleeman, to accompany me back to the car where he was interviewed by the detective and arrested on warrant for committing Bigamy.
In August 1956 I attended a medical examination at Maitland Hospital for National Service, which was compulsory in that decade – Hunter River Lancers. I was then transferred back to Police Training Centre, Redfern in September 1956 for initial induction of 28 Police Cadets into uniform and pedestrian crossing duties.
After the parade, I was transferred to the Public Safety Bureau, Parramatta No. 18 Division for duties on school pedestrian crossings and typing up breach reports etc. After receiving suitable instructions in signalling etc. on pedestrian crossings, I was taken out to the then pedestrian crossing adjacent to the four way intersection on Victoria Road, Rydalmere (Family Hotel corner) in motor cycle and sidecar by O.I.C. Public Safety Bureau, (Parramatta) Sgt. 3rd Class Arthur Hancock. Traffic was considerably heavy on this main road. One afternoon shortly after commencing duties and whilst operating the intersection, I had occasion to signal traffic travelling in both easterly and westerly directions in Victoria Road to stop prior to allowing school children and pedestrian traffic from the nearby factories to cross at the pedestrian crossing. The leading vehicle travelling in an easterly direction failed to stop when clearly signalled and continued east across the pedestrian crossing. All other vehicles became stationary. I obtained the registration number and typed out a breach report when returning to the station. The driver was subsequently summonsed and appeared at Parramatta Court where he pleaded “Not Guilty”. Cadet Sergeant Brickell was present as an observer in the courtroom. After I had given evidence under oath, the magistrate found the offence proved and a conviction was recorded. I am not aware whether any other cadets in the first uniform intake had similar experiences or not but it was my first and one of many later court appearances. If my memory serves me correctly, the offender’s name was William Henry Diggleman and he had prior convictions including for D.U.I.
At some time about November, 1956, Cadet Bill Scotcher and I were requested to attend Police Headquarters then located in Phillip Street where we were paraded before the then Commissioner of Police, Colin John Delaney and complimented on our outstanding shorthand ability. Christmas 1956 saw uniformed cadets on duty at the pedestrian crossing at George and Park Streets, Sydney and I was temporarily stationed at Clarence Street, No. 1 Division.
Between February and June 1957, I served my compulsory National Service with No. 12 Battalion, Holsworthy, N.S.W. for the first six weeks of training. Another police cadet, Nelson Chad, was also in “A” Squadron with me at that time, where we both attended O.T.C (Officer Training Course) and were promoted to the rank of corporal. For the remaining initial three month period, I was transferred for specialist duties to the Armoured School, Puckapunyal, Victoria.
After this phase of national service, I was transferred to Burwood Detectives, No. 9 Division conducting school pedestrian crossing work there as well as clerical duties in the detective office until passing my final medical, being sworn in as a probationary constable after completing the inductional class at the Redfern Police Training Centre during August/September 1957.
Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001), Friday 4 October 1974 (No.121), page 3908
HIS Excellency the Governor, with the advice of the Executive Council, has approved of the following appointments:
The undermentioned Members of the Police Force to be Inspectors under the Liquor Act, 1912, as amended by subsequent Acts, for the Licensing District preceding their names, from the dates specified, viz.:
Peak Hill.—Sergeant 3rd Class William John Scotcher, stationed at Peak Hill, vice Sergeant 3rd Class Reginald James Southam,; from 14th June, 1974.
Peak Hill.—Sergeant 1st Class William Bryant, stationed at Peak Hill, during the absence on leave of Sergeant 3rd Class William John Scotcher, from 25th August, 1974.
NSWPF Rank 1st time: Probationary Constable – appointed ???
NSW Constable – appointed ???
NSW Constable 1st Class – appointed ???
NSW Senior Constable – appointed ???
Final Rank = NSW Senior Constable
AFP Rank: ???
Also Served, for a short time, with AFP, Canberra
Apparently Tommy left NSWPF around the 1990’s and joined the AFP ( Australian Federal Police ).
He apparently spent a few years stationed at Canberra City Police Station on GD’s and also as an Intelligence Officer.
Tommy enjoyed his time with the AFP and it is believed he was commended by his superior officers due to implementing new systems to combat stolen goods being sold in Pawnbrokers stores within the ACT.
Tom left the AFP due to personal reasons and rejoined the NSWPF
NSWPF Rank 2nd time: ???
Stations: ?, Canberra City Police Station – AFP – ACT, Liverpool GD’s, Goulburn HWP, Tarago GD’s ( one manner ), Police Academy ( Weapons Instructor, Police Rescue Squad, Goolgowi, Leeton, Griffith, Dubbo – Traffic and Highway Patrol Command – Death
Service 1 – NSWPF: From? ? ?to? ? ? = ? years Service
Service 2 – AFP: From ? ? 1990’s? to ? ? 1990’s? = ? years Service
Service 3 – NSWPF: From ? ? ? to 13 January 2019 = ? years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: ? ? 1958 – 59
Died on: Sunday 13 January 2019 @ 6pm
Age: 59
Cause: Cancer – Prostate
Event location: Dubbo Base Hospital
Event date: ?
Funeral date: Friday 25 January 2019 @noon
Funeral location: St Peter & Pauls Old Cathedral, cnr Verner & Bourke St, Goulburn
Wake location: Goulburn Workers Club
Funeral Parlour: R J Sydney Craig, Goulburn 48212122
Buried at: Goulburn Lawn Cemetery, Sydney Road, Goulburn
Memorial located at: ?
Wayne FRIEND # 18288, Tommy WAIBEL, Bill WHITE, Howard JONES, Michelle HOBBINS nee LANGEREIS # 22169 Goulburn Police Academy
[alert_yellow] TOMMY is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO
[alert_pink] TOMMY IS NOT YET mentioned on the Sydney Police Centre Memorial Wall[/alert_pink]
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
WAIBEL, Thomas Ernest (Tom) – 13th January 2019, at Dubbo Hospital.
Late of Dubbo, formerly of Goulburn.
Loved partner of Amanda.
Sadly missed by his children, grandchildren and his many friends.
Aged 59 years.
‘Loved And Remembered Always’
Tom’s family and friends are invited to attend his Prayers of Christian Burial commencing at 12-00 noon Friday, 25th January 2019 at S.S Peter And Paul’s Cathedral, Bourke Street, Goulburn.
Interment will follow at he Goulburn Lawn Cemetery, Gorman Road, Goulburn.
298 Sloane St.,
Goulburn Phone (02) 4821 2122
January 25, 2019
It was my privilege to know you and call you my friend. I will never forget the time we travelled to Darwin to say goodbye to “Merro” – another good bloke taken from us too soon. The period we worked together at OSTU are amongst the happiest memories of my life and I thank you for sharing it with me.
My heart goes out to your family you all had so much more to look forward to in the years ahead.
Goodbye my friend.
Laurence Barlow
*
January 24, 2019
Always in my thoughts my friend you will be dearly missed I know where you are going you will be surrounded by former brothers in blue. Another angel to protect us.
On the 13th of January, surrounded by the ones he loved, the world lost a gentleman. A kind soul that filled everyone who ever had the honour of meeting him with happiness. His infectious laugh and his mischievous pranks were like no other. The way he would jump around the room, wake us up with a cup of ice then run away giggling… it’s a memory I will never forget.
His dedication to his job, and his unwavering loyalty to his colleagues, who he considered family, earned him the respect of hundreds of people across the world.
The love he shares with his partner will last until the end of time. An unbreakable bond between two of the kindest souls that gave me hope for the future. A woman I respect and will forever be grateful to for everything she ever did for him and for loving him so deeply.
I had the honour of calling this man my Dad. My hero. My protector. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for me or my siblings. His gentle voice, his patience, the way he protected us so fiercely.
My children and my nieces and nephews had the honour of calling him Poppy Tom. He was always wrestling with them, laughing with them, watching cartoons and laughing harder than anyone else in the room. Watching his strength and love while he carried my baby boy in his coffin had me in awe.
Fly high Dad, and watch over my boy.
Until I see you again. I love you.
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Terrence Raymond McGLYNN
| 31/01/2019
Terrence Raymond McGLYNN
AKA TERRY & MAGGOTS
Late of NSW
NSW Redfern Police Academy Class # 159
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 17879
Rank: *Terrence was a Rejoinee having only done 1 month as a Probationary Constable
*Probationary Constable – appointed 26 June 1978
Constable – appointed 26 July 1978
Senior Constable – appointed 26 July 1986
Sergeant –
Final Rank = ?
Stations: ?, Newtown ( 1970’s ), Marrickville ( early 1980’s ), Newtown ( Sgt – 1990’s ), ( Coach of the Newtown Jets Police Rugby League Football Club )
Service 1 NSWPF: From? ? ?to? ? pre June 1978? = 4 years Service
Between his 1st & 2nd Service with NSWPF, Terry worked as a Psych Nurse at Callan Park Psychiatric Ward. Terry originally left NSWPF due to the death of his 1st wife having passed away.
Service 2 NSWPF : From ? ? pre June 1978? to 8 November 2001 = total of 27 years Service
Class 159. Group D. Monday 26 June 1978. Back Row: ( L – R ) K.E. MOORE, P.J. NUNN, R.B. McLENNAN, B.R. MORRIS, J.W. NELSON, R.R. NEWMAN, T.J. O”NEILL, S.K. NAYLOR. Middle Row: R.J. MAUDE, P.L. O’BRIEN, R.G. NICHOLLS, M.H. OWEN, S.T. MUSCAT, P.D. PHILLIPS, N.J. NIXON, Robert N. NORVAL. Front Row: M.L. O’KEEFE, P.G. McINNESS, S.J. McGRATH, K.M. RYNNE, B.E. PARKER, Terrence Raymond McGLYNN ( R.I.P. ), C.M. PLUMMER, J.W. NEWSOME ( Missing: M. PETROVIC )
Peter NISSEN ( #18778 ) & Terry McGLYNN
Worked with Terry at Rozelle Psychiatric Hospital prior to us both joining the job. On the left of photo is Jeff Prentice ( # 14115 ) another ex Psychiatric nurse and NSW Police Officer, Terry in the middle and myself ( Phillip Brand # 14273 ) on right.
Terry is in second row in the middle, did not have his moustache then.
The Callan Park Rugby League team, probably late 1960’s.
Terry is in second row in the middle, did not have his moustache then.
TERRY is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
Funeral pamphlet
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
By all accounts, Terry appeared to be a great bloke and great policeman who had the respect of all whom worked with him.
He apparently joined the NSWPF some time prior to 1978 and Served for probably 4 years before ” pulling the pin ” and working as a Psychiatric Nurse at Callan Park where he was given the nickname of “Maggots” before eventually returning to the NSWPF where he apparently Served all of his Service at Newtown and Marrickville.
Terry Retired in November 2001 and eventually he and his 2nd wife, Fran, moved to warmer climes in far north NSW.
Terry suffered various conditions which required hospitalisation. These conditions caused the removal of a leg and also the removal of multiple large skin cancers off his face.
His funeral was recently attended by around 25 of his former mates from the old Newtown Police days.
May he forever Rest In Peace.
Cal
Anthony Charles FROST
| 31/01/2019
Anthony Charles FROST
AKA TONY
Late of Shell Cove ( Shellharbour )
NSW Redfern Police Academy Class # ? ? ?
New South Wales Police Force
[alert_yellow]Regd. # 9516[/alert_yellow]
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 2 November 1959
Constable 1st Class – appointed 2 November 1965
Sergeant 3rd Class – 5 May 1975
Senior Sergeant – appointed 29 December 1985
Final Rank = Senior Sergeant
Stations: ?, South District, Goulburn ( late 1967 ), Wollongong, Warilla, Kiama ( O.I.C. mid 1980’s ), Broadway ( Ultimo ) late 1980’s – 29 March 1990 – Retirement
Service: From? ? pre Nov 1959?to29 March 1990 = 30 years Service
Awards: National Medal – granted 15 September 1980
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 7 October 1991
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Tony’s funeral service to be held at Parsons Funeral Home, 4 Princes Highway Dapto on Monday January 21, 2019 at 12noon.
Following the service his funeral will proceed to Lakeside Memorial Park Cemetery, 230 Kanahooka Road, Kanahooka.
Guests are invited to wear something colourful.
Published by Illawarra Mercury from Jan. 16 to Jan. 21, 2019
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Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001), Friday 27 November 1959 (No.138 (SUPPLEMENT)), page 3723
RESIGNATIONS
THE following resignations from the Public Service are hereby notified, the last day of service being indicated within brackets:—
Premier’s Department
Mr. Anthony Charles Frost, Clerk, Police Department, Premier’s Department [ 10th November, 1959 ],
Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001), Friday 18 July 1986 (No.120), page 3400
NEW SOUTH WALES POLICE FORCE
Commissioned Officer Appointments
HIS Excellency the Governor, with the advice of the Executive Council, has approved of the undermentioned Commissioned Officer appointments, effective from the dates indicated:
Appointment to Inspector, Assistant Officer, No. 5 Division
Nothing further, at this time, can be found on Edmund LOWE.
Cal
18 January 2019
Joanna Maria SUCHY
| 31/01/2019
Joanna Maria SUCHY
“the FIRST migrant woman employed by NSWPF”
She was of Polish decent
AKA ?
Late of Mosman
NSW Redfern Police Academy Class # ? ? ?
New South Wales Police Force
[alert_yellow]Regd. # P/W 027 [/alert_yellow]
( which puts this woman in the 8590 – 8670 Male Registered number range who were all “Sworn In’ on the 1 April 1957. Joanna may have lost one weeks Seniority for some reason. This would put her closer between Regd # 8671 – 8672 )
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 8 April 1957
Senior Constable – appointed 8 April 1968
Final Rank = Senior Constable
Stations: ?, Special Branch – Retirement
Service: From? ?pre April 1957 to15 August 1987 = 30+ years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour but was Awarded the WD & HO Wills Trophy as “Policewoman of the Year” in 1972
SUCHY, Joanna Maria.
Passed away peacefully on
26 December, 2018
Late of Mosman
Aged 91 years
Beloved daughter of Pawel and Gertruda (both dec).
Joanna is remembered for her ground-breaking service to the NSW Police Force and for her contributions to the Polish community. She will be missed by her many friends.
A Requiem Mass will be offered for Joanna at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Cardinal Street, Mosman on Thursday 17 January, 2019 at 1.30pm.
Published in The Sydney Morning Herald on Jan. 12, 2019
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a tale of Joanna Suchy in the 1970 or 80’s.
Story was that back then she assisted Fred Hanson in Poland during the Second World War.
Hanson was on leave from the Police Force and was with the RAAF.
Not sure if he was shot down or crashed in Poland and Joanna helped in his escape and he told her that if she made it to Australia after the war to look him up and he would make sure she had a job in the Police.
I believe that is why she was always with the Special Branch.
I don’t know if all this is true, but makes for a good story and was told this by one of the Instructors running the Course we were doing.
Paul Cole
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Samantha Jane BAGLIN-LIMU
| 31/01/2019
Samantha Jane BAGLIN-LIMU
AKA BAGGERS & SAMMY
Late of ?
Police Academy Class # ? ? ?
Australian Federal Police Force
Regd. # 10496
Rank: ?
Final Rank = Sergeant
Stations: ?, IDG ( International Deployment Group ),
Service: From? ? ?to9 December 2018 = 15 years Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour – but
National Medal – granted ???
Born: ? ? ?
Died on: Sunday 9 December 2018 a.m.
Age: 44
Cause: Depression – Suicide – Service weapon – shot
Event location: vault room of the AFP National Headquarters, Edmund Barton building, Canberra
Event date: Sunday 9 December 2018
Funeral date: Tuesday 18 December 2018 @ 2pm
Funeral location: Victoria Police Academy Chapel, 1 View Mount Rd, Glen Waverley, Melbourne
Wake location: ?
Funeral Parlour: White Lady Funerals, Essendon 93510788
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial located at: ?
SAMMY is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * BUT SHOULD BE
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Today we farewell our friend Sam Baglin-Limu aka “Baggers”.
There are still answers sought and comprehending how this all happened.
But today is not for that, today is to remember our friend, work mate, AFP agent in different roles, wife, daughter, sister, advocate, carer, support officer for others trauma, many, many roles she did.
Sam you will be missed, you will always be loved. We will continue through our work to give you a voice. You’ve left us too soon, our hearts broken, as yours must have been to for this to happen.
Sammy’s funeral is today at 2pm, in Melbourne.
An AFP remembrance service was also held at the AFP national headquarters in Canberra at the same time.
Rest now Sammy, your shift is over, your duty done. ❤
BAGLIN-LIMU, Samantha Jane
BAGLIN-LIMU.
The Funeral Service to Celebrate the Life of Samantha Jane Baglin-Limu will be held at the Victoria Police Academy Chapel, 1 View Mount Road, Glen Waverley on TUESDAY (Dec 18, 2018) commencing at 2.00 p.m.
Private Cremation will follow.
No flowers by request.
In lieu, donations to Beyond Blue would be appreciated.
Envelopes will be available at the Service or donate online to www.beyondblue.org.au
AFP has ‘blood on its hands’ over agent’s death
EXCLUSIVE
WARNING: Distressing.
A FEDERAL agent who provided crucial support to family members of flight MH17 victims has died in an apparent workplace suicide at the Australian Federal Police national headquarters.
Sergeant Samantha Baglin, 44, was found dead in the vault room at the Edmund Barton building in Canberra on Sunday morning. It comes just six weeks after Superintendent Richard Roberts also took his own life in the same place and less than two years after another two AFP agents separately died by suicide at the Melbourne headquarters.
Friends of Sgt Baglin told news.com.au that the AFP “has blood on its hands” over its alleged failure to provide adequate support for members suffering from mental health issues.
An AFP spokesperson confirmed in a statement to news.com.au “that on Sunday, 9 December 2018, a member of the AFP appears to have taken her own life”.
“A brief is now being prepared for the ACT coroner,” the spokesperson said.
The AFP did not respond to further questions regarding the matter.
Several AFP sources told news.com.au that Sgt Baglin was involved in the organisation’s Safe Place – a cultural reform initiative led by AFP commissioner Andrew Colvin amid widespread revelations of internal bullying and a spate of workplace suicides.
Those who knew Sgt Baglin described her as kind, with “a heart of gold”, and said she would make others “laugh to the point where we would suffer cramps”.
Sgt Baglin married just over a year ago but battled with work-related PTSD.
Former AFP agent and Australian of the Year finalist Katie Tonacia told news.com.au she was “shocked” and “devastated” over the loss of her close friend.
The pair met through Ms Tonacia’s organisation Picking up the Peaces, which provides support to uniformed service personnel struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), almost a decade ago.
“None of us saw this coming,” Ms Tonacia said.
“But she was upset in terms of a few things occurring in the workplace, and the fact she did this at work is such a statement to all of us.”
According to Ms Tonacia, Sgt Baglin was “desperate to see change within the organisation and wanted to see mental health education implemented”.
“If she’d identified as mentally unwell to the AFP it would have gone against her in her career and she loved her career,” she said.
“The stigma and lack of education about mental health at the top level of management just below the commissioner is rife and that’s why she came to us in 2009.”
Ms Tonacia’s husband David is medically retired from the AFP. He told news.com.au that the organisation “has blood on its hands” over its alleged failure to provide adequate support for members suffering from mental health issues.
Sgt Baglin had an extensive policing career both in Australia and as part of the AFP’s International Deployment Group in which she served on overseas missions. She had also operated as a family liaison officer for the AFP and worked closely in Perth with the Maslin family, who lost their three children and their grandfather, in the flight MH17 disaster in 2014.
One close friend of Sgt Baglin’s, who spoke to news.com.au on the condition of anonymity, said she was “such a big-hearted and sensitive person” who “loved being a cop and loved helping people”.
“It was like a therapy for her to help other people in dealing with trauma,” he said. “She was especially good at it.”
Samantha Jane BAGLIN-LIMU
Ms Tonacia told news.com.au that Sgt Baglin had recently expressed frustrations to her about the AFP having only two in-house qualified psychologists for the entire organisation of some 6000 members, as previously revealed by news.com.au.
“Wherever there’s smoke, there’s fire and by God it is blazing at that building right now,” Ms Tonacia said.
“The AFP has failed (Sgt Baglin) and so many others because they don’t trust the system.
“There needs to be a royal commission so we can get to the bottom of it and get all of those responsible out. We won’t let her death be in vain.”
Another AFP whistle-blower said it was “petty managerial and micro-managerial bulls**t breaking people devoted to their jobs” in the AFP.
“We can’t attribute all bad things to the AFP’s culture but one thing is for certain, had (Sgt Baglin) been a kindergarten teacher, or run her own business, we wouldn’t be talking about this,” he said.
“There is nothing worse than coming back to the office after a day of dealing with death or whatever, only to be counselled for not ticking the correct box in a case report, or something similar that is easily corrected and carries no operational consequence.”
One AFP source told news.com.au he was a friend and former colleague of Sgt Baglin’s and that “she didn’t deserve this”.
Six weeks prior to Sgt Baglin’s death, Superintendent Richard Roberts also walked into the AFP national headquarters and didn’t come out alive.
The Australian Federal Police Association revealed Supt Roberts “appears to have taken his own life” on October 27.
An AFP spokesman also confirmed at the time that “a member of the AFP” had died, in a statement to news.com.au. The AFP did not respond to further questions.
News.com.au understands Commissioner Colvin “spoke to troops” to inform them of Supt Roberts’ death in an email and video to colleagues nationwide. It’s a process he is likely to repeat sometime today.
The latest AFP workplace suicide is the fourth incident in which an officer appeared to take their own life inside one of the organisation’s buildings since the start of last year.
In November 2017, AFP member Malcolm Scott, 59, walked into the foyer of the organisation’s Melbourne building and took his own life just before 9am on a Saturday.
Mr Colvin said at the time that it was “with great sadness I can confirm one of our police officers has died in Melbourne”.
“The male officer was found by colleagues in the AFP’s Melbourne Headquarters in La Trobe Street,” he said.
Mr Scott’s death followed that of colleague Sue Jones, 53, a mother-of-two who died in shockingly similar circumstances in the same building earlier that year. Mr Scott and Ms Jones had worked on the same team within the Melbourne branch, according to colleagues who spoke to news.com.au. Both deaths were later deemed to be non-suspicious.
An independent police advocacy spokesman, who asked not to be named, previously told news.com.au he was concerned officers might be trying to send a message by taking their lives in the workplace.
‘THIS JOB’S F***ED’
One AFP source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, previously told news.com.au that the organisation “needs intense scrutiny that the agencies can’t cover up”.
“We have an expression in our job: TJF – this job’s f***ed,” the source said.
“Morale is in the toilet. We know we have no support and no backing from most of the management.”
The source described the company’s external Employee Assistance Program as inadequate.
“If the Employee Assistance Program they always reference was adequate we wouldn’t have members falling like flies.”
There are more than 6000 AFP members – 3481 of those are in sworn roles – nationwide.
An AFP spokesperson previously said the organisation “acknowledges first responders are at higher risk of trauma-caused mental injury than almost any other profession”.
According to the AFP in 2017, the organisation employs two social workers, “5.6 full-time equivalent” psychologists and “4.4 full-time equivalent nurses” – all based in Canberra.
But AFP members outside of Canberra do not have face-to-face access to qualified psychologists through the organisation. They are instead given a number for an employee assistance program with over-the-phone support from any one of 658 outsourced psychologists and 132 registered social workers through Davidson Trahaire.
A Confidant Network made up of volunteers and AFP members is also in place to “provide guidance to staff on options for professional support if needed”. According to the AFP, it also employs seven chaplains across the country.
“There is also one part-time family support officer based in Canberra, who is available for families of members deployed with International Operations and ad hoc government response to large-scale disasters such as the downing of MH17,” an AFP statement read.
But many AFP agents have criticised the services, labelling them ineffective and impersonal. They say they need face-to-face access to qualified psychologists so they don’t have to “retell (their) stories to a different person every time (they) call”.
“We need someone to talk to in person who is qualified in psychology and who understands the nature of issues AFP agents deal with … it’s not that complicated,” a sworn member said.
In March this year, the high rate of suicide deaths and mental health conditions experienced by first responders – including emergency service workers and volunteers – prompted a federal Parliament committee to launch an inquiry into the role of the Commonwealth and the states to address the issues.
The inquiry is expected to release its report on the matter in February 2019.
It came after almost 100 past and present AFP agents contacted news.com.au to report widespread mental health issues among first responders within the organisation, mismanagement of the issue and a disturbing internal bullying culture.
News.com.au exposed the issues in an investigative series, which prompted the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) to audit the AFP’s management of mental health within the organisation.
The report, released on March 7 this year, found that the “AFP lacks a comprehensive and consolidated organisational health and wellbeing framework to enable effective management and support of employee mental health”.
“While the AFP offers a variety of mental health support services, there is no evidence that these services are effective and they are not supported by sound governance, risk management, evaluation or an articulated business rationale,” the report read.
“The AFP does not currently have in place mechanisms or sufficient data to appropriately align resources with key mental health risks.”
The ANAO made six recommendations, which the AFP agreed to implement as part of its “new Health and Wellbeing Strategy for the organisation” by mid-May this year.
The AFP also engaged the Phoenix Australia Centre to conduct an independent mental health review into the organisation. It released its report earlier this year and made 37 recommendations to be implemented over five years.
But for some, it’s already proven too little, too late.
If you or someone you know needs help call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
For more information on how to support others who might need help and what warning signs to look for, visit: Conversations Matter
AFP officer workplace suicides: Headquarters scene of second tragic death
A SECOND workplace suicide has rocked the Australian Federal Police after another member died at the Melbourne Headquarters.
AN AUSTRALIAN Federal Police officer who is believed to have taken his own life inside the Melbourne Headquarters over the weekend was the second to do so in the building this year.
It was the latest in a string of apparent workplace suicides that have rocked the embattled organisation.
News.com.au understands that AFP member Malcolm Scott, 59, walked into the foyer of the building and died by suicide just before 9am on Saturday.
AFP Commissioner Andrew Colvin said it was “with great sadness I can confirm one of our police officers has died in Melbourne … as a result of a gunshot wound”.
“The male officer was found by colleagues in the AFP’s Melbourne Headquarters in La Trobe Street,” Mr Colvin said.
Independent police advocacy and support group Blue Hope spokesman Mark Kelly said: “It’s tragic and does point to problems in the AFP.
“We’ve been contacted by a lot of members who have been struggling with PTSD.”
Mr Kelly said he was concerned officers might be trying to send a message by taking their lives in the workplace.
The circumstances in the lead up to Mr Scott’s or Ms Jones’ deaths are not yet publicly known. But the tragic incidents have highlighted an increasingly fragile workforce in an organisation that has now seen two members go to work and die there in within nine months of each other. According to AFP whistleblowers, the deaths are symptomatic of a stressed workforce that has been overexposed to a toxic — and dangerous — culture.
Ms Jones’ death prompted close to 100 current and former AFP agents to contact news.com.au about the organisation’s extreme bullying culture and its mismanagement of the issue.
Many of those who came forward said they or their loved ones had contemplated or attempted suicide because of poor treatment at the hands of the organisation and a lack of internal support.
“It’s like looking at a whole lot of ticking time bombs and wondering which one will go off,” one AFP source told news.com.au in February this year.
It was a prediction those who spoke out publicly believed would come to fruition.
There are now grave concerns from within the AFP community that some struggling members with access to firearms may not only be a risk to themselves, but also to others.
Several AFP officers who contacted news.com.au said “things have only become worse” in recent times.
“Anytime another story comes out it turns the spotlight on AFP and then the sharks come out,” one source said.
“The AFP only cares about managing their image, it’s toxic.
“There needs to be an inquiry.”
An AFP spokesman on Tuesday said members of the organisation “were shocked and saddened following the incident on Saturday — with our deepest sympathies extended to the officer’s family and colleagues”.
“The AFP recognises that policing is in inherently difficult job that can place the mental and physical health of members at risk,” the statement read.
“This is why the AFP has a range of systems and protocols in place that recognise the seriousness of mental illness, and to provide necessary support to affected members.”
Mr Scott had served in the AFP’s International Deployment Group (IDG) in East Timor and Papua New Guinea before returning to Melbourne.
Prior to that Mr Scott served as a member in Victoria Police. He was also a popular footballer who had played 10 games and kicked 26 goals for St Kilda in 1979-1980 and later played one game for Sydney. He was a country footballer with the Sebastopol, North Ballarat and Bacchus Marsh clubs.
Bacchus Marsh Club president Adam Sutherland described Mr Scott as a “special member of the Cobra family being a player, Captain, Coach, Mentor, Leading Goal Kicker, and member of the Team of the Era”.
“He is also a BFL Hall of Fame member, and decorated North Ballarat and Sebastopol player and member. Malcolm was also a very community-minded person, performing many community roles over many years, most recently of course as a member of the Australian Federal Police to do his bit to help make and keep our country safe,” Mr Sutherland said.
One of many tributes to Mr Scott that poured in on social media described him as “a great guy who touched the lives of thousands”.
“A respected veteran police officer and admired AFL coach, he quietly commanded respect, and his deeds and mannerisms made him a stand out as a true gentleman,” it read.
“His memory will live on in the hearts and minds of all those who had the privilege to meet him.
“Our sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of this great officer, footballer and humanitarian.”
Victoria Police is preparing a report in relation to Mr Scott’s death for the state coroner.
“The AFP will closely consider the circumstances surrounding this recent incident as well as any recommendations from the coroner to determine if any further support or operational changes are required,” a statement from the AFP read.
One police welfare advocacy group spokesman told news.com.au: “The most important thing is that AFP should constantly be under a strong spotlight, we must never lose interest, assume that things got better, or fall for the plane-pulling stunts.”
If you need help call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
For more information on how to support others who might need help and what warning signs to look for, visit: Conversations Matter.
Ballarat football fraternity mourns great mentor Malcolm Scott
Tim O’Connor and Kim Quinlan
DEDICATED: Malcolm Scott, right, with Wayne Cracknell during the 2001 VCFL championships.
RESPECTED: Sebastopol coach Malcolm Scott during a 2001 match against Lake Wendouree. Picture: Lachlan Bence
GONE TOO SOON: Malcolm Scott was also a much-respected and long-serving police officer.
Ballarat’s football fraternity has vowed to rally behind the family of Ballarat Football Netball League Hall of Fame member, Malcolm Scott.
Scott, who had an illustrious playing and coaching career with Sebastopol and Bacchus Marsh clubs in the BFNL, died suddenly at the weekend.
Bacchus Marsh club president Adam Sutherland confirmed Scott’s passing to The Courier on Saturday evening.
Sutherland also posted on the Cobras’ Facebook page, informing their members of his death.
“Malcolm you have gone too soon but will live on in the hearts and memory of the Cobra family,” part of the post read.
The former St Kilda and Sydney player was a well known figure in the region’s football circles for his decorated career in the BFNL. He was also a long time member of the police force.
Scott coached the Sebastopol Football Club in 1983-85 and again in 1999-2001 and the club’s football department member Chris Parker told The Courier on Sunday the Scott family would be well supported by the entire football fraternity.
“Prue (Scott’s daughter) plays a big part in the Sebastopol FNC’s netball side and the club will rally around her, her mother and brother as much as we can,” Parker said.
Parker, who played at the Sebastopol club under the guidance of Scott as coach, described him as a great mentor.
“Malcolm led by example. He was a terrific player and coached a young side … he was an excellent mentor to the lot of us. He was a big influence on the young guys and was well-respected at the same time,” Parker said.
Parker also described Scott as eccentric. “He would often say or do something that you were not expecting.”
Scott was also modest about his football achievements. While researching Scott’s career before his induction into the BFNL Hall of Fame, Parker asked the Sebastopol coach about his AFL playing career, which included 11 games with St Kilda.
“That’s not worth mentioning,” was Scott’s reply.
Parker said while Scott’s formal involvement with the Sebastopol FNC finished several years ago, he still liked to watch matches throughout a season.
“He will be sadly missed around the club,” Parker said.
Scott’s football achievements included:
– North Ballarat FC junior player, played over 100 junior games with premierships in all grades
– North Ballarat FC senior player, played over 100 senior games
– North Ballarat FC premiership player (1978,79,82)
– Sebastopol FC senior player, played over 50 games
– Sebastopol FC coach (1983-85, 1999-2001), runners-up (1985 & 2000)
– Sebastopol FC life member (2002)
– Bacchus Marsh FC senior player, played over 100 games
– Bacchus Marsh FC Team of the Era member (2016)
– Bacchus Marsh FC leading goal-kicker five times
– Coached junior football teams at Bacchus Marsh and Sebastopol
– Coached senior football teams at Ballan and Learmonth
– Premiership player with the Avoca FC (1996). Also won league goal-kicking award
– Tony Lockett Medalist for most goals kicked in a BFL season (1987, 1990)
– Played 20 matches with the Ballarat FL senior interleague side. Member of the division 1 championship teams (1981-83)
– Represented the VCFL at the state championships (1984)
– Ballarat FL interleague coach of VCFL Country Championship Division 2 winning side (2001)
– Picked in the best team ever for the Sebastopol FC, Bacchus Marsh FC and North Ballarat FC
For help and support call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 224 636
Many friends will regret the passing of Mr. Joseph Blake Leonard, who was a retired Sergeant of Police, death taking place in Brisbane on Monday last. The late Mr. Leonard spent many years in Mackay, and after serving a short period in the North, went to Gayndah. After his retirement Mr. and Mrs. Leonard built a home at Ashgrove, where Mrs. Leonard died in 1938. Their son, Blake, survives them.
