THE NSW Central Coast was a disaster area yesterday as fires raged out of control, forcing thousands of people to evacuate their homes.
Fires across a 40km front were fanned by north-easterly winds, forcing thousands of people to flee to the beach or sleep on the football field outside the Central Coast Leagues Club at Gosford.
Bus loads of residents and holiday-makers ordered to evacuate Kariong, Woy Woy, Umina, Ettalong and Brisbane Waters, poured into the makeshift evacuation centre at Gosford.
Last night, the 360patient Gosford Hospital, threatened by a huge blaze at West Gosford, was put on stand-by evacuation status. Fifty nurses and 20 medical interns were evacuated from the nearby nurses’ quarters as a precaution.
Second-year nurse, Jo Weeks, said all trainee medical staff were evacuated to the Gosford RSL Club.
“It’s scary and unsettling, especially since most of us don’t have family on the Central Coast to turn to. Nurse Kitty Hardman said the hospital had taken elderly and retired people from evacuated nursing homes and retirement villages at Wyoming and Point Clare.
The families slept in tents, deck chairs and cars, unaware that the raging fires had destroyed their homes. “The playing field is a mass of airbeds, deck chairs, blankets and Esky’s,” Gosford constable, Lachlan Gunn, said.
Families with small children and elderly people slept on gym mats in the auditorium of the Leagues Club to escape the heat and smoke.
Fleeing families were initially evacuated to Mt Penang, near Kariong, but were transferred to Gosford when the fires struck at nearby Somersby.
Kariong evacuee Debbie Land arrived home from a Queensland holiday less than 24 hours before she was evacuated with her husband and six children, including one-year-old triplets, Andrew, Steven and Jason.
“All we managed to pack were photograph albums and videos of our wedding,”she said.
St John’s Ambulance officer, Kevin White, said the situation at Gosford was”chaotic”.
“We are continually treating people for smoke inhalation, exhaustion and stress,” Mr White said. “We’re patrolling the parks offering people assistance as they arrive throughout the day and night.”
Sydney-Newcastle trains were prevented from running after the fire jumped the Mooney-Mooney Bridge at Hawkesbury and destroyed wooden rail sleepers, power lines and buckled the track.
The rail link is not expected to be re-opened for another 48 hours.
Yesterday, hundreds of motorists were stranded on the F3 freeway at Hawkesbury and Freemans Water Hole, near Toronto. Emergency food and water supplies were rushed to the motorists who were suffering from severe dehydration.
The anxious vigil of Central Coast residents who had not received word to evacuate their homes was intensified when an electricity failure meant they were unable to monitor the progress of the fire on their radios or television sets.
Wyong police officer, Sgt Tony Tubolec, who was evacuating residents from the Central Mangrove region, east of Wyong, said most people agreed to leave their properties but “others refused to leave” because they were reluctant to abandon their home.
“But a lot of people don’t want to leave because they want to protect their homes, and others think evacuation is a case of overkill because they can’t see the flames.
“But property can be rebuilt but you only have one chance with life.”
Constable David Dee came across a fresh outbreak of fire when he was sent out to set up a police blockade to prevent motorists travelling on Old Northern Road, south of Kulnura.
“I’d spent three days up here and had seen a lot of smoke but no flames. I was driving along a dirt track and I could see the red tinge in the smoke. Then, suddenly I was confronted with a wall of flame. I got out of there quick-smart.”
Motels in the popular holiday havens of Wyong, Gosford, Tuggerah and The Entrance were booked out last night by stranded motorists.
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I have found reference to this man with the spelling of his christian name being slightly different: Anatolli, Anatolij & Anatolil.
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William Baden PENNEY
| 30/07/2015
William Baden PENNEY
aka Bill
( late of Lavington )
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 6789
Rank: ?
Stations: ?, Albury ( early 1960’s )
Service: From ? to ?
Awards: ?
Born: ?
Died on: Tuesday 21 July 2015 at home
Cause: ?
Age: 84
Funeral date: Monday 27 July 2015 @ 10am
Funeral location: John Hossack’s Funeral Services, 435 Wilson Street, Albury
Buried at: ?
[alert_blue]WILLIAM is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_blue] * NOT JOB RELATED
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Funeral location:
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Bill attended a retired Police luncheon in Albury last Sunday ( 20 July 2015 ) and two days later he has died.
PENNEY William (Bill) Baden Of Lavington passed away suddenly on Tuesday, July 21, 2015, at home, aged 84 years.
Dearly loved husband of Marjorie (dec) and Shirley. Loved father and father-in-law of Lyn and Rowan, Margaret and David, Cheryl and Jim. Much loved step-father of Susan and Clem, Kerry and Leigh, Wendy, John and Elizabeth. Cherished grandfather and great-grandfather of many.
Published in The Border Mail on July 23, 2015
Thursday, 23 July 2015
The Murray River Branch of the Retired Police Association of NSW notes with regret the passing of member William (Bill) Penney. The dedication to duty exhibited by Bill during his years of Service to the people of NSW is recognised.
~
Brian Rosewarne,
Lavington, New South Wales
.
Thursday, 23 July 2015
Our thoughts are with you Shirley & family. We will be raising a beer or two in honour of a great man & a great friend up north.
All our love,
Dave & Amanda Vandergriend & family, Ian & Jen Peters & Rod & Donna Peters
XO.
~
Dave Vandergriend,
Moonee Beach, New South Wales
Thursday, 23 July 2015
Penney, William: Committee, members and staff of the Albury Racing Club extend deepest sympathy to Shirley and family on the sad passing of former committee man Bill. A great supporter of racing. He will be missed by all at the club.
Marie BUCKLEY – wife of Ken ( R.I.P. 25 June 2020 )
New South Wales Police Force
Rank: Police Wife
Stations: ?
Service: From ? to ?
Awards: ?
Born: ?
Died on: Saturday 19 July 2015
Cause: ?
Age: 78
Funeral date: Wednesday 29 July 2015 @ 10am
Funeral location: Guardian Funerals Chapel, Cnr. First Avenue and Sunnyhold Road, BLACKTOWN
Buried at: ?
Funeral location:
With regret I advise the death of Marie BUCKLEY, 78 old, the wife of Ken who is a member of the Parramatta-The Hills Branch of the RPA.
Marie passed away on 19/07/2015 and her funeral is proposed to be held at 10am on Wednesday 29th Instant at Guardian Funerals Chapel, Cnr. First Avenue and Sunnyhold Road, BLACKTOWN.
Karl HANSON
| 30/07/2015
Karl Christian HANSON
“Possible” Relation(s) in “The Job”: A. HANSON, NSWPF # 8358 ?
T.R. HANSON, NSWPF # 18057 ?
New South Wales Police Force
NSW Police Cadet # 1161
Regd. # 8870
Redfern Police Academy Class 0??
Rank: Commenced Training, as a Cadet, at Redfern Police Academy on Friday18 February 1955 ( aged 16 years, 3 months, 12 days )
Probationary Constable – appointed 6 November 1957 ( aged 19 years, 0 months, 0 days )
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed 6 November 1963
Senior Constable – appointed 1 July 1968
Final Rank: Senior Constable
Stations: ?, South District ( 1968 ), ?, VKG2 – Warilla as a S.O.O. ( Senior Operations Officer ) – Retirement
Service: From 18 February 1955 to ? = ? years of Service
Age at Retirement:
Time in Retirement:
Awards: National Medal – granted 4 November 1992 ( SenCon )
Born: Sunday 6 November 1938
Died on: Thursday 12 July 2006
at the David Berry Hospital, Berry
Cause: Brain cancer
Age: 68 years, 8 months, 6 days
Funeral date: ?
Funeral location: Cremated ?
Buried at:
Wollongong Memorial Gardens
Berkeley Road, Berkeley.
MEMORIAL GARDENS GARDENS, Garden Rocks, Section 9J Site 7
SENIOR CONSTABLE KARL HANSON, VKG2, WARILLA POLICE RADIO – SENIOR OPERATIONS OFFICER. 1987 – 1988
SENIOR CONSTABLE KARL HANSON # 8870 (SEATED), VKG2, WARILLA POLICE RADIO – SENIOR OPERATIONS OFFICER – SPEAKING WITH SENIOR SERGEANT DICK BROOK # 9570, FROM WARILLA POLICE STATION. 1987 – 1988
KARL is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * NOT JOB RELATED
Funeral location:
Edward Francis DOHERTY
| 30/07/2015
Edward Francis DOHERTY
aka Ted
( late of Corrimal )
NSW Police Cadet # 1365
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 9446
Rank: NSW Police Cadet – commenced 18 June 1957
Probationary Constable – appointed 30 October 1959
Constable 1st Class – appointed 30 October 1965
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 15 January 1975
Senior Sergeant – appointed 29 March 1985
Chief Inspector – retired
Stations: ?, Western District, Corrimal, Wollongong
Service: From 18 June 1957to 12 January 1996 = 39 years Service
Awards: National Medal – granted 15 September 1980
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 10 September 1986
2nd Clasp to National Medal – granted 16 September 1993
Born: 30 October 1940
Died on: 13 July 1999
Cause: Lung Cancer
Age: 58
Funeral date: 16 July 1999
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: ?
TED is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * NOT JOB RELATED
Funeral location: ?
A/O K. PEARCE A/PARAMEDIC J. WOODS CST 1/C GARY THOMPSON, SGT TED DOHERTY (WHITE OVERALLS), S/C RON FOX ?, SGT PETER LINCOLN (FAR RIGHT) 1984 ALBUM THREE – BULLI
RESCUE SERVICES FIELD DAY. MT KEIRA EARLY 1983 ALBUM THREE – BULLI
RESCUE AT WOLLONGONG LIGHT HOUSE A/O BOB LEWIS, CST MARK MULREADY, SENSGT TED DOHERTY, SENCON GARY THOMPSON, PARAMEDIC STEVE POLLARD, CST TONY FERRIS, A/O KEVIN DENT (POINTING), PARAMEDIC TERRY MORROW, A/O ANDREW GROVES (PARTIALLY HIDDEN ON LOWER RIGHT) 1988
BACK TO 60’s NIGHT FUND RAISER FOR THE 20th AMBULANCE CONVENTION S/O BOB SMITH (BLACK SHIRT) WITH SENSGT TED DOHERTY 1988
POLICE AND COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUBS RESTRUCTURE Mr MARTIN
(Bathurst) [12.31 p.m.]: As honourable members would be aware, the Minister for Police, the Hon. Michael Costa, recently restructured the police and community youth club [PCYC] organisation to decentralise it and make it more community based. The Government provided a $8 million package, $5 million of which was to boost capital upgrades and a trial of civilian support to free police from police work. I have two police and community youth clubs in my electorate, one in Lithgow and one in Bathurst. When I was a child I used the facilities of the club at Lithgow and later I was a member of its management board. Senior Constable Jeff Doherty was recently named Policeman of the Year for his work with the Bathurst Police and Community Youth Club. An article in the
Western Advocate
states:
Bathurst Police officer Jeff Doherty has been named “Policeman of the Year”.
Senior Constable Doherty received the prestigious award from Police Commissioner Ken Moroney.
Senior Constable Doherty is the son of the late Ted Doherty, who was one of the police officers in charge of the police boys club in Lithgow when I was a child. He went on to be a very senior police officer, reaching the rank of inspector. Unfortunately, he died last year just after he retired. Jeff is carrying on the great Doherty tradition. The article continues:
Senior Constable Doherty has been working at Bathurst PCYC, working to help disadvantaged young people and change their attitudes towards the police service.
He joined the police force in what he likes to call “a family business”, his father and brother both being in the service.
In a little over 18 months, Senior Constable Doherty has made the PCYC Breakfast and Domestic Violence Programs into “a labour of love”.
Senior Constable Doherty has always been interested in kids and youth-related issues. It is great that he has been able to make the program a success. He has three young boys. He is not only passionate about his job, but he is extremely modest about his achievements. He was a bit embarrassed about winning this prestigious award. But those around him in the community know that it has been well earned. The article continues:
Senior Constable Doherty’s involvement in the PCYC is a valuable service to the police force, the kids involved and the greater community.
The PCYC’s breakfast program is for kids who either don’t attend or have trouble getting to school, while the domestic violence program targets children who either have experienced some kind of domestic abuse at home, or have been the direct victims of domestic attacks.
The breakfast program gives kids who may not receive breakfast normally a good meal to start the day and at least three days of school a week.
The domestic violence program offers counselling and support services as well as a place where the kids can have fun and forget about the trauma in their lives.
“The programs also give the kids the chance to actually interact with police officers when they aren’t in trouble,” Senior Constable Doherty said.
“Changing attitudes is very important.”
However, at the same time, Senior Constable Doherty believes that the PCYC is not as visible as it could be and that this could be limiting its effectiveness.
Senior Constable Doherty is marketing the services of the Bathurst PCYC to the wider community. He believes, and I do not disagree with him, that it should be the top youth service in a country town. He has plans to open a youth drop-in centre next year where local kids can hang out in a safe and drug-free environment. This is critically important to keep kids away from an element that might lead them into trouble. It is this interaction by committed police officers such as Senior Constable Doherty through police and community youth clubs that are having an important impact on young lives in Bathurst. It underpins what a great and valuable assets PCYCs are to our communities and how they are benefiting from the restructure by the Minister. I am sure all members in this House join in congratulating Senior Constable Doherty on his prestigious award.
BARRY Doherty has found the ultimate way to remember his late dad each year – with a round of their favourite game, golf.
And while he’s swinging his sticks through the 18-hole course at Illawarra Country Golf Club, he’s also raising money to find a cure for the disease that killed his father -cancer.
Mr Doherty has participated in the annual Doherty and Doherti Memorial Golf Day since it started five years ago in memory of Ted Doherty and Joe Doherty, both police officers who died from cancer.
Ted Doherty was just 58 years old and barely into his retirement when he died from lung cancer in 1999.
Barry Doherty, from Mt Ousley, said the memorial golf day was a fitting way to remember his dad, who was a keen golfer before he died.
Ted Doherty had been a member of a group of police officers who played golf on the first Monday of each month, which they dubbed Destress Golf Day.
“It’s good memories because I used to play with dad in the Destress Day,” said Mr Doherty, who is also a police officer.
“It’s good that we can go as a memorial for dad and Joe, but it’s also sad too because it brings back memories.”
Ted Doherty’s grandsons Craig, 18, and Brad, 15, also get involved in the memorial day as caddies.
The event has so far raised more than $30,000 towards cancer research and Mr Doherty expected this year to be the biggest yet. Tee-off is at 7am on Monday following a barbecue breakfast.
IT takes a certain kind of strength to cope with the unique demands of being in the Illawarra’s police rescue unit.Often first on the scene at devastating accidents and horrific tragedies, no-one could argue that the men and women of rescue have one of the toughest jobs in the force.
Yesterday around 40 past and present Illawarra police rescue officers gathered at Wollongong’s Flagstaff Hill for a rare reunion to compare notes and take a walk down memory lane.
A member of the original 10-man Illawarra squad formed in the early ’70s, retired Sergeant John Byers was thrilled to catch up with former colleagues.
A 28-year rescue veteran, Mr Byers said the lifelong bonds formed between squad members helped the officers cope with the often heavy emotional burdens.
“It’s a job where you form very close associations with your mates because you’re in some interesting situations. A lot of times it’s dangerous but there’s also a lot of times where you see things which are unpalatable,” he said.
“It’s something you need to put your heart and soul into really.”
Taking the reins from Mr Byers in 1996, Illawarra Police Rescue Unit commander Sgt Manni Verzosa has held the top job for more than 14 years.
“It’s a passion, none of these people would be here if they didn’t have that passion,” he said.
The absence of rescue squad founding boss Chief Inspector Ted Doherty weighed heavily on his former colleagues, who spoke fondly of a man passionate about saving the lives of others.
Chief Insp Doherty lost a two-year battle with cancer in 1999, at the age of 58.
Squad co-founder, retired Senior Sergeant E.J. ‘Ted’ Beaver, who travelled from Maitland to reminisce and meet newer members, said the job had changed little since his time.
The group ended the reunion with a barbecue and a tour of the new police Lake Illawarra command headquarters at Oak Flats.
Rounding out the top five vote getters were Michael Rix in 3rdposition on 93 votes (Ted Doherty Memorial Trophy), Danny Hughes in 4thposition on 75 votes (Colin Williams Trophy) and Rhett Kerr was 5thwith 60 votes (Neil Taylor Trophy).
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 2 March 1959
Sergeant 3/Class – appointed 2 April 1974
Final rank = ?
Stations: ?
Service: From? ?pre March 1959to? ? 1989 = 30 years Service
Awards: National Medal – granted 15 September 1980
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 15 May 1986
Born: 21 March 1929
Died on: Sunday 17 May 2015
Cause: ?
Age: 86
Funeral date: ?
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: ?
[alert_blue]RAYMOND is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_blue] * NOT JOB RELATED
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Funeral location: ?
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NOTHING FURTHER IS KNOWN ABOUT THIS MANS’ LIFE OR DEATH.
FURTHER INFORMATION IS SOUGHT
BROWN, Raymond Gordon.- 21/03/1929 – 17/05/2015
In cherished memory of Ray Brown, A true Gentleman, sadly missed.
Loved husband of Maree. Dear father and father in law of Peter and Helen, Ricki and Kevin, Julie (deceased) and Ian, grandfather (Pop) of Larissa and Allan, Andrew and Kia, Ben, Taren, Luke and Angela (deceased), and great grandfather of their children.
Proud member of NSW Police Force from 1959-1989.
Published in The Newcastle Herald on May 17, 2016 –
Service: From: 14 February 1998 to 15 December 2001 = 3+ years Service
Attested: Friday 14 August 1998
Awards: ?
Born: 9 January 1974
Died on: 15 December 2001
Incident date: 24 November 2001
Cause: Head injuries
Age: 27
Funeral date: ?
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: Coffs Harbour Lawn Cemetery
https://police.freom.com/gregory-michael-jackson/ Constable GREGORY MICHAEL JACKSON – NSWPF – DIED 15 DECEMBER 2001 IMAGES FROM DAVID MacPHERSON
Gregory Michael JACKSON memorial plaque on the front wall of Bourke Police Station.
Gregory Michael JACKSON memorial plaque on the front wall of Bourke Police Station. Greg’s plaque is the the left of the window on the left. The plaque on the right of the same window is for Ash BRYANT.
Gregory Michael JACKSON grave plaque in the Lawn section of Coffs Harbour cemetery.
https://police.freom.com/gregory-michael-jackson/ Constable GREGORY MICHAEL JACKSON – NSWPF – DIED 15 DECEMBER 2001
https://police.freom.com/gregory-michael-jackson/ Constable GREGORY MICHAEL JACKSON – NSWPF – DIED 15 DECEMBER 2001
https://police.freom.com/gregory-michael-jackson/ Constable GREGORY MICHAEL JACKSON – NSWPF – DIED 15 DECEMBER 2001
https://police.freom.com/gregory-michael-jackson/ Constable GREGORY MICHAEL JACKSON – NSWPF – DIED 15 DECEMBER 2001
[alert_blue]GREG is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_blue] * NOT JOB RELATED
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Cop’s bar stool death a ‘tragedy’
The State Coroner yesterday found a Bourke policeman who was knocked off a bar stool at a police Christmas party died in a “tragic misadventure”.
An inquest at Dubbo and Sydney heard that Constable Gregory Jackson, 27, died from head injuries three weeks after falling head-first off a bar stool at the Bourke Golf Club.
Mr Jackson and his colleagues were celebrating at their Christmas party on November 24, 2001 when the incident occurred about 3.30am.
Mr Jackson was dancing on a bar stool in the middle of the dance floor but was knocked off balance by a colleague and fell to the floor. He died in Sydney’s Concord Hospital from head injuries three weeks later.
Delivering his findings, Coroner John Abernethy said the police officers still at the club were “happy, moderately-intoxicated and intent on dancing”.
The officer who knocked Mr Jackson from the stool was “affected with alcohol and in exuberant high spirits”, he said.
He said Constable Melanie Butcher made innocent contact with Constable Jackson’s legs, bumping into him either while running towards him with her arms outstretched or trying to climb onto a nearby stool.
But the contact “had the disastrous effect … of causing Constable Jackson to lose his balance and fall to the floor causing him a serious head injury”, Mr Abernethy said.
He also found Constable Jackson’s conduct – dancing on a 64cm tall bar stool – “had an inherent danger to it”.
Mr Abernethy dismissed suggestions the stool had been kicked out from under the officer and said no charges should be laid over the death.
“There is no criminality at all in the incident and I see it as simply a very tragic misadventure,” Mr Abernethy ruled.
However, he criticised police for the three-month delay in investigating Mr Jackson’s death, saying the lapse of time was “both significant and unwarranted”.
Before the first of two official police investigations began in March 2002, “the death of a fellow police officer was being treated … in a somewhat cavalier fashion”, he said.
“On one view it can be said that scant attention was paid to the duty to investigate a coronial death.”
Mr Abernethy was also critical that the first investigation – though sound – was run by a police officer who knew Constable Jackson and other officers involved in the incident.
“The decision ran the risk of a perception of a conflict of interest and lack of transparency,” he said.
He recommended that future NSW police investigations into coronial deaths of police officers be conducted only by an impartial investigator.
Greg was an avid 4 x 4 driver and is the brother of Brad Jackson.
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Terence Earle LESTER
| 30/07/2015
Terence Earle LESTER
New South Wales Police Force
Redfern Police Training Academy – Class 87A
Regd. # 10049
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy on Monday 29 May 1961 ( aged 19 years, 6 months, 29 days )
Probationary Constable – appointed Monday 3 July 1961 ( aged 19 years, 8 months, 3 days )
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed 1 April 1967
Senior Constable – appointed 1 April 1971
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 15 November 1977
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed 30 July 1984
Sergeant 1st Class – appointed 2 May 1986
Inspector – appointed? ? ?
Chief Inspector – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank: Chief Inspector – retired
Stations:
?, Clarence St Sydney ( 1 Division )( ProCst ), ?, South Coast District ( 1967 ), Remington Building – Senior Courses, Academy ( 1980’s ), HWP, North Region Traffic co-ordinator
Service: From 29 May 1961 to ? ? ? = ? years Service
Awards: National medal – granted 11 December 1980 ( Sgt )
1st Clasp to National medal – granted 8 June 1988 ( SenSgt )
2nd Clasp to National medal – granted 28 August 1997 ( SenSgt )
Born: Thursday 30 October 1941
Died on: Thursday 25 June 2015
Cause: ?
Age: 73 years, 7 months, 26 days
Funeral date: Wednesday 1 July 2015 @ 2pm
Funeral location: Narara Valley Baptist Church, 149 Narara Valley Drive, NARARA, NSW
Buried at: ?
Terry Lester (left) and Dallas Tidyman (right) at the Goulburn PDTS ( Police Driver Training Section ) late 1991 or early 1992. Dallas killed whilst instructing on a HWP motorcycle course at Boorowa, NSW. RIP two good friends.
More guys from class 87A 29 May, 1961: Harvey Juergens 10018, Doug Philp 10041, Les Wyatt 10039, Peter (Bob) Drooger 10019, Mike Stephens 10026, Ian McPHEE 10009, Terry Lester 10049.
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( February 2021 )
TERRY is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * NOT JOB RELATED
Funeral location:
LESTER, Terry.
30.10.41 – 25.6.15.
Beloved husband of Marilyn,
loved father of Kristie and Lara,
proud father in law of Warwick and Graeme, and
cherished Grandfather of William, Joseph, Kate, Molly and Emma.
Celebration Service to held at Narara Valley Baptist Church, Narara at 2pm Wednesday (1 July 2015).
Published in The Sydney Morning Herald on June 27, 2015
The World Today Archive – Wednesday, 1 December , 1999 00:00:00
Reporter: Rafael Epstein
COMPERE: Already, the organisers in Sydney are studying today’s events at the World Trade Organisation protests in Seattle. The organisers concede it would be possible for demonstrators to disrupt access to Olympic venues next year. However Superintendent Terry Lester from Olympic security command says alternative routes have already been planned. And Superintendent Lester has been telling Raphael Epstein police are already consulting with political and activist groups liaising so there’s advance notice of demonstrations.
TERRY LESTER: Well, during Games time we obviously plan for these sort of incidents happening – not only demonstrations, but also car crashes and other incidents that may block the Olympic lanes or the CBD or other areas where a lot of people are trying to get to and from Olympic venues. Now, the way we do this is we’ve got the Olympic routes already planned out. As secondary to those, we’ve got another lot of Olympic routes where, if the first one becomes blocked, we use the alternate. We’re also trying to get people to speak to us before they demonstrate so that they can get their message across. It’s important for them to get their message across to the media, to the rest of the world, if you like, and it’s important that they do have their say.
RAPHAEL EPSTEIN: But Sydney’s already a, should we say, difficult city, traffic-wise and transport-wise. It would potentially be quite easy for them to block off the major roads leading to Olympic sites, wouldn’t it, with a couple of thousand demonstrators.
TERRY LESTER: Oh yes. And we recognise what’s happening in Seattle at the moment as to these limited number of demonstrators and effectively slowing up a major event. But working with ORTA and the RTA and the local councils, we’re trying to say to these people ‘you’ve got the right to demonstrate, we recognise that, but we’ve also got to keep the Games going at the same time’. So we’re trying to provide an alternative system, if you like, so that if one – one system does become blocked up, the alternative is there and it’s readily available to us.
RAPHAEL EPSTEIN: So if a group of demonstrators then is uncooperative, you’re going to have to rely on those back-up routes to get people into venues.
TERRY LESTER: Yes, that’s correct.
RAPHAEL EPSTEIN: How far advanced are preparations for those alternative routes?
TERRY LESTER: Oh, very much advanced. We’ve already, with ORTA, released to the public the Olympic routes where people are going – major routes which are travelling to and from the various venues around the city. There’s 11 of those. And we’ve already got secondary routes already planned out and identified – which ones – the ones that we are going to use.
RAPHAEL EPSTEIN: Would you need special powers at all to, I guess, disperse demonstrators if they are causing a real problem, if they do manage to block off all of the routes into a venue?
TERRY LESTER: No. We can use the current legislation that we already have for people causing an unreasonable obstruction – things like that, you know. And how we clear up demonstrations now is the way which we’ll do it during the Games.
RAPHAEL EPSTEIN: What do you think of the fact that tear-gas was used in Seattle this morning on the demonstrators?
TERRY LESTER: Oh, I’d rather not comment on that. I wasn’t even aware of that problem in the first place, you know. And how people police in Seattle may be totally different to the way we police here.
RAPHAEL EPSTEIN: Do you know if tear-gas has ever been used on demonstrators in Australia?
TERRY LESTER: No, I’m not aware of that. Obviously we’ve got the capsicum sprays which come out. But that’s in a reasonable life-threatening situation where enabled to use that.
You know, Australian society – the Olympic Games, you know, are melding well together. And what we’re trying to do here – it’s a friendly, open sort of a Games. But I don’t think we’re going to have serious-type demonstrations like they’re having in Seattle or with the MUA.
COMPERE: Superintendent Terry Lester is with the Olympic Security Command. He was speaking with Raphael Epstein.
[alert_blue]RAY is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_blue] * NOT JOB RELATED
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Funeral location: TBA
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Ray used to be Stationed at Parramatta and when he retired from NSW Police Force & then worked for corrective services, in the weekend detainee area. He used to go it to police stations and check on the detainees who were doing car washing, mowing lawns etc to make sure they were actively engaged in doing some work and not sitting on their bums, but they had to be back at Parramatta gaol on Sunday’s for lunch.
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Edward James COHEN
| 30/07/2015
Edward James COHEN – OAM
aka Ted
late of Hawks Nest
New South Wales Police Force
Joined NSW Police Force via NSW Police Cadet system on 3 March 1952
Cadet # 987
Regd. # 7535
Rank: NSW Police Cadet – commenced 3 March 1952
Probationary Constable – appointed 26 March 1953
Senior Constable – appointed 26 March 1964
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 2 September 1968
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed 26 October 1976
Inspector 3rd Class – appointed 31 March 1984
Final Rank: Inspector – retired
Stations: Cadet: Regent St ( 2 Division ), M.O. Unit.
Police: Regent St ( 2 Division ), Vice Squad, Burwood ( 9 Division ), Ashfield ( 11 Division ), School Lecturing Section ( 1954 – 17 years ), Granville GD’s – 18 Division ( Sgt ), Merrylands ( 26 Division ), Cabramatta – 34 Division ( Sgt 2/C ), Campbelltown – 35 Division ( ten months ), Bowral – OIC ( 2 years & Sgt 1/C ), Mudgee ( Sgt 1/C ) in the late 1970’s for 4 years. Petersham ( 11 Division ) 1984, Campsie, Balmain, Ashfield – Retirement
Service: From 3 March 1952to? pre 28 May 1990 = 38+ years Service
Awards: National Medal – granted 28 May 1990
Medal of the Order of Australia – granted 10 June 2002
Born: 26 March 1934
Died on: Saturday 24 April 2015
Cause: Cancer – Prostate
Age: 81
Funeral date: ?
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: ?
Ted COHEN
EDWARD is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * NOT JOB RELATED
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Medal (OAM) in the division
June 10 2002
MEDAL (OAM) IN THE DIVISION
Edward James COHEN, Hawks Nest, NSW For service to the community, particularly through the job placement program of the Salvation Army.
Ted joined the Cadets on 3 March 1952 and served at Regent Street and the MO Section. He was called to National Service training at Ingleburn during that year and was sworn in as a Probationary Constable on 26 March 1953.
His early service saw him at Regent Street, the Vice Squad, Burwood and Ashfield. In 1954 the School Lecturing Section occupied his energies where he remained for the next 17 years. By this time he had reached the rank of Sergeant and was transferred back to general duties at Granville and Merrylands. Cabramatta was his next port of call where 12 police officers attempted to keep law and order for 48,000 people. Whilst at Cabramatta, he was promoted to Sergeant 2nd Class and transferred to Campbelltown where he remained for ten months.
He was successful in securing a posting to Bowral as Officer in Charge, and after 2 years was promoted to Sergeant 1st Class. Mudgee was next in line where he saw service for another four years and held office in 14 community organisations and was President of Rotary International.
In 1984 Ted returned to Sydney pending promotion to Inspector where he saw service at Petersham, Campsie, Balmain and Ashfield, retiring from Ashfield aged 55.
Retirement did not suit Ted, and for 2 years he occupied himself by assisting ailing business companies as a management consultant. After that time, he retired again. But it was not long before he was back at work. This time with the Salvation Army, not as a box-shaker as his brother thought, but as a human resources consultant, getting people over 40 back into work through the Mature Workers’ Program. This was the zenith of his working career as he was the most successful consultant in the country, securing over 3,500 placements. Such was his success that when he retired in 2000, all tiers of government recognised his achievements.
Federal and State Governments recorded his achievements in Hansard, and Local Government gave a civic reception to mark his retirement. Other recognitions were: the Pride of Workmanship Award by Rotary International; Certificate of Appreciation by the Salvation Army (only one other non-Salvationist has received the award); the Older Person of the Year Award, presented by the Commonwealth Government. In 2002, Ted was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for Services to the Community. This included being a Scoutmaster, President of the Parents and Citizens Associations at various schools, working for the Royal Childrens’ Far West Scheme as well as his career achievements.
Ted has always recognised the advantages of knowledge and spent 22 years studying part-time at various universities and has numerous tertiary qualifications. During his police service, he encouraged others to seek greater knowledge and aspire to achieve. He supervised Ken Moroney, Christine Nixon, Jacqueline Milledge and many others who have made their mark in the community.
