Wayne Raymond GEORGE

New South Wales Police Force

Joined NSW Police Force via NSW Police Cadet system on 2 February 1976

Cadet #  3222

Redfern Police Academy Class 157

Regd. #  17765

Uniform #  1822

Rank: NSW Police Cadet – commence 2 February 1976

Probationary Constable – appointed 5 December 1977

Constable – appointed 4 December 1978

Senior Sergeant – Death

Stations:  ?, The Rock – O.I.C., School of Traffic and Mobile Policing ( S.T.A.M.P. ), Police Academy, Goulburn

Service:  From  2 February 1976  to  8 June 1995 = 19+ years Service

Awards:  National Medal – granted 16 September 1993

Born:  Thursday  4 December 1958

Died on:  Thursday  8 June 1995

Cause:  Motor Vehicle Accident – Police cycle – Rider

Location:  Picton Rd near Almond St, Picton

Age:  36

Funeral date:  ?

Funeral location:  NSW Police Academy, Goulburn

Buried at:  Bega Cemetery, Princes Hwy ( South )

General Section 6, Row E, Lot 11

WAYNE IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance

Touch plate at the National Police Wall of Remembrance, Canberra.

 Funeral location:  ?

On 8 June, 1995 Senior Sergeant George was riding a police solo motor cycle from Goulburn to Sydney to attend a meeting. Whilst he was riding along Picton Road, near Almond Street, Picton his cycle was struck by a motor vehicle. The sergeant was thrown to the roadway where he was run over by a number of passing vehicles including a semi-trailer. He died as a result of injuries received.

The senior sergeant was born in 1958 and joined the New South Wales Police Force as a cadet in February, 1976. He was sworn in on 5 December, 1977. At the time of his death he was attached to the School of Traffic and Mobile Policing, Police Academy, Goulburn.

Have searched Trove and Google without success for the articles in relation to this man.

Adam DUNNING

Australian Protective Services Officer ( A.P.S. )

Australian Federal Police, 29 March 2003 – 22 December 2004

RAAF Reservist, 1995 –

Regd. # ?

Rank:  PSO1 (Protective Services Officer )

Stations:  Solomon Islands, 4 October 2004 – 22 December 2004

Service:  From  29 March 2003  to  22 December 2004 = 1+ year Service

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Unit:  RAMSI

Regiment:  ?

Enlisted:  ?

Service #  ?

Rank:  ?

Embarkation:  ?

Next of kin:  ?

Religion:  ?

Single / Married:  ?

Returned to Australia:  ?

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Awards:  Meritorious Unit Citation for work in East Timor.

Commendation for efforts in disarming a male carrying a replica pistol in Honiara Court.

Born:  ?

Died on:  Wednesday  22 December 2004

Cause:  Shot – Murdered

whilst deployed on official duties at Honiara, Solomon Islands

Age: 26

Funeral date:  Thursday  30 December 2004

Funeral location:  ANZAC Memorial Chapel,

Royal Military College, Duntroon, ACT

Buried at:  Cremated

Memorial:  The main street of a new AFP training village in Canberra was named Adam Dunning Drive in his memory.

Adam IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance

Tears for the fallen as Adam comes home

By Craig Skehan and Aban Contractor
December 24, 2004

They had slow-marched their comrade’s casket to the plane that would take him home.

Their backs were straight, but the emotions were too much: tears tumbled down the cheeks of the Australian Federal Police pallbearers as they did Adam Dunning this last honour.

Then, once his body was stowed in the hold of the RAAF jet on the tarmac in Honiara, his mates made a last gesture of solidarity with the colleague they were farewelling forever – forming a circle, heads bowed, arms locked around each other’s shoulders.

Adam Dunning, the 26-year-old AFP protective service officer who was killed by a sniper in the early hours of Wednesday morning, was accompanied home by the Minister for Justice, Chris Ellison, and the Opposition’s home affairs spokesman, Robert McClelland, but at Fairbairn air base in Canberra, where the RAAF 737 touched down just before 6pm, it was Mr Dunning’s family and friends – his parents, Michael and Christine, his sisters, Sarah and Emma, and his girlfriend, Elise Wiscombe – who formed the guard of honour.

Standing in two straight lines, they faced the plane.

With the Australian Federal Police Commissioner, Mick Keelty, standing watch nearby, Mr Dunning’s parents held their heads high, and his sisters and Ms Wiscombe quietly sobbed as eight AFP pallbearers bore his flag-draped casket from the plane. His parents held hands and seemed to stand even straighter as their only son was placed in the hearse that would take him to the mortuary.

In the Solomons, police are questioning a taxi driver about several suspects in the murder. A Solomon Islands police source told the Herald that the taxi – seen near the murder scene with several passengers before the shooting – had been seized.

On a narrow, potholed road on the outskirts of the Solomons capital, Honiara, locals offered heartfelt apologies for the shooting.

“I am so very sorry,” said one young man. “He came here to help us.”

By the roadside at Zion Junction, investigating officers had cut the long grass to help search for clues to the identity of the person who, in darkness shortly after 3am on Wednesday, shot Mr Dunning while he was on patrol in a Toyota Land Cruiser.

Zion Junction does not have a particularly dangerous reputation. Rather, locals said, other settlements further along the same ridge were known for trouble, ranging from extortion to payback shootings.

Moffat Suiga, a community elder who was awakened by the shots that killed Mr Dunning, said he and others were at a loss to explain the murder.

A middle-aged businessman said the overwhelming majority of Solomon Islanders wanted to see those responsible put in jail. He said it would be a good thing if the Australian-led intervention force remained for the next 40 years.

At a commemoration service earlier in Honiara, Mr Keelty said Mr Dunning had “died for peace”.

The Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Sir Allan Kemakeza, said the young man had been helping the country overcome ethnic strife and crime. “We will not forget him,” he said.

A police funeral will be held for Mr Dunning on a day to be announced.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/World/Tears-for-the-fallen-as-Adam-comes-home/2004/12/23/1103391900411.html

adam-dunning-funeral

Offenders:  John Hen OME, 31 & James TATAU, 29

Location of Murder: 

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2004-12-22/afp-officer-adam-dunning-was-murdered-while-on/606888

Family, friends, colleagues farewell peacekeeper

They stood side by side. Two long lines of blue uniforms facing each other along the tree-lined road. Like a slow Mexican wave, each snapped to attention and saluted as the body of one of their own passed by.

Adam Dunning, murdered by a sniper while on patrol in the Solomons early last week, had begun the last leg of his journey home.

Earlier, these men and women of the Australian Federal Police and the Royal Australian Air Force had wept openly as Mr Dunning was farewelled with full police and military honours in the Duntroon chapel. “He was a great man,” said his federal police mate Pat Castle.

The nation’s military chiefs turned out to pay tribute, as did Prime Minister John Howard, Governor-General Michael Jeffery and senior cabinet ministers.

But this ritual belonged to those who knew and loved Adam Dunning.

His mother, Christine, read from a tribute that she and her husband, Mike, had written to their son in February. They had praised his courage, sensitivity and mettle.

His partner, Elise, who had brought red roses for the man she had loved, said he was her greatest friend. “He was my strength, my inspiration, my love.”

Peacekeeper Beau Tennant, who was with Mr Dunning the night before he died, broke down as he recalled his friend’s generosity.

“Before he left me, his last words were: ‘Are you right for money mate?’ That was the kind of bloke he was,” he said.

Federal Police Commissioner Mick Keelty said Mr Dunning would live on in the memories of grateful Solomon Islanders.

“Adam Dunning died for peace and law and order. His work and his death will always be remembered by his colleagues,” he told mourners.

The federal police hope to build a memorial to Mr Dunning at their new training centre for overseas police peacekeepers.

Mr Dunning also served with RAAF in Timor before joining the AFP.

Police believe his murder and another attack on police on October 21 were carried out by three former members of the Malaitan Eagle Force militia.

They have charged two men – John Ome and Philip Kwaimani – over the attacks and are hunting James Tatau, who Mr Keelty said was present at both events and had access to a cache of weapons.

Police believe the trio were working on their own, with no sign of any broader uprising against the peacekeeping effort.

It fell to Emma, who had adored her older brother, to claim his service medals and caps from the flag-shrouded coffin and hand them to her grieving parents.

As his police mates carried Mr Dunning’s coffin from the chapel into the sunlight, drummers and bagpipers ushered him on his way. A police motorcade led the cortege through Canberra’s streets to a private service and cremation.

http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/Family-friends-colleagues-farewell-peacekeeper/2004/12/30/1104344927723.html

Body of sniper victim arrives in Canberra

A plane carrying the body of murdered Australian peacekeeper Adam Dunning has landed in his home town of Canberra.

The 26-year-old Australian Protective Services officer was shot twice in the back by a sniper while serving as part of a peacekeeping mission in the Solomon Islands yesterday morning.

Members of Mr Dunning’s family, and his colleagues were on hand to formally receive his body.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mick Keelty returned from the Solomon Islands about half an hour before the plane bearing Officer Dunning’s body landed.

He was among those waiting for Justice Minister Chris Ellison and Labor’s homeland security spokesman Robert McClelland, who accompanied the body on the flight back to Canberra.

Commissioner Keelty, Senator Ellison, Mr McClelland and AFP officers formed a guard of honour before the coffin was removed from the plane.

Family members, including Officer Dunning’s parents Mike and Christine, and girlfriend Elise Wiscombe, stood arm in arm watching proceedings.

A guard of honour, carrying Officer Dunning’s hat, led the flag-draped coffin to the hearse.

Eight pall bearers stood tall under the weight, as Officer Dunning’s police colleagues watched on.

A cavalcade of AFP motorcycles is waiting to lead the hearse to Canberra’s mortuary.

A full police funeral will be held for Officer Dunning on a day to be announced.

Officer Dunning’s parents took the time to thank those who attended the short ceremony before the hearse headed for Kingston mortuary under police escort.

Senator Ellison later said the Solomons people were behind RAMSI and Australia’s efforts to bring law and order to the country.

He said some adjustments might be made to the conduct of night patrols but any final decision would depend on recommendations from the AFP.

He denied the Government had too quickly reduced the AFP’s military support in the Solomons.

“We’ve made fantastic progress in the Solomons and we never underestimated the danger that our people faced,” he told ABC television

http://www.smh.com.au/news/World/Body-of-sniper-victim-arrives-in-Canberra/2004/12/23/1103391888916.html

More troops sent in as peacekeeper slain

http://www.smh.com.au/news/World/More-troops-sent-in-as-peacekeeper-slain/2004/12/22/1103391841939.html

Protective Service Officers were deployed along with other Australian law enforcement officers in the Solomon Islands as part of RAMSI. The peacekeeping force suffered their first casualty on 22 December 2004 when PSO1 Adam Dunning was shot and killed while deployed on official duties in the Solomon Islands. Two former members of a local militia were charged but acquitted of Dunning’s murder.^[5] Officer Dunning was buried with full police honours.

The main street of a new AFP training village in Canberra was named Adam Dunning Drive in his memory.^[6] The $2.8 million training facility at Mount Majura just outside Canberra, has been designed to replicate situations in regional countries to which personnel might be assigned.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Protective_Service

Dunning remembered in training complex

The main street of a new training village for Australian Federal Police and other personnel being sent overseas has been named after murdered peacekeeper Adam Dunning.

The $2.8 million training facility at Majura, just outside Canberra, has been designed to replicate situations in regional countries to which personnel might be assigned.

Prime Minister John Howard officially opened the facility on Thursday in the presence of police chiefs from across the country as well as from several regional nations.

Australian Protective Service officer Mr Dunning, 26, was fatally shot twice in the back while on night patrol in the Solomon Islands capital of Honiara in December.

He was serving as part of the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomons.

His parents attended the opening of the village, through the centre of which runs a road now named Adam Dunning Drive.

“The loss of Adam Dunning signified that this is very dangerous work,” Justice Minister Senator Chris Ellison said.

Mr Howard said the new facility reflected the new security reality for Australia and its region.

“Events of the last five years have totally transformed both the demands and the expectations of the Australian community on the Australian Federal Police,” he told the gathering.

“In that five-year period we have seen the threatening arrival of international terrorism.

“We’ve (also) seen the emergence of an ongoing need on the part of this country, in cooperation with our friends in the Pacific region, to involve ourselves in the restoration of conditions of law and order and cooperation with police services and governments of those countries.”

The training village, to be used by a range of emergency services personnel as well as police, recreates the environment that police experience when on overseas missions.

Designed to reflect the streetscape of a small overseas township, it enables true-to-life scenario training which helps to prepare police for unknown and sometimes dangerous challenges.

It includes 18 buildings and structures including a corner store, a town hall, a police station, a school, a pub, a marketplace and even a cemetery, reflecting the fact that police are sometimes required to perform exhumations in the course of their work.

The spokesman said 124 personnel had already trained at the complex which was completed in March.

http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/Dunning-remembered-in-training-complex/2005/06/23/1119321840325.html

George JEFFES

New South Wales Police Force

Constable 1st Class 1885

Senior-constable in 1889

Sergeant in 1895

Regd. # ?

Stations:  Darlinghurst, Botany,

Darlinghurst ( again ), Regent Street ( No. 2 Division )

Injuries: Traffic Accident – pedestrian with tram
Haymarket

Event:  2 November 1911

Died:  3 November, 1911

58 old

Funeral:  4 November 1911

Buried:  Rookwood RC Cemetery. Freeman St, Rookwood.

Reference: SEC*M2*C**939

About 4pm on 2 November, 1911 the sergeant was on duty carrying out inspections of pawn shops. At the intersection of Campbell and Castlereagh Streets he failed to hear a tram coming in his direction (he was suffering from diminished hearing) and he was struck by the tram and knocked to the roadway. He was quickly conveyed to the Sydney Hospital suffering from a fractured skull and other head injuries; however he passed away the following day.

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The Evening News of 3 November, 1911 carried quite a lengthy report of the tragedy.

“SERGEANT JEFFES KILLED.
KNOCKED DOWN BY A TRAM. AN OLD SYDNEY POLICEMAN
Sergeant George Jeffes died in Sydney Hospital early this morning as the result of a city tram accident. He was on duty delivering pawn slips and inspecting pawn shops in the No. 2 (Regent-street) Police District yesterday afternoon, and while crossing Castlereagh-street, at the corner of Campbell-street, he was knocked down by tram No.81 proceeding from the railway station to Circular Quay. Senior-constable Young spoke to Jeffes at the corner of Campbell and Liverpool streets, and a few seconds later on seeing a crowd collect he went to the scene and found his comrade badly injured. He secured the Civil Ambulance, which conveyed the injured man to the hospital where he was admitted with a fractured skull. He was operated on and a lot of blood removed from his brain, but he never rallied. He will be given a police funeral tomorrow afternoon, the cortege leaving the corner of Elsternwick-street and Allen-street, Leichhardt at 1.30 p.m. for Rookwood Cemetery.

Sergeant Jeffes, who was 58 years of age, was an Englishman, and served as a bluejacket till 1882, when he came to Australia, and joined the New South Wales force. He was made a first class constable in 1885, senior-constable in 1889, and sergeant in 1895. He had thus 30 years’ service and could have retired two months ago, taking six months’ leave, but being still strong, he was, at his own desire, allowed to continue in harness, and was working in plain clothes on light duty among the pawn shops.

” THE GOOD SHEPHERD. ” Sergeant Jeffes was for many years known as, the good shepherd, and he did great work   reclaiming white girls from the Chinese dens, and children from the slums and from parental hurt to their care. He was associated with Mr. Sherwood in the famous Botany poisoning case, in 1888, when Louisa Collins was hanged.

Senior-constable Sherwood ( now Metropolitan Superintendent of Police ), and Jeffes, then a constable, had charge of the cases.  Superintendent Mitchell, who is acting, said this morning that Sergeant Jeffes was a good and capable officer who had the interests of the service and the community at heart, and was most energetic in the discharge of his duties. A daughter of Sergeant Jeffes was murdered in George-street a little over twelve months ago, being shot by a young man.”

With regard to the death of the sergeant’s daughter, the Evening News of 3 July, 1909 reported that “Miss Kate Jeffes, 21, the young woman who was shot in the arm and breast by a French Canadian, named Felix Perrier, in George-street on the night of June 21, died at the Sydney Hospital at 3.30 this morning from the effects of the wounds, accentuated by the shock. She was the daughter of Sergeant Jeffes, of No. 2 Police Station”.

Evening News ( Sydney )                                              Friday  3 November 1911                                Page 9 of 16

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The sergeant was born about 1853 and joined the New South Wales Police Force in 1882. At the time of his death he was stationed at Regent Street Police Station. He is buried at Rookwood Cemetery.

[alert_red]He is NOT included in the NSW Police Honour Roll.[/alert_red]

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Burial Location:

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A City Sensation.

A YOUNG WOMAN SHOT. SUICIDE OF HER ASSAILANT.

A sensational shooting affray took place in George-street, near Goulburn-street, city, about half-past 9 o’clock on Monday night, during which Kate Jeffes, 21, a daughter of Sergeant Jeffes, a well-known officer connected with the Regent-street Police Station, was wounded twice, while her assailant committed suicide.

Some weeks ago, Miss Jeffes took a situation in a Pitt-street cafe, where Felix Perrier, a French-Canadian, 35 years of age, was employed as cook. Perrier, it appears, conceived a strong attachment for the young woman, but his attentions were not encouraged, although he occasionally accompanied her to the tram of an evening, at the close of the day’s work. Perrier became so persistent in his attentions that Miss Jeffes decided to leave, and she secured a situation in dining rooms in George-street.

Eventually Perrier found out where she was employed, and called there on Monday, but she refused to see him, and he went away. On ceasing work a little after 9 o’clock, Miss Jeffes started for home, and on reaching the corner of George and Goulburn streets, saw Perrier on the footpath. He addressed her, but she refused to have anything to say to him, upon which the man drew a revolver, and at close quarters fired two shots at her. The first bullet penetrated the cartilage of the left arm and spent itself in a brown paper parcel, which contained her apron and a blouse, and which she was carrying under her arm at the time. The second bullet had a more serious effect striking her beneath the right breast. The bullet did not penetrate very deeply, however, but struck the breast-bone, which caused it to deflect, and travel around a rib under the left arm, eventually embedding itself in the back portion of her left side. She fell bleeding to the footpath, and Perrier, evidently believing that his second shot had taken fatal   effect, placed the muzzle of the revolver in his own mouth, and fired.

Naturally a crowd soon gathered, and Miss Jeffes was placed in a Cab, and taken to the Sydney Hospital. The Civil Ambulance was sent for and took Perrier to the Sydney Hospital, where life was pronounced extinct, and the body was conveyed to the Morgue, at Circular Quay. The bullet in Perrier’s case had entered at the mouth, and travelled upwards towards the brain. Dr. Parry extracted the bullet from Miss Jeffes’ side, and she was admitted to the hospital, where she is progressing satisfactorily, the wounds not being regarded as serious.

Evening News ( Sydney )                      Tuesday  22 June 1909                      page 6 of 8

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A GEORGE-ST. TRAGEDY.

ATTEMPTED MURDER AND SUICIDE.

A DISAPPOINTED LOVER TRIES TO MURDER A YOUNG WOMAN.

THEN BLOWS HIS BRAINS OUT.

Felix Perrier, 35, lately living in Druitt-street, city, attempted to murder a young woman named Kate Jeffes, 21, in George-street, near Goulburn-street, at about 9.30 last night. He fired two shots at her at a range of less than a couple of feet, both of which took  effect, and then put the muzzle of the revolver into his own mouth and blow his brains out.

Perrier, who was apparently a foreigner, has been employed as a cook at a cafe in Pitt-street for some time, and the young woman,  who is a daughter of Sergeant Jeffes, at the No. 2 police station, met him at the cafe some nine weeks ago, when she took a situation there as a waitress. Perrier conceived a strong affection for the young woman, but she refused to encourage him. She, however, occasionally allowed him to see her to the tram of a night when work was over. He eventually became so persistent in his attentions that the young woman was compelled to leave her situation at the cafe and seek employment elsewhere. She afterwards obtained work as a waitress at some dining rooms in George-street, and her troubles with Perrier ceased for a while. But he eventually found out where she was, and, yesterday afternoon, he called at the premises in George-street, and asked to be allowed to see her. Miss Jeffes refused to see him, and in order to be free of him, she asked one of the girls in the cafe to inform Perrier that she had left the place. Perrier, on receiving this information, took his departure. After work Miss Jeffes started for home shortly before 9.30, and was walking down George-street. On nearing Goulburn-street she noticed Perrier standing on the footpath. She tried to evade him, but he stepped up to her and said: “Good night.” The young woman turned her head away, and refused to speak to him, whereupon he drew a five-chambered Belgian revolver, and fired two shots point blank at her. The first bullet penetrated the cartilage of the left arm, and spent itself in a brown paper parcel, which contained her apron and a blouse, and which she was carrying under her arm at the time. The second bullet had a more serious affect, striking her beneath the right breast. The bullet did not penetrate very deeply, however, and luckily struck the breast-bone, which caused it to deflect and travel around a rib under the left arm, eventually embedding itself in the back portion of her left side. She fell bleeding to the footpath, and Perrier, evidently believing that his second shot had taken fatal effect, placed the muzzle of the revolver in his own mouth and fired. The shots had been fired at such short range that the sleeve of the young woman’s blouse was burned with powder, and powder marks were visible on the front of her dress.

There were a number of people about, and a large crowd soon gathered. A woman named Eliza O’Connor, living in Francis street, Hyde Park, who was close by at the time, put Miss Jeffes in a cab, and took her to the hospital, while a traffic constable rang up the Civil Ambulance, which was speedily in attendance, and removed Perrier to the hospital, where Dr. Parry pronounced life extinct.     The body was then removed to the Morgue.

The bullet in Perrier’s case had entered at the mouth, and travelled upwards towards the brain. Dr. Parry extracted the bullet from Miss Jeffes’ side, and she was admitted to the hospital; where she made a statement to the police. Her injuries are not considered serious.

The revolver which Perrier used was a Belgium make, and contained four cartridges, three of which had been discharged.

Edward Crampton, a tobacconist, of 48 Druitt-street, who identified the body, and with whom Perrier had lately been living, stated that Perrier bought a revolver on Saturday last, and said that a young woman had been “pulling his leg.” His French blood would get the better of him,’ he said, and he would shoot her. The revolver was taken from him, together with a number of cartridges, but he appears to have regained possession of it. On the body were found Perrier’s discharge papers from the South African Light Horse, dated   1902. These show that he was a French Canadian by birth.

The Sydney Morning Herald                Tuesday  22 June 1909           page 7 of 12

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ATTEMPTED MURDER AND SUICIDE

PERRIER’S FRENCH BLOOD. MUST SHOOT THE GIRL

Sydney, June 22.

Felix Perrier, who last night shot at Kate Jeffs and then committed suicide, was a French-Canadian and had served in the South African light horse. Edward Crampton, with whom Perrier resided, told the police that Perrier bought a revolver on Saturday last. He told Crampton that a young lady had been ‘pulling his leg’ and that his French blood would ‘ get the better of him and he would shoot her ‘. Crampton took the revolver and cartridges from him, but Perrier, however, again got possession of them.

Miss Jeffs is not seriously hurt.

Kalgoorlie Miner ( W.A. )                    Wednesday  23 June 1909               page 5 of 10

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George-street Tragedy.

DEATH OF THE VICTIM.

Miss Kate Jeffes, 21, the young woman who was shot in the arm and breast by a French Canadian, named Felix Perrier, in George-street on the night of June 21, died at the Sydney Hospital at 3.30 this morning from the effects of the wounds, accentuated by the shock. She was the daughter of Sergeant Jeffes, of No. 2 Police Station.

Evening News  ( Sydney )                      Saturday  3 July 1909                         page 8 of 16

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THE GEORGE-STREET TRAGEDY.

MISS JEFFES’ DEATH.

Kate Jeffes, 21, the young woman who was shot in the arm and breast by Felix Perrier, a French Canadian in George-street near Goulburn-street, on the night of June 21 last, died at the Sydney Hospital early on Saturday morning from the effects of the wounds and the subsequent shock. She was the daughter of Sergeant Jeffes of No 2 Police Station.

The wound in Miss Jeffes’s breast proved more serious than was at first believed but it was not anticipated that it would cause death. While in hospital, however, deceased suffered considerably from shock and was unable to sleep. On Wednesday and Thursday last she was in a low state but rallied on Friday morning. At 11 o’clock on Friday night she became worse and gradually sank, death taking place at about 3.30 a.m. on Saturday.

The Sydney Morning Herald                Monday  5 July 1909                         page 7 of 12

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THE GEORGE-ST.   TRAGEDY.

SHOOTING OF MISS JEFFES. EVIDENCE AT THE INQUEST. VERDICT OF MURDER AND SUICIDE.

Mr.. H. Hawkins, P.M., at the City Coroner’s Court yesterday, held an inquiry into the deaths of Felix Perrier, 35, a cook, and Catherine Margaret Jeffes, 21 a waitress, the principals   in the tragedy on the night of June 21,  when Perrier mortally wounded Miss Jeffes and afterwards took his own life by firing two shots into his head, in George-street, near Goulburn street, City.

Edward Crampton, hairdresser and tobacconist, carrying on business in Druitt-street, City, said he had known Perrier for some time. He was a French-Canadian by birth, and a native of Montreal. Perrier came to lodge at his place on June 19, and told witness he was employed at a cafe in Pitt-street. Next day Perrier brought a revolver to the house, and witness asked him what he wanted it for. He replied, ‘I want to fight a duel.’ Witness, however, obtained the weapon. On June 21 Perrier asked.; him for it, saying that the man he was going to fight with had disappeared, and he wanted to raise a few shillings on the gun. Witness gave it to him.

George Jeffes, sergeant of police, stationed at the Regent-street Police Station, and living at 135 Rose-street, Darlington, said Catherine Jeffes was his daughter. He last saw her alive about half past 7 on the morning of June 21, in George-street. She was then going to work at a cafe in Pitt-street. Witness did not know his daughter was acquainted with Perrier. Catherine came home one night not long ago, and said she wasn’t going to business the next morning. Witness asked why, and his daughter replied, ‘A man is pestering me, and has   made appointments to meet me.’ Witness   then said, ‘You stay at home. I don’t want you to work’

Dr. Edmund Pauling said Perrier was dead when taken into Sydney Hospital. Miss Jeffes was admitted, a bullet having passed through the cartilage of the left arm, and one having entered the body below the right breast. She died on Thursday night last. Dr. Palmer, who made a post-mortem examination, said the cause of death was a bullet wound in the head.

Maria Webber, living in Lewis-street, Redfern, said she was in George-street on the night   of June 21. When near Goulburn-street she saw a man accost a girl, and say, ‘Good night.’ The girl did not take any notice, and the man put his hand to his hip pocket. He fired a revolver at the girl, and she screamed, and cried out, ‘My God!’ The man fired again, and the girl dropped to the ground insensible. Perrier then shot himself twice in the head, and dropped. Witness heard no quarrel.

Sarah Williamson, a resident of Glebe, corroborated the previous witness’ evidence.

Traffic Constable Wilson searched Perrier’s body at the Morgue. He found military discharge papers in one of the pockets. Eliza O’Connor, living at 32 Francis-street, Hyde Park, deposed she was outside Messrs. Anthony Hordern and Son’s business premises, George-street, about 9.30 on the night of June 21. Witness heard three revolver shots, and rushed round into Goulburn-street. A young woman was lying on the ground. She told witness she had been shot by a man, and asked to be taken home. Witness took her to Sydney Hospital.

Senior-constable Leary had a conversation with Catherine Jeffes at Sydney Hospital on the night of June 21. She told him she went to work at the Glenrock Cafe, in Pitt-street, about four months ago. She stayed there for some time, and made the acquaintance of a man named Perrier, who was employed as a cook at the same place. They exchanged letters. She soon afterwards left the Pitt-street cafe, and went to one in King-street. Perrier pestered her there, and she had tried to avoid him.

Mark Anthony Jeffes, uncle of the deceased girl, narrated a conversation he had had with his niece two days after the shooting. She told him that she did not want to have any thing to do with Perrier.

The Coroner found that Catherine Jeffes was murdered by Felix Perrier, and that Perrier committed suicide.

Evening News ( Sydney )                                      Friday  9 July 1909                     page 3 of 12

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Desmond TRANNORE

Queensland Police Force

Regd. # 5091

Rank  Senior Constable

Stations  Gordonvale, Cairns, Thursday Island & Brisbane

Born:  1928  –  Shepparton, Victoria

Joined QPol in 1951 aged 22

Died  27 October 1964 at Little Mulgrave, FNQ

Funeral

Buried  Gordonvale Cemetery, FNQ

Plot 10408, Site 181 Division SR  Sect. Mon, Row RC

http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2014/10/24/4114006.htm

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area of murder: 

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Media Statements

Minister for Main Roads
The Honourable Craig Wallace

Monday, December 07, 2009

Local officer honoured in naming of Mulgrave River bridge

Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace today announced the new bridge over the Mulgrave River at Gordonvale will be officially named ‘Desmond Trannore Bridge’ as part of Queensland’s 150th birthday celebrations.

“This name is chosen in honour of Senior Constable Desmond Trannore, whose bravery and dedication to both the community and his profession is held in high regard by many Gordonvale locals,” Mr Wallace said.

“Mr Trannore was a well respected police officer and member of the Gordonvale community, where he was stationed throughout most of the late 1950s and early 1960s.

“He was heavily involved in community activities – teaching boxing at the local youth club and running the Gordonvale Pony Club, Aussie Rules, tennis and cricket clubs.

“Mr Trannore was tragically killed in the line of duty in 1964 while attending a domestic dispute at Little Mulgrave, north of Gordonvale, and this bridge naming is a community tribute to his bravery.”

Mr Wallace said the bridge name was chosen from more than 50 nominations received across the community.

“It is wonderful to see the Gordonvale and greater Cairns community getting behind this Q150 initiative,” he said.

Mr Wallace said members of the Trannore family will join local members and representatives of the Cairns community in celebrations to officially commission and name the $48 million bridge on Thursday, 17 December.

Jim Turnour, Federal Member for Leichhardt, will join Curtis Pitt, State Member for Mulgrave, on the banks of the Mulgrave River to officially commission the $48 million bridge and unveil the new name sign for the bridge.

“The new bridge is a valuable and vital piece of road infrastructure for Far North Queensland,” Mr Turnour said.

“It will reduce the duration of closures due to wet season flooding and better serve to stabilise the local economy by keeping communities connected all year round.”

The new bridge is part of the Rudd Government’s commitment to improving flood immunity and accessibility between Cairns and Townsville.

“The new 480-metre-long bridge, which opened to traffic in April this year, ahead of time and under budget, is providing significant benefits for far north Queensland.

“Standing five metres higher than the existing bridge and located on a better road alignment, this bridge will limit disruptions to residents and motorists during the wet season by minimising delays caused by wet season flooding.”

The bridge was just one component of the Australian Government’s $347 million Accelerated Bruce Highway Upgrade Package, delivered by the state government.

The majority of works have been delivered, with remaining projects to be completed in early 2010.

Mr Wallace said naming the new bridge over the Mulgrave River after Desmond Trannore recognised the integral role people have in building a community.

“We have chosen a name that recognises an important local identify and also reflects community spirit and local history,” he said.

“This is what the Q150 bridge naming celebrations are all about – Queenslanders having their say on what makes our state unique and being able to recognise these things through the naming of significant road structures.”

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/Id/67777

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A memorial ceremony will be held at the Gordonvale Police Station this week:

WHEN:        10.30am Friday 24 October 2014

WHERE:      Police Station, Cannon Street, Gordonvale

Gordonvale Police and members of the Trannore family would like to extend an invitation to members of the community, to help commemorate and honour the memory of Senior Constable Desmond Trannore, who so bravely gave his life in service to the community.

http://mypolice.qld.gov.au/farnorth/2014/10/21/senior-constable-des-trannore-honoured-50th-anniversary-death/

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“D. Trannore III”

The “D. TRANNORE III” was launched on the 9^th April 2009 by Senior Constable Trannore’s widow (see photo right) in the presence of the Police Minister Neil Roberts, Deputy Commissioner Kathy Rynders and invited guest.

Capable of speeds in excess of 45 knots the “D. TRANNORE II” was built by Swift Marine of the Gold Coast and is a rigid hull inflatable speedboat capable of carrying up to 12 people. The “D. TRANNORE II” was purpose built for use by the Redland Bay Water Police to patrol the waterways and islands of Moreton Bay.

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As the rain came down, the 16-year-old and 14-year-old marched with their dad, Shane Trannore, Aunty Karen Trannore, and Cairns police as part of National Police Remembrance Day.

The Trannores’ father and grandfather was recognised at this year’s Cairns service for the 50th anniversary of his death.

“I didn’t know much about my grandfather except that he died in the force and just being here is really nice, I am really proud,” Katelin said.

Katelin said it was overwhelming to be part of the day which honoured her grandfather.

“It was, just being part of the march and walking down the street,” she said.

“It was amazing, I really enjoyed it.”

Senior Constable Desmond Trannore was stationed at Gordonvale in 1964 when he attended a domestic disturbance and was gunned down while he was trying to get the mother and the children medical attention.

Senior Constable Trannore’s daughter, Karen, who was only a child when her father was killed, said it was a great honour to be there.

“It was very important and quite emotional to march with the officers,” she said.

“It’s such a hard job to do and I respect each and every one of them and they always have our support.”

Just under 80 Queensland Police and Australian Federal Police officers marched in the parade.

Acting Chief Superintendent, Brett Schafferius said the dangers involved in policing were always in the back of officers’ minds.

“Today is the most important day on the policing calendar, it is the day we get to recognise and remember the sacrifice police women and men have made over the past 150 years of policing in Queensland,” he said.

“We acknowledge our job at times can be inherently dangerous, that’s why we are here, we are here for the community and to attend those matters on their behalf.”

The names of the 140 fallen police officers were read out during the service.

There are about 850 sworn officers in the Far North district and about 1050 employees overall.

Over the past 150 years, 25 fallen Queensland officers have been from the Far North district.

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Desmond Trannore Bridge, Gordonvale, Qld: 

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Gordonvale Cemetery: 

 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wall-to-Wall-Ride-for-Remembrance/

How this event began

In 2009, two mates, both police officers and both keen motorcyclists, started a conversation over a beer or two. “How about we organise some mates to ride to Canberra and meet at our National Memorial?”

Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy from the NSW Police Force and Inspector Brian Rix of the Victorian Police had been motivated and inspired by the immense popularity of an American police motorcycle and charity event held in Austin, Texas.

Known as the “Ride for the Fallen”, the ride is a special tribute that honours the service and sacrifices of the many law enforcement officers killed in the service of Texas over its long and proud history.

Around the same time, a chance meeting with Western Australia Assistant Commissioner Steve Brown invariably turned into discussions of motorcycling and plans for Police Commissioner Karl O’Callaghan to lead a children’s charity ride across the country.

So a few phone calls later and with the much valued support and assistance of the Police Federation of Australia, a group of like minded police, serving and retired, were brought together to develop Australia’s own memorial ride.

With the National Police Memorial as a focal point and highlighting the positive image of police in the promotion of motorcycle safety and awareness, this has now become a much anticipated annual charity event in commemoration of the service and sacrifice of our police and for each of the State’s to raise much needed funds in support of their police charity organisations.

Each of the Australian Police Forces has a dedicated place of remembrance and reflection, where they pay homage to and remember their police officers who have died as a result of their service to the community.  From these sites a very special journey begins with the intention of arriving at the outskirts of our national capital to meet and join the other contingents of riders from across Australia.

In a final gesture of police solidarity and remembrance, the ride travels through Canberra to the National Police Memorial for a short, but poignant ceremony to commence the week in honour of our colleagues and mates; their names recorded on the touch stones of the memorial wall.

The Wall to Wall : Ride for Remembrance is promoted through a national organising committee under the auspice of the Police Federation of Australia and the National Police Memorial.  Stringent operational and financial controls are maintained to ensure the charitable status of the event and that funds raised are directly used to support the identified policing legacy organisations and charities.

Fully supported by all the police jurisdictions, every State and Territory is represented. Our past rides have been led by the Police Commissioners of the Australian Federal Police, Western Australia, New South Wales, the Northern Territory and Tasmania, all of whom share the thrills and excitement found only on a motorbike and who are integral role models in demonstrating our message of motorcycling safety and awareness

Open to serving and retired members (sworn and unsworn) and all other friends, family and proud supporters of policing, the ride is not only a wonderful commemoration of service and sacrifice , but also a fantastic social event for enthusiastic motor cyclists across Australia in celebration of the police family.

So make this the year that you get the bike out from the back of the garage and serviced, renew or obtain you riders licence and join us on a special ride in support of all that is good within the motorcycling community and the policing across Australia.

Our Website will be updated regularly throughout August and September with news of event, routes to be travelled and groups to join up with.

Like Us on Facebook and join our conversations in the lead up to our Australia’s own, Wall to Wall : Ride for Remembrance.

2014

Ride – Lunch break at NSW Police Academy, Goulburn on Saturday 13 September 2014

photos taken by Greg Callander – Retired SenCon, NSWPF

[blockquote]NSW Police Academy Lunch break for the riders between Sydney and Canberra during the Wall to Wall Ride for Remembrance – Year 5.[/blockquote]

36 OF 237.  Remainder will be uploaded when I have the time.

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2013

Ride – Lunch break at NSW Police Academy, Goulburn on Saturday 14 September 2013

photos taken by Greg Callander – Retired SenCon, NSWPF

[blockquote]Ride – Lunch break at NSW Police Academy, Goulburn on Saturday 14 September 2013[/blockquote]

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2012

Ride – Lunch break at NSW Police Academy, Goulburn on Saturday 15 September 2012

photos taken by Greg Callander – Retired SenCon, NSWPF

                              [blockquote]SATURDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2012
WALL to WALL POLICE RIDE FOR REMEMBRANCE – TO HONOR ALL THOSE POLICE WHO HAVE BEEN KILLED ON-DUTY SINCE AUSTRALIAN POLICING STARTED OVER 150 YEARS AGO.
THIS IS THE CONTINGENT THAT ARRIVED AT THE NSW POLICE ACADEMY, GOULBURN, FROM AROUND 11AM AND LEFT AROUND 1PM FOR THE RUN TO THE NATIONAL WALL IN CANBERRA.
THIS IS THE SECOND YEAR THIS EVENT HAS BEEN HELD.[/blockquote]

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2011

Ride – Lunch break at NSW Police Academy, Goulburn on Saturday 17 September 2011

photos taken by Greg Callander – Retired SenCon, NSWPF

to be uploaded by 21 September 2014

Harry BRENNAN GM 

aka  Henry, Bren

Late of Caringbah, NSW

Penrith Police Academy Class # 018

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. # 6424

Rank:  Probationary Constable – appointed 13 June 1949 ( aged 21 years 3 months, 11 days )

Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 1 June 1966

Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed 14 September 1973

Sergeant 1st Class – appointed  14 March 1976

Chief Inspector – appointed 30 September 1984 ( 1985 Stud Book )

Does NOT appear in the 1988 Stud Book

Retired – Chief Inspector

Stations:  ?, 15 Division HWP ( 1970s ), Sutherland ( 24 Division ), ?

Service:  From ? ? pre June 1949 to 1 March 1988 = 39 years of Service

Age at Retirement:  59 years, 11 months, 28 days

Time in Retirement:  26 years, 3 months, 0 days

Awards:  George Medal ( Imperial )( GM ) – granted 22 November 1955 for apprehension of armed man ( Constable )

National Medal – granted 8 June 1988 ( Chief Inspector )

Born:  Friday  2 March 1928

Died on:  Sunday  1 June 2014

Age:  86 years, 2 months, 30 days

Funeral date:  Friday  6 June 2014 @ 9am

Funeral location:  Woronora Crematorium, Sutherland, NSW

Buried at:  Cremated

Interred 1 August 2014 – HENRY KENDALL GARDENS – ROSE GARDEN 40 – Position 0056

Harry (Henry) BRENNAN GM, 86 old, former Regd. No. 6424, an Unattached member of Caringbah.

Henry passed away on 01/06/2014 and his funeral is proposed to be held at 9am on Friday 6th Instant at Southern Chapel, Woronora Crematorium, SUTHERLAND

Funeral location:  Dress is winter uniform (leather jacket) plus full size medals.  For plain clothes Police it is suitable day dress with medals.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/18446212?searchTerm=%22harry%20brennan%22&searchLimits=l-decade=195#pstart1082756

Sunday Mail ( Brisbane, Qld )  Sunday 17 October 1954  page 1 of 36

‘DON’T SHOOT’ : GUNMAN’S PLEA TO POLICE AT CAPTURE
HUNT ENDS ON THIRD DAY

SYDNEY— After the grimmest manhunt New South Wales has known Robert Michael Brown, 20, surrendered to two young police officers on Bushrangers’ Hill, in the Sydney suburb, Newport, at 11.25 a.m. yesterday. Brown, who was dirty arid dishevelled, was hiding in a crevice under a clump of bushes when the police arrested him.

With their guns drawn, the two policemen, Constables Clive Curtayne and George Spowart, stood over Brown as he crouched in the bushes and ordered him to surrender.

“Throw up your hands and submit quietly or we will shoot,” Constable Curtayne ordered. Rising slowly to his feet and with both hands’ in the air, Brown said: “I’ve had it. Don’t shoot. You’re too good. I’m all in. Give me a break. I’ve thrown my gun away. I’ll go quietly.” Brown’s capture was the climax to the biggest search on land, sea, and air in the history of New South Wales. He had been at liberty for 62½ hours. The police search for Brown began on Wednesday night after two police men had been shot in a running gun battle between Bondi and La Perouse.

Ate meal

Brown threw back his head and stared defiantly at police and Press while his picture was taken from all angles. He made no attempt to conceal his face and made a couple of half-hearted wise cracks to photographers as the bulbs flashed. With the Commissioner of Police ( Mr. C. J. Delaney ) in the front seat, Brown was driven to the Collaroy Police Station where he dictated a long statement.
[blockquote]While making the statement Brown ate ravenously and gulped down several cups of water. Later he smoked cigarettes and drank tea. [/blockquote]

It is understood that Brown commandeered the trawler Aklavic from The Spit about 9 p.m. on Friday and sailed it out of Sydney Harbour. The trawler struck heavy seas late on Friday night and about 1 a.m. yesterday it is believed that Brown dived overboard. Brown told police that the trawler was running against a strong wind and a high tide. The vessel was found firmly aground on the sand on Newport Beach. It showed no signs of serious damage.

‘The swim knocked it out of me.” Brown told police. “I didn’t think I would make the shore. I’ve had practically no sleep since last Wednesday. It’s been a terrible business.”
After receiving countless false alarms, police finally pinpointed Brown soon after 9.15 a.m. yesterday, when residents sighted him on Bushrangers’ Hill.

No shoes

An anonymous phone caller told police: “Brown is at Newport on Bushrangers’ Hill. He has just gone into a house. I think the house is unoccupied.”
About 20 police cars, police trucks, and motor cycle police gathered at the foot of the hill, and the hunt began. A shout went up when Brown was sighted by police about 300 yards from a house.
Brown, who was wearing a light sweatshirt, shorts, and gaberdine overcoat, was barefooted when police caught him.
He showed only one visible sign of injury — a deep scratch on the left side of the face.
He looked a picture of misery when police handcuffed him and marched him back to the main road, where scores of police had been posted.
His shoulders sagged, and he was limping. His eyes were bloodshot, and he had a stubble of beard on his chin.

Had limp

At times police had to hold him up as he staggered through the dense bush back to the road. Placed in a police car between the two arresting officers. Brown said wearily: “There’s no doubt about you boys, you’re too hot.” “For God’s sake, give me a cigarette, and I want a drink of water. I’m thirsty and I’m hungry.” ‘There was no need to worry about a gun. I threw it away. It went into the water. I had to throw it away.”

Brown’s grandmother, Mrs. Florence Brown, said to-day: “My grandson, Bobbie, is ill . . . mentally very ill … I am sure of it.”
Last Tuesday he had told her : “I’ve got women-trouble Nan. Bad women-trouble.” Mrs. Brown said Brown’s wife had a maintenance order out against him. His parents had divorced when he was about 16, and his father, a dog trainer; now lived at Southport, Queensland.

After Brown had been questioned he was charged with the following: —
Shooting with intent to murder Constable Harry Brennan, Detective Sergeant N Townsend, and Constable Len Ryan.
Stealing a diesel trawler, valued at £5000, the property of Dr. T. J. Cottee, sen., dentist, of Military Road, Mosman.
Disobeying a maintenance order. Having in his possession a motor car stolen from another State.

Police refused bail and Brown will appear before the Central Court of Petty Sessions tomorrow.

Find car

Police late yesterday found a stolen Victorian car, in dense bush on St. Michael’s golf course near Malabar with seven bullet holes in it. The car was reported stolen from Victoria at the beginning of the week.

On Wednesday night about 25 shots were exchanged by police and a man in the car during a chase.

DETECTIVES escort fugitive gunman Robert Michael Brown, 20, to a waiting police car after his capture yesterday. — RADIOPHOTO.

 http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/101726653?searchTerm=%22harry%20brennan%22&searchLimits=l-decade=195#pstart10333833

The Sun-Herald ( Sydney )  Sunday 24 October 1954  page 40 of 64

Queensland Times ( Ipswich )  Wednesday 3 November 1954  page 3 of 8

 Barrier Daily Truth ( Broken Hill, NSW )  Thursday  4 November 1954  page 2 of 8

 Illawarra Daily Mercury ( Wollongong, NSW )  Wednesday 8 December 1954  PAGE 1 of 12

The Sydney Morning Herald  Wednesday 8 December 1954  page 11 of 36

The North Western Courier ( Narrabri, NSW ) Monday 28 March 1955  page 1 of 10

The Canberra Times  Tuesday  29 March 1955  page 1 of 6

GUNMAN PLEADS GUILTY TO FIRING AT POLICE

SYDNEY. Monday,

Robert Michael Brown, 21, of Darley Road, Manly, pleaded guilty in Central Criminal Court today to four charges of shooting at police.

Detective Inspector Aldridge described the manhunt in Sydney last october in which Brown was alleged to have exchanged a number of shots with police.

The four charges were malicious shooting at Bondi of Sgt. Neville Bernard Townsend and Constables Henry Brennan,  Leonard Ryand and Charles Melton, with intent to prevent arrest.

Brown also pleaded guilty to three other charge, relating to the possession of a stolen car, use of a pistol without a licence and the stealing of a trawler.

Inspector Aldridge said that last October a message was received from the Melbourne C.I.B. stating that Brown had left Melbourne in a stolen car with the intention of shooting his wife in Sydney.

After threatening his wife with a gun, she agreed to withdraw the warrant if he did not   shoot her, Aldridge said.

Brown was detained at Bondi by Constable Brennan.

Brown swerved his car at Brennan’s motor cycle and drove off.

Brown fired a shot at Constable Brennan and later fired four more shots, all of which struck a police truck.

More shots were fired during the chase, and one struck Sgt. Townsend on a finger, which was later amputated.

The next day Brown boarded the trawler Aklavic and headed out to sea.

Inspector Aldridge said Brown swam ashore at Newport and was arrested.

Aldridge said Brown had told him he intended to shoot himself at Melbourne but he did not have the nerve.

Brown had said that he had   never intended to injure the police, but had fired so that “they would get serious and shoot me.”

Mr. Justice MacGuire remanded Brown for medical observation before passing   sentence.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/91195681?searchTerm=%22robert%20michael%20brown%22&searchLimits=l-decade=195|||l-year=1955

The Canberra Times  Friday 1 April 1955  page 1 of 8

The Argus ( Melbourne ) Friday 22 April 1955  page 5 of 26

The Canberra Times  Saturday 8 October 1955  page 4 of 8

 Sentence Doubled On Appeal

SYDNEY, Friday.

A former professional frogman who featured in one of the biggest man hunts of recent times,  had his gaol sentence doubled to 10 years to-day.

Robert Michael Brown, 21, was sentenced to five years gaol by Mr. Justice Maguire in March.

Brown was convicted of having wounded two policemen with intent to kill.

He was also convicted of stealing a car and a trawler and carrying an unlicensed pistol.

The Supreme Court heard an appeal by the Attorney-General on the ground that the sentence was inadequate.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/91210113?searchTerm=%22robert%20michael%20brown%22&searchLimits=l-decade=195|||l-year=1955

The Canberra Times  Tuesday 22 November 1955  page 5 of 8

The George Medal was granted to Henry Brennan on the 22 November 1955 as a result of apprehending an armed man during a shootout whilst pursuing the offender(s) on his motor cycle.

The George Medal

On the 8 June 1988, Henry was granted the National Medal.

May Henry forever Rest In Peace

Cal

Henry MORAN

New South Wales Police Force

Senior Constable

Regd. # 282

Stations:  ?

Accidentally killed

Mt Lambie, NSW

Died 4 February, 1890

Funeral  ?

On 15 June, 1862 Constable Havilland, Sergeant James Condell, Senior Constable Henry Moran and Constable Rafferty were travelling as protection for the Forbes Gold Escort. At a locality known as the Eugowra Rocks the coach was ambushed by a gang of bushrangers which included the notorious Frank Gardiner, John Gilbert and Ben Hall. As a result of the attack, Sergeant Condell and Senior Constable Moran were wounded, the coach was overturned and 14,000 pounds in gold and banknotes and bags of registered mail stolen. The following day ( 16 June 1862 ) the coach was righted and driven into Orange. Shortly after arriving in town a revolver under a seat in the coach discharged, with the shot travelling upwards through the seat and striking the unfortunate Constable Havilland under the chin and killing him instantly.

The Empire dated 19 June, 1862 provided some interesting background information on the constable.

CONSTABLE HAVILAND – This man, who was shot under such mysterious circumstances in the vehicle of the gold escort, just after its arrival in Orange, was a very deserving officer of the force. He was formerly a sergeant in the Royal Artillery at Woolwich, and, leaving the regiment, he arrived in Sydney about four years since from India, when he entered the metropolitan police. He was for a considerable time in the Parramatta street division, where he was always known as a very efficient member of the force. He was a first-rate marksman and a good shot, and, we believe, he was so well versed in drill exercises that it was intended at one time by the Inspector General, to make him act as an instructor to the Sydney Police. He subsequently acted as orderly to the Inspector General, in which capacity he was looked upon as a confidential servant. From that position he entered the gold escort, in which service his untimely fate is to be regretted. Haviland has left a widow and two children residing in Sydney, to deplore their loss; and Mrs Haviland is at present, we understand on the eve of her confinement.

At the time of Haviland’s death, the constable was aged 33 years and had joined the police force about 1858. He was attached to the Forbes Gold Escort which on 1 March, 1862 had become part of the New South Wales Police Force.

( This is believed to have been the first on-duty death of a member of the New South Wales Police Force, which had been created on 1 March, 1862 following the passing of the Police Regulation Act 1862. On that date all existing police forces, units and constabularies were amalgamated into one organization which was led by Inspector General Captain John McLerie. The original force consisted of about eight hundred men. )

Senior Constable Henry MORAN was later accidentally killed on the 4 February 1890 and a memorial to MORAN is located at Mt Lambie, between Bathurst & Lithgow, NSW.

WOUNDED, 1862 TO 1897.

June 15th, 1862.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/112710985

Ashley Newton BRYANT

AKA Ash Bryant

Late of ?

Brother to NSWPF Member Jason William BRYANT # 26101 ( R.I.P. )

NSW Goulburn Police Academy Class # 236

New South Wales Police Force

Regd. # 25603

Rank: Commenced Training at Goulburn Police Academy on 9 May 1988 ( aged 18 years, 11 months, 6 days )

Probationary Constable ( # 60233 ) – appointed 29 July 1988 ( aged 19 years, 1 months, 26 days )

Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?

Detective – appointed ? ? ? ( YES )

Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?

Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed ? ? ?

Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed ? ? ?

Final Rank:  Detective Sergeant – Retired – Hurt on Duty 6 December 2012

Stations:  Manly, TRG North Region, Manly, Moree, Kempsey, Port Macquarie,
The Rocks, Special Crimes, City Central, Unsolved Homicide, Homicide Squad, Bourke, Ballina

Service:  From 9 May 1988 to 6 December 2012 = 24 years, 6 months, 27 days Service

Age at Retirement:  43 years, 6 months, 3 days

Time in Retirement:  1 year, 0 months, 10 days

In Service Awards:  Detective – 1 March 2000
Bachelor of Policing (Investigations), CSU – 25 October 2002
Detective Sergeant – 9 January 2007
Statement of Attainment in Bachelor of Laws (Posthumous) – 12 April 2014

Awards:  No find on It’s An Honour

Born:  Tuesday 3 June 1969

Died on: Monday 16 December 2013

Cause:  Suicide stemming from PTSD – Jump

Event location:  Minyon Falls, Border National Park, NSW

Age:  44 years, 6 months, 13 days

Funeral date:  Saturday 21 December 2013 @ 11am

Funeral location:  Innes Gardens Memorial Park Crematorium, Phillip Charley Drive, Port Macquarie.

Buried at:  Cremated

* Stemming from the continued work of the wives of four Fallen NSW Police to Suicide – those four names will now be included in the newly refurbished NSW Police Wall of Remembrance, Sydney, as of 2017

Congratulations to those family members who fought the fight to right this wrong.

Inquest:  initially set for 5 days, 18 – 22 May 2015, at Downing Centre Courts, Sydney & being led by the State Coroner, Michael Barnes. 

Now set for 4 days 29 Feb – 3 March 2016 at Glebe Coroner’s Court, Sydney, by State Coroner, Michael Barnes.

Feb – March 2016 vacated at family request. 

Now scheduled for 25 – 29 July 2016, 

Coroner was unavailable for the scheduled Inquest of 25 – 29 July

New Inquest date is from Wednesday  26 April 2017

at Glebe Coroner’s Court, Sydney, by State Coroner, Michael Barnes.

Date of Coronial findings – Tuesday 17 October 2017.  Result

With regret I advise the death of Ashley Newton BRYANT, 44 old, former Regd. No. 25603, a non-member of Port Macquarie.

Ashley passed away on 16/12/2013 and his funeral is proposed to be held at 11am on Saturday 21^st Instant at Innes Gardens Memorial Park Crematorium, Phillip Charley Drive, PORT MACQUARIE.

The family requests the company of former colleagues and friends of Ashley to join them following the service at The Westport Club (Upstairs) Address: 25 Buller Street, Port Macquarie.

https://police.freom.com/calendar/funeral-ashley-newton-bryant/

It’s being recorded: the death of Ashley Bryant

Lou :

14 Aug 2017 11:35:26am

Really powerful.

• Bill Rollinson :

  14 Aug 2017 7:30:28pm

  I joined the Tasmania Police force in 1976.
  Unfortunately, after a couple of years, I started to change but I could not put my finger on the cause.
  I was addicted to the job. I attended every accident I could, went to as many domestic situations as possible and made my aim to attend any occurrence which involved serious injury and death.

  In December 1989 when I had returned to my station, whilst walking down the hall towards the lunch room, I just stopped as if I had walked into an invisible wall and just stood there. In the station at the time was our resident doctor, having a smoke and a coffee.

  He later told me that when he saw me I was just standing erect with a blank look in my eyes. He informed me that he had turned me around and taken me home. I lived in the station residence at the time some 10 metres away. He undressed me, put me into bed and gave me a sedative.

  He returned the next morning and told me that I was unfit to return to work because of PTSD and gave me a certificate to cover me. The doctor arranged an appointment with a Consultant Psychiatrist whom I still see now.

  During the years from 1990 ’til now, I have attempted suicide on too many occasions to count, spent not months but years in psychiatric hospitals and used numerous antidepressants to control my feelings. I was given the nickname “Loopy” by a group of Vietnam Vets.

  And I use this name with pride.

  I have been asked what is my illness like and can I describe it? I just say what I can about it but I do not understand how or why I am the way I am. It is all too hard. I just try to accept it and I don’t care what others think or say so long as it is to my face.

  The Police Force dropped me like a hot brick and did not want to know me. I received no help of any sort from the Police Force and if anything I was ignored totally.

  As the result of my illness, I lost the job I loved, a spouse of nearly thirty years and any love for myself. In fact, I no longer know what it is to love or hate… which may or may not be a good thing.

  I have tried to end it but it never works, i suppose because i am not fair dinkum about ending this misery.

  I have a wonderful daughter, grand daughter and son in law. Sister and partner. But no one to sit with and talk to when the garbage hits the fan. it can happen at anytime anywhere and without notice. The first thing that happens is tears rolling down my cheeks uncontrollably. I can feel for his family, unfortunately my wife of nearly 30 years walked away.

  • • 
      

      Brett carhart :

      15 Aug 2017 3:44:02pm

      You are a top bloke bill, you should remember me from all those years ago on your beat, I went through the same thing as you, tried to take my life 2 times and there are places out there that listen but no one that can answer your questions. Guidance in the right direction is what’s called for. Chin up bill and maybe we have a chat sometime over a coffee about old times. The cop and the crim.

• 
  

  Paul Olsen :

  15 Aug 2017 3:04:57pm

  I read this story and tears started rolling down my cheeks. It is a story that is in a lot of ways similar to mine. I had 34 years as a general duties Policeman in Victoria. The last 20 years as a Sergeant in a busy suburban Police Station. I also spent 5 years on a 2 man station in the bush. Bush Policing in a lot of ways had more stress, trauma than the city. motorcar fatalities, suicides, and even a triple fatal small airplane crash. Working one up and being 22 years old with all that responsibility. None of this worried me at the time. In fact nothing worried me ever in the job. I too grabbed every death message I could get my hands on and found myself drawn to every serious accident situation that I could get to. After 25 years service I noticed changes in my life. Began to withdraw and being super sensitive to things that were happening around me. Conflict in the workplace became a common occurrence and although I would leave for work with the hope of no conflict I would find myself yelling within 5 minutes of arriving at work. I used to think I would see the Doctor but it took me 7 years to actually go and see the doctor about my continuing problems. I saw the doctor and went to work that afternoon. I had a complete breakdown started crying and left the station within 5 minutes of arriving. I have never returned and still now 10 years later I cry for no reason and have been diagnosed with Chronic PTSD, major depressive disorder, anxiety and other assorted mental disorders. Psychiatrists say I will never work again but Workcover send me to the IME every 18 months in the hope that one will say I can work and they will get me off their books. I continue treatment and have been lucky enough to still have my wife of 40 years and 2 kids that still talk to me. I gave up drinking 25 years ago and I think that was a lucky decision. Nightmares poor sleep habits. unable to concentrate or stay focused and basic antisocial behavour are a regular part of my life. I consider myself lucky as the ESSS has looked after me and to date I have never tried suicide or self harm. The Police Force gave me no support and sacked me after I had been off for 2 years. I am a firm believer that there needs to be a Royal Commission into the behavour of Work Cover Insurance Agents and the sooner the better.

• 
  

  Ross Beckley :

  15 Aug 2017 4:43:18pm

  An amazing interview and one that brought tears….many tears as the loss of Ash was so preventable by those supposedly there to help us in times of crisis.
  Insurance Companies / Case Managers the whole Workers Compensation System and Organisational Heads should all feel ashamed for their participation in yet another life lost.
  I have so much admiration for you Deb, in your commitment in making CHANGE and ensuring the loss of Ash and the effects on you and your family aren’t in vain.
  You hold the light of hope for a lot of us still on this journey of PTSD due to our work a Emergency Service Personnel.
  I also am thankful for William Verity and the ABC for airing this well presented story.
  Much respect to you,
  Cheers
  Rossco.
  #herotozero

http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/earshot/its-being-recorded:-the-death-of-ashley-bryant/8752908

 https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=704403189747550&id=100005336258402

NSW police officer Ashley Bryant called for review into own death

Wednesday  26 April 2017

A former NSW policeman made a triple-zero call minutes before his suicide requesting his death be investigated, a Sydney coroner’s court has heard.

Ashley Bryant fell to his death in December 2013 in the Border National Park after battling for several years with a multitude of mental health problems brought on by exposure to traumatic events in his job.

“I understand this is being recorded and that’s exactly what I want,” the 44-year-old former detective sergeant said a triple-zero call from Minyon Falls shortly before his death.

“I want this to get to the coroner.”

In the call, Mr Bryant said he suffered from PTSD and could “no longer live with the pain”.

Asked by the operator if he could wait for police to arrive at the National Park, he responded “no, I’ll be gone before they arrive, thank you,” and hung up.

Police soon arrived at the falls to find his body.

Chilling The court heard on Wednesday morning that Mr Bryant had suffered from PTSD, alcoholism and anxiety for several years.

Council assisting the coroner Ian Bourke said Mr Bryant had once told his wife that he hadn’t initially disclosed his mental health problems to police because he was scared of losing his job.

A former colleague and friend, Detective Inspector Matthew Kehoe, told the court he had not known of Mr Bryant’s alcohol problems for several years, but there had been a “strong culture of abuse of alcohol” in the NSW police force when he began his career.

“We may go out and drink until the sun comes up,” Det Insp Kehoe said of the 1990s.

Officers were inclined to hide the fact they were struggling as they didn’t want to feel they were letting anyone down by leaving work or seeking help, he added.

“Police are very good at hiding things from people.”

A lawyer for Mr Bryant’s family, Jim Glissan, asked: “They will go on until they break?”

“Yes,” the detective inspector replied.

The inquest continues.

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78.

https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/nsw-police-officer-ashley-bryant-called-for-review-into-own-death/ar-BBAnvUL

Death in the line of duty

Death in the line of duty

Sunday 2 March 2014 8:05AM

She believes that nothing short of a change of culture is necessary to prevent further deaths.

‘These people have given their life for their career, and they have gotten to the point where they are broken and they should be recognised for that,’ she said.

‘As far as I am concerned, that’s death in the line of duty.’

This article represents part of a larger Background Briefing investigation. Listen to William Verity’s full report on Sunday at 8.05 am or use the podcast links above after broadcast.

The lack of recognition hit home last year for another widow, Kimberley Galvin, whose husband, Tom Galvin, killed himself after living with chronic post traumatic stress for six years.

She said Police Remembrance Day was one of the hardest times of her life.

‘It came in the same year as an officer killed on duty,’ she said.

‘With all due respect, it was like no-one else had died that year.’

‘It was very difficult for me to comes to terms with … your husband goes to work and he doesn’t come back, as opposed to your husband suffering and suffering and suffering and ends his life.’

‘That those two things are acknowledged in such different ways. Or one is acknowledged extensively and one is not acknowledged at all.’

Although the order of service listed many police who had died from a variety of causes—including old age and ill health—Tom Galvin’s name was conspicuous by its absence.

The story of isolation is repeated by thousands of police officers across Australia who become too sick to work.

Karol Blackley was dux of her class when she graduated and enjoyed a distinguished 22-year career in the NSW Police Force before—in police jargon—’falling off the perch’.

‘They didn’t care about me at all, not one iota,’ she said.

‘It was astounding, disappointing, hurtful, gut-wrenching. Here I am, with what could be a permanent psychological debilitation and they couldn’t give two hoots.’

At her lowest point, Blackley tried to hang herself and then drove to a local hotel, drank as much as she could stomach, and then drove her car in the hope that she would crash and die.

‘The minute you put up your hand and say, listen I am just not coping, I am ill and I can’t sleep and I’m crying uncontrollably in the corner of the office, and you can’t type because your fingers won’t send the message from your brain … that’s career suicide,’ she said.

‘So people hang on and they hang on until they commit actual suicide.’

Blackley runs one of several Facebook support sites set up by former officers—there is no site run by NSW Police—and says isolation can be one of the most damaging effects of post traumatic stress disorder.

‘No-one from the police department contacts you when you are off sick,’ she said.

‘No-one contacts you when you are medically discharged and certainly no-one contacts you when you are not in the police [force] anymore.’

The experience of these officers is in stark contrast to the message from Assistant Commissioner Carlene York, head of human resources at the NSW Police Force.

‘Whilst they are with us we have many intervention programs that we will go through with the officers to make sure those services are given to them urgently and immediately,’ York said.

‘They are very much supported in the workplace by their commanders and fellow officers.’

Although she declined to reveal suicide statistics, York maintained that indicators such as the number of officers leaving the force due to mental stress had improved dramatically in recent years.

‘We put a lot of services in place and we very much rally around the family in the regretful circumstance where there is a suicide,’ she said.

‘We make sure we can help them through those difficult times.’

One aspect of the treatment received by traumatised officers may soon face scrutiny thanks to NSW Greens MP David Shoebridge.

Next week, he will call for an inquiry into the treatment of sick officers seeking compensation from their insurance companies.

Shoebridge became aware of the issue when he represented injured police as a barrister, before entering parliament.

‘We need to ensure that those claims are handled promptly, fairly and independently,’ he said.

‘At the moment, there are many outstanding psychological injury claims that have been running for years. That aggravates the injury.’

The inquiry will look into the treatment of officers such as Andy Peverill, who has been fighting for compensation for three years with no end in sight.

The former constable sits in his farm outside Parkes, in western NSW, with the blinds drawn for fear of surveillance by his insurance company, MetLife.

The company has already made him see 10 psychologists—they all confirm that he has post traumatic stress disorder—but no decision is on the horizon.

Peverill’s wife, Michele, believes it is a tactic to grind them down and told Background Briefing that more than half of the officers who put in a claim end up giving up.

Like other officers, they say they have received no support from NSW Police or from former colleagues.

‘When I ask Andy he says he thinks they are frightened of catching it,’ Michele Peverill said.

‘Almost like it is contagious. I don’t know if there are any undermining things where senior officers say you mustn’t have a bar of him, I don’t know.’

‘They won’t even reply to my texts if I text them, so I don’t know.’

If you need help, or know someone who does, then contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

You will also find useful resources at beyondblue.org.au

Before he died, he called 000.

‘I suffer post traumatic stress disorder,’ he said.

‘I can no longer live with the trauma of it and I want this to go to the coroner.’

‘There needs to be more things put in place for what happens. For partners of those that suffer, because I suffer and so do the partners.’

‘And there has to be more done for them. Alright, I have no more to say.’

His widow, Deborah Bryant, is taking up the campaign and has launched a scathing attack on the lack of support provided by the NSW Police Force.

‘I don’t think we were even a glitch on their radar,’ she told Background Briefing.

As a first step, she is calling for police who commit suicide with post traumatic stress to be included at remembrance days and included on the honour board. Suicides are specifically excluded from the National Police Memorial in Canberra.

As a first step, she is calling for police who commit suicide with post traumatic stress to be included at remembrance days and included on the honour board. Suicides are specifically excluded from the National Police Memorial in Canberra.

She believes that nothing short of a change of culture is necessary to prevent further deaths.

‘These people have given their life for their career, and they have gotten to the point where they are broken and they should be recognised for that,’ she said.

‘As far as I am concerned, that’s death in the line of duty.’

The lack of recognition hit home last year for another widow, Kimberley Galvin, whose husband, Tom Galvin, killed himself after living with chronic post traumatic stress for six years.

She said Police Remembrance Day was one of the hardest times of her life.

‘It came in the same year as an officer killed on duty,’ she said.

‘With all due respect, it was like no-one else had died that year.’

‘It was very difficult for me to comes to terms with … your husband goes to work and he doesn’t come back, as opposed to your husband suffering and suffering and suffering and ends his life.’

‘That those two things are acknowledged in such different ways. Or one is acknowledged extensively and one is not acknowledged at all.’

Although the order of service listed many police who had died from a variety of causes—including old age and ill health—Tom Galvin’s name was conspicuous by its absence.

The story of isolation is repeated by thousands of police officers across Australia who become too sick to work.

Karol Blackley was dux of her class when she graduated and enjoyed a distinguished 22-year career in the NSW Police Force before—in police jargon—’falling off the perch’.

‘They didn’t care about me at all, not one iota,’ she said.

‘It was astounding, disappointing, hurtful, gut-wrenching. Here I am, with what could be a permanent psychological debilitation and they couldn’t give two hoots.’

At her lowest point, Blackley tried to hang herself and then drove to a local hotel, drank as much as she could stomach, and then drove her car in the hope that she would crash and die.

‘The minute you put up your hand and say, listen I am just not coping, I am ill and I can’t sleep and I’m crying uncontrollably in the corner of the office, and you can’t type because your fingers won’t send the message from your brain … that’s career suicide,’ she said.

‘So people hang on and they hang on until they commit actual suicide.’

Blackley runs one of several Facebook support sites set up by former officers—there is no site run by NSW Police—and says isolation can be one of the most damaging effects of post traumatic stress disorder.

‘No-one from the police department contacts you when you are off sick,’ she said.

‘No-one contacts you when you are medically discharged and certainly no-one contacts you when you are not in the police [force] anymore.’

The experience of these officers is in stark contrast to the message from Assistant Commissioner Carlene York, head of human resources at the NSW Police Force.

‘Whilst they are with us we have many intervention programs that we will go through with the officers to make sure those services are given to them urgently and immediately,’ York said.

‘They are very much supported in the workplace by their commanders and fellow officers.’

Although she declined to reveal suicide statistics, York maintained that indicators such as the number of officers leaving the force due to mental stress had improved dramatically in recent years.

‘We put a lot of services in place and we very much rally around the family in the regretful circumstance where there is a suicide,’ she said.

‘We make sure we can help them through those difficult times.’

One aspect of the treatment received by traumatised officers may soon face scrutiny thanks to NSW Greens MP David Shoebridge.

Next week, he will call for an inquiry into the treatment of sick officers seeking compensation from their insurance companies.

Shoebridge became aware of the issue when he represented injured police as a barrister, before entering parliament.

‘We need to ensure that those claims are handled promptly, fairly and independently,’ he said.

‘At the moment, there are many outstanding psychological injury claims that have been running for years. That aggravates the injury.’

The inquiry will look into the treatment of officers such as Andy Peverill, who has been fighting for compensation for three years with no end in sight.

The former constable sits in his farm outside Parkes, in western NSW, with the blinds drawn for fear of surveillance by his insurance company, MetLife.

The company has already made him see 10 psychologists—they all confirm that he has post traumatic stress disorder—but no decision is on the horizon.

Peverill’s wife, Michele, believes it is a tactic to grind them down and told Background Briefing that more than half of the officers who put in a claim end up giving up.

Like other officers, they say they have received no support from NSW Police or from former colleagues.

‘When I ask Andy he says he thinks they are frightened of catching it,’ Michele Peverill said.

‘Almost like it is contagious. I don’t know if there are any undermining things where senior officers say you mustn’t have a bar of him, I don’t know.’

‘They won’t even reply to my texts if I text them, so I don’t know.’

You can view the report in it’s original form on ABC Radio National here.

David introduced a Notice of Motion into the NSW Upper House on Tuesday seeking support for a Parliamentary Inquiry into how the NSW Police Force and insurers deal with serving and former NSW police who have suffered psychological injuries.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eh8rC7J7V7o

 http://davidshoebridge.org.au/2014/03/03/death-in-the-line-of-duty-breaking-the-silence-on-police-psychological-injuries/

Our shameful silence on police suicide

Updated 6 Mar 2014, 6:38am

The suffocating silence around suicide in the police force and the lack of support for officers suffering mental trauma amounts to a national scandal, writes William Verity.

If it takes the death of yet another police officer to wake us up to the scandal occurring all around us, his life may not be entirely wasted.

Ashley Bryant was not the last serving or former officer in NSW to take his own life, despite the fact that he only died just before Christmas.

Another officer killed himself in Sydney in January.

In fact, since the last NSW officer – Inspector Bryson Anderson – was killed in the line of duty in December 2012, at least five officers have taken their own lives.

You won’t have heard their names, you won’t hear them honoured at Police Remembrance Days, and their names are specifically excluded from the National Police Memorial in Canberra.

It’s as if their many years of honourable service leading to the ultimate sacrifice never happened.

Ashley Bryant was 44 years old when the “head noises” (as he called them) of post traumatic stress disorder finally pushed him over the edge.

As his widow, Deborah Bryant, relates, it was an act of mercy. He had become so impossible to be around. His cycling through heavy drinking followed by bouts of manic exercise, his anger, his moods, his nightmares.

He killed himself because he believed it was his compassionate act towards his wife and three young children.

Yet before he died, the former detective sergeant made one last call – to 000 – where he broadcast to the world a desperate plea on behalf of the thousands of police in Australia who suffer mental stress.

“I can no longer live with the trauma of it and I want this to go to the coroner,” he said.

“There needs to be more, more things put in place for what happens. Listen, for partners, of those that suffer, cause I suffer and so do the partners. And there has to be more done for them.

“Alright, I have no more to say.”

We are used to hearing about post traumatic stress in the military, and it was the condition of Vietnam veterans in the 1970s that first formalized the condition in the psychiatric diagnostic manual.

Yet conditions for police can be every bit as traumatic as for soldiers, some would argue worse.

One officer described putting out the washing and seeing a dead body that wasn’t there. Or feeding her cat and when the animal looked up at her, it had the face of a murder victim.

Another officer would bang his headboard as he suffered nightmares and he put a hole in the wall. He would relive crime scenes in his sleep, shouting out orders, so his partner learnt more about his work from his nightmares than his conscious self.

All of them contemplate suicide at some point, many of them attempt either violently or over time, often drinking themselves to an early grave or overdosing on their medication.

If you’ve ever wondered about that semi-comical police jargon used, where a dead man is described as “a deceased male person”, ask yourself, why the special language?

Could it be a defence mechanism, a way of distancing yourself from the daily horror, an imperfect shield against impending head noises?

This need to defend oneself may explain why, almost universally, police who fall sick with mental trauma are shunned by colleagues and isolated from any meaningful help from the police bureaucracy.

As one recent widow put it: “When you can’t do what you’re supposed to do, you’re just out and move up and someone else fills your spot. You’re just out.”

The astonishing fact is that this mental carnage is nothing new. There are many thousands of sick and medically discharged police around Australia, one or more in every suburb. It’s been going on for decades.

So why the silence?

One issue is that police forces and unions will not discuss the issue of suicide, arguing that it will only encourage more. As if police officers, who deal with death on a daily basis and carry a Glock pistol on their belt, could be so easily swayed into taking their own lives.

Another issue may be one of money. Police forces may fear a deluge of claims coming their way if there is any suggestion that they have failed in their duty of care.

A third issue is that in this male culture, post traumatic stress is seen – quite understandably – as a contagious disease. If I lower my defences to become empathetic to my colleagues, I become vulnerable to breakdown myself.

Though blame will not save a single life, there is no doubt that the silence and lack of action by police unions is a national scandal.

Can you imagine the CFMEU staying silent – even having a policy to stay silent – if five of its members had died on building sites in NSW alone in the past 14 months? God knows how many more have died in other states.

Or the journalists’ union? Even the Health Services Union in the hands of Thompson and Williamson would have done a better job.

The systemic problem here, it seems, is that the NSW Police Association is staffed by serving officers, with the same blind spots as other serving officers.

In addition, there appears to be a game played where they can campaign on behalf of their members, but only within certain parameters. Unlike other relationships between employers and unions, the NSW Police Association and the NSW Police Force are so close as to be a single organisation.

There is no room here to describe the shameful treatment – surveillance, delays, harassment – meted out to sick officers seeking the compensation owed to them after years of paying their insurance premiums.

If you want to hear the full catastrophe, you will need to download “Death In the line of duty” from the ABC Radio National Background Briefing website.

Let’s remember, these are men and women who have performed one of the hardest, most selfless jobs in society. And when they become sick, we discard them and leave them to shattered lives or worse.

We all bear a responsibility for that and it’s time we did better. The time for silence is over.

If you or someone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

William Verity has been a journalist for more than 20 years. View his full profile here.

First posted 3 Mar 2014, 9:39amMon 3 Mar 2014, 9:39am

A letter from Deborah Bryant, dated 1 June 2014:

Police officer’s suicide call ‘I’ll be gone before they arrive’

WARNING: This article deals with suicide and could be triggering for some readers.

Police refuse to release figures for the number of serving or retired police officers who have taken their lives as a result of PTSD, but in NSW alone in the last 18 months more than five times as many officers died by their own hand than were killed in the line of duty.

These startling figures are revealed in a Sunday Night investigation into post-traumatic-stress-disorder in the police force.

An emergency call from Detective Sergeant Ashley Bryant also aired. The call was placed before he took his own life and in it he asked for more to be done to assist sufferers.

In December 2012, after 23 years with the force, Bryant resigned from the force due to ongoing PTSD.

He had been treated on and off for a decade and considered quitting the job he loved as a last resort.

“It made him feel much, much, worse,” his wife Deb Bryant told Sunday Night.

“From my point of view I was really happy that he’d finally taken that step, but he was devastated.”

“It’s what he called the pinnacle of his career. There’s no greater privilege than to investigate the homicide of someone and so he was very, very, proud to do that.”

When his disability insurance was denied, his world finally fell apart.

“That just began a downhill spiral, things became really difficult at home again.”

“We discussed him going back to the rehab centre, and again he refused to do that.”

In the recording Bryan requests that his reason for taking his life be recorded by the coroner.

“I understand that this is being recorded and I suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. I can no longer live with the trauma of it and I want this to go to the coroner,” he said in the 000 call.

“There needs to be more done, more things put in place for what happens. Listen, for partners, of those that suffer, because I suffer and so do the partners. And there has to be more done for them alright, I have no more to say.”

Mrs Bryant said her husband’s work began affecting him early in his career.

“From the early days there were always incidents and he could come home and was affected by it. Whether it be motor vehicle accidents or self-harm, suicides, infant deaths.”

“It was really heartbreaking to see that strong person become a shell of himself.”

In over 20 years as a cop Allan Sparkes’ experienced the extremes of the job.

Esther McKay was also a dedicated cop for 21 years – most of it as a forensic crime scene investigator – until she was medically discharged with PTSD in 2000.

She said she felt forced to walk away from the job she loved.

“I realised that I was going to lose my career which was quite devastating and I think when you talk to police you will see that they love their job, it’s a real passion.”

“It got to a stage where I was effectively negotiating with myself not jump off a cliff.”

If you are struggling with depression or PTSD click here to visit Lifeline or call 131114

The following titles are by officers featured in our story:
Allan Sparkes: ‘The Cost of Bravery’
Esther McKay: True Stories from the Life of a Country Crime Scene Cop
Jeff Garland: Split Second Story
Belinda Neil: Under Siege

https://au.news.yahoo.com/sunday-night/features/a/25520435/police-officers-suicide-call-ill-be-gone-before-they-arrive/

Former detective sergeant Ashley Bryant had service for more than two decades when he quit the police service in December 2012.

He had endured several traumatic experiences on the job, had been treated on and off for a decade and had regularly contemplated walking away. Eventually it all became too much.

A year later he phoned Triple 0 from Minyon Falls in the NSW Northern Rivers Region.

“I understand that this is being recorded and I suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. I can no longer live with the trauma of it and I want this to go to the coroner,” he said in the call aired by Seven’s Sunday Night program.

“There needs to be more done, more things put in place for what happens.

“Listen, for partners, of those that suffer, because I suffer and so do the partners. And there has to be more done for them all right, I have no more to say.”

The Triple 0 operator then urged Mr Bryant to wait until emergency service arrived. He replied ‘I’ll be gone before they arrive.’

Mr Bryant’s wife Deborah, who played the recording to Sunday Night’s Melissa Doyle, said the rigours of his job took its toll.“From the early days there were always incidents and he could come home and was affected by it,” she said.

“Whether it be motor vehicle accidents or self-harm, suicides, infant deaths.

“It was really heartbreaking to see that strong person become a shell of himself.”

Despite the devastation of leaving a career he had been intensely proud of, Mr Bryant had optimism for the future.

But when his disability insurance was denied his life went on a downward spiral.

According to Sunday Night in NSW alone in the last 18 months more than five times as many officers died by their own hand than were killed in the line of duty.

In a statement to the program NSW Police Minister Stuart Ayres said the welfare of police officers remained one of his highest priorities

“I am committed to working with the NSW Police Force to improve police officer welfare and note the NSW Government has invested $15-million in welfare focused programs.

‘The NSW Police Force now has over 79 activities and initiatives in place to promote wellbeing and prevent injury, improve injury management, and rehabilitate and redeploy injured officers.”

If you need help, or know someone who does, then contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

You will also find useful resources at beyondblue.org.au

Ashley is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance BUT was as of 2017

Further reading:

http://aworkcovervictimsdiary.com/2014/11/police-suicide-workers-compensation-remembering-ashley-bryant/

Police suicide and workers compensation – remembering Ashley Bryant

‘Sex assaults’ at osteopath

4 August 2016 and Garth Duggan is still in the headlines.

Brian Gerard KILMARTIN

aka  Killer

Victoria Police Force

Regd. #  24519

Rank:  Sergeant

Stations:  ?, Fairfield, Northcote – death

Service:  From ? ? ?  to  30 September 2013

Awards: National Medal – granted 14 July 2000

Police Service Medal – NOT recorded on It’s An Honour

Born: 11 June 1964

Died on:  30 September 2013

Cause: Heart failure

Age: 49

Funeral date: Thursday  10 October 2013 @ 2pm

Funeral location:  Victoria Police Academy, View Mount Rd, Glen Waverley

Buried at: Tatura Lawn Cemetery, Winter Rd, Tatura

Interment date:  Friday 11 October 2013 @ noon

Memorial location:  All Nations Park war memorial, Separation St, Northcote, Vic.

[alert_blue]BRIAN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_blue]

* NOT JOB RELATED

The Funeral of  Sergeant BRIAN KILMARTIN will be held in the Chapel of the Victoria Police Academy, View Mount Rd, Glen Waverley on THURSDAY (October 10) at 2.00 pm.

POLICE HONOURS

Brian’s interment will take place at the Tatura Lawn Cemetery (Winter Rd) on FRIDAY (October 11) at 12.00 noon.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Heart Foundation would be appreciated. Envelopes at the Service.

The Age, Tuesday October 8, 2013

Messages:

Obituaries

Published in Herald Sun on 07/10/2013

KILMARTIN. Brian. Killer, you are a legend of the job and will never be forgotten.

Steve “Trigger and Robyn Waite.

KILMARTIN. Brian. Always knowledgeable, always approachable. Best Sergeant we ever had. Rest In Peace

Nick and Jo Parissis.

KILMARTIN Brian Sergeant 24519

Members past and present of Northcote Police Station are saddened by the sudden loss of our highly respected work colleague and friend.

Killer, you were a man of few words but those words were always full of wisdom and humour. You will be sadly missed.

Condolences to Andrea, Josh, James and the Kilmartin family.

KILMARTIN. Brian. Sergeant 24519

Management and Staff of North West Metro Region, Division 5 extend their deepest sympathy to Andrea, Josh and James on the loss of Brian. Our thoughts are with you.

KILMARTIN. Brian. Sincere sympathy to our friend Andrea and Joshua and James on the loss of your beloved husband and father, Brian. He will be sadly missed

David, Rosemary, Linda, Sheryl, Judy, Grace, Alyx and all at North Balwyn Eye Clinic and Specialist Centre.

KILMARTIN. Brian. The Members of the Doncaster Junior Football Club are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of our fellow member and friend. Sincere condolences to Andrea, Josh and James.

KILMARTIN. Brian. You will be missed by all of your old detective buddies and friends at the High Street Blues.

KILMARTIN. Brian. Thank you for your friendship, memories and wonderful sense of humour. You always made me laugh. I can’t believe you’re gone. Much love to Andrea, your beautiful boys and the Kilmartin family. Muzza Porter and family.

KILMARTIN. Brian. Sgt. 24519 Good man, great Sergeant Sadly missed by all at Reservoir Police Station.

KILMARTIN Brian Loved son-in-law of Judith Robinson, brother-in-law and uncle of Louise, Sarah and Aaron, Aimee, Samuel and Jessie Lucas; Peter, Sharon, Christopher, Laura and Alex Robinson; Paul, Elsa, Matthew and John Robinson. Simply the Best

KILMARTIN. Brian. Sergeant 24519 The Chief Commissioner, Officers and Employees of the Victoria Police Force regret the passing of their colleague and offer their deepest sympathy to his family.

KILMARTIN. Brian. Cherished nephew and Godson of Bill (dec. ) and Marie Davies. Loved cousin of Jill, Denise, John, Anne, Nick and Cathy. Forever in our hearts

KILMARTIN. Brian Gerard. Loved brother of Dennis and Rosemary. Uncle of Thomas and Anna. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal.

KILMARTIN. Brian. From those heady days at Carlton and Fairfield until now. Killer, you will be sadly missed. Ray and Leanne Foster.

KILMARTIN. Brian. The President, Executive and Members of The Police Association mourn the passing of Sergeant Kilmartin and extend their deepest sympathy to his family. At Rest

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Corporal Rodney Breavington, a former Fairfield resident, was executed by the Japanese in Singapore in 1942 during World War II after escaping from a prison camp where thousands of allies were held.

He and three other prisoners were forced to dig their own graves before facing a firing squad.

Breavington pleaded with his executioners to shoot him and free the other men but his captors ignored the plea.

He refused a blindfold and clutched a photo of his wife as he was shot dead.

Darebin RSL spokesman Bill Mountford said police, like other servicemen and women, put their lives on the line.

He said it was fitting that recipients of the Breavington Award who’d lost their lives while serving their communities should get recognition with a plaque on the war memorial.

But Mr Mountford said he hoped there would be no need for any more plaques to be awarded posthumously.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/northcote-police-officer-posthumously-honoured-with-breavington-award/news-story/64ebf2f1da8ffed62e4cbbaeb23cc811

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William Arthur George CREWS  VA

aka  Bill, Will, Crewsy

New South Wales Police Force

Goulburn Police Academy Class # ???

Regd. # 42481

Rank:  Commenced Training at Goulburn Police Academy on 25 June 2006

Probationary Constable – appointed 30 January 2007

Constable – appointed ? ? ?

Final Rank:  Posthumously promoted to Detective Constable

Service:  From ? ? ? to 9 September 2010 = ? years Service

Stations:  Bathurst, Campsie, Bankstown

Cause:  Accidentally Shot – friendly fire

Event location:  Cairds Avenue, Bankstown

Born:  Tuesday  29 May 1984

Died on:  Thursday  9 September, 2010

Age:  26 years, 3 months, 11 days

Funeral:  16 September 2010 at St Andrew’s Cathedral, central Sydney, NSW

The constable was accidentally shot during the execution of a search warrant in Bankstown on 9 September, 2010. He was posthumously awarded Commissioner’s Valour Award.

At the time of his death the constable was aged 26 years and had joined the New South Wales Police Force in 2007.

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/shot-officer-awarded-posthumous-promotion-and-valour-medal-20100916-15dib.html

Shot officer awarded posthumous promotion and valour medal

Date    September 16, 2010

William Crews remembered at funeral

Tributes to William Crews from his brother and the NSW Police Commissioner at his funeral in Sydney.

NSW police officer William Crews, who died during a drug raid a week ago, has been posthumously awarded the Police Commissioner’s Valour Award and promoted to detective.

The 26-year-old trainee detective had been with the force for just three years when he was accidentally shot by a fellow police officer during the operation in Sydney’s southwest on September 9.

He loved his job and gave it everything that he could offer and I believe that this was why he was so successful in his chosen profession. He was a larrikin and loved to laugh but also knew when the job had to be done.

About 5000 well-wishers, mostly made up of members of the NSW Police Force and including members of the emergency services, public and political leaders, gathered in and outside of St Andrew’s Cathedral in central Sydney to pay their respects at his funeral.

Officers carry the coffin into the cathedral. Photo: Peter Rae

After graduating from Goulburn Police Academy in 2007, the newly promoted Detective Constable Crews served at Campsie Local Area Command before he was rapidly promoted to the Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad earlier this year.

It was an extraordinary achievement, NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said at his funeral today.

“William was not in the NSW Police Force for long, but by anyone’s record, he was on a rapid upward path,” he said.

Fellow officers carry the coffin to the altar. Photo: Peter Rae

Positions within the State Crime Command were highly sought after, Mr Scipione added.

“It is a place where our most-skilled detectives want to go,” he said.

“If you get there at all, it’s usually after a long apprenticeship.

William Crews.

“If you get there quickly, it is because you have something that sets you apart.

“And William had that certain something.”

Along with the Valour Award, for “conspicuous merit and exceptional bravery” during the raid at Bankstown, Mr Scipione also posthumously promoted Constable Crews to the rank of detective.

The detective constable’s coffin, draped with the Australian flag and native flowers, was carried into the church by officers including his brother, Constable Ben Crews. ( #41398 ).

Moments earlier, a pianist played an uplifting version of the pop music ballad He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother.

Ben Crews described his younger brother as a larrikin who loved to laugh, loved his job and motor bikes, camping and farm life.

“He was man of great achievement, a man of integrity, a man of loyalty and a man of honour, a man of ethics and, lastly, a man who never gave up and kept fighting to the end,” Ben Crews said.

“I will never forget you and miss you with all that I have.

“I know you will be looking down upon us today with that smile which touched and enriched the lives of so many, thinking how lucky you were to be loved so much by so many people.

“Rest in peace mate.”

Senior Constable Ben Kemp ( #34819 ) from Det Const Crews‘ home town of Glen Innes, where it is believed he will be buried, told police mourners the fallen officer was a reason for them to keep getting up each day to go to work.

“His legacy is our legacy …” he said.

“He is 15,000 of us …

“He made a difference.”

The Anglican Archbishop of Sydney Dr Peter Jensen said the family had set an example for the community on how to grieve.

They had met with the officer who accidentally shot Det Const Crews to assure him they did not hold him responsible for his death.

“In particular, we want to thank you for showing us how to forgive,” Archbishop Jensen said.

“Like it or not, some people in your position may have responded with anger and even cries for vengeance.”

After the service, police officers formed a guard of honour down George Street.

The funeral procession included mounted police, a police band and colleagues from Campsie Local Area Command and the Middle East Crime Squad.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/shot-officer-awarded-posthumous-promotion-and-valour-medal-20100916-15dib.html#ixzz2JwkU56iw

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/a-courageous-larrikin-who-gave-his-life/story-e6frg6nf-1225925057994

A courageous larrikin who gave his life

He is their hero, our hero, my hero.
He is Will Crews. May he rest in peace.

STAY STRONG BROTHER

Those words commemorate a great man.

http://www.news.com.au/national-news/nsw-act/prosecutors-to-appeal-seven-year-sentence-given-to-philip-nguyens-who-was-responsible-for-the-death-of-william-crews/story-fndo4bst-1226608221814

Prosecutors to appeal seven year sentence given to Philip Nguyen’s who was responsible for the death of William Crews

Amy Dale

• The Daily Telegraph
• March 28, 2013 9:54AM

PROSECUTORS will appeal the seven year sentence given to Philip Nguyen, the man responsible for the death of trainee detective William Crews. NSW Attorney General Greg Smith released a statement this morning saying he has been informed by the DPP Lloyd Babb SC that they “have decided to appeal against the sentence handed down to Philip Nguyen.”

The 57-year-old was sentenced to at least seven years behind bars, but with time already in custody he will be eligible for release in September 2017.

He pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Constable Crews, who was killed from a bullet to the neck while on a raid of a Bankstown garage in September 2010.

The gunshot which killed the promising 26-year-old officer came from his colleague’s gun, but the court found Nguyen had been responsible for the death by starting a shoot-out with police.

In sentencing him to a maximum of nine years and six months in prison, Justice Elizabeth Fullerton said “although he didn’t fire the shot which killed him, he caused his death.”

Mr Smith and Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said on the day of Nguyen’s sentence earlier this month they hoped the DPP would appeal.

Constable Crews’ father Kel said outside the courtroom following the sentence “it doesn’t seem to us to be appropriate for our family, for the police and for the community.”

“He has given his life in the line of duty, we have been sentenced to life- the sentence that has been given down has been nothing to what we have been sentenced to,” Mr Crews said.

The matter will be mentioned in the Court of Criminal Appeal later this year.

 

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http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/first-interview-policeman-who-shot-constable-bill-crews-talks-about-the-pain-of-the-dark-day-that-claimed-his-mate8217s-life/story-fni0cx12-1226694791012?sv=21594397341dde5ed0034d1b90af49ac#.UgcRY52gDmI.facebook

First interview: Policeman who shot Constable Bill Crews talks about the pain of the dark day that claimed his mate’s life

• Yoni Bashan
• News Limited Network
• August 11, 2013 12:00AM

THE incident lasted just 2.8 seconds – from the time police shouted “search warrant” to the last of five bullets being fired. For three years Detective Senior Constable Dave Roberts, 42, has been struggling to understand how a routine warrant ended with his mate killed from a bullet he fired.”For a long time I couldn’t think clearly about the matter,” Roberts said.

In 2010, his team from the Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad were in the carpark of a Bankstown unit block to search drug supplier Philip Nguyen, 55.

It was considered so low-risk that detectives walked into the garage without guns drawn.

Constable Crews, 26, had just joined the squad as a highly recommended recruit. He was carrying a folder under his arm.

Extensive intelligence checks would tell police Nguyen was not armed.

Then they spotted him.

Roberts remembers an incredibly cramped space, Nguyen walking quickly out of his garage, the muzzle of his gun flashing as it fired, and Crews promptly returning fire three times.

“I’ve dropped what I was holding, drew my gun and fired once,” he said. “All that took less than three seconds.”

His words slow as he recalls regrouping with his colleagues behind a brick wall when the shooting stopped. They realised Bill was missing.

“We were looking down the garage … we saw Bill lying motionless.”

He exhales deeply before continuing.

“I was expecting to see Nguyen on the ground as well. I was hoping like crazy my round had struck him.

“About 10 seconds after it dawned on me that my round may have struck Bill.” Roberts‘ world fell apart after that night – his colleagues’ too. The commanding officer who approved the warrant later quit the force and to this day blames himself for the whole incident.

Another detective who saw the tragedy unfold self-medicates with alcohol and medication. He is a mess.

Roberts suffered the most. He has held his silence since but agreed to share his story in the hope it might assist others suffering extreme trauma.

His path has been a lonely one. It is the only friendly fire case in NSW Police Force history where a policeman has died in the line of duty.

After the incident he was taken to hospital and treated for injuries caused during a grief-stricken rage. His knuckles still bear the scars from that night as he tried to punch holes through brick walls inside the garage.

He woke to discover Nguyen was in custody and uninjured, ending any hope his bullet struck its intended target.

A carload of senior police would arrive on his doorstep later that evening to break the news his bullet struck Crews.

“That was one of the worst days of my life.”

At his lowest point Roberts was gambling heavily and dependent on Xanax to regulate his moods. He also began experiencing debilitating panic attacks. He had previously never gone near a poker machine now he was addicted. His marriage of 18 years nearly collapsed.

“I lost thousands over a 12-month period. Initially I played low amounts _ $10 at a time _ but on occasions I would put in $500. It was an escape … a very expensive way to numb the mind.”

With the help of sessions at a post-traumatic stress clinic he managed to walk away from gambling in April last year but there would be other struggles.

Crews’ desk had been left untouched when he returned to work a month after the incident. Little reminders of him were everywhere. They exchanged two emails just before heading off that night.

“I’ve only just deleted them,” Roberts said. “I kept them for two years.

“When I hit send on those emails everything was good. Bill was still alive. They’re a painful reminder.” Compounding his grief were reports suggesting the search was “botched”, implying he was clumsy or ill-prepared.

“It hits hard,” he said. “I knew the word `botched’ wasn’t a nice word. I looked it up and the definition is everything I’m not.”

Nguyen‘s solicitor would later assert in court that Roberts, a stickler for safety precaution, was the only officer wearing a ballistic vest that night. Incorrect. Another detective, Tom Howes ( # 40442 ) was wearing body armour – and for good reason. Howes was with Roberts the night of December 27, 2007, when a Comanchero bikie pointed a gun in their direction during a traffic stop, prompting two shots to be fired.

Both officers, ever since, insist on body armour.

Until just a few months ago, Roberts said he could not forgive himself. Nagging questions were dogging his mind. What if he had aimed better? What if the bullet had been two centimetres to the right? What if the gun was angled higher?

He would return to the Bankstown garage several months after the shooting with two police colleagues – one a tactical weapons expert, the other a detective – to reconstruct the incident and seek their impartial advice.

Statistically it was impossible to replicate the circumstances of the shooting. The whole thing was a tragic, freakish one-in-a-million, they said.

“I beat myself up for a long time over this,” Roberts said, citing family, close friends, police colleagues and the police chaplain, Frank, as those who brought him back from his living hell. “I don’t `what if‘ so much anymore. I don’t blame myself anymore.”

Nguyen has been sentenced to seven years jail over the death of Crews that night. Prosecutors have appealed, saying the punishment was “manifestly inadequate“.

Roberts is still in the force, but in a different command. He has several important reasons for staying – he wants to set a positive example for people and show life can go on after even the worst tragedies. The job, he says, is an extremely noble profession. But a major factor that is close to his heart is Crews‘ mother. “I made a promise to Sharon … She said if we left the cops it would compound her grief.”

On September 8, the anniversary of Crews’ death, Roberts will visit the memorial. Every year he goes by himself, looks at Crews‘ name, and remembers that night and his colleague in private.

“There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about what happened and not a day goes by where I don’t think about Bill. And there hasn’t been for the past three years.

“I think about Bill only being a young man and he had everything ahead of him.

“I know he was well-loved by his family, by his friends.

“I know there isn’t a day that goes by (that) they wouldn’t miss him either.”

 

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Officer’s death hits local police hard

By BRENDAN ARROW

Sept. 10, 2010, 7:34 a.m.

POLICE in the Chifley Local Area Command have been personally affected by the death of trainee detective William Crews.

The 26-year-old died in a Sydney hospital after he was shot while carrying out a drug operation on Wednesday night with seven other officers from the Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad in Bankstown, in Sydney’s south-west.

The officers were fired upon outside the targeted property in Cairds Avenue about 9pm. Constable Crews was hit in the head and neck.

Philip Nguyen, 55, has since been charged with shooting with intent to murder and discharging a firearm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Geehad Ghazi, 27, has been charged with possession of an unauthorised firearm.

Yesterday, Acting Inspector Lionel White said the tragic situation in Sydney had personally impacted on a number of officers who knew Constable Crews.

“It is a very shocking situation, a couple of the officers here at the Bathurst Police Station knew him and have been left very upset by the situation,” he said.

“Some of the officers worked with him and trained with him before he became a detective.

“For those officers, we are offering them support and counselling during this tough time.”

Reminding people of those officers who lost their lives in the Bathurst area in the line of duty is a memorial board naming the 13 policemen who have died in the line of duty.

Since Trooper Robert Lovell McDougall died in 1853 near Sofala, 12 officers have fallen in the line of duty in Bathurst area with Sergeant Paul Mitchell Quinn the last, on the March 30, 1986.

Acting Inspector White said the latest death in Sydney brought to the forefront the difficult circumstances that police can find themselves in daily.

“On top of the very mundane things we do every day this is a stark reminder of the dangers police officers can face while in the front line,” he said. “This very much reminded us of the risk officers sometimes have to take while in the line of duty.

“It is a great tragedy.”

http://www.westernadvocate.com.au/story/911623/officers-death-hits-local-police-hard/

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Bill Crews inquest: Errors in planning, execution of drug raid contributed to police officer’s death

By Claire Aird

Updated Mon 21 September 2015 at 5:29pm

Photo: Constable Bill Crews died after being accidentally shot by a fellow officer in 2010. (Police Media)

Related Story: Dramatic footage shows chaos after shooting of officer Bill Crews

Related Story: Raid in which officer was killed ‘mistakenly classified’

An inquest into the shooting death of a Sydney police officer in a botched drugs raid five years ago has found errors in the planning and execution of a search warrant, stemming from “inadequate training” and “ineffective supervision”.

Constable William ‘Bill’ Crews was unintentionally shot by a colleague in returning fire from a drug dealer, in the underground car park of an apartment block at Bankstown in Sydney’s south west in September 2010.

He later died in hospital.

In handing down his findings, New South Wales Coroner Michael Barnes said Crews was killed as a result of “cascading, compounding errors“.

“Sadly, it seems likely that had these errors not occurred Bill Crews may not have died,” Mr Barnes said.

Outside the Glebe Coroners Court, Crew’s father Kelvin Crews said he was emotional.

“Our family has tragically been affected for the rest of our lives,” he said.

“It’s a tragic incident that’s occurred and we never want it to happen again.”

Young and ‘relatively junior’

Crews was “a good bloke and a good cop” committed to learning his new role as a detective in the Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad.

On September 8, 2010, the 26-year-old was one of several “relatively junior detectives”, who thought they were attending a routine search after being tipped off about a man dealing cocaine and heroin from a garage to Middle Eastern crime families, including the Hamze and Kalache families.

None of them had advanced weapons training and none were prepared for what unfolded, according to the coroner.

When the group, led by Crews, entered the basement, they headed towards the wrong garage.

Affected by drugs and with little English, 58-year-old Philip Nguyen fired on the seven undercover officers who were not displaying identification, thinking they were robbers.

Detective Senior Constable Dave Roberts returned fired whilst trying to get cover.

The coroner said Detective Senior Constable Roberts did not know exactly where Crews was at the time and his movement meant he could not control where his gun was pointing when it fired.

This is contrary to police procedures and training.

Risk assessment ‘critically compromised’

Police expected a drug deal would occur at Nguyen’s garage that night involving Middle Eastern crime families; however, the operation was deemed low-risk.

The NSW coroner was highly critical of the risk assessment and its approval by more senior ranking officers.

The court heard Detective Inspector Michael Ryan ( # 20029 ) sought to downplay the risks by suggesting Nguyen, an Asian male, was less likely to possess weapons or attack police because “Asians tend to be businessmen”.

Inspector Ryan also asserted the Kalache family was “a spent force”.

Mr Barnes said the risk assessment was also informed by inadequate intelligence gathering and reconnaissance, which could have prevented the officers attending the wrong garage that night.

“To merely drive by the premises and stop outside briefly when two inhabitants of the unit block were able to facilitate access was unwise and unnecessarily scant,” Mr Barnes said.

The coroner noted NSW Police had made improvements in the way risk assessments were now conducted and in training and oversight.

Whilst body armour would not have saved Crews, the coroner also noted NSW Police was planning to introduce soft body armour vests that would clearly identify the wearer as a police officer.

“I am satisfied NSW Police has rigorously engaged with each of the inadequacies highlighted by the circumstances in which Detective Bill Crews died,” Mr Barnes said.

Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione has refused to say if he would consider disciplinary action against the officers involved, saying he would need to first read the coroner’s report.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-21/bill-crews-shooting-inquest-finds-errors-in-plan-execution/6791412

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