In 2017, Allan underwent open heart artery by pass surgery.
Prior to joining the NSWPF – Allan was an Apprentice Motor Mechanic and Mechanic for 6 years.
At the time of joining the NSWPF, Allan was described as:
5′ 9 1/4″ tall, 13 stone, 2 lb in weight, with brown eyes, black hair, dark complexion.
He passed his Constable 1st Class course on 27 August 1974.
He passed his Sergeant 3rd Class exam on 9 May 1983.
He held a NSW Drivers licence and was Certified to drive the GD cars, Ute and light trucks on the 30 June 1972.
He also was Certified to drive the Police Boys Club omnibus on 21 September 1972 and Ride Solo Police cycles on 23 February 1973.
Probationary Constable Allan. F. Godfrey
A former Motor Mechanic entered the Police Academy at Redfern and commenced his Initial Training, as part of Class 131.
He was attested on 6/1972 and stationed at No. 3 Division (Darlinghurst) on General Duties, and where he was promoted 6/1973 to the rank of Constable.
In 12/1973 he transferred to the Traffic Branch as a Solo Motor Cyclist and Traffic Signals Sections.
Then in 4/1974 he was transferred to No. 8 Division, Annandale (a substation of Balmain) on General Duties and where he was promoted 3/1978 to the rank of Constable 1/c.
Then in 9/1979 to Glebe Police Station on similar duties. In 2/1982 he was transferred to Liverpool on General Duties, where he was promoted 6/1981 to the rank of Senior Constable.
He remained at Liverpool until 1988.
Source: Liverpool Police History by Joe Stanioch, NSWPF # 14194
Liverpool General Duties Police were incensed by claims of the NSW Minister for Police, Mr Peter Anderson MP, that there were too many police (at Liverpool).
According to the Liverpool Branch Secretary of the NSW Police Association, Senior Constable Allan. F. Godfrey, of the 108 General Duties police listed at Liverpool, 28 are not involved in day to day law enforcement.
S/C Godfrey said that of the 28:-
* Three police were on permanent sick report awaiting discharge from the Force.
* One Officer was shot in the execution of his duty over 12 months ago.
* One Officer was under suspension.
* Six were involved in prisoner security at the Liverpool District Courts.
* Two were attending Penrith Court for the Milperra bikie court hearings.
* Two were guarding Family Law Court Judges on the North Shore.(following bombings)
* Five were involved in Warrants and Summonses.
* One was assigned to the Criminal Information Unit.
* Five were on restricted duties.
The remaining 80 Police attend court cases, prisoner escorts, internal affair and ombudsman’s enquiries and training courses. With such exclusions there are only about 40 police left to perform day to day duties in Liverpool and Green Valley.
These police are rostered over three shifts, seven days a week. In reality of the 108 General Duties police named on the roster, there were only three cars crews and four station staff per shift at Liverpool. Green Valley has only one Officer in the Station and one car crew per morning and afternoon shift. Green Valley was closed between 11pm and 7am each day.
Over night the sub-station area was patrolled by Liverpool, and the Green Valley vehicles are housed at Liverpool Police Station.
Source: August 1985. Liverpool Leader Newspaper via Liverpool Police History by Joe Stanioch, NSWPF # 14194
No to Strike.
Police from Liverpool, Fairfield and the Macarthur District held a mass meeting, attended by in excess of 150 police, who unanimously decided to endorse the NSW Police Association’s call for the immediate increase of 2000 police in the state.
The Secretary of the Liverpool Branch, Sergeant Allan. F. Godfrey said that “all stations in the ‘I’ District were short of manpower”.
Source: May 1986. Liverpool Leader Newspaper via Liverpool Police History by Joe Stanioch, NSWPF # 14194
New Liverpool Police delegate to the NSW Police Association conference was Allan. F. Godfrey.
Source: 1987. Liverpool Police History by Joe Stanioch, NSWPF # 14194
Liverpool Police Officer – Sergeant 3/c. Allan. F. Godfrey returned to Liverpool LAC on General Duties until 9/1993 when he was transferred to Beat Policing at Green Valley LAC.
He retired from the NSW Police in 1996 after 24 years of service to the NSW Community.
Source: 1987. Liverpool Police History by Joe Stanioch, NSWPF # 14194 – via Allan Godfrey.
* Story behind any Nickname:
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Formerly a very able police officer (Traffic Sgt.) after leaving the service Mal enjoyed a completely different life as a market gardener/horticulturist.
He had a wonderful sense of humour, and possessed a great fondness for the humour and drama he found in Australian poetry ( at the drop of a hat he would happily recite large ‘çhunks’ of Banjo Patterson, etc without once referring to a book).
Multi-talented, he played the ukulele and could turn his hand to most other things.
Always kind and generous with his tíme he was indeed a lovely man and like many others I know, I cherished his friendship.
Condolences to Jude, siblings Merelyn, Janette, Susan together with family and friends.
* Story behind any Nickname:
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Coroner urges six-monthly welfare checks after inquest into four police suicide deaths
Posted
In short: A Hobart coroner who investigated the deaths of four police officers who took their own lives has recommended Tasmania Police conduct mandatory half-yearly well-being screenings for PTSD.
What’s next? The Police commissioner says work will continue with the police association to implement changes
The family of one of four Tasmanian police officers who died by suicide between 2016 and 2020 say they hope the findings of a coronial inquest may prevent a similar tragedy in the future.
Coroner Simon Cooper has handed down his findings into the deaths of Constable Paul Hunt, Senior Sergeant Paul Reynolds, Constable Simon Darke and Sergeant Robert Cooke, recommending a swathe of welfare supports be implemented.
WARNING: This story touches on themes of depression and suicide.
During last year’s hearings, the court was told how overworked officers were self-medicating with alcohol and drugs, and of significant shortfalls in welfare support — particularly in areas such as fatigue management and protocols around interactions with the Professional Standards Command.
In his findings, Coroner Cooper, acknowledged the fact that these men were all serving police officers was “only part of the whole picture” of their lives, but he said he had “no doubt” that “Sergeant Cooke‘s police service was the direct cause of his death“.
But he said the provision of welfare support and whether it was adequate was a “central consideration at the inquest.”
He called for Tasmania Police to immediately develop and implement a fatigue management policy saying it was essential it was “addressed urgently”.
The inquest heard Robert Cooke had reportedly worked “16-hour continuous shifts for four weeks” during the Central Highlands bushfires in 2019.
This had left him “exhausted and barely functioning towards the end of the third week”.
“Tasmania Police had no fatigue management policy at any time, up to and including as recently as when the evidence at the inquest was publicly taken at the end of 2022,” he said.
“The absence of any fatigue management policy was, I consider, a direct factor in Sergeant Cooke’s death.”
Tasmania Police officers salute at Robert Cooke’s funeral in 2020 .(ABC News: Luke Bowden)
The coroner also recommended six-monthly screenings of all operation police officers for post-traumatic stress disorder.
“Sergeant Cooke obviously suffered from the effects of PTSD for a long time before it was diagnosed,” he said.
“Every health care professional who gave evidence … unanimously agreed that his PTSD was entirely attributable to his service as a police officer.
“Every health care professional also agreed that earlier detection of PTSD increases the chances of successful treatment and recovery.”
Tasmania Police investigating the feasibility of “introducing a points system”, whereby an officer’s exposure to severe incidents would be tracked, was also recommended.
When a “critical points threshold” was reached, an automatic referral to a psychologist should be triggered, Coroner Cooper said.
The coroner also called for better support for officers under investigation for misconduct — including ensuring that those who had their phone seized by Professional Standards be given a replacement mobile pre-programmed with well-being support numbers.
“The death of any member of the community by suicide is a tragedy,” Coroner Cooper said.
“The suicide of serving police officers, whatever their individual circumstances, is particularly tragic for serving members of the police force and the community at large.
“My sincere hope is that some improvements and learnings can emerge from the deaths of Constable Hunt, Senior Sergeant Reynolds, Constable Darke and Sergeant Cooke.”
Sergeant Robert “Cookie” Cooke was well-regarded among his Tasmania Police colleagues.(ABC News: Luke Bowden)
Families welcome findings
In a statement, Robert Cooke‘s mother Lyn and sister Michelle said they were satisfied with the findings, particularly the recommendations for a fatigue management policy and screenings for PTSD stress disorder.
“The family miss Rob terribly and hope the findings and increased support for mental health may prevent similar events in the future,” they said.
“[Our] thoughts are with all the families involved in this inquest.”
Commissioner committed to ‘safe model of policing’
Police Commissioner Donna Adams acknowledged it was a difficult time for the families and colleagues impacted by the coronial report.
She said improvements had already been made within Tasmania Police.
Strategies included “a strong peer support group, and a critical stress program” to ensure officers could access the help they needed.
But she said changes wouldn’t end there — and that Tasmania Police would work with the Police Association to examine the coroner’s recommendations.
Police Minister Felix Ellis said the government had allocated funding to “Tasmania Police and the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management’s nation-leading wellbeing program”.
“Police officers, by the nature of the job, are exposed to some pretty difficult and extraordinary circumstances, so providing that support is important,” he said.
“We want to work to make sure that policing continues to be a career or choice, and that we’re supporting our officers if they do find themselves facing challenging circumstances.”
An inquest examining the deaths by suicide by four police officers in Tasmania has heard how overworked officers were self-medicating with alcohol and drugs, were poorly served by under-trained welfare staff, with one officer enduring horrific nightmares of what he had seen in the line of duty.
WARNING: This story touches on themes of depression and suicide.
The three-weeks of hearings learned about one instance where an officer went from being a happy-go-lucky family man who was exceptionally good at his job, to an absolute wreck who couldn’t get out of bed before his eventual death by suicide.
Sergeant Robert Cooke — affectionately known as “Cookie” — had been diagnosed a year before he died in October 2020 with post-traumatic stress disorder, which was attributed to years of cumulative trauma and over-work.
Before he was placed on leave, the veteran officer of 30 years was in charge of Oatlands police station, in rural central Tasmania, which meant he was regularly on-call and would often take sole responsibility for an incident.
The inquest was given evidence that Sergeant Cooke had worked 16-hour continuous shifts for four weeks during fires in the Central Highlands in 2019, and was experiencing increased anxiety, including nightmares of the dead and burnt bodies he had seen throughout his career.
Sergeant Robert “Cookie” Cooke was well-regarded among his Tasmania Police colleagues.(ABC News: Luke Bowden)
Clinical psychologist Jacqueline Prichard — who was treating Sergeant Cooke — said he could sometimes go from one traumatic incident to the next or straight into shift work before he would have had the opportunity to fully process the initial trauma.
“Your brain naturally resolves trauma in your sleep patterns in the three days following a traumatic incident, which is why it is important to get at least eight hours of sleep in the subsequent nights,” Ms Prichard said.
“If there’s no chance for sleep, or to think about the traumatic incident, then it becomes stored within the brain and can be as vivid as it was on the day.”
The inquest also heard there was a tendency among some police officers to abuse alcohol after a serious incident, which can also be disruptive to a person’s sleep pattern.
“If officers could clean out each trauma as they occurred, so they weren’t getting the cumulative effect, that would help,” Ms Prichard said.
Former Tasmania Police commissioner Darren Hine and Senior Constable Jenny Carlisle salute the hearse at Sergeant Cooke’s funeral in 2020.(ABC News: Luke Bowden)
Sergeant Cooke‘s then-partner, Senior Constable Elizabeth Carlisle, said well-meaning but under-trained people in welfare roles at Tasmania Police had a negative impact on his mental health.
Senior Constable Carlisle told the inquest she did not believe a welfare officer supporting the 49-year-old in the lead-up to his death had any formal training in assisting someone with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“Welfare officers back then were not equipped to deal with someone as unwell as Sergeant Cooke … but they are significantly better trained now,” she said.
Abused during bushfire evacuations
The deaths of Senior Sergeant Paul Reynolds, Constable Simon Darke and Constable Paul Hunt, between 2016 and 2020, have also formed part of the inquest that ended in Hobart on Friday.
Shanna Sweeney, said she contacted police after Constable Darke threatened suicide in 2011 but did not believe her concerns were taken seriously.
She said that Constable Darke was concerned he could be punished if he was seen as being vulnerable.
The inquest also heard evidence from Constable Darke’s father, Graham, who told the court the long hours during the 2019 bushfires and run of night shifts at a Hobart police station became too much for his son.
“He mentioned he had copped a lot of abuse when he asked people to leave their homes during the fires. He then went onto night shift by himself,” Mr Darke told the inquest.
The catastrophic 2019 bushfires in Tasmania were cited several times during the inquest.(Supplied: Tasmania Fire Service)
The inquest was also told the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management had made significant changes to the welfare protocol as a direct consequence of Constable Hunt‘s suicide in 2016.
Constable Hunt took his own life on the same day he received an unannounced visit from Professional Standards Command (PSC) personnel over allegations that he used his police badge and other people’s driver’s licence numbers to obtain codeine and pseudoephedrine-based medications from pharmacies in Hobart.
The court was told that the 32-year-old had his personal phone confiscated and did not have a support person present at the meeting with officers from PSC when he was officially stood down from his role.
Tasmania Police officers salute at Robert Cooke’s funeral in 2020.(ABC News: Luke Bowden)
Police Inspector John Ward told the inquest that he saw the benefit of putting a system in place where a risk assessment is carried out before an officer is approached about an investigation involving them.
“I was aware that Constable Hunt had been suffering from a medical condition, but didn’t realise he was experiencing suicidal thoughts,” he said.
At the time, he was facing allegations that he had sent and received child exploitation material, and that he had groomed young men.
Director of wellbeing support at Tasmania Police, Matthew Richman, told the court, the organisation has looked at what additional early intervention opportunities could be implemented as a direct consequence of Senior Sergeant Reynolds‘ death.
“Every aspect of policing has changed dramatically from when Senior Sergeant Reynolds started his career to the time of his death, but I think there is an opportunity to rethink our wellbeing check approach,” he said.
The inquest was told it is now standard procedure for a Tasmania Police officer to be offered a replacement mobile phone if their personal one is confiscated as part of an investigation.
It also heard that significant improvements had been made regarding welfare after the deaths of the four officers, including de-stigmatising post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions.
The inquest was told that, while Tasmania Police has made improvements in staff rosters and resourcing, it is facing an 18-month delay in the publication of a fatigue-management policy.
Work is continuing between the department, the Police Association of Tasmania and the University of Tasmania to research and identify areas that regulate workloads.
Former commissioner Darren Hine said a lot of improvements had been made over the years and Tasmania Police had dramatically increased the number of welfare officers after a funding submission to the government.
“The area of welfare and mental health will never be finished. It is a growing body of knowledge and it’s something we should never stop learning about,” Mr Hine said.
Coroner Simon Cooper is expected to hand down his findings next year.
The funeral motorcade for Tasmania Police officer Robert Cooke in 2020.(ABC News: Luke Bowden)
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Coroner urges six-monthly welfare checks after inquest into four police suicide deaths
Posted
In short: A Hobart coroner who investigated the deaths of four police officers who took their own lives has recommended Tasmania Police conduct mandatory half-yearly well-being screenings for PTSD.
What’s next? The Police commissioner says work will continue with the police association to implement changes
The family of one of four Tasmanian police officers who died by suicide between 2016 and 2020 say they hope the findings of a coronial inquest may prevent a similar tragedy in the future.
Coroner Simon Cooper has handed down his findings into the deaths of Constable Paul Hunt, Senior Sergeant Paul Reynolds, Constable Simon Darke and Sergeant Robert Cooke, recommending a swathe of welfare supports be implemented.
WARNING: This story touches on themes of depression and suicide.
During last year’s hearings, the court was told how overworked officers were self-medicating with alcohol and drugs, and of significant shortfalls in welfare support — particularly in areas such as fatigue management and protocols around interactions with the Professional Standards Command.
In his findings, Coroner Cooper, acknowledged the fact that these men were all serving police officers was “only part of the whole picture” of their lives, but he said he had “no doubt” that “Sergeant Cooke‘s police service was the direct cause of his death“.
But he said the provision of welfare support and whether it was adequate was a “central consideration at the inquest.”
He called for Tasmania Police to immediately develop and implement a fatigue management policy saying it was essential it was “addressed urgently”.
The inquest heard Robert Cooke had reportedly worked “16-hour continuous shifts for four weeks” during the Central Highlands bushfires in 2019.
This had left him “exhausted and barely functioning towards the end of the third week”.
“Tasmania Police had no fatigue management policy at any time, up to and including as recently as when the evidence at the inquest was publicly taken at the end of 2022,” he said.
“The absence of any fatigue management policy was, I consider, a direct factor in Sergeant Cooke’s death.”
Tasmania Police officers salute at Robert Cooke’s funeral in 2020 .(ABC News: Luke Bowden)
The coroner also recommended six-monthly screenings of all operation police officers for post-traumatic stress disorder.
“Sergeant Cooke obviously suffered from the effects of PTSD for a long time before it was diagnosed,” he said.
“Every health care professional who gave evidence … unanimously agreed that his PTSD was entirely attributable to his service as a police officer.
“Every health care professional also agreed that earlier detection of PTSD increases the chances of successful treatment and recovery.”
Tasmania Police investigating the feasibility of “introducing a points system”, whereby an officer’s exposure to severe incidents would be tracked, was also recommended.
When a “critical points threshold” was reached, an automatic referral to a psychologist should be triggered, Coroner Cooper said.
The coroner also called for better support for officers under investigation for misconduct — including ensuring that those who had their phone seized by Professional Standards be given a replacement mobile pre-programmed with well-being support numbers.
“The death of any member of the community by suicide is a tragedy,” Coroner Cooper said.
“The suicide of serving police officers, whatever their individual circumstances, is particularly tragic for serving members of the police force and the community at large.
“My sincere hope is that some improvements and learnings can emerge from the deaths of Constable Hunt, Senior Sergeant Reynolds, Constable Darke and Sergeant Cooke.”
Sergeant Robert “Cookie” Cooke was well-regarded among his Tasmania Police colleagues.(ABC News: Luke Bowden)
Families welcome findings
In a statement, Robert Cooke‘s mother Lyn and sister Michelle said they were satisfied with the findings, particularly the recommendations for a fatigue management policy and screenings for PTSD stress disorder.
“The family miss Rob terribly and hope the findings and increased support for mental health may prevent similar events in the future,” they said.
“[Our] thoughts are with all the families involved in this inquest.”
Commissioner committed to ‘safe model of policing’
Police Commissioner Donna Adams acknowledged it was a difficult time for the families and colleagues impacted by the coronial report.
She said improvements had already been made within Tasmania Police.
Strategies included “a strong peer support group, and a critical stress program” to ensure officers could access the help they needed.
But she said changes wouldn’t end there — and that Tasmania Police would work with the Police Association to examine the coroner’s recommendations.
Police Minister Felix Ellis said the government had allocated funding to “Tasmania Police and the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management’s nation-leading wellbeing program”.
“Police officers, by the nature of the job, are exposed to some pretty difficult and extraordinary circumstances, so providing that support is important,” he said.
“We want to work to make sure that policing continues to be a career or choice, and that we’re supporting our officers if they do find themselves facing challenging circumstances.”
A 32-year-old Tasmanian policeman who took his own life in 2016 has been described as “gentle, kind and popular” with a “deep love for animals and his family” — and whose struggles with depression weren’t “a secret”.
WARNING: This story touches on themes of suicide, depression and substance abuse; reader discretion is advised
Constable Paul Hunt is one of four policemen whose death is being investigated as part of a coronial inquest in the Launceston Magistrates Court.
The deaths of Senior Sergeant Paul Reynolds, Constable Simon Darke and Sergeant Robert Cooke will also form part of the inquest.
All four men took their own lives in the period between 2016 and 2020.
Council assisting the coroner, Cameron Lee, said the inquest will look at the circumstances surrounding the deaths, the policy and procedures of Tasmania Police and the nature of welfare and fatigue management.
“The life of a police officer is a very dangerous one, they’re often exposed to dangerous and traumatic events,” he said.
“It’s very much the luck of the draw, one cannot unsee what they have seen.”
Constable Hunt was found dead on the July 8, 2016 at his father’s property at Mount Direction, near Launceston.
His father, Matthew Hunt gave evidence during the inquest and told the court his son battled for years with anxiety and depression and was in and out of hospital.
He told the court he first noticed signs of his son’s depression when he was visiting him for Christmas one year while Paul was working as a policeman on King Island, off Tasmania’s north-west coast.
“I believe he was first diagnosed there,” he said.
“We went over there quite regularly to visit … he met his wife Jess there.”
Questioned over drug purchases
The court heard on the day Constable Hunt died he was called in for an unannounced meeting with officers from the Professional Standards Command.
The meeting was regarding allegations he had been using his Tasmania Police badge and fake driver’s licence numbers for several years to obtain codeine-based and pseudoephedrine-based medications from a number of pharmacies in Hobart.
In early 2014, the court heard he was identified through Project STOP, which is a tool pharmacists use to track purchases, as being in the top four purchasers in Tasmania between January and August.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia said the tool is aimed at preventing the use of pseudoephedrine-based products to manufacture methamphetamine.
He was spoken to by senior police following this — and was flagged again the following September.
On 13 November 2015, he was interviewed by Professional Standards about the allegations.
On the day he died, his work station and locker were also searched and his personal phone was confiscated. He was also officially stood down from his role.
He then withdrew $600 from his joint bank account with his wife and took a taxi to Launceston, and then another taxi to his father’s property in Mount Direction.
His father Matthew Hunt was travelling at the time and wasn’t home.
Constable Hunt then sent his wife a message on Facebook on his dad’s computer saying goodbye.
“Paul had always wanted to be a policeman, and he had depression, it wasn’t a secret,” Matthew Hunt told the court.
He said his son’s wife or another person who could have offered support should have been included at the meeting with his police superiors.
“It was a pretty significant event for him,” Mr Hunt said.
The inquest also heard in the days after his death, Matthew Hunt was told by a Tasmania Police officer that “it wasn’t a compensable issue” which he said he felt was a strange thing to say.
“I checked with other family members afterwards that I had heard that correctly and they said yes,” he said.
“It was very strange … this was before the funeral.”
When asked if other members of Tasmania Police visited him afterwards, he said three had.
The inquest is continuing.
Key points:
A coroner is investigating the deaths of four Tasmania Police officers between 2016 and 2020
Paul Hunt, a constable, died by suicide in 2016 at his father’s property
The inquest heard he had been called in by the Professional Standards Unit on the day he died
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Deepest condolences to Randalls wife – Janean, family and friends.
My husband Sergeant Randal Moulden was one of those officers that tragically took his own life on Tuesday 29th June 2021.
He couldn’t carry the pain of the trauma of what he had experienced over the 30yrs as a serving Police officer.
He was one of a kind, Professional, Caring, Empathetic, Understanding, Passionate. These traits that not only I as a wife, but his children, his friends, his colleagues are what we loved about him.
Regardless of what he had seen, experienced and witnessed.
Every day that he put on his uniform he wore it with pride, dignity and grace, ultimately it was these traits as a serving officer that made him suffer.
To EVERYONE I can not stress this enough, PLEASE, PLEAS,E PLEASE, get help.
There is ABSOLUTELY no shame in reaching out.
As partners we are here to support, to love and to comfort those suffering. Your burden is our burden to share.
Don’t let this tragedy be in vain, lets learn from it and try to change it as death is never the answer.
To all the people that have shared their respect and Grief, there are not enough words to thank you.
This is an Audio file by Janean MOULDEN – wife of Randall MOULDEN, about the impact that his suicide has had on her, the family and Policing families.
MOULDEN (Randall Phillip):
The Commissioner of Police and all Members of the Western Australia Police Force regret the passing of our colleague, serving Police Officer, Randall Phillip Moulden, Registered Number…
Randall Moulden: Wife of cop who took own life says WA Police, State Govt still not providing enough support
Daryna Zadvirna The West Australian
Randall Moulden was a larrikin, the “fun” parent and so dedicated to his job as a WA Police officer, he literally gave his life to the role, according to his widow Janean.
She recently commemorated one year since her husband died by suicide on June 29 by spreading his ashes across the desert in Morocco.
“I had coppers ring me the next day to tell me how graphic and horrendous it was out there.
“He became very withdrawn. I just couldn’t help him.”
Finding helpful support
It was not until January 2016 that Mr Moulden realised he needed help and started seeing a counsellor employed by WA Police.
“Then in the August, the counsellor said, ‘I can’t help you. You need medication,'” Ms Moulden said.
“He just felt like it was just a horrible thing to say, you know?
“So then he was just sort of left stranded.”
It wasn’t until he found Soldiers and Sirens, a free not-for-profit service for veterans and first-responders, that Mr Moulden’s health began to improve.
The service was co-founded by Danielle Baldock, a psychologist and former police officer who felt there was a gap in support for police and other emergency services staff.
“There was no service for first responders that was independent and external and confidential,” Ms Baldock said.
“One of the big concerns that officers have is that if they go to their internal support it might limit their career in some way.
“That’s not a reality, it’s more of a perception. The WA Police psych unit is amazing — they do great work.”
Ms Baldock said because police officers were often hesitant to seek counselling through their workplace she was motivated to provide external support.
“We wanted to provide this separate space where they could come together and be a community,” she said.
‘A massive improvement’
Ms Moulden said the counselling Soldiers and Sirens provided to both her and her husband was a godsend.
“He was doing amazing, he really was. Every time he saw Danielle he walked out with bounce in his step, a smile on his face,” she said.
“He had made such a massive change this year.”
Ms Moulden said the key difference was that the service was independent and staffed by people who had lived experience in emergency services.
“It’s the essential ingredient. You cannot speak to someone who does not have a clue about trauma,” she said.
“And there is a genuine fear out there.
“I’ve spoken to many police officers and they all say the same thing, that they would not go to the police psychiatrist or the police doctor — not when the commissioner is in the same building. You can’t be honest.”
Funding discontinued
Soldiers and Sirens received initial start-up funding from the federal Department of Communities as well as bulk-billing fees from Medicare and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
However, at the end of June the federal funding ended and has not been renewed.
“We were hoping in the time that we could fundraise, that we could apply for the grants and get some funding from somewhere,” Ms Baldock said.
“But unfortunately, with the COVID situation, we just haven’t been able to secure any further funding.
“So on the first of August we shut our doors.”
Service closure ‘daunting’
Ms Moulden said the news that the service was closing devastated her husband as he faced the prospect of having to re-tell his story to a new psychologist.
“He had built a rapport with Danielle and that’s half the key,” she said.
“The thought of going to another psychologist is daunting; you’ve got to keep reliving it. It’s cruel.”
In June, Mr Moulden died by suicide.
His death has motivated his wife to fight for funding for the Soldiers and Sirens service.
“I know that he would want me to speak up [and] speak about my own experience,” Ms Moulden said.
“Not just for me, but for anyone suffering. He would want me to be their voice.”
Request for state funding
Soldiers and Sirens is now hoping the WA state government will provide the additional funding needed for the service to remain accessible.
“We want there to be no barriers to entry,” Ms Baldock said.
“[So] that you can ring up and get an appointment straight away within a couple of weeks without lots of triage barriers in the way, and we really wanted it to be free.
“WA Police are amazing. They paid for all of the sessions for their officers. We were also cost-recovering from Medicare and DVA and the places that we could, but unfortunately, it just wasn’t enough to sustain us.”
In a statement, Minister for Police Paul Papalia said the WA government provided funding to the WA Police Force for “a range of wraparound services through the Health and Welfare Division”.
“In addition to internal outreach services which include 24/7 access to on-call clinical psychologists and chaplains, officers are able to access private psychological and psychiatric support services from a network of external providers,” the statement said.
“Soldiers and Sirens is one of a number of those approved external providers which police officers are able to access.”
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Appeal to repatriate the body of David KEPREOTIS from Japan to Australia. Valid as of 25 February 2024.
David Peter KEPREOTIS with his son Noah and daughter Mia ( c2012 )
What David Peter KEPREOTIS loved doing. Posted 9 Feb 2024 – Yamanochi – Nagano, Japan
* Story behind any Nickname: A play on his surname
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Senior police officer found dead at work in horrifying discovery in Melbourne’s inner south
Police have confirmed the death of a senior sergeant who was found at a police station in Melbourne’s inner south.
WARNING: Confronting.
Jessica Wang
less than 2 min read
January 14, 2023 – 1:44PM
NCA NewsWire
WARNING: Confronting
A senior Victoria Police officer has been found dead at a station in Melbourne’s inner south, police have confirmed.
Victoria Police confirmed the death of the senior sergeant which happened at around 7.30pm on Friday.
A spokesman confirmed he was not on-duty at the time.
“It is with great sadness that we can confirm a senior sergeant has taken his own life on Friday 13 January, ( 2023 )” a statement from Victoria Police reads.
“The male police officer was located deceased at the station just before 7.30pm.
“His death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the coroner.”
The senior sergeant’s death has sent shock waves around the police community.
The Police Association of Victoria shared their condolences and said the officer’s family and colleagues will be taken care of.
“We can confirm reports of a non-operational incident that occurred at the Moorabbin police station yesterday afternoon where a police member has sadly passed away,” read a post made on social media.
“Our thoughts are with the family and colleagues of the deceased member who will be supported by The Police Association and Victoria Police.”
In a Facebook group dedicated to fallen members of the force, one member said it was a “sad day” for the force.
“RIP Sarge,” he wrote.
“Rally around the troops and make sure they’re okay.
“It’s going to be hard for them.”
Former police officer and Opposition corrections spokesman Brad Battin also shared his condolences.
“My thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of a life gone too soon,” Mr Battin, who is also the MP for Berwick, shared on social media.
“Today, reach out and thank all police for the stress and pressure they put themselves and their family under to protect our community.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
**********
Cal
24 February 2024 Above newspaper article discovered by me on 23 Feb 2024 relating to this 2023 suicide
Aimee CLARKE
| 08/03/2024
Aimee CLARKE
Un-named Female WAPol member
AKA Aimee ?
* Nickname: ?
Late of ?
Relations in ‘the job’:
“possible” relation in ‘the job‘: ?
Western Australia Police Academy – Joondalup – Class # ? ? ?
Western Australia Police Force
Regd. # ?????
Rank: Commenced Training at W.A. Police Academy on Monday ? ? ?
Probationary Constable- appointed ? ? ?
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank: = Constable
Stations: ?, Albany – Death
Time employed ( Paid ) with W.A. Police: From: ? ? ? to 21 February 2024 = ? years,
Service ( From Training Date ) period: From ? ? ? to 21 February 2024 = ? years, Service
Retirement / Leaving age: = ?
Time in Retirement from Police: 0
Awards: No Find on the Australian Honours system
Born: ? ? ?
Died on: Wednesday 21 February 2024 during the morning
Age: 20s’ years,
Organ Donor: Y / N / ?
Cause: Depression – Suicide – ?
Event location: at home – Albany, Western Australia
Event / Diagnosis date: ?
Funeral date: ? ? ? TBA
Funeral location: ? TBA
LIVE STREAM?
Wake location: ???
Wake date: ???
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ?
Grave Location: Section: Row: ?Plot: ?
Grave GPS: ?, ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( February 2024 )
AIMEE is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * BUT SHOULD BE
AIMEE is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
AIMEE IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Female constable in her 20s takes her own life in regional WA
Support is being provided to the devastated family and colleagues following the tragedy.
less than 2 min read
February 22, 2024 – 7:54AM
NCA NewsWire
A police officer in her 20s has taken her own life in regional Western Australia.
The young female constable was found dead in her Albany home on Wednesday, about 400km south east of Perth.
She has not yet been named.
Support is being provided to the devastated family by the WA Police Union and said they extend their “sincerest condolences to the constable’s family, friends and colleagues at this time”.
“It is with overwhelming sadness that we mourn the loss of a member of the blue family today,” the statement read.
“A serving police constable passed away this morning.”
Acting WA Police Chief Commissioner Kylie Whiteley said the death of the young officer was a “tragedy”.
“Family members and staff within the Great Southern Police District are in the process of being provided with support during this tragic time,” she wrote in a statement.
“I ask you to reach out if you need help… keep an eye on those around you and offer your personal support where needed.”
A report will be prepared by the coroner and the death is not being treated as suspicious.
A police officer aged in her 20s has taken her own life in regional Western Australia.
The female constable, who has not yet been named, was found dead at her home in Albany, 418km south-east of Perth, on Wednesday
The WA Police Union is providing support to the officer’s heartbroken family, colleagues and friends.
‘It is with overwhelming sadness that we mourn the loss of a member of the blue family today,’ a statement read.
‘A serving police constable passed away this morning.
‘The WA Police Union extend our sincerest condolences to the constable’s family, friends and colleagues during this time.’
In a message to police officers, Acting WA Police Commissioner Kylie Whiteley said the officer’s passing was a tragedy.
‘Family members and staff within the Great Southern Police District are in the process of being provided with support during this tragic time,’ she wrote.
‘I ask you to reach out if you need help … keep an eye on those around you and offer your personal support where needed.’
The death of the young officer is not being treated as suspicious.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Several WA Police officers have taken their own lives in recent years, the West Australian reported.
In 2019, 53-year-old Senior Constable Dave Curtis took his own life.
Two years later, in mid-2021, two officers, including a sergeant who ran his own station, committed suicide within two weeks of each other.
One of those was Constable Cameron Fyfe, who was 27.
An inquest into his death held in 2023 heard that Const Fyfe hid his mental health problems from his bosses because he feared there would be repercussions if he spoke about it.
His death, and that of Sergeant Randall Moulden, led to then-police commissioner Chris Dawson to convene the first-ever police mental health forum in WA.
If you or someone you know needs support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
* Story behind any Nickname:
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
The Victorian police force has been rocked by its second suicide within weeks after an officer took his own life while on duty at a Melbourne station.
The male officer was found dead at Glen Waverley police station, in the city’s south-east, just after 12.30pm on Friday.
The tragedy comes after officer Rowan Andrews, 38, was found dead at Laverton Railway Station, in the city’s inner-west, during the early hours of January 12. He was not on duty at the time.
Victoria Police said the exact circumstances surrounding the latest death are being investigated.
But the death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
Meanwhile, devastated friends have flocked online to pay tribute to the young male officer.
In one touching post, a man urged others to be kinder to emergency services personnel as they have tough jobs protecting the community.
‘Rest in peace young man,’ he began.
‘Police officers are human too but the sadness hits them a lot harder than [the] normal public as they deal with a lot of negativity in their usual work day.
‘Just because they wear a uniform, doesn’t mean they are bullet proof. If you’re married to them or are in a relationship with them, then it becomes your responsibility that you understand and keep an eye on what they’re going through.
‘A gentle tap on the shoulder at the right time can make a difference between life and death.
‘If you’re going through something then please make sure that you talk, talk to someone.’
Tragedy Strikes Twice: Second Victorian Police Officer Found Dead in Melbourne
The recent deaths of two Victorian Police officers have highlighted the urgent need for better mental health support within the force. As investigations continue, colleagues and the wider community call for action to address the challenges faced by emergency services personnel.
In the quiet corridors of the Glen Waverley Police Station, a somber mood prevails as news breaks of a male police officer found dead, marking a distressing pattern of loss within the Victorian Police force. This incident, not being treated as suspicious, casts a long shadow over the force, coming just weeks after the death of Officer Rowan Andrews at Laverton Railway Station. The community and colleagues alike reel from the impact, sparking a renewed focus on the mental health of those who serve and protect.
Remembering the Fallen
The recent losses have sent ripples through the heart of Victoria’s emergency services community. Officer Rowan Andrews, remembered fondly as a great leader and a steadfast friend, left a legacy of dedication and service. His untimely departure last month has been mourned by family, friends, and former football teammates, who all recalled his unwavering support and leadership. The identity of the officer found at Glen Waverley remains undisclosed, but the tributes flowing in underscore a shared sentiment of grief and respect for the sacrifices made by those in uniform.
A Call to Arms for Mental Health Awareness
These tragic events spotlight the urgent need for comprehensive support systems for emergency services personnel. The strenuous demands and high-stress situations inherent to police work often take a significant toll on officers’ mental well-being. Colleagues of the deceased Glen Waverley officer have paid tribute not just with flowers and memories, but with calls for action to enhance mental health awareness and support within the force. They emphasise the importance of acknowledging the challenges faced by emergency services staff and the critical need for accessible, confidential support services.
Investigations and Reflections
As investigations into the precise circumstances of the Glen Waverley officer’s death continue, the incident is not currently being treated as suspicious. A report will be prepared for the coroner, in the hope of shedding light on the events leading up to this tragedy. Meanwhile, the Victorian Police force, together with the wider community, reflects on the need for vigilance in supporting the mental health of its members. It’s a poignant reminder of the hidden battles faced by those who work tirelessly to ensure public safety.
In the aftermath of these losses, the conversation around mental health in high-pressure professions has been reignited. The message is clear: support services and open dialogues about mental health are indispensable. As the Victorian Police mourn the loss of two of their own, the imperative to care for those who care for us has never been more evident. Let these tragedies not be in vain but serve as a catalyst for change and heightened awareness around the mental health challenges faced by emergency services personnel.
A Victorian police officer has been found dead at a Melbourne police station
By Tess McCracken
NCA NewsWire
Victoria Police has been rocked by the death of a second officer in more than a month
A police officer was found dead at the Glen Waverley Police Station shortly after 12.30pm on Friday.
Victoria Police said the death is not being treated as suspicious at this stage and the exact circumstances are currently being investigated.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
The death comes nearly four weeks after police officer and local footballer, Rowan Andrews, was found dead at Laverton Railway Station, 25km from the Melbourne’s CBD.
The married father of two, aged 33, was not on duty when his body was found in the early hours of January 12.
Mr Andrews’ family and friends have remembered him as a “great bloke” who was loved by everyone.
A former coach of the footballer described him as a “rock” and said he has received “thousands (of) calls from all over Australia” since Mr Andrews’ passing.
“He was just a natural leader, he was a bloke in the trenches with you, he was not a loud mouth, he was just a great bloke,” Chris Rourke, who was the senior coach at the north Canberra based club when Andrews joined, told the Herald Sun.
“He would be the last person you would ever think would leave us. He was a rock for his family, a rock for the footy club, he was Mr Dependable.”
In a post on Facebook, Ainslie football club, which Mr Andrews joined in 2009, offered its condolences to Mr Andrew’s family.
“Rowan joined the Ainslie Football Club in 2009 and made an instant impact not only with his uncompromising training habits but his fearless and tough way of playing football in the Ruck. He led the way and set the tone for many games,” a spokesman for the club said.
“Two time Premiership player in 2010 & 2011, Rooster played 80 Senior games with the club.”
“Our sincere condolences to Alice, Max & Zac and to their extended family.”
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
