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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Scott Andrew BLANCHARD
| 30/07/2015
Scott Andrew BLANCHARD
Previous article called: Unnamed policeman
late of Bayswater, W.A.
Western Australia Police Force
Regd. # 9360
Rank: Detective Sergeant
Stations: ?, Gang Crime
Service: From? ? ? to 24 July 2015 = ? years of Service
Awards: Police Medal – 20 years
No find on It’s An Honour
Born: ?
Died on: Friday 24 July 2015 @ p.m. at 6kms south of Kalgoorlie, W.A.
The WA Police Union has extended its deepest condolences to the family of an officer who died of a gunshot wound.
The union is supporting family and friends of the officer, who died after a firearms incident while he was on duty on Kalgoorlie’s outskirts on Friday evening.
“We will continue to work with WA Police to ensure the best possible outcome for all involved, given the circumstances.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the member’s family, friends and colleagues,” union president George Tilbury said in a statement on Saturday.
Investigators said earlier the incident was not being treated as suspicious.
* For support and information about suicide prevention, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78)
Today our hero from Western Australia police will be laid to rest.
Our condolences and thoughts go out to his family, friends and the thin blue line at this difficult time.
Thank you for your service and dedication sir. We will keep you and your family in our hearts, never forgotten.
Rest easy Detective Sergeant.
”As the sun surely sets,
dawn will see it arise.
For service above self,
demands it’s own prize.
You have fought the good fight,
life’s race has been run,
and peace, your reward,
for eternity begun.
And we that are left,
shall never forget,
rest in peace friend and colleague,
for sun has now set.
We will remember, We will remember ,
hasten the dawn.”
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BLANCHARD:
WA POLICE UNION Members are invited to attend the Funeral Service for our late serving member Scott Andrew Blanchard 9360 at Karrakatta Cemetery on THURSDAY (6.8.2015) at 2.30pm.
BLANCHARD (Scott):
Our hearts once beat together, my Scotty, but now mine beats alone. I know we’ll be together one day. Until then, I continue alone. My soul mate, my lover, my best friend and rock. Scotty, you meant the world to me and will be forever in my heart.
Love you babe, Jussy.
BLANCHARD (Scott):
Dad, we love you more than life itself and we will miss you every single day. Forever you’ll be in our hearts and we’ll see you in our dreams.
Jarrod, Ayden, Miranda
Published in The West Australian on July 28, 2015
41 entries | 20 photos
“Deepest sympathies to Rod, Susan, Dale, Lee and families on…”
A 50-year-old Derby man has survived a night at sea in crocodile infested waters after being washed off his boat and having to swim ashore.
Police say the man was sleeping alone on his boat about two nautical miles north of Point Torment.
Large waves washed him overboard and sank the boat before he could activate an EPIRB.
The next morning a fisherman spotted the empty dinghy and called police, sparking a land and sea search.
The missing man was spotted in mangroves, exhausted and dehydrated but able to cry out to authorities.
Acting Senior Sergeant Scott Blanchard says the man is lucky to get away unharmed.
“One of the police cars that was up there searching the land actually just saw a crocodile that was estimated to be about four metres in the blue holes,” he said.
“So my advice would be just not to go out on your own overnight and just always be checking your boats before you go away.
“On a boat make sure all your EPIRB gear and your life jackets are working correctly.
“Going out to those areas is not the best idea on your own, especially overnight.
“You know you’re talking about areas where the tides can range up to 11 metres, so one minute you’re on sand or in water and the next minute you’re off the water on a rock or something worse might happen like … what happened overnight.”
WA Police officer dead from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound at Cockburn station
Updated
WA Police are investigating the death of an officer at a police station in Perth’s southern suburbs.
Key points:
Officer apparently shot himself at Cockburn Police Station with his police-issue firearm
WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson said the force was in shock at the news
Death comes after state coroner calls for more support services
It is understood First Class Constable Darren Igglesden, 50, died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound at Cockburn Police Station on Monday morning.
In a statement, WA Police said support services were being offered to other officers.
The station has been temporarily closed, and the public has been asked not to attend the station until further notice. They have instead been redirected to nearby Fremantle or Mandurah stations, both of which operate 24 hours a day.
‘Popular member of the force’
Police Commissioner Chris Dawson extended his condolences to the family of Constable Igglesden and colleagues at Cockburn Police Station.
“It appears Darren has drawn his service-issued pistol from the police armoury this morning (Monday), shortly after 6:00am,” he said.
“He was found deceased by colleagues within the Cockburn police building.
“Darren’s death has come as a complete shock to his family, to his friends, and indeed the entire police force.
“At this difficult time I extend my condolences to Darren’s family, his friends, his work colleagues and everyone who knew him.
“A coronial investigation is now underway and so we should let that full investigation be completed, but there does not appear to be any other persons present at the time Darren lost his life.”
Commissioner Dawson said Constable Igglesden was a popular member of the police force.
“Constable Igglesden has been with the WA Police Force for six-and-a-half years, he joined us at about 44 years of age, he has had a varied career in the private sector prior to joining police,” he said.
“Well liked, well respected, a very popular member of the police force.”
Coroner called for more police support
The tragedy comes nearly a month after WA Deputy Coroner Evelyn Vicker released her findings into the suicide of police officer Scott Blanchard, who shot himself while on duty at Kalgoorlie in July 2015.
Ms Vicker found that while Detective Sergeant Blanchard appeared to be coping well with his job as a police officer, he had become “obsessed” that health problems he had were undiagnosable and “consequently took matters into his own hands …”
The inquest into Sergeant Blanchard‘s death heard details of the WA Police Service’s Health and Safety Division, which provides services such as confidential psychological counselling, peer support programs and chaplaincy services to officers and their families, to try to help them manage stress or issues that may arise as a result of their employment.
“At this difficult time I extend my condolences to Darren’s family, his friends, his work colleagues and everyone who knew him.
“A coronial investigation is now underway and so we should let that full investigation be completed, but there does not appear to be any other persons present at the time Darren lost his life.”
Commissioner Dawson said Constable Igglesden was a popular member of the police force.
“Constable Igglesden has been with the WA Police Force for six-and-a-half years, he joined us at about 44 years of age, he has had a varied career in the private sector prior to joining police,” he said.
“Well liked, well respected, a very popular member of the police force.”
Coroner called for more police support
The tragedy comes nearly a month after WA Deputy Coroner Evelyn Vicker released her findings into the suicide of police officer Scott Blanchard, who shot himself while on duty at Kalgoorlie in July 2015.
Ms Vicker found that while Detective Sergeant Blanchard appeared to be coping well with his job as a police officer, he had become “obsessed” that health problems he had were undiagnosable and “consequently took matters into his own hands …”
The inquest into Sergeant Blanchard‘s death heard details of the WA Police Service’s Health and Safety Division, which provides services such as confidential psychological counselling, peer support programs and chaplaincy services to officers and their families, to try to help them manage stress or issues that may arise as a result of their employment.
Police Minister Michelle Roberts said she believed the culture within the organisation was changing.
“I think the police force has changed dramatically over the last 10 years or so, in terms of encouraging officers to come forward and to show some additional care for themselves and their fellow officers,” she said.
“It used to certainly be the case that the attitude was ‘toughen up’ and to show any emotional vulnerability was seen as some kind of weakness. That’s not the attitude that’s been taken by police in recent years.
“We have had some shocking and tragic incidents in recent times where officers have had to turn out to shocking scenes, and sometimes they go to road crashes where they see shocking scenes, so we need to know that they have got the support there.
“And I have certainly received assurances from the Commissioner of Police and others that we have got good supports in place. Sometimes, though, people need to avail themselves of that support.”
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.
Zigmars Julius STENGELIS
| 30/07/2015
Zigmars Julius STENGELIS
aka Ziggy & Stan
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 16703
Redfern Police Academy – Class 145
Rank: ?
Stations: ?, S.W.O.S., Special Branch ( 21 Division ), Bankstown
Service: From 5 November1974 to ?
Awards: National Medal – granted 23 October 1981
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 28 May 1992
2nd Clasp to National Medal – granted 24 March 2000
Military Police: Regd # 214886. Served September 1962 to September 1974
Ziggy Stengelis, Glenn Wheatley, John Farnham and Shaun Edwards at the Indy Grand Prix on the Gold Coast, Qld,1994. The four of us spent three days and two nights together….what a trip!
[alert_blue]ZIGMARS is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_blue] * NOT JOB RELATED
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Zigmars Julius STENGELIS – Army Certificate
Vale : SGT Zigmars Julius (Stan) Stengelis
29-08-2012
– VALE –
214886 SGT Zigmars Julius (Stan) Stengelis
17 June 1945 – 28 August 2012
Aged 67 Years
Regretfully, I inform you of the passing of
214886 SGT Zigmars Julius (Stan) Stengelis
at 2120 hrs on Tuesday 28 August 2012 after along illness.
Stan joined the Army in September 1962 and after recruit training was allocated to Armoured Corps. He transferred to RACMP in December 1964 where he served until his discharged in September 1974 to join the NSW Police Force. Stan served in S Comd Pro Coy Abbotsford Vic, SIB Melbourne, N Comd Pro Coy Indooroopilly Qld.
Stan had two tours of Vietnam in 1966 / 67 and again in 1971 / 72.
Stan was a good digger who enjoyed spinning a yarn over a beer with his mates. He will be fondly remembered.
Departure Port: Genoa, Italy – Departure Date: 27 Apr 1949
Arrival Port: Sydney – Australia – Arrival Date: 27 May 1949
International Refugee Organisation – Group Resettlement to Australia
This passenger list contains individuals and families that migrated to Australia after World War II from various European Countries including Germany, Hungary, Russia, Ukraine, Latvia, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Romania, etc. Most passengers are World War II refugees or displaced persons.
Funeral location: St Paul’s Catholic Church, Tongarra Road, ALBION PARK
Buried at: ?
Funeral Director: Hansen & Cole – Kembla Grange,
Ph (02) 4272 4900
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Funeral location:
The family request that in lieu of flowers donations be made to NSW Police Legacy.
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With sincere regret I advise the death of Marie May YOUNG, 85 old, the wife of John Young, the Secretary of the Illawarra Branch of the RPA. Marie passed away on 16/07/2015 and her funeral is proposed to be held at 1pm on Tuesday 21st Instant at St Paul’s Catholic Church, Tongarra Road, ALBION PARK.
The family request that in lieu of flowers donations be made to NSW Police Legacy.
Passed away in Albion Park on Thursday 16th July 2015.
Dearly loved wife of John.
Loved mother and mother-in-law of Julie, Therese & Graeme, and Helen & Kimmis.
Loved Ma of her grandchildren James, Angela & Joshua, Samuel & Rhiannon, Veronica, Lawrence & Caroline, and of her great grandchildren Eli and Jett, and Isobel and Felix.
Aged 85 Years
Fondly remembered and sadly missed
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial for Marie at St Paul’s Catholic Church, Tongarra Rd, Albion Park on Tuesday 21st July 2015 at 1 pm.
In lieu of flowers donations are invited to Police Legacy, a donation box will be provided at the church door.
