Nothing, at this stage, is known about Elsie or Eric.
May they both forever be Resting In Peace.
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Eric is reported to have been a popular bloke and was a boss at the CIB ( old hat factory – Surry Hills ) and he died many years prior to Elsie.
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Peter Brenden YEO
| 22/09/2016
Peter Brenden YEO
New South Wales Police Force
[alert_yellow]Regd. # 10542[/alert_yellow]
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 25 February 1963
Detective Inspector – appointed 18 January 1989 – retired
Stations: ?, Central Detectives 1980’s as a Sgt ( 1 Division – ‘A’ District ), Inspector, District Staff Officer—Intelligence, Dubbo, Wagga Wagga, Griffith – Orana District – retirement
Service: From? ? pre February 1963 to 15 June 1995=32years Service
Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001), Friday 3 February 1989 (No.18), page 784
NEW SOUTH WALES POLICE FORCE
Commissioned Officer Appointments
HIS Excellency the Governor, with the advice of the Executive Council, has approved of the undermentioned Commissioned Officer appointments, effective from the dates indicated:
Chief Superintendent, Commander, Operational Support Section and Task Force 1, Drug Enforcement Agency
Superintendent William Raymond Donaldson, date of entry on duty.
It has been stated that Ron was also a pretty good pushbike racing cyclist.
Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001),
Friday 3 February 1989 (No.18), page 784
NEW SOUTH WALES POLICE FORCE
Commissioned Officer Appointments
HIS Excellency the Governor, with the advice of the Executive Council, has approved of the undermentioned Commissioned Officer appointments, effective from the dates indicated:
Chief Superintendent, Commander, Operational Support Section and Task Force 1, Drug Enforcement Agency
Superintendent William Raymond Donaldson, date of entry on duty.
Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001),
Friday 16 January 1987 (No.10), page 186
NEW SOUTH WALES POLICE FORCE
Commissioned Officer Appointments
HIS Excellency the Governor with the advice of the Executive Council, has approved of the undermentioned Commissioned Officer appointments, effective from the dates indicated:
Superintendent, Special Duties—Reserve Officer, Metropolitan Area Office
Detective Chief Inspector Donald Harold Jackson, date of entry on duty.
Superintendent, Staff Planning Co-ordinator, Office of the Assistant Commissioner (General)
Chief Inspector Mervyn Charles Moy, date of entry on duty.
Superintendent, Deputy District Officer, “A” District
Chief Inspector Robert James Tutill, date of entry on duty.
Detective Chief Inspector, Chief of Staff, Criminal Investigation Branch
Detective Inspector Ronald Charles Wilson, date of entry on duty.
The family of Traralgon Police First Constable Matt Foki have been “overwhelmed” by community support following his unexpected death.
The 39 year-old died on 16 September to an unknown cause, with investigations still ongoing.
More than $27,000 has been donated to his wife and two sons, three and nine years old, via a ‘My Cause’ page.
Funds will provide ongoing support as well as financial assistance to his New Zealand relatives to attend a funeral in Morwell tomorrow.
Constable Foki started at Traralgon police in April 2012 and was made a constable in 2013.
His brother Dave Foki on the ‘My Cause’ page said: “Matt would probably shy away from all of the attention and love being directed his way right now.
“But there are so many who want to show our love and support for his family, we wanted to make this as easy as possible,” Dave said.
His sister-in-law, who wished not to be named, said on behalf of the family they were overwhelmed by the support and the community’s stories shared about Matt.
“It’s amazing the impact he had on the people he met. He was pretty special to a lot of people,” she said.
Traralgon Police Sergeant Brent Muir, who will be among 200 members to attend the police funeral including a guard of honour, said Matt was highly regarded among his peers and the community.
Sergeant Muir said the station was mourning the fit, strong and happy man that everyone wanted to work with.
“His peers felt safe working with him and he spoke to people well. He was always happy, with a big smile on his face,” he said.
Matt Foki’s service will be held from 2pm at Kernot Hall in Morwell tomorrow.
To donate to his family, visit www.mycause.com.au/page/111445/inmemoryofmattfoki
Hundreds to turn out to farewell Traralgon police officer Matt Foki
By Priscilla MocaOctober 2, 2015, 1:25 pm
Hundreds of Latrobe Valley locals are expected to turn out to farewell Traralgon police officer Matt Foki, following his shock death.
Investigations are still underway into the death of the 39-year-old Constable, who died on September 16th from an unknown cause.
Constable Foki’s family say they’ve been overwhelmed by the support they’ve received, with generous people chipping in $27,000 to help his young family via a ‘My Cause’ page.
He has left behind a wife and two sons, aged three and nine.
Donations have also helped his relatives from New Zealand fly out to his funeral in Morwell this afternoon.
His funeral is at Kernot Hall from 2pm.
Constable Foki started with Traralgon police in April 2012, and was made a constable in 2013.
His brother Dave wrote on the ‘My Cause’ page, “Matt would probably shy away from all of the attention and love being directed his way right now.”
“But there are so many who want to show our love and support for his family, we wanted to make this as easy as possible.”
Morwell Sergeant Jeff Robertson said most officers planned to attend the funeral.
To donate: www.mycause.com.au/page/111445/inmemoryofmattfoki
Hundreds of locals and police officers packed Kernot Hall today for the funeral of Traralgon Constable Matt Foki, who died suddenly in his sleep last month.
Morwell Sergeant Graham Maiden said the 39-year-old was wonderful, and fiercely loyal.
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Kevin Patrick VERDON
| 22/09/2016
Kevin Patrick VERDON
aka The Man from The Rock
aka Verdo
Joined NSW Police Force via NSW Police Cadet system
New South Wales Police Force
Cadet # 2048
Regd. # 12729
Rank: NSW Police Cadet – commenced 16 August 1965
Probationary Constable – appointed 29 August 1967
Senior Constable – appointed 29 August 1976
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 31 March 1983
by June 1989 he had Passed his qualifying exam for Senior Sergeant
Verdo suffered from a fall and was taken to Hospital around the 14 September 2016.
Kevin, around early October 2015, had been suffering from complete renal failure and had lost most of his eye sight.
As of 21 August 2015 he had spent 3 weeks in Westmead hospital after heart surgery and the inserting of a cannula to drain excess fluid.
In May 2015 Verdo was in Calvary Hospital, Wagga Wagga after renal failure.
Ian Borland Rest in Peace Kevin.
I had the pleasure to do several courses with Kevin. A great bloke in every way. He will be sadly missed.
6 · September 16 at 3:42pm
Kris Dundee RIP frend.
2 · September 16 at 3:47pm
Elliot Moore May he rest in peace. Thank you for sharing.
2 · September 16 at 3:54pm
Steve Rose RIP Verdo. Great bloke, great sense of humour, great boss. I had the pleasure of spending a little time with him a few months ago. So glad I did.
3 · September 16 at 3:56pm
Julie Turton Rest in Peace, Verdo. A great man with a big heart, loved by so many. We’ll be having a toast to you before tonight’s game & I think there will be plenty of others on here joining us. Thanks for keeping us updated, Steve & Peter. He was blessed with many fine friends. Condolences to Verdo’s family.
7 · September 16 at 3:56pm
Richard Hurst Rest in Peace big fella.
3 · September 16 at 4:01pm
Brett Larkin RIP Verdo. It was a pleasure to work with you in K District.
3 · September 16 at 4:17pm
Ted Collins Rest in peace big kevin. Great man, mentor, funny as. Great policeman and he was always good for advice.
4 · September 16 at 4:19pm
Dee Cee RIP Kevin.
2 · September 16 at 4:21pm
Geoff Wolsey R.I.P Verdo.
2 · September 16 at 4:26pm
Geoff Wolsey Peter Gould, will you keep us posted re funeral, I live quite local to the Rock.
2 · September 16 at 4:28pm
Peter Gould Definitely Geoff.
September 17 at 7:43am
Barry Parrish Sincerest condolences to the Verdon family
2 · September 16 at 4:30pm
Barry Parrish Sincerest condolences to the Verdon family. RIP Verdo a legend of the Job and outside the job. One of the best.
3 · September 16 at 4:31pm
Ted Collins Peter Gould i have private appt Can someone try and find on video cathedral pipes and drums. Kevin would be happy to hear them, i know he can..
Guy Paterson Condolences to his family and friends ?
2 · September 16 at 4:40pm
Frank Skinner A great loss to the blue family he will be sadly missed RiP
4 · September 16 at 4:52pm
Peter Cameron RIP. Never had the pleasure to meet you but if this crowd say you were a top bloke, that’s good enough for me.
7 · September 16 at 5:04pm · Edited
Wade Kill Sad news! RIP Verdo!
3 · September 16 at 5:18pm
Greg Wilson RIP….
2 · September 16 at 5:32pm
John Clark RIP….
2 · September 16 at 5:54pm
Paul Quilter Daley RIP Verdo. No torment where you’re heading.
5 · September 16 at 6:32pm
Dellb Shay Best bloke on paper. Ripped the shit out of you one day forgotten the next. An absolute stand out. A great role model always had your back. A really sad day. RIP KPV there will never be another like you so glad I had the privilege of working with you xxx
8 · September 16 at 9:46pm
David N Sue McKay So true
1 · September 16 at 11:31pm
Warren Davis R.I.P big kev. A great man gone. Sad news indeed.
4 · September 16 at 9:48pm
Peter Blinman RIP Verdo.
September 16 at 10:08pm
Phil Matthews RIP Kevin Verdon. Condolences to the family and God bless !! Another good man gone but not forgotten.
4 · September 16 at 11:12pm
Belinda Thompson May God rest your soul Verdo, you’ve sure as shit earned it….. a true legend of the old 34 div. The scariest & BEST cop I met straight out of the Academy. The lessons I learned & the jobs I attended with you will forever be burned into my memories. Thanks for everything u did for us all. I’m sure anyone who worked with u will attest to be being better police because of the experience. RIP u big lug…. you’ll be missed by many.
9 · September 17 at 7:16am
Dellb Shay Perfectly said Bin. He will never know the impact he had on so many peoples policing careers. Forever grateful he was a huge part of ours. Us 224 girls were so lucky. xxx
4 · September 17 at 7:34am · Edited
John Mennie RIP Verdo
September 17 at 8:10am
Kevin Ryan Rip mate
2 · September 17 at 11:15am
Peter Sliwinski What a great bloke. One in a million. One minute he was tearing you a new asshole, next minute you were downing beers after work having a laugh. I feel genuinely honored to have known and worked with him. RIP Verdo.
7 · September 17 at 1:05pm
Belinda Thompson Well said….
2 · September 17 at 1:51pm
Christopher Busch Same as Peter Cameron. Well said.
3 · September 17 at 2:30pm
Craig William Smith I must’ve been yhe only one not to cop a serve off the Big Fella???
5 · September 17 at 3:22pm
Dellb Shay You have got to be kidding it was a daily occurrence for you!!
4 · September 17 at 3:58pm
Craig William Smith I just thought that was his normal demeanor
4 · September 17 at 4:38pm
Dellb Shay you made him that way!!
2 · September 17 at 6:28pm
Ki Lee Ann RIP Verdo, you gave the meaning to ‘police presence’ both in & out of the stn.
3 · September 17 at 4:38pm
Peter Gould Greg Callander
1 · September 17 at 10:37pm
Greg Callander Thanks mate. Unfortunately I won’t have time to do anything with this memorial page tonight. I will have to do something tomorrow night if I get the time. I will start something on the website though – but won’t Publish it. You can fill in the blanks if you get the time.
1 · September 17 at 10:43pm
Peter Gould Thanks Greg
Don Hamilton Everyone above has conveyed my wishes. May he Rest in Peace.
2 · September 17 at 10:58pm
John King Our sincere condolences to the family, friends & police family. Verdo will always be remembered. RIP Verdo.
2 · September 17 at 11:22pm
Ted Collins I can honestly say i nevef had an argument with kevin. By gee he was a top teacher, learnt heaps from him.
2 · September 17 at 11:26pm
Ex NSW Cops
Murder at the Rock – Arrests made
Two people were arrested on Sunday morning following the death of 76-year-old Rodney Willis at his home in The Rock last Wednesday.
Police arrested the pair at a Railway Street address in The Rock.
The arrests came only two days after the completion of the forensic examination of Mr Willis’ home and after interviewing friends and neighbours of the elderly man.
The 23 year old woman and 25 year old man were taken into custody at Wagga Police Station and both charged with murder.
The man was also charged for an outstanding warrant for an unrelated offence.
The pair has been refused bail and are due to appear at Wagga Local Court today (Wednesday April 23).
Police were called to Mr Willis’ home on Scott Street, The Rock at 11.30am April 16, following reports a man was in cardiac arrest.
CPR was performed for 45 minutes by ambulance and police but they pronounced him dead at the scene just after noon.
Police treated the death as suspicious from the beginning having spent the afternoon interviewing family and nearby residents.
Mr Willis’ body was sent to Sydney for a post-mortem examination.
Residents of The Rock and surrounds have been shaken by the murder of 76-year-old local Rodney Willis.
Members of The Rock community groups, friends and neighbours remembered Mr Willis as a man who was clever, private and good-humoured.
On Wednesday he was found in cardiac arrest but emergency crews were unable to revive him after performing CPR for 45 minutes.
Mr Willis was a foundation member of The Rock and District Men’s Shed, a church organist, volunteer with Meals on Wheels, and an active member of the Emily Centre Friendship Group.
Kevin Verdon, friend to Mr Willis and The Rock and District Men’s Shed secretary described Mr Willis as “gentle and an avid reader”.
“He was a gentle man – his first love was gardening, he used to write poetry and he was an avid reader who loved the old movies,” he said.
A memorial will be held today (Wednesday April 23) at The Rock and District Men’s Shed starting just after midday.
Mr Willis was unmarried and his passions included poetry, photography and gardening.
Isabel Seberry volunteered alongside Mr Willis at Meals on Wheels and described the elderly man as sweet and reliable.
“We’ll miss him terribly,” Ms Seberry said.
“He was at the Emily Centre on Tuesday night, and regularly comes here twice a week to visit and chat.”
GANDY, John Charles. “Jack”
At hospital 7th September. Late of North Haven. Formerly of Drummoyne and Mollymook.
Beloved husband of Joan.
Loving father and Poppa Jack to his family.
Aged 93 years
The Relatives and Friends of Jack are respectfully invited to attend a Thanksgiving service to celebrate his life to be held Thursday, 15th September in the Chapel of Innes Gardens Memorial Park Crematorium, Philip Charley Drive, Port Macquarie commencing at 1pm.
Mark G Hammond Funeral Services
Laurieton
Ph: 02 6559 5999
Accredited Member of FDA of NSW
Published in The Sydney Morning Herald on Sept. 10, 2016
Sorry I could not attend the service but at present am in Qld.
May you rest in peace your service to your state and country done. My condolences to Joan and Family.
Regards Tony
Tony Livingstone,
Laurieton, New South Wales
October 3, 2016
Home is the Sailor, home from the sea. A brief time spent knowing Jack, but always remembered fondly and with respect. Safe voyage Jack.
Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995), Saturday 12 August 1972, page 8
Man put on $100 bond for placing poison in sugar
SYDNEY, Friday. —
A man who placed poison in a bottle to catch a workmate who had stolen his sugar was released on a $100 bond today.
Mr Brian Bernard Theodore Haake, 28, storeman and packer, of Green Valley, appeared for sentence before Judge Robson in Sydney Quarter Sessions.
He pleaded guilty to maliciously causing poison to be taken with intent to annoy on March 28 at Botany.
Detective-Sergeant J. Gandy said Mr Haake worked for Australian Wool and Hide Pty Ltd. He had had things stolen from his locker over a period, including clothing and sugar.
When Mr Haake had found his sugar was missing, he had got some from a fellow worker and had put in it half a teaspoonful of sodium arsenate.
He had put it in his locker and a fellow worker had later used it in his tea.
The fellow worker had become ill and had spent four days in hospital and had then been off work for two weeks.
Judge Robson said the charge was unusual, and he was satisfied that Mr Haake had intended to annoy but not to cause harm.
Rank: Commenced Training at Goulburn Police Academy on Sunday 1 February 2007 ( aged 31 years, 4 months, 27 days )
Probationary Constable – appointed 28 August 2007 ( aged 31 years, 11 months, 23 days )
Constable – appointed ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed ?
Senior Constable – appointed ?
Final Rank: Senior Constable
Stations: ?, City Central, ?, Tuggerah Lakes
Service: From 1 February 2007 to 7 September 2016 = 9 years, 7 months, 6 days Service
Awards: No find on It’s An Honour
Born: Friday 5 September 1975
Died on: Wednesday 7 September 2016
Cause: Bowel Cancer – diagnosed early 2015
Age: 41 years, 0 months, 2 days
Funeral date: Tuesday 13 September 2016 @ 2pm
Funeral location: Macquarie Memorial Park Cemetery & Crematorium, 405 Cessnock Rd, Ryhope
Buried at: ?
Memorial at: Dave IS MENTIONED on the Sydney Police Centre memorial Wall of Remembrance. Right Wall, Plaque E16
DAVE is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance, Canberra *NEED MORE INFO
Dave IS MENTIONED on the Sydney Police Centre memorial Wall of Remembrance. Right Wall, Plaque E16
Funeral location:
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal
Dave has lost his battle with Bowel Cancer and passed away on Wednesday 7 August 2016.
We pass on our deepest condolences to Dave’s wife and three children.
May you forever Rest In Peace Dave.
[blockquote]
The Funeral is at 2pm with the Service commencing at 2.30pm by Reverend Mark Watt, Police Chaplain, and the Service will be a full Police Funeral.
Those wishing to march in the Marching Escort Party are to be at the Memorial Park at 1.30pm for rehearsal in full uniform.
The family have invited all, after the service, to Central Leagues Club, Bula St, Charlestown to celebrate Dave’s life and it was on of Dave’s last wishes that those attending the funeral ( not in uniform ) wear a Hawaiian Shirt and bright colours to ‘celebrate his life’ and not mourn it.
[/blockquote]
MANSFIELD, David John ‘DAVE’
Late of Edgeworth
Passed away peacefully surrounded by His loving friends & family
7th September, 2016
Aged 41 Years
Dearly loved Husband of KY-LEE.
Much loved Dad of SARAH, KYAN, & LILA.
Adored Son of BRIAN MANSFIELD, SONJA & EDWARD HERIVEL,
Son-in-law of DAVID & MARGARET STODDART,
Brother of DEBRA, GLEN, & IAN,
Brother-in-law & Uncle to His Family.
A good friend to many.
At DAVE’S request, bright colours & Hawaiian shirts to be worn.
The Family & Friends of DAVE are warmly invited to attend a Celebration Of His Life to be held in The Chapel of Lake Macquarie Memorial Park, Cessnock Rd, Ryhope this TUESDAY 13th September, 2016 service commencing at 2pm.
In lieu of flowers & In Memory of DAVE donations to the ‘Starlight Foundation at JHH‘ may be made at the service.
Message dated: Thursday 8 September 2016 May you rest in peace Dave Mansfield. You fought the entire battle with more courage than anyone known. We would break any world record to still have you here. Sincerest of condolences to the Mansfield family.
22 Apr 2015
Central Coast Express Advocate Wyong
Emma Herd
Police leap to challenge of helping stricken mate
WHEN Senior Constable Dave Mansfield was diagnosed with bowel cancer at the start of the year, he had many colleagues willing to literally jump to his aid.
Senior Constable Jay Stewart and colleagues Graham Smith, Mick Errickson, Karen Bertram and Steve Bancroft warming up for their Guinness Book of World Records attempt for continuous jumping on a jumping castle.
As a fundraiser for the father of three, officers from Tuggerah Lakes police are preparing to set a new Guinness Book of World Records mark for continuous jumping on a jumping castle .
The record stands at 37 hours and 14 seconds, and the group is determined to blow that time out of the water at Mingara Recreation Club, Tumbi Umbi, on May 29-31.
Such was the interest in assisting the Mansfield family, organiser Senior Constable Jay Stewart had to knock back some prospective jumpers as only eight are required.
While there is no strict training schedule planned, Sen-Constable Stewart said they had a plan of attack for their record attempt.
“We’re going to try half an hour stints,” he said.
“We were going to try an hour at a time but I don’t know if you could do it for that long.”
The group have set up a Facebook page and are seeking support from businesses in the lead-up to the event.
Sen-Constable Mansfield was speechless when his colleagues told him of their plans, although he confessed to having a laugh when he was told about the jumping castle.
“I thought it was hilarious to begin with,” he said.
“But I’ve been speechless at how much support has been generated.”
Hunter Valley Amusement Hire has donated the use of a jumping castle.
Details: Search Jumpfor Dave Tuggerah Lakes on Facebook.
Eight officers from Tuggerah Lakes Police will begin a world record attempt for the longest marathon bouncing on a jumping castle at Mingara Recreation Club on Friday, May 29.
The attempt is to raise funds for their Tuggerah Local Area Command colleague, senior constable Dave Mansfield, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer at the start of the year.
SC Mansfield is a married man and a father of a young family, so, according to the Police Association of NSW, his “police family” is banding together to raise funds to assist the Mansfield family.
The current marathon on a jumping castle world record stands at 37 hours and 14 seconds.
“We believe we can blow that record out of the water by jumping well into Sunday,” said Ms Alison McLaughlin, spokesperson for the Police Association.
A family fun day will be held on Saturday, May 30 as part of the world record attempt including raffles, barbecue, NSW Police Dog Unit, POLAIR landing and “Dunk a Cop”.
Email, 27 May 2015 Alison McLaughlin, Police Association of NSW
‘Jump for Dave’ fundraiser day at Mingara Rec Centre, Tuggerah, in support of Sen Cst Dave Mansfield & his family during his medical treatment. Come by for a Sausage sandwich & see the great displays of NSW Police, NSW Ambulance, Fire & Rescue NSW, SES, VRA, Marine Rescue, PCYC. Till 2pm.
Finally tonight, a group of Central Coast police officers has set a new world record for the longest team marathon on a jumping castle, by bouncing for 43 hours and 25 minutes.
They smashed the previous mark by more than six hours.
It was all about raising money to support fellow Tuggerah Lakes officer, David Mansfield, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer in February.
“I… I truly am speechless. How do you thank so many people? I guess you keep fighting. This is the most humbling experience I think you could ever have.”
The longest marathon on a bouncy castle by a team is 43 hr 25 min 1 sec and was achieved by Tuggerah Lakes Police (Australia) in Tumbi Umbi, New South Wales, Australia, on 29-31 May 2015.
The team consisted of Jay Stewart, Graham Smith, Steve Bancroft, Mick Erickson, Nicole Bird, Jon Paul Dinsdale, Karen Bertram, and Dave Brown. They attempted this record to raise money for a New South Wales Police officer who was diagnosed with cancer.
A quick-thinking driver and two alert off-duty police officers saved 32 foreign tourists from the smoke, flames and explosions of a burning tour bus in Sydney.
The group were travelling on the Gore Hill freeway at Artarmon about 6.30pm yesterday when the driver noticed an engine fire, prompting him to stop in a breakdown lane and quickly start evacuating his passengers.
Two off-duty police officers, Constable David Mansfield and Senior Constable Bryon Williams, happened to be travelling in a car nearby and decided to follow the bus after noticing smoke coming from its rear.
“As the bus pulled over we got out of the car,” Senior Constable Williams told reporters yesterday.
“The back of the bus was engulfed in flames and smoke.”
By the time the officers got to the front of the bus, passengers were scrambling to get off.
“Obviously there was a lot of chaos,” Senior Constable Williams said.
“Within minutes the whole bus was alight.
“There were numerous explosions … the windows on either side were blowing out with the heat.
“I thought, if we don’t get these people off there’s going to be a big fatality.”
None of the passengers were injured. The officers and the bus driver suffered smoke inhalation.
All that remains of the bus is a burnt shell.
The freeway at Artarmon was closed between Willoughby Road and Reserve Road for nearly an hour while firefighters fought the blaze, causing traffic problems.
Two off-duty police officers who had just seconds to save passengers from a burning bus on Sydney’s North Shore last night say they feared the bus would explode.
Senior Constable Bryon Williams and Constable David Mansfield were travelling behind the bus when it caught on fire while carrying 32 tourists on the Gore Hill Freeway in Artarmon about 6:00pm.
The driver pulled over and the officers only had seconds to get the passengers off before flames engulfed the bus.
Senior Constable Williams says the officers’ first concern was the passengers.
“It was out of control. Within a minute, the whole bus was nearly alight. The windows on either side of the bus were blowing out with the heat and the amount of fire and that coming from the bus,” he said.
“It was close… I actually thought this thing’s going to blow up and if we don’t get these people off, there’s going to be a big fatality.
“It was very scary from my point of view, from the point of view of the people on the bus and the poor bus driver himself.”
The fire started in the engine bay of the bus.
The southbound lanes of the freeway were closed for more than an hour, causing traffic problems.
