Senior Constable Lindsay Forsythe was lured to a late night ambush at a secluded location in country Victoria in response to a false burglary report. When he arrived at the unoccupied residence he was fatally shot, but returned fire striking his assailant four times before he died.
The investigation resulted in the arrest of Constable Forsythe’s wife and a fellow police officer, Senior Constable Leigh Michael Lawson ( 27 ), who were having an affair.
Both were convicted and Lawson was sentenced to life imprisonment, while Gayle Forsythe received five years imprisonment on the lesser charge of manslaughter.
Rank: 1/ Constable 21 August 1972 to 28 January 1974 ( ComPol )
2/ Probationary Constable – appointed 29 January 1974 ( VicPol )
Senior Constable – appointed 14 June 1979
Sergeant – appointed 30 December 1982
Senior Sergeant – appointed 26 March 1989
Stations: Russell St ( 17 June 1974 ), Fitzroy ( 14 May 1975 ), Detective at Russell St, then City West and then Homicide Squad. CIB ( 14 March 1979 ), Broadmeadow, Avondale Hts ( 30 November 1983 ), City West ( 22 April 1987 – 1989 ), Altona North, Crime Courses Unit ( Detective Training School ) 20 February 1995 – Retirement
Service 1: ( ComPol ) From? ? 1972to28 January 1974=1 year 161 days years Service with ComPol
Service 2: ( VicPol ) From 29 January 1974to23 September 2000= 26+years Service
Total Policing Service: 28+ years Service
Awards: Nation Medal – granted 7 September 1990
Service Medal – 2nd Clasp – granted 1 September 1997
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 31 July 1999
Service Medal – 3rd Clasp – granted 1 September 1999
Victoria Police Star – granted 2006
1.75 shot whilst on night shift. 2.20am when with Det S/C Kim West – laneway at rear of Cremorne St IRM – 3 shots fired at chest/head height. (Awarded the Victoria Police Star in 2006) . Sick leave 24.1.75 to 11.3.75. Clerical duties in Property Office from 12.3.75 to Retention on 1.4.75.
Born: 3 July 1950 at Euroa Bush Nursing hospital
Died on: 11 September 2010
Age: 60
Cause: Suicide –
Event location: Home
Event date: 11 September 2010
Funeral date: 18 September 2010
Funeral location: Victoria Police Academy Chapel
Buried at: Sunbury Lawn Cemetery, 80A Shields St, Sunbury, Victoria
Memorial:
Grave location:
-37.58941978049802 144.73147629682012
Memorial located at: ?
[alert_yellow]BOB is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
BOB CROXFORD – EULOGY – POLICE ACADEMY SATURDAY 18 SEP 2010
Thanks to Bob’s family for giving me the opportunity to speak about Bob today – privilege to be asked. Also pleased to have Nigel up here with me to act as my ‘wingman’ which he’s done many times before.
My aim is give you an overview of Bob’s professional life; his employment career. To do that I need to cover a 45 year period in the space of about 10/15 minutes. As a consequence I’ll be very brief but hopefully it will add to what you already know about his working life and perhaps fill some gaps.
If any of you have been to a trivia night, you may have taken part in a game they call ‘sit down if’. The way it’s run is that everybody stands up and the host asks a question. If the answer applies to you, you keep standing. If it doesn’t, you sit down. It goes on until there’s only one person standing. For example if everybody stood up now I could say something like ‘sit down if…you’ve eaten takeaway this week. If you had, you’d sit down and I’d keep finding things to ask to get people to sit down.
If we used that approach here today, I’d ask you to sit down each time I told you something about Bob’s life that you didn’t know about. …and then see how many people were left standing.
The reason I thought about it was that I found that Bob had such a diverse and extensive life – and that’s just from the employment perspective.
Let’s set the scene.
Born at the Bush Nursing hospital in Euroa. July 3rd, 1950
Full name was Robert Jeffrey Joseph
He attended Euroa State and High Schools.
Left at age 15 (Form 4) (or Year 10) in July/August 1965
How many people would be left standing?
Bob had four major occupations during his working life.
First Employment – Butchery
His first job – almost the day after he left school (July/Aug 65) was with Smith and Ryan (Butchers in Euroa). (Left when widowed mum moved to Wangaratta).
When mum moved the family to Wangaratta in April 70 he went to work for L & M.Goodwin (Butchers) Rowan St Wangaratta.
It was during this time Bob decided to pursue another career – policing – and in Aug 71 he first applied for VicPol – but fail to pass entrance exam. Education test – 65 errors (40 ‘general ability’.)
He decided instead to try for the Commonwealth Police and wrote on his application that he was leaving the butchery because he was “looking for a more interesting position”!
Second Employment – Commonwealth Police
He was successful and joined the Commonwealth Police in 1972 at the age of 22.
4 week training course – came 10th of 28.
He served as a uniform Constable 21.8.72 to 28.1.74 (1 yr 161 days)
Obviously, however, it wasn’t much more of ….”an interesting position…” as while with CommPol – applied to join VicPol after only 15 months. (Nov 73).
I noted that in his entrance exam for VicPol, this time made only 43 errors (31 in general ability’)
How many of you would still be standing now?
Third and longest Employment – Victoria Police
Joined (Sworn in) 29.1.74
5ft 8 ½ ins (174 cm) 11 stone 7 lb (73kg) – Jarrod Blair (77kg)
Blue Eyes; Brown Hair (!) – How many of you would be sitting down now?
Living in a flat in Brunswick Rd EBBR
Graduated 14.6.74 (Dux of 21 recruits – Squad 1/74)
90%. Sqd avg 84.2%
Registered Number 18267
Russell Street6.74
(Married 74)
1.75 shot whilst on night shift. 2.20am when with Det S/C Kim West – laneway at rear of Cremorne St IRM – 3 shots fired at chest/head height. (Awarded the Victoria Police Star in 2006) . Sick leave 24.1.75 to 11.3.75. Clerical duties in Property Office from 12.3.75 to Retention on 1.4.75.
2 serious operations. Lengthy scar. Grandfather died while in hospital
Passed retention 30.4.75
Fitzroy uniform 14.5.75
It was then I first met Bob – I was at Collingwood which shared a boundary with Fitzroy – between us we covered 70 pubs and would often be ‘backing each other up at brawls’.
It was also then that I first formed a personal relationship with him during the annual football match between Collingwood and Fitzroy Police at Victoria Park or the Brunswick Street Oval called the ‘Crusader Cup’. I’m pretty sure the winner was the team that consumed the most stubbies – during the game!
It was also at that time that I left a lasting impression on Bob – a facial scar – when during a social cricket game I balled a pathetic ball to him which he tried to smash out of the ground only to miss hit it and end up bloodied and sore. (And, typically of Bob – never brought it up again.)
Bob was a great copper. In the 5 yrs at Fitzroy he was officially commended 4 times.
……..for keen observation and zealous and intelligence follow-up action resulting in apprehension and conviction of an offender for motor vehicle theft and other offences. (12.1.76)
………for alertness, keen observation, prompt action, and dedication to duty resulting in the single-hand arrest and successful prosecution of a violent and troublesome offender for a number of serious offences. (3.7.76)
……….for observation, initiative and intelligent action which resulted in the detection of an active and dangerous criminal and the location of exhibits to support other criminal charges. (26.5.77)
……….for observation and attention to duty which led to the apprehension and conviction of three offenders charged with the possession of a large amount of money which they admitted was obtained from the sale of illicit drugs.5.2.79)
His Fitzroy uniform days set the scene for a successful career – initially becoming a detective – first at Russell Street and then at City West and then to the highly sought-after Homicide Squad, seen as one of the elite areas of the Force.
Joined CIB 14.3.79
Promoted to Sen Constable 14.6.79
CIB ARS and ACW 79-80
Jan-March 1980 – DTS Course 115
Homicide 80-82
I was fortunate to work with Bob at Homicide for 2 of those years. It was clear that he was well suited to the role as he was as thorough and meticulous as any person I’d met.
More importantly, it was then that I learnt of one of his most respected characteristics, his empathy and ability to relate to people. Bob was able to establish a rapport with people, a sincere rapport, better than anyone I’d seen. As Maureen could tell you, the family of homicide victims continued to stay in touch for many years, often sending Bob presents and birthday cards for a long time after he left the squad.
When he left Homicide two years later he took promotion to Sergeant in a Police Community Involvement program at Broadmeadows, then to Avondale Hts and back to a detective position at City West until he took promotion to Senior Sergeant at Altona North.
Promoted to Sgt 30.12.82 to Police Community Involvement Program VBC
Feb-April 1983 – Sub-Officers Course 101
Sgt at Avondale Hts 30.11.83
Oct-Nov 1986 – Advanced Detective training School No.27
CIB City West 22.4.87-89
Promoted to S/Sgt 26.3.89 as sub charge Altona Nth
NCA secondment (Sydney) 89
NCA Secondment (Melb) 89-91 – upgraded to Chief Inspector for lengthy periods. (NCA 25.7.88 to 7.4.91)
It was during these years that Bob was seconded to the National Crime Authority with secondments to Melbourne and to Sydney, and at one stage was upgraded to Chief Inspector – a major recognition of his ability, remembering he was a Senior Sergeant at that time.
S/Sgt O/C MAN 91-93
In 1991 Bob was appointed to the position of Senior Sergeant and in charge of the police station at Altona North. He quickly recognised the need to interact with the local community. In his file I found a letter from the Migrant Resource Centre for Westgate Region to CCP thanking Bob for presenting himself to elderly migrant groups and ..’managed through your simplistic approach to gain trust; and the elderly people are confident and feel comfortable with your presence. I thank you for this. I hope other police will adopt the same method and offer the same service as you have provided.
Royal NZ Police College – Inspectors Qualifying Course March – May 1993.
On Feb 20 1995 Bob transferred to his last potions – Detective Senior Sergeant at the Crime Courses Unit (Detective Training School) where he would remain until he retired from policing.
Bob relished the opportunity to lecture young investigators and to use his unique coaching and mentoring skills. In the 5 years at DTS he had a role in the development of 100’s of police members and representatives from various other organisations.
Again his ability was recognised through the promotion into an Acting Chief Inspector position. In (Aug 1999) a file note, his Supt said of Bob – “…adopts a common sense approach. He has demonstrated the mental courage to make hard decisions with appropriate consideration and balance for corporate, unit and individual needs. He is an extremely intelligent, responsible and dedicated member.”
DTS was a special part of Bob’s career and fitting place to close off his policing life. He was highly respected by the staff and I’m proud to use this moment to make an announcement. DTS hold four courses each year and one of the detectives on the course are selected as the Dux (for those unfamiliar with the term it’s spelt DUX!) and are presented with a special award. In addition, one of the four Dux of each year is selected to receive what you may call a Top Gun award…..the best of the best. I’m pleased to announce that from this year onwards, in commemoration of his life, The Dux of The Year award will be known as the Bob Croxford Award.
Bob retired 23.9. 2000 (soon after turning 50) as Detective Acting Chief Inspector after 26 yrs + 239 days service. (Sick leave credit of 384 days)
During that time he received numerous awards, including
The Victoria police Star
National medal 7.9.90
Service Medal Second Clasp 1.9.97
National Medal First Clasp 31.7.99
Service Medal 3rd Clasp 1.9.99
Last entry on his Record of Service described Bob as a loyal and dedicated member who gave consistent and reliable service to Victoria Police and the community.”
Australia Post
The fourth and final chapter in Bob’s career was with Australia Post. Someone had encouraged Bob to take a move and he started with Post as Victorian State Manager of the Corporate Security Group on September 25th 2000.
On November 1st 2004 both was promoted to a national Position in the group as the Manager of Security Operations. It was the last time I’d have the privilege of working with Bob.
In October 2008 he became the head of Corporate Security and was formally appointed to the position on 20 January 2010.
Bob applied his personality and character to people at post and quickly became respected and loved. He could relate to everyone from every part of the organisation and had the same respect for all, whether they were the CEO or the mail room assistant.
“Warmth, sense of humour and genuine care for others”
“A life most people would aspire to….”
“Good luck with your projects”
“a good friend and valued colleague”
When I asked people at Post what they thought of when they thought of Bob, this was some of their responses….
“Bloody Collingwood”
“Beautiful handwriting – a magnificent signature”
“Loved the Soprano’s” – (ironically, today being the birthday of James Gandolfini (who played Tony Soprano), someone whom I suspect Bob secretly aspired to be!
“Ice cream” – you could be in the flashest of restaurants yet Bob would order 3 scoops of vanilla ice-cream for dessert”.
Bob’s professional career was exemplary and will form the major basis for people’s memories of Bob.
It would be wrong though to forget his other work roles – those he did on a voluntary or honorary basis. Just as an example:
Merriwa Wangaratta Apex Club (early 70’s)
Sunbury Fire Brigade (Mgt Team – HR)
Kiwanis Club of Sunbury (Secretary 94/95)
Football League Umpires Assoc. VFL Reserves (69-77)
Vic Amateur Football Assoc. (78-80) Umpired GF 78 and 79
Apex Club Sunbury
Salesian College Team Mgr U16
Sunbury Fair Committee
Tribunal Member Sunbury Basketball Association
Riddell District Umpires Association (Boundary Umpire late 80’s/early 90’s and later as a goal umpire, Tribunal Convenor and Umpire Advisor)
Tennis Australia (Volunteer Driver at Aust. Open) 98-2000
Presenter at Australian institute of Public Safety.
Justice of the Peace
If we had played the Trivia Night ‘sit-down’ game, I’m confident none of us would still be standing.
Bob had lived a full life and along the way touched thousands of people, rewarding each of us with the experience of having known him.
Over his 60 year journey, I believe Bob had given a little of himself to every one he’d touched ……..and the well had now run dry.
Rest In Peace my friend.
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Kenneth Francis RICH
| 18/05/2017
Kenneth Francis RICH
Late of ?
Victoria Police Force
Regd. # 22376
Rank: Sergeant
Stations: ?, Berwick, Narre Warren ( 25 years ) – death
Service: From? ? 1980to 14 April 2017=37 years Service
Awards: National Medal – granted 26 March 1998
Born: ? ? 1962
Died on: Friday 14 April 2017
Age: 55
Cause: Motor Vehicle Collision – Push Bike rider
Event location: Princes Hwy near Dore Rd, Pakenham, Victoria
Event date: Friday 14 April 2017
Funeral date: Wednesday 26 April 2017 at noon
Funeral location: Victoria Police Academy, Glen Waverley
Police Honours
At the conclusion of the Service the cortege will leave for the Gembrook Cemetery, Blackwood Lane, Gembrook arriving at approx. 2.30 p.m.
To help celebrate Ken’s life and to reflect his love of the Sydney Swans, please wear
a touch of red and white.
No flowers by request.
A donation in memory of Ken may be made to the Amy Gillett Foundation.
Envelopes will be available at the Chapel.
Buried at: Gembrook Cemetery,
Memorial located at: ?
May 1999
May 1999
[alert_blue]KEN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_blue]*NOT JOB RELATED
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Taken too soon Husband and soul mate to his loving wife Kerry.
Devoted and loving Dad to Samantha, Charlene, Jacinta, Crystal and Brandon.
Cherished Memories
Forever In Our Hearts
x
xxxxx
Our dearest Ken, we have always thought of you as a son.
Thank you for the love and care you have always given to all the family.
‘‘How we will miss you’’
Love always — Doug (dec) and Nan. xo
RICH – Ken
What a loving, caring family man you were. Always willing to help.
We all looked up to you for guidance. We will miss your passion for the Sydney Swans.
– Tracey and Gary, Kellie and Kaycee.
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Hi
A lot of really wonderful people contributed tributes and photos.
Some info:
Ken Rich was promoted to Sgt. at Narre Warren where he has been for the past 25 years. Before that, he worked at Berwick. He was one of the original sergeants at Narre Warren.
Tributes:
Ken I am so lost for words. You were a fixture at Narre and I always loved to catch up with you personally or by phone. You were never too busy to help me out or have a laugh. A special colleague for so many years. Called home too early. Rest in peace and pride for your many years of service. Condolences to family, friends and colleagues. – Barb Rawlings
All the love for the Rich family. Sammy Rich Jacinta Rich Charlene Rich. Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the whole family. R.I.P Mr. Ken Rich – Delmar Dimay Limosnero
Deepest sympathy to Ken’s family. Your keen wit and sense of right and wrong will be missed. Your legacy is the good you did over the years of your service. Remembered with respect. – Ron Gardner
Great bloke. We were mates years ago in the job. At each other’s 21st and had the same circle of friends and parties. I regret that I have not seen Kenny for many years. RIP brother. Taken far too soon. – Brian Igoe
R.I.P. Ken, your work is now done!
You were a gentleman and a great Cop.
It was a pleasure to have served with you.
To the Rich family, be very proud of Ken.
Trev Beattie (22472)
What a wonderful man. So terribly sorry for your loss Jacinta, Crystal and family. I remember him very fondly. – Kristine Baird van Ruiten
As a JP who works at Narre Warren Police Station, I send condolences to Ken’s family and all officers at the station. – Margaret Tinschert
RIP Sergeant Ken Rich. From all members at the Beechworth police station. – Geoff PS
Omg jacinta!!!!! So so sorry to hear about your loss, cant imagine how you are feeling or what you are going through! Thinking of you and your family at this devistating time 🙁 big hugs xxxxxxxxxx – Chookie Chook
RIP from the staff of Pakenham Hills Primary School – Paul Taylor
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‘His kids were his world’: Family of veteran police officer Ken Rich killed in bike crash share grief
Timna Jacks, Melissa Cunningham
A heartbroken relative of an off-duty police officer who was hit by a ute while cycling with his daughter in Melbourne’s south-east on Good Friday says his family were “his world” and he was on the cusp of retiring when he was killed.
The pair was riding east on the Princes Highway, near Dore Road, at Pakenham when the officer, Sergeant Ken Rich, was hit by a Toyota Hilux ute about 8.50am.
Ken Rich surrounded by his brother, sister and cousins on his graduation day from the police force. Photo: Supplied
Sergeant Rich’s daughter cared for him at the scene until an ambulance arrived.
Paramedics worked on him for about an hour, but he died at the scene.
His devastated cousin Sue Dickson said the father-of-five loved nothing more than spending time with his wife Kerry and their adult children Samantha, Charlene, Jacinta, Crystal and Brandon.
“His kids were his world,” Ms Dickson said.
“He was involved in all their activities as they were growing up and coached many kids in the Pakenham area.”
“He was a real family man and loved being at home with his wife and kids.”
Sergeant Ken Rich pictured celebrating his birthday with his cousin and close friend Sue Dickson. Photo: Supplied
Ms Dickson said she’d grown up with Sergeant Rich and the pair remained close, sharing every birthday together.
“We were born two days apart,” she said.
“Our mothers are identical twins so we grew up together (and we) saw each other almost every day.”
Ms Dickson said the devoted father and police officer had confided in her recently about the increasing pressures of his work and his desire to retire soon.
“The last few real conversations I had with him made me realise how much the police force got him down,” she said.
“He hated the youth suicide problem and the fact that many young people were not growing up in a loving family environment any more.”
By others that knew him, Sergeant Rich was remembered as a “real personality” and a highly regarded law enforcement officer .
“He was out enjoying Good Friday with his family as most people are across the country,” Assistant Commissioner Robert Hill said.
Sergeant Rich, had only taken up cycling in recent years.
“The family is heartbroken. They are dealing with the loss of a husband and a father,” Mr Hill said.
The officer had been in the force since 1980 and worked at the Narre Warren police station for 25 years.
Sergeant Rich was in “the twilight of his policing career” and “looking forward to retirement, looking forward to spending time with his wife and children … looking forward to travel and all of those things on our bucket list when we come to the end of our careers,” Mr Hill said.
His colleagues were devastated at the tragic news.
“They have lost one of their members, one of their leaders, their friend,” Mr Hill said.
“He was certainly well respected and well regarded … a member that was full of life, affable, a real personality around our police station.”.
“Road trauma; it doesn’t discriminate.”
Sergeant Rich’s friends and acquaintances have left tributes on social media for him.
“A good man lost his life today,” Simon Yeo said.
“Ken was swimming coach to our boys and President of the Cardinia Piranhas Swim Club. RIP.”
Mandy Yeo wrote: “RIP Ken our thoughts with you and your family.”
Angie King described him as a “wonderful man, brave, kind”.
“Rest in peace, Ken Rich,” she said.
“Thank you.”
The officer and his daughter were cycling east, on the shoulder of the highway in a 100km/h zone.
The ute was also travelling east when it struck the officer, police said.
It has been reported the ute was trying to overtake the cyclists, when the side mirror of the vehicle hit Sergeant Rich.
The driver of the ute, a 58-year-old man from Pakenham, was not injured. He stayed at the scene and was assisting police with their inquiries.
Major collision investigation unit detectives are working to determine the cause of the crash.
Secretary of the Victorian Police Association, Sergeant Wayne Gatt sent his condolences to the officer’s family.
“Earlier today, we learnt that one of our members was tragically killed in a road accident,” he said.
“For the member’s family, friends and close policing colleagues, the Easter period will now always be tinged with sadness. Our prayers and condolences are with them all, at this very difficult time.”
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Catherine WallRIP Sergeant Ken Rich & condolences to his wife & family & his daughter who was there, May God bless & protect her & also the driver of the car from the little I have heard it WAS an accident & I can only “imagine” the agonies this poor man is going through & will continue to endure, so sad .
Daniel GabrielYet a couple weeks ago the Victorian government announced that it has no immediate plans to introduce a minimum passing distance law for vehicles overtaking cyclists despite other states bringing it in. RIP
Rose NelanjRIP Sgt RICH. A stalwart man if ever there was one. I am fairly sure the world stopped turning for just a second when you left it behind. May you watch over us now from a better place, where peace and kindness rein. Loving thoughts and prayers for your family Ken and for your brave and loving daughter, who was by your side.
Assistant Commissioner Robert Hill on behalf of all staff within Victoria Police Southern Metro Region express heartfelt condolences and offer our deepest sympathy to the family on the tragic passing of our much respected colleague and valued friend.
RICH. Ken. The President, Executive and Members of The Police Association mourn the passing of Sergeant Rich and extend their deepest sympathy to his family.
The Chief Commissioner, Officers, Employees of Victoria Police Force regret the tragic death of their colleague and offer their deepest sympathy to his family.
Former Euroa public cemetery caretaker Max Burnside never expected to discover the grave of a police officer who died in the line of duty almost 150 years ago.
He was busy mowing the lawn at the cemetery about 10 years ago when he spotted some white marble sticking out of the ground.
‘‘I thought it was just a stone that would hit the mower and do some damage one day, but it turned out to be a headstone completely under the ground,’’ Mr Burnside said.
The headstone belonged to Victoria Police Mounted Trooper Constable Patrick Francis Curtin, who was born in Ireland on March 17, 1836, and died near Violet Town on May 28, 1872.
Mr Burnside managed to uncover Const Curtin’s headstone and cleaned it up.
Having an active interest in history, Mr Burnside then went home and started researching the police officer’s death.
It was believed Const Curtin was the first police officer to serve at the Euroa police station and died when he was travelling back from Violet Town by wagonette after obtaining a warrant.
While attempting to avoid a rough area on the road the horse stopped, causing Const Curtin to be thrown from the wagon.
The incident caused Const Curtin’s pistol to perforate his bowel and his neck was broken during the incident.
He died a short time later, aged 36, and was buried at the Euroa public cemetery, where he quietly rested until his grave was brought to the attention of police in 2009 when a break-in happened at the cemetery’s storage shed.
During this event Mr Burnside met Leading Senior Constable Simon Hutchings, who was stationed at Euroa police station and showed a keen interest in the discovery.
Leading Sen Const Hutchings obtained a range of records about Const Curtin’s service and brought the grave to the attention of the Victoria Police Graves Committee.
The committee was known to restore graves of police officers who died in the line of duty and hold ceremonies to honour the sacrifice they made in the line of duty.
Const Curtin was honoured during a grave re-dedication ceremony on Wednesday at the Euroa public cemetery.
The service was attended by Victoria Police Chief Commission Graham Ashton, who spoke about the importance of these ceremonies in showing police that their service would never be forgotten.
Const Curtin’s great-great-granddaughter Dawn De Vond accepted a Victoria Police Star from Chief Comm Ashton.
Ms De Vond said it was wonderful for her great-great-grandfather to receive recognition.
‘‘When I got the initially phone call I was just blown out of the world, I just thought this is incredible,’’ Ms De Vond said.
‘‘I’m proud to be here, it’s just really lovely and I didn’t expect such an occasion.’’
Before Victoria Police contacted Ms De Vond she did not know a lot about Const Curtin.
She said the Victoria Police Star she accepted on her great-great-grandfather’s behalf would be donated to the historic society.
Benalla Ensign and Farmer’s and Squatter’s Journal (Vic. : 1869 – 1872), Saturday 29 April 1871, page 2
SHOCKING DEATH AT EUROA. Dr. Henry, M.B., deputy coroner for the Benalla district, held an inquest on Wednesday, the 26th inst., at the Pilgrim Inn, Euroa, on the body of Fritz Bohlmann, a waggoner.
The jury consisted of Messrs. Joseph Freeman, foreman ; James Fraser, David Cree, John Morgan, Charles Pratt, William Hewish, William Hogg, William Beaton, Andrew McGee, Charles Clusky, Thomas Lake, and John Gordon.
The jury having viewed the body, Daniel Kelly, carrier, residing at Benalla, deposed on oath.- I know the deceased Fritz Bohlmann. Have been acquainted with him seven or eight years. He was about 40 years of age. He was born in Holstein-Schleswig. He was, I believe, a single man. I saw him last alive at the Duck Ponds about 12 o’clock noon yesterday. He was a little the worse for drink when I first saw him; and I advised him to go into his waggon and have a sleep, and I promised to drive his team till we came to Euroa, which I did. When I went to awaken him I found he was dead. He was lying with his face downwards on his blankets. His head was lower than his feet, which were resting on some sheep. skins. I reported the matter to the police immediately.
By the Foreman. – It is five miles from the Duck Ponds to Euroa. I saw him several times during the journey, and he had not altered his position. He never spoke to me after he got into the waggon. I did not disturb him thinking him to be asleep.
By the Police. – He has a brother in Melbourne. He has a waggon and seven horses. On the waggon were some sheepskins and a hide. The harness was complete all but one set.
John Nicholson, M.D., deposed.- I am a legally.qualified medical practitioner, residing at Benalla. I have this day made a post-mortem examination of the body of deceased Fritz Bohlmann, now lying dead at the Pilgrim Inn. The body is of a stout, muscular build, height about 5 feet 7 1/2 inches, and aged I should say about 40. The head,, neck, and upper part of the chest were very much congested and black. There were no marks of violence externally, nor any old scars. Internally the lungs were gorged with blood; all the other organs were healthy. It appears to me that deceased died from suffocation. Lying on his face in the manner described by last witness, during a state of intoxication, would be sufficient to account for the suffocation. There was no blood in the pleural cavity. I did not examine the stomach.
Patrick. Francis Curtin, police constable stationed at Euroa, deposed.- From Information I received yesterday I proceeded to a waggon in the main street of Euroa. nearly opposite the Pilgrim Inn. – I found the deceased Fritz Bohlmann, and had him removed to the Pilgrim Inn. I searched him in company with several others. and found 17s. in one pocket and 6d. in another, also a knife. I and two others searched the waggon by candlelight to see if we could find any money, as the deceased was supposed to have some. Not finding any last night I tried again to-day in company with others, and found three £5 notes and two half-crowns. The total amount in my possession is £16 2s 6d., together with seven horses, a waggon and harness, a hide, and some sheepskins When I went first to the waggon he was partly sitting, one leg being bent under him.
The jury brought in the following verdict:- ” That Fritz Bohlmann did, on the 25th day of April, 1871, on his journey from the Duck Ponds to Euroa, die of suffocation, and that there were no marks of external injury on the body of deceased.”
Benalla Ensign and Farmer’s and Squatter’s Journal (Vic. : 1869 – 1872), Saturday 15 April 1871, page 2
FATAL ACCIDENT AT EUROA.
A magisterial inquiry was held by Mr Gall, on Friday evening, the 8th instant, at the Seven Creeks Hotel, Euroa, touching the death of Henry Bond, who had been run over that morning.
John Wakenshaw, residing at Model Farm, near Violet Town, deposed — I have seen the deceased, Henry Bond. He was in my employment about seven weeks. He was assisting me to break in a young horse to harness for Alexander Munroe, and to see him safely on the road. Henry Bond took charge of the break at the incline on the bridge where the floods washed it away. I was in charge of the body horse when going up the incline, and I looked back and saw the wheel go over the deceased’s body. I called to Mr Munroe to stop the team, but seeing that the wheel was likely to come back on the body I called to him to go on to level ground. I then assisted deceased to the nearest hotel. He then said he thought he was dying. Deceased was perfectly sober at the time.
Alexander Munroe deposed — The deceased, Henry Bond, was helping me with a young horse to break it into harness. When we came to the Euroa bridge I asked him to take charge of the break. Next saw him lying on the road. I stopped the horses and came back to his assistance. Deceased said that the wheel of the dray had gone over him. Assisted to carry him to the nearest hotel. The weight on the dray was about 35cwt. There were three horses in the dray at the time of the accident. We started this morning from Mr Garrett’s, Euroa. The accident happened about half-past 11 this day (Friday).
John De Boos deposed — At about half-past 11 o’clock to-day I saw the deceased Henry Bond, and assisted him into my hotel and placed him on a bed, having heard he had been run over. I assisted to undress him. A doctor who was in the township arrived 10 minutes after the accident. In answer to the doctor, deceased said that the wheel of the dray had gone over his body. The doctor examined deceased and said that he could not do anything for him at the present, that the injuries were internal, and deceased was bleeding internally. Remained with deceased until he expired, which was at 12 o’clock at noon. The doctor, being under engagement to attend a patient at the Broken River was unable to be present at this inquiry.
Thomas Bond, son of John Bond, farmer, residing at the Bald hills, near Violet Town, deposed — At about half-past 12 o’clock to-day (Friday) I received information that my brother Henry Bond was hurt at Euroa. Arrived at Euroa at about 1 o’clock, and then saw my brother dead. He was about 22 years of age, and in the employment of John Wakenshaw.
Patrick Francis Curtin, police constable stationed at Euroa, deposed — At about half-past 11 o’clock to-day from information received I ran from the tollhouse on to the road. I saw Mr Wakenshaw assist Henry Bond off the road. Mr Munroe came up nearly at the same time. I spoke to deceased and asked him what had happened to him. He told me that the wheel of the dray had gone over his loins. He then walked about 70 yards with the assistance of two men to the Seven Creeks Hotel, at which place he was supplied with a bed and other necessaries. His clothing and boots were taken off. Mr Clarke was sent for. The doctor was in attendance in about 12 minutes after he was placed on the bed. From the time of the accident up to his death was about half an hour.
The finding was that the deceased, Henry Bond, was accidentally killed by a loaded dray going over him on the bridge at Euroa.
Benalla Ensign and Farmer’s and Squatter’s Journal (Vic. : 1869 – 1872), Friday 1 April 1870, page 2
Inspectors of slaughter yards have been gazetted within the shire of Benalla as follows.:. Constables Patrick Francis Curtin, Euroa;. Timothy Riordan, Violet Town; William Arthur, Benalla, and Augustus Harris Purcell at Longwood.
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 19 July 1989
Senior Constable – appointed 9 December 1996
Stations: D 24 General Duties, Traffic Operations Group – Melbourne Metro,
Benalla General Duties, Benalla Traffic Management Unit from 10 November 1997 – Death
Service: From 13 March 1989to 26 December 1998= 8+years Service
Awards: Victoria Police Star – posthumously in 2007. Presented to his sister – SenCon Megan De Winne.
No find on It’s An Honour
Born: ? ? 1969
Died on: Saturday 26 December 1998 about 9.35am
Age: 29
Cause: Motor Vehicle Accident – Driver – Urgent Duty -v- Tree
Event location: Midland Hwy, Yin Barun, near Swanpool, Victoria
Funeral date: ?
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial at: 1/ Benalla Police Station Memorial Garden
2/ Simon de Winne Urgent Care Centre at Benalla Hospital
Senior Constable Simon De Winne Plaque Located at 19 Bridge Street West, Police Station, Police Memorial Garden, Benalla, 3672 in Victoria in Australia. GPS Location: Lat: -36.555495 Long: 145.975424
Senior Constable Simon David De Winne was posthumously awarded the Victoria Police Star
[alert_green]SIMONIS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green]
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Funeral location: ?
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
At 9.35 a.m. on Saturday, 26th December 1998, Senior Constable De Winne was travelling south along the Midland Highway, near Swanpool, intending to intercept a vehicle for a traffic offence. He lost control of his vehicle and collided with a tree, killing him instantly.
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Simon David De Winne joined Victoria Police on 13th March 1989 and was sworn in at a graduation ceremony on 19th July 1989. Simon worked on General Duties, D.24 and the Traffic Operations Group in metropolitan Melbourne before transferring to Benalla General Duties where he was promoted to Senior Constable on 9th December 1996. Senior Constable De Winne then transferred to the Benalla Traffic Management Unit on 10th November 1997.
On Saturday, 26 December 1998, Senior Constable Simon De Winne died on duty when his patrol vehicle collided with a tree on the Midland Highway, 15 kms south of Benalla.
The Victoria Police Star was posthumously awarded to Senior Constable Simon De Winne at graduation ceremony in 2007. The award was presented to Senior Constable De Winne’s sister, Senior Constable Megan De Winne.
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Senior Constable Simon David De Winne died doing what he loved.
It was 9.35am on Boxing Day, 1998. It was wet and miserable, but Sen Const De Winne was out on our roads working while most of us were at home recovering from an indulgent Christmas feast.
Sen Constable De Winne was in pursuit of a speeding motorcyclist on the Midland Hwy near Swanpool when he was forced to terminate the pursuit as it had turned dangerous. But as he was slowing down, his patrol car slid off the road, slammed into a tree and killed the 29-year-old instantly.
Almost 15 years on, his brother Nick De Winne said the memories of his best mate were still so vivid and the pain of his tragic and unexpected death still so raw.
As Victorians prepare to remember our 131 fallen officers with National Police Remembrance Day on September 29, Nick paid tribute to the work of his brother and his colleagues.
“Simon was the type of guy who just made the best of every day, he loved life and loved being a police officer,” Nick said.
“I appreciate the work of our police more now, they deal with a lot of ferals every day,” he said. “I definitely do respect them (the police) a whole lot more.”
Nick said his brother’s zest for life continued to be an inspiration.
“Simon lived life to the full and he was just a bag of fun to be around,” he said.
Nick said for Simon joining the police force was his lifelong dream.
“He was like a father figure to us; we grew up without dad so he took me under his wing,” Nick said.
“It is shocking, nothing ever replaces it and no matter what I do I won’t be able to see him or hear him again and that’s the hardest thing.”
Sen Const De Winne joined the Victorian Police on March 13, 1989 and was sworn in at a graduation ceremony in July that year.
Like all officers, Sen Const De Winne began his career at the frontline of the force, in general duties in Melbourne before driving his passion into highway patrol.
But when country life took over, Sen Const De Winne transferred to Benalla Police Station where he accepted a general duties position before securing another highway patrol berth.
Sen Const De Winne didn’t just inspire his brother Nick or other brother Byron, he also encouraged his sister Megan to pursue a career within the force.
Megan De Winne is a police officer in Melbourne and has often starred on the television show Highway Patrol.
“Megan failed the first time but after Simon was killed she had more determination than ever to do it and she did,” Nick said.
His legacy continues to live on through Nick and his two mates from the station, Senior Constables Paul Bronsgeest and Richard Cameron.
“I guess I wonder why people speed, why they do it — I ask myself that all the time,” Nick said.
“It’s unnecessary and it’s not cool and it causes trauma. What our family has gone through I wouldn’t wish upon my worst enemy.”
National Police Remembrance Day is on September 29.
Benalla Police will host a ceremony at the station on September 28 from 9.20am. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.
The Simon de Winne Urgent Care Centre at Benalla Hospital commemorate Senior Constable Simon de Winne who was killed in the line of duty on December 26, 1998. The Simon De Winne Urgent Care Centre was opened on Wednesday 14th July 2011 by members of the Simon De Winne family.
Senior Constable De Winne was in pursuit of a speeding motorcyclist on the Midland Highway near Swanpool when he was forced to terminate the pursuit as it had turned dangerous. As he was slowing down, his patrol car slid off the road, slammed into a tree and killed the 29-year-old instantly. Senior Constable De Winne was a member of the Benalla Traffic Management Unit.
Front Inscription
Simon de Winne Urgent Care Centre
Plaque :
The Urgent Health Care Unit at Benalla Health was officially dedicated as a Police Memorial in memory of Senior Constable Simon De Winne, (27590) by Mr William Noonan, OAM Chairman, Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation on Thursday, 10th May 2012
Location of Urgent Care Centre: 45 – 53 Coster Street, Simon de Winne Urgent Care Centre, Benalla Hospital, Benalla, 3672
The Simon de Winne Urgent Care Centre at Benalla Hospital commemorate Senior Constable Simon de Winne who was killed in the line of duty on December 26, 1998. The Simon De Winne Urgent Care Centre was opened on Wednesday 14th July 2011 by members of the Simon De Winne family. Senior Constable De Winne was in pursuit of a speeding motorcyclist on the Midland Highway near Swanpool when he was forced to terminate the pursuit as it had turned dangerous. As he was slowing down, his patrol car slid off the road, slammed into a tree and killed the 29-year-old instantly. Senior Constable De Winne was a member of the Benalla Traffic Management Unit.
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Benalla Health Report – 2012
Following the refurbishment and reopening of the former emergency department in July, now known as the ‘Simon De Winne Urgent Care Centre’, a Dedication Ceremony was held earlier this year by the Police Blue Ribbon Foundation to honour Simon.
The Ceremony was attended by over 100 guests and officiated by Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner of Road Policing, Kieran Walshe APM.
We are very fortunate to have a generous community and we are extremely grateful to those who support us through philanthropy, volunteering and membership
of one of our auxiliaries. We sincerely thank them all for their tireless efforts to ensure that both patients and staff are given the opportunity to use state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.
North East Health chief Margaret Bennett, Ann Brimblecombes parents Alex and Jennifer Brimblecombe, and Deputy Commissioner Kieran Walshe at the presentation. Picture: KYLIE ESLER
THERE couldn’t be a more appropriate way of paying tribute to Sen-Constable Ann Brimblecombe than what was unveiled yesterday.
The Wangaratta police officer died in 2006 while on duty after her car veered off the road when travelling to Mitta to give school children a bicycle safety lecture.
Children’s safety was close to her heart and it’s because of her that the Wangaratta Hospital’s paediatric unit has now become a safer place.
In tribute to Sen-Constable Brimblecombe, the unit received a $30,000 donation from the police Blue Ribbon Foundation for security doors and a refurbishment to their baby room.
Jennifer Brimblecombe said her daughter didn’t like a fuss being made over her.
“She’d be thrilled to bits for the honour but she was just very happy doing her work, hoping it would stick with all the children as they grew up,” she said.
“You can’t get around the fact she’s not here but at least her work is being carried on.”
Sen-Constable Brimblecombe’s passion for educating stemmed from her original ambition to become a schoolteacher.
“She actually couldn’t get a job when she finished a teaching course. She tried very hard for a while then the next thing we knew she applied for the police force,” Mrs Brimblecombe said.
Soon after she was offered a position to teach, but instead chose the police force.
“She was a very dedicated girl. When she decided she wanted to do something that was her focus completely,” Mrs Brimblecombe said.
Unveiling the plaques to commemorate the memorial was one of the last tasks for deputy police commissioner Kieran Walshe, who will retire after 44 years of service on July 1.
He said the Victorian police force was often described as having “a ringside seat at the greatest show on earth” but it still had its lows.
“When you are in a position of authority and leadership and you hear of these things, like what happened to Ann Brimblecombe and others, they’re lowlights in the organisation,” he said.
“But when you think of the Ann Brimblecombe paediatric rooms, it just really epitomises what Ann was about.”
Funding for the urgent care unit at Benalla Hospital was also revealed in memory of Sen-Constable Simon De Winne, who died in 1998 after colliding with a tree while trying to pull a car over for a traffic offence.
Ann Brimblecombe’s life was one well spent with almost 1000 mourners turning out to Wangaratta’s Holy Trinity Cathedral yesterday to bid the Victorian policewoman farewell.
Killed in a car accident at Larsens Cutting near Eskdale, last Wednesday, Sen-Constable Brimblecombe was known about the North East for her work in schools as a bicycle education officer.
The service, conducted with full police honours, reflected her jovial nature, her sense of community and voluntaryism and most of all, her strong relationship with the region’s children.
Her older brother, Peter Brimblecombe spoke of her love for sport, the Geelong Football Club, her idol Gary Ablett and of the North East as her “spiritual home”.
“After graduating from Chadstone College, she attended teachers’ college at Bendigo and after getting her degree there were no primary teaching jobs available,” he said.
“It was then she made the decision to join the Victoria Police.”
Mr Brimblecombe said his sister had eight nephews and nieces and remembered all their birthdays, was highly active in the Wangaratta bowls club, and taught adult literacy.
“Her other great loves were dogs and chocolate,” he said.
“She was old fashioned, quirky, bright and bubbly, she had a daggy sense of humour.
“Ann was a one and only.”
The service was attended by Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police Christine Nixon and Victorian Police Minister Tim Holding.
Most knew her as Senior Ann, and pupils of Wangaratta West, Chisholm St Primary, Wangaratta Primary, Cathedral College, St Monica’s Primary in Wodonga, St Patrick’s at Wangaratta, Moyhu Primary, Everton Primary, Wangaratta West, Yarrunga, Appin Park Primary and Bright P-12 College formed a guard of honour.
Wangaratta Primary teacher David Capper paid tribute.
“She had a terrific sense of humour, she used to make the kids do her Prince Philip walk and make them say ‘just like Senior Ann’ whenever she taught them anything,” he said.
Beth Hutchinson, of Beechworth, said her daughter India-Rose, 11, taught by Senior Ann, had asked to attend the service.
“She really got through to the kids, we were ever so grateful — she’s such a loss to the community,” Ms Hutchinson said.
– By Riccarda Burley, August 22, 2006
Police form honor guard at Senior Constable Ann Brimblecombe’s funeral.
In memory of our friend and colleague Ann Brimblecombe Senior Constable 21795 `Senior Ann` Tragically killed performing road safety in active duty August 16, 2006 Member of the Wangaratta Police complex ——- Commemorates Senior Constable Ann Brimblecombe placed in the Wangaratta Paediatric Unit. The memorial plaque was officially dedicated at Batchelor’s Green on the 10th May 2012. Senior Constable Brimblecombe was a Wangaratta Highway Patrol member who was killed in a car crash in August 2006 while travelling from Wangaratta to Mitta Mitta to give a bicycle safety lecture. She was affectionately known as “Senior Ann” by children as she ran bicycle education programs throughout the North East. Address of plaque: 21 Handley Street, Wangaratta Police Complex, Wangaratta, 3677, Victoria, Australia
BRIMBLECOMBE SEN.CON. ANN JANE “SENIOR ANN” 8.12.1957 – 16.8.2006 Loved daughter of Alex and Jennifer. Sister to Peter, Claire, Ian & Ross Treasured Memories
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‘Safety – Think It .. Do It’ to win $2,000 for your school
A message about safety at your school or in the community could win your school $2,000 and also have them receive the Ann Brimblecombe Memorial Award. The ‘Caring About Regional Safety’ (CARS) program, which is now in its eighth year, is a primary school based competition that gets kids thinking about safety.
CARS began as a way to both commemorate the valuable work that Senior Constable Ann Brimblecombe did with primary school children and also help ensure her messages about safety are ongoing. Tragically ‘Senior Ann’ as she was affectionately known by hundreds of school children, died as the result of a motor vehicle accident in August 2006.
Get Your Class Involved
The competition is open to all local primary schools in NE Victoria and Southern New South Wales and asks children to actively think about safety and create a promotional poster. It could be safety at home, in the school yard or even when they are travelling.
Teachers may like to encourage students to think about a safety message that they are individually interested in or have the class decide on a safety theme that everyone can concentrate on.
Teachers should collate all their students’ posters (ensuring that each students name, class and school are written on the back) and send to the CARS Action Team before the competition closes each year.
To help stimulate the students, a representative of the police force will be available to visit every school to talk to students about safety. If your school would like to organise a visit or if you would like to find out more about CARS contact:
CARS Action Team – Senior Sergeant Michael Connors
Wangaratta Police Station
1 Handley Street, Wangaratta VIC 3677
Phone: 0357 230 830
Safety Sam – Think It .. Do It
‘Safety Sam’ is our mascot to help promote the ‘Safety- Think It .. Do It’ message. If the winning poster has the image of Safety Sam included in it, the students who created it will (pending parental approval) win a ride in a police car as well as a ride in a police boat. Download an image of Safety Sam here.
Canberra United?Verified account @CanberraUnited 10 Dec 2016 Congratulations @ashsykes91, winner of the Ann Brimblecombe Memorial Medal for Player of the Match! #BlueRibbonCup #MCYvCBR pic.twitter.com/HZjAC0OM5c
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The Blue Ribbon Cup – Melbourne City v Canberra United
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Canberra United
Melbourne City & Canberra United will play for the Blue Ribbon Cup on Saturday in their second meeting of the 2016/17 Westfield W-League season.
The Blue Ribbon Cup is held in partnership with the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation, which perpetuates the memory of members of the Victorian Police Force killed in the line of duty, by supporting worthwhile community projects within the State.
This will be the first edition of the W-League Blue Ribbon Cup, with the player of the match to be awarded the Ann Brimblecombe Memorial Medal.
Senior Constable Ann Brimblecombe passed away on duty in 2006 when her vehicle ran off the road while travelling from Wangaratta to Mitta Mitta.
Senior Constable Brimblecombe was a serving member of the Victorian Police Force for over 26 years, and was promoted to Senior Constable in 1985 after six years in the force.
Canberra United Head Coach Rae Dower, a former member of the Queensland Police Force for over 20 years, said that the occasion adds something of a personal feel to the matchday.
“It’s a lovely initiative from Melbourne City, the Blue Ribbon Cup, played for between the two teams,” she said.
“And with nearly 21 years in the Police service I’ve lost a lot of friends on the job, unfortunately, but also with some illnesses; a lot of emergency services personnel commit suicide after they retire, or whilst they’re still on the job.”
“So it certainly will be a more personal touch, and probably gives us a little more incentive to go on and win that as well.”
More information on the Blue Ribbon Foundation can be found at http://www.remember.org.au/, including information on the projects managed by the organisation, and an honour roll of those who have served.
– See more at: http://www.canberraunited.com.au/article/the-blue-ribbon-cup—melbourne-city-v-canberra-united/camla3n5avhj1y2g4ax87nq9a#sthash.9P5iK5hl.dpuf
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2016
Brimblecombe, Senior Constable Ann Jane
08/12/57 – 16/08/06
To those involved in keeping ‘Senior Ann’s’ work and memory alive for ten years. Thank you with pride and gratitude from her family.
Published in The Border Mail o – See more at: http://tributes.bordermail.com.au/obituaries/bordermail-au/obituary.aspx?pid=181073547#sthash.1Mi0dvMF.dpuf
NEVER FORGOTTEN: Claire Lewis with the pink rosemary to be planted in memory of her sister, policewoman Ann Brimblecombe who died 10 years ago. PHOTO: Wendy Stephens
TWO rosemary bushes will be planted next to an existing commemorative plaque for Senior Constable Ann Brimblecombe.
The plants will be installed at Wangaratta Police station by Ann’s sister, Claire Lewis, on Tuesday on the 10th anniversary of Ann’s death.
The former Wangaratta police officer, affectionately known as ‘Senior Ann’, was tragically killed in a car accident at age 49 in 2006, on her way from Wangaratta to Mitta Mitta to present a bike safety session.
Rod JohnsI attended and took charge at this collision a very sad day and one I reflect on often, a lovely lady who put so much energy into the children at the schools she attended. A great community loss and to her family.
Nicole ShortisI was a member at the Wangaratta bowls club with Anne and her family when this tragedy happened. It was nice to see her face come up on Facebook. Great to see such a good project come from a sad tragedy.
Greg DohertyAnne was always on the look out for teaching aids I managed to get hold of the bicycle helmet that my sons mate was wearing when he was hit by a car the inner helmet was shattered saving the boys life it made a great teaching aid for her . Anne was always pleasant to talk to despite her illness she just kept on going. She was a very dedicated person and her sudden demise came as one hell of a shock to the T.M.U office at wangaratta. Vale Annie Brimblecombe.,
Pam O’SullivanRIP Ann. I hope those school kids get the message you were on your way to deliver. You’ve shown by example how quickly and without warning death can take the life of a road user. My condolences to your family and colleagues..
Ann Brimblecombe’s students teach police a thing or too
NATALIE KOTSIOS
Winners are grinners: Sgt Michael Connors and WAW Credit Unions Peter Challis gave Wooragee pupils their prize yesterday. Picture: MATTHEW SMITHWICK
A COMPETITION designed to give children safety awareness is teaching Victoria Police a thing or two, too.
This year’s Ann Brimblecombe Memorial Award was launched yesterday at Wooragee Primary School, the winner of last year’s safety awareness competition.
The award, in its 7th year, commemorates Sen-Constable Ann Brimblecombe, the North East’s road safety in schools officer, killed in a car accident in 2006.
She was the state’s only such officer and there hasn’t been another in the North East since.
Her memory lives on through this competition, which involves North East and Albury pupils creating posters with safety messages.
Sgt Michael Connors, of Wangaratta highway patrol, encouraged children to talk about all aspects of safety.
He said their observations gave police greater insights and were often “completely different to what the police are thinking”.
“I can’t stress enough how important that is. You couldn’t gauge how many kids have been saved by Ann Brimblecombe’s message,” he said.
Wooragee’s winning entry focused on stranger danger. Other themes were cyber-bullying, kitchen safety and phoning while driving.
The winning school receives $2000 from WAW Credit Union.
Wooragee Primary School principal Christine Varker said the children were already brain-storming ideas.
She said the competition had changed how pupils thought about safety and they “now talk about much broader issues than just road safety.”
The school will spend its prize money on building a chicken coop.
“They’ve even considered the safety of the chickens,” Ms Varker said.
“They’ve ensured it will be fox and wedge-tail eagle-proof.”
North East Health chief Margaret Bennett, Ann Brimblecombes parents Alex and Jennifer Brimblecombe, and Deputy Commissioner Kieran Walshe at the presentation. Picture: KYLIE ESLER
THERE couldn’t be a more appropriate way of paying tribute to Sen-Constable Ann Brimblecombe than what was unveiled yesterday.
The Wangaratta police officer died in 2006 while on duty after her car veered off the road when travelling to Mitta to give school children a bicycle safety lecture.
Children’s safety was close to her heart and it’s because of her that the Wangaratta Hospital’s paediatric unit has now become a safer place.
In tribute to Sen-Constable Brimblecombe, the unit received a $30,000 donation from the police Blue Ribbon Foundation for security doors and a refurbishment to their baby room.
Jennifer Brimblecombe said her daughter didn’t like a fuss being made over her.
“She’d be thrilled to bits for the honour but she was just very happy doing her work, hoping it would stick with all the children as they grew up,” she said.
“You can’t get around the fact she’s not here but at least her work is being carried on.”
Sen-Constable Brimblecombe’s passion for educating stemmed from her original ambition to become a schoolteacher.
“She actually couldn’t get a job when she finished a teaching course. She tried very hard for a while then the next thing we knew she applied for the police force,” Mrs Brimblecombe said.
Soon after she was offered a position to teach, but instead chose the police force.
“She was a very dedicated girl. When she decided she wanted to do something that was her focus completely,” Mrs Brimblecombe said.
Unveiling the plaques to commemorate the memorial was one of the last tasks for deputy police commissioner Kieran Walshe, who will retire after 44 years of service on July 1.
He said the Victorian police force was often described as having “a ringside seat at the greatest show on earth” but it still had its lows.
“When you are in a position of authority and leadership and you hear of these things, like what happened to Ann Brimblecombe and others, they’re lowlights in the organisation,” he said.
“But when you think of the Ann Brimblecombe paediatric rooms, it just really epitomises what Ann was about.”
Funding for the urgent care unit at Benalla Hospital was also revealed in memory of Sen-Constable Simon De Winne, who died in 1998 after colliding with a tree while trying to pull a car over for a traffic offence.
The Wangaratta community joined forces to honour one of their most beloved police officers and continue her dedication to road safety with the launch of the Ann Brimblecombe Memorial Award today at Yarrunga Primary School.
Senior Constable Ann Brimblecombe was Victoria’s only dedicated Road Safety in Schools officer, making her “truly one of a kind” according to her colleagues.
Tragically, S/C Brimblecombe was killed in a vehicle collision in August 2006 on her way to Mitta Mitta Primary School.
Assistant Commissioner (Region 4) Bob Hastings said the award was a fitting tribute to S/C Brimblecombe.
“One of Ann’s strengths was her commitment to road safety and the impact she had on hundreds of young lives in the area,” A/C Hastings said.
“I’m very proud to launch the Ann Brimblecombe Memorial Award and I strongly believe it will continue her work in road safety.
“Victoria Police is grateful for the support of WAW Credit Union and local schools in this initiative, which allows the community to be actively involved in promoting and developing the road safety message.”
The award was the idea of a number of Wangaratta police members after Region 4 Division 5 Superintendent Jock Menzel suggested they look at a way of honouring S/C Brimblecombe’s memory.
It invites schools to ‘Care About Road Safety’ (CARS) by identifying a road safety issue and developing an action plan to combat it.
The school that submits the entry judged to deliver the most benefit to their school community will also receive $2000 from WAW Credit Union.
A/C Hastings spoke at today’s launch about the impact S/C Brimblecombe had on the community.
“Ann had her own way of passing on the road safety message, trying to make it as fun as possible and as a result her messages would be remembered,” A/C Hastings said.
“There would be many occasions where Ann would purchase small toys or action figures on her own initiative, in an effort to show kids a message she was trying to get across, such as toy rollerblades and the correct way to lace them up.
“If you went to her class, you would probably remember the big board game of safety she invented so children could remember the rules of road safety. The message at number 100 was ‘You made it to school safely – well done!’.”
A/C Hastings also reflected on S/C Brimblecombe’s generous nature and her ability to make everyone feel special.
“Ann was awarded prize money at one point by the Wangaratta Council Youth Representatives and approached Senior Sergeant Bill Gore to check she was allowed to keep it, then spent it on prizes for the kids at schools,” he said.
“She had a way of making sure nobody missed out and when there were kids who maybe needed a helmet for riding their bike to school but perhaps couldn’t afford it, Ann always made sure they had the right equipment.
“She also received money from the North East Community Road Safety Council each year to communicate the road safety message through schools and Ann always spent this money on equipment to ensure ‘her’ kids were on safe bikes.”
In an effort to promote road safety, WAW Credit Union has also lent their support to the award.
“As part of our Community Support policy, WAW Credit Union actively looks for ways to support worthwhile projects in the areas our service centres operate,” said WAW spokesperson Linda Butler.
“The work S/C Ann Brimblecombe did within our region’s schools was invaluable and so we were very excited to be asked to be part of the Caring About Road Safety initiative.
“WAW knows that these sort of activities are certain to keep the memory of Ann and the work she did ongoing for many years to come and we applaud Victoria Police and the Blue Ribbon Foundation for their work in this area.”
A/C Hastings urged all students to think about how they could best make a positive impact on their school.
“This competition is about the school community so think about the ways you can improve road safety around it,” he said.
“A safer bus shelter, a fence around your school crossing to ensure children don’t spill out on to the roadway, road signs, anything else that you can think of that will make your school safer – put it together in a submission and send it in.
“We’ll never know how many young people are alive today because of Ann’s work over the years and Victoria Police and its partners in this competition hope to see this work continue.”
THICK fog is believed to have caused a single-vehicle crash that killed a country policewoman dedicated to teaching children about road safety.
Senior Constable Ann Brimblecombe, 49, was on duty and travelling from Wangaratta to Mitta Mitta yesterday when her vehicle ran off the Omeo Highway about 2½ kilometres south of Eskdale and struck a tree.
Senior Constable Brimblecombe, a bicycle education officer, was on her way to give a lecture at the time.
Police believe she left Wangaratta at 7.30am and at some stage her car left the road in foggy conditions. It was discovered by a farmer about 11am.
She had been a police officer for 27 years and had worked at force reserve in Russell Street before being stationed at Kew.
In 1981 she was stationed at the Russell Street policewomen’s division and also served in the community police squad in Melbourne’s east. She was promoted to senior constable in 1985 and while she returned to force reserve in 1993, she transferred to Wangaratta in 1995 where she had worked ever since.
Yackandandah Primary School, where Senior Constable Brimblecombe had spent the two days before her death teaching road safety, was in shock after learning of the tragedy.
Principal Kathy Petzke said the pupils looked forward to Senior Constable Brimblecombe’s annual visit.
“It was quite an interactive program she provided with a lot of home-made props … We’re all very shocked about what has happened yet grateful for the important role she played.”
Wangaratta police acting Inspector David Ryan said her death was a great loss not only to Victoria Police, but also to the general school community.
Assistant Commissioner Bob Hastings said Senior Constable Brimblecombe regularly travelled long distances as part of her job. “She was always a very cautious and safe driver … she was well prepared and knew the country and the terrain,” he said.
“I went to visit Ann’s parents and spoke with her mum and dad and brother and sister there and they are handling it as well as can be expected.”
Police Association secretary Paul Mullett said Senior Constable Brimblecombe was a well-respected member who would be sadly missed.
Police Minister Tim Holding yesterday expressed sympathy to Senior Constable Brimblecombe’s family. “Our thoughts also go out to her friends and fellow officers,” he said. “We honour her service and are greatly saddened by the tragic circumstances of her passing.”
WRIGHT. A Service to celebrate the life of Leonard Arthur Wright will be held at the Lilydale Memorial Park Chapel, 126 Victoria Rd, Lilydale at 10.00 a. m. on WEDNESDAY (Mar. 8, 2017). No flowers by family request. In the gentle care of OAKDALE FUNERALS 9726-8724
Date of birth: 30 October, 1932 Date of passing: 28 February, 2017
Len passed away peacefully at the Ringwood Private Hospital surrounded by his loving family.
He will always be in our hearts – sadly missed and loved forever.
From his loving wife Val, daughters Pam and Jenny and son Andy.
Funeral Notice
Funeral Details
A service to celebrate the life of Leonard Arthur WRIGHT will be held at the Lilydale Memorial Park Chapel, 126 Victoria Road, Lilydale at 10.00am on Wednesday March the 8th at 10.00am.
Today we celebrate the life and career of former police member, Catherine Margaret McVeigh who passed away on 17 February. Born in 1931, McVeigh joined the police force at the age of 24 after serving in the RAAF. One of the first duties she was required to perform after graduating in 1956 was crowd control at the Melbourne Olympic Games. McVeigh was known as a trailblazer for women in policing, rising meteorically through the ranks. At retirement, McVeigh held the rank of Chief Superintendent – the first woman in Australia to hold this rank. Our thoughts are with her family at this time.
Phillip Gordon FLEMING
| 18/05/2017
Phillip Gordon FLEMING
Victoria Police Force
Police Academy Squad 11 of 1967
Regd. # 15731
Rank: Commenced training – 10 October 1967
Probationary Constable – appointed 4 March 1968
Stations: Russell St, Flemington, Collingwood ( June 1969 )
Service: From 10 October 1967to 19 February 1971= 3+ years Service
Awards: Victoria Police Star – granted on 5 April 2007 ( posthumously )
Born: 31 January 1949 at Creswick Hospital, Victoria.
Died on: Friday 19 February 1971
Age: 22
Cause: Motor Vehicle accident – passenger – front seat
Funeral date: ?
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: ?
Memorial at: Frankston Hospitil, Hybrid Interventional Theatre, Peninsula Health, Frankston, Victoria
[alert_green]PHILLIPIS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green]
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Funeral location: ?
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
About 5.40am on Friday 19 February 1971, Constable Fleming was the observer in a police divisional van travelling along the Boulevard, Kew, when the vehicle ran off the road, crashed through a fence and plunged down an embankment. Fleming received massive head injuries and died instantly.
He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Police Star on the 5 April 2007.
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Western Port News, Victoria Tuesday 17 January 2017 Page 12
The Mornington Peninsula Branch of the Blue Ribbon Foundation together with our local police, Chief Commissioner and other distinguished guests today hosted a dedication to Constable Phillip FLEMING 15731 who was killed on duty in a motor vehicle accident on 19 February 1971.
The ceremony with Police Honours dedicated a purpose built emergency operating theatre at Peninsula Health as a permanent memorial to Constable FLEMING.
The service was a moving tribute to his memory and the creation of this new state of the art facility at Peninsula Health will ensure his memory lives on.
I take this opportunity to thank the Blue Ribbon Foundation, business and community alike for enabling the creation of this important medical facility.
Brett Coloe
A/Inspector
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A committed officer takes the exit ramp
John Silvester
THE sight of the apparently unflappable senior policeman giving calm television updates as the state burnt provided just a measure of reassurance as we faced our greatest natural disaster.
On Black Saturday, and in the days and weeks that followed, Deputy Commissioner Kieran Walshe was the front man, running the police response, from initial evacuation to the grim process of identifying victims.
With the death toll by late Saturday standing at 16, he knew it would get ”much worse”, but no one could have imagined the count would rise to 173.
Much has been said about then chief commissioner Christine Nixon choosing to head to a North Melbourne pub for a meal on the night of February 7, 2009, as Victoria burned.
But little has been said about how Walshe ran the emergency operation, providing strong leadership for police out in the carnage and a measured tone for the community trying to come to terms with an event almost beyond imagination.
What few knew at the time was that, behind the carefully constructed professional facade, the deputy commissioner was in turmoil as – like so many – he had been touched by those fires.
The father of four daughters, he had feared early on that his son-in-law’s family had been caught in one of the blazes. The worst was confirmed the next day. ”His mother and brother were victims who were lost in the Strathewen fires,” he says.
”I was trying to provide support for my daughter and her husband, but at the same time we had a job to do. I believe that if you take on a role, then you have to step up during the testing times.”
It has been part of the philosophy that has sustained him during his 44-year career, which has seen him rise from a 16-year-old police cadet to a deputy commissioner who served under three chiefs.
Big, broad and bald, with a copper’s handshake and a friendly manner, the senior policeman, now 61, will retire at the end of next week, proud at what he has achieved and confident the force has moved on from the poisonous office politics that previously infected its top ranks. This included assistant commissioner Noel Ashby’s bugged conversations that showed him trying to damage rival Simon Overland’s chances of becoming the next chief commissioner, and then deputy commissioner Sir Ken Jones’ well-documented spat with Overland.
”I have always believed that you must remain loyal to the organisation and to your leader,” says Walshe. ”So it was particularly disappointing when certain members of the executive showed less than true loyalty to the chief commissioner.”
The manner of Simon Overland’s forced resignation last year still grates. ”He had the organisation on the right track and was totally committed to the Victoria Police. The way he left remains one of the low points of my career.”
He says he also enjoyed working with Nixon. ”Christine has a different, more relaxed, management style. She recognised people’s skills and trusted them to do a job.”
Many kids flirt with the idea of joining the police. Most grow out of it. Walshe didn’t. Ever since he was nine, growing up in Bendigo, his career path was set. His father knew many of the local coppers, who left a lasting impression on the youngster, and as soon as he was old enough he moved to Melbourne to join.
It was 1968 and Australia was just starting to feel comfortable about decimal currency; former fighter pilot John Gorton was prime minister; and Richard Nixon moved into the White House.
As a cadet, Walshe was sent to get experience at busy stations, including Northcote, where he no doubt got under the feet of the head of the crime section, a certain Detective Senior Sergeant Fred Silvester. After graduating, he went to Russell Street before transferring to Collingwood, where he experienced firsthand the dangers of his job.
On a night shift in 1971, the Ford divisional van he was driving along The Boulevard in Kew smashed through a fence and plunged 45 metres down an embankment. When he regained consciousness he tried to help his partner, Constable Phillip Fleming, who was motionless in the passenger seat. Walshe radioed for help then clambered back up the hill, his head badly gashed. What he didn’t yet know was that his partner had been killed on impact.
Walshe, now finishing up as Victoria’s traffic chief, says that having been involved in a fatal accident (”losing a mate … you carry it your whole life”) taught him the consequences of each road death.
”There is the victim, the family and the friends. The effect is devastating to so many people. I think it is one of the reasons I have been passionate about road policing.”
Walshe moved around busy inner-city stations before moving to Ascot Vale and the CIB (criminal investigation branch). ”I tried to treat each investigation as a learning experience and a chance to build your skills.”
By the 1980s, he was in charge of the air wing, which he built up from one helicopter and two fixed-wing aircraft to a service that provided emergency rescues, ambulance response, transport, traffic observation, drug crop identification and criminal surveillance. Despite not being a pilot, he was once given a million dollars and told to go out and buy a single-engine helicopter. Considering the number of lame buys senior police have made over the years, including spending a fortune on a computer system with the power of a crystal set, it is a wonder he didn’t come back with a blimp.
His career – in which he has moved through all ranks and most areas of the force – proved to be the perfect grounding for high office. This included a stint with the ethical standards department, an area that he thinks too many police avoid as they ”don’t see it as a good career move”. While there are still police (including some elite investigators) who refuse to work in ESD, dubbing it ”The Filth” or ”The Toecutters”, Walshe says a spell in the area improves leadership skills. ”You learn to recognise the early warning signs of when someone might be about to make some poor decisions.
”ESD deals with serious criminal and disciplinary matters. We accept that when someone in the community commits a crime they should be prosecuted and we should have the same attitude when it comes to police.”
From 1999, Walshe also spent two years at Seymour, where he found a new respect for country police. ”Country policing is so different to metropolitan policing. There is no sense of anonymity as you live in the same community where you work. Everyone knows you are a police officer.” He sees police in Victoria’s 99 one-person country stations as ”the last bastion of authority. The house is usually next door to the station, so you are expected to be available 24/7.”
Like many, Walshe watched the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on New York’s World Trade Centre, soon realising it would change the face of policing. In 2005, he was made assistant commissioner counter terrorism and was involved in Australia’s two biggest terrorism investigations, Pendennis and Neath. ”These were significant disruption exercises. It remains of great concern that these cells were operating not only in Australia, but specifically Melbourne.”
He says there has been a marked shift in the expectations of police recruits today. ”It is a generational thing. The vast majority are as committed to serving the community as we were back in 1968, but more of them see it as a job rather than as a career. That never entered my mind when I joined, as I fully expected to stay until I retired – although I didn’t dream I would last 44 years.”
”When Ken [Lay] was appointed Chief Commissioner, I knew the time was right for me to go. There are some things I want to do while I am still fit enough to do them.” These include travel with his wife, Denise, and spending time with his family, including his eight (soon to be nine) grandchildren.
Mate and long-time colleague Lay told us, ”Kieran has had a magnificent career. I was his subordinate and he was the sort of boss you would die for. When we were peers I always appreciated his wise counsel and as my deputy he has been rock solid and loyal.
”You always know where you are with him. He will look you in the eye and tell you what he thinks. I will miss his wise advice, and the organisation will miss his leadership.”
Victoria’s top road safety policeman, Kieran Walshe says a fatal crash he was involved in 40 years ago puts him in a better position to understand road trauma.
Constable Phillip Fleming was killed when a police van driven by Kieran Walshe crashed in Kew, in February 1971.
Deputy Commissioner Walshe has spoken publicly about the crash for the first time, ahead of the launch of the international decade of action for road safety.
He has rejected allegations he was driving inappropriately and has told ABC Local Radio, he is able to do his job well, because of his experience.
“I live with it, I deal with it. I think it makes me a better position to understand what other people endure when they experience and go through road trauma,” he said.
“I think it helps me be a little bit more passionate about the message that I need to make sure I give to the community of Victoria.”
He has spoken out because of questions from former officers about his ability to do his job.
“Obviously, for some reason, someone wants to challenge my reputation, or challenge my credibility to do my job,” he said.
“I dispute that. I think that I’ve done my job and continue to do my job very well and you never get over these things.”
MARK COLVIN: There’s been more controversy around senior figures in Victoria Police today, with revelations that the state’s top traffic cop was the driver in a fatal car crash in Melbourne 40 years ago.
The facts of the accident have resurfaced, just days after the State Government ordered an independent inquiry into the upper echelons of police.
Liz Hobday reports.
LIZ HOBDAY: Deputy Commissioner Kieran Walshe was driving a police wagon at a notorious accident spot on Kew Boulevard in 1971, when he lost control of his vehicle. The van ran off the road and plunged down an embankment, killing his passenger and good friend 22-year-old constable Phillip Fleming.
Kieran Walshe was 19 at the time, and says he woke up in hospital.
KIERAN WALSHE: I have no actual recollection of what took place at the time the vehicle left the road.
LIZ HOBDAY: A coronial inquest delivered an open finding.
KIERAN WALSHE: There has been a thorough investigation. There is no evidence to implicate or any impropriety in the way I drove the vehicle.
LIZ HOBDAY: The revelations emerged in the Herald Sun this morning, two days after the Victorian Government ordered an inquiry into the actions of those at the top of the force, after a string of controversies.
Kieran Walshe says he doesn’t know who told the newspaper about the crash, or why.
KIERAN WALSHE: I don’t know what their motivations are. All I can say is that I can only assume there’s some endeavour by somebody to discredit me.
LIZ HOBDAY: Kieran Walshe says he didn’t tell Chief Commissioner Simon Overland about the crash when he got the job of deputy commissioner, regional and road policing.
KIERAN WALSHE: Simon Overland has only been in Victoria Police for a little over eight years, nine years. It wasn’t something that I thought it was necessary to go and say to him. This happened 40 years ago.
LIZ HOBDAY: The Police Association’s Greg Davies says the latest story won’t affect morale; the problem is more the numerous inquiries now underway.
GREG DAVIES: Well we’ve got obviously at least three inquiries running at the moment into the police force, we’ve got turmoil at the top levels, that has to have a cascading effect to other levels of senior management, down all the way to the youngest constable.
LIZ HOBDAY: And he says retired officers could be behind the latest story.
GREG DAVIES: As far as who might be behind it, well we can only speculate. I’d be more inclined to think it would be a retired police officer than a current serving one.
LIZ HOBDAY: The latest inquiry into senior management at Victoria Police, is expected to report to Government within six months.
VICTORIA’S top traffic cop has spoken publicly for the first time about the trauma of crashing a car in which his passenger, a fellow police officer, died.
Deputy Commissioner Kieran Walshe lost control of the police divvy van he was driving 40 years ago as it was travelling on The Boulevard in Kew.
The Falcon van crashed through a fence and plunged 45m down a steep embankment, killing Constable Phillip Fleming, 22, about 5.40am on February 19, 1971.
Mr Walshe decided to tell his story to reject recent claims by former police officers that he was driving inappropriately on what has for decades been one of Melbourne’s most notorious street racing black spots.
“That’s not something that I ever did. It was not in my nature to drive in that manner and there is just no evidence to say that I did,” he told the Herald Sun.
Mr Walshe said Chief Commissioner Simon Overland was not aware of his involvement in the crash when he appointed him head of the traffic branch, but was now, and was happy for him to continue in the role.
Mr Walshe said: “I have been subjected to a thorough investigation. I have been subjected to a coronial inquiry and at no stage was there any evidence identified that gave any indication of any inappropriate behaviour on my part.”
Coroner Harry Pascoe recorded an open finding in 1971, saying from the evidence available it was not possible to determine if Constable Fleming’s death was “accidental or otherwise”.
The former officers this week claimed they were raising the issue only because Mr Walshe was recently put in charge of road safety policing in Victoria.
“The question arises how he, with any credibility, can criticise people in their 20s for hoon-type behaviour on Victorian roads,” one of them said.
But Mr Walshe, 60, said yesterday that having been involved in the fatal accident made him better able to do his job.
“I certainly have a greater appreciation than other people would who haven’t been involved in trauma like I have been,” he said.
“It makes me more passionate about the message I am trying to deliver out there – anybody can be involved in road trauma.”
The death of Constable Fleming continued to haunt Mr Walshe.
“When you are the driver … and you lose a close mate it has an impact … that you carry for the rest of your life. It’s just a really difficult thing that you have to live with,” he said.
Mr Walshe was quizzed by accident investigator Sen-Constable James Kenneday about why he was driving on The Boulevard.
“Did you go to The Boulevard for a burn in the van?” Sen-Constable Kenneday asked in 1971.
Mr Walshe replied: “I don’t remember.”
The issue comes as the administration of VicPol has become a major political issue. Premier Ted Baillieu this week appointed Jack Rush, QC, to examine, among other things, the effectiveness of the senior structure of police command.
A Service Celebrating the Life of Constable D’Arne (Dee) De Leo will be held in the Chapel of Victoria Police Academy, View Mount Rd, Glen Waverley on THURSDAY (Jan. 19, 2017) at 2.00 p. m. , and will be followed by Burial in the Springvale Botanical Cemetery (Police Memorial Lawn) at 3.45 p. m. POLICE HONOURS
DE LEO. D’Arne. First Constable 40129 And we that are left shall never forget; rest in peace friend and colleague for the sun has now set. You will be sorely missed by all at Fitzroy Police Station. Our condolences go to Krisz, family, friends and colleagues.
DE LEO. D’Arne (Dee). First Constable 40129 A valued member of Victoria Police who will be sadly missed. Our sincere condolences to her partner, family, friends and colleagues. The NWM Divison 1.
DE LEO. Dee. The ‘Pocket Rocket’ You may have had a small footprint, but made a big impression on all who knew and met you. Our sincere and deepest condolences to Kris and family. Will be sadly missed Benalla Police Colleagues and friends.
DE LEO. D’Arne (Dee). First Constable 40129 A valued member of Victoria Police who will be sadly missed. Our sincere condolences to her partner, family, friends and colleagues. The NWM HQ.
De LEO. D’Arne. The President, Executive and Members of The Police Association mourn the passing of First Constable De Leo and extend their deepest sympathy to her family. At Rest
De LEO. D’Arne (Dee). First Constable 40129 The Chief Commissioner, Officers and Employees of Victoria Police regret the passing of their Colleague and offer their deepest sympathy to her family.
DE LEO D’Arne (Dee) You were my best friend. I trusted and respected you and will be forever grateful for the support you gave me over the last four years. I miss you – but will never forget you Rest In Peace Craig, Riikka and Kai.
A mechanical investigation will be done on the truck that killed a Victorian police officer while she was on her way to work on her motor bike.
Samandeep Singh, 26, appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday charged with culpable driving over the death of the officer on Thursday morning.
Victoria Police identified D’Arne De Leo as the woman who died in the crash at an EastLink freeway on-ramp in Wantirna just before 9am.
She was hit and trapped under the truck, dying at the scene despite the efforts of emergency services.
Singh was also charged with driving a motor vehicle in a manner that was dangerous to the public, thereby allegedly causing Ms De Leo’s death.
His lawyer Chen Yang said a 10-week mechanical investigation needed to be done on Singh’s truck, and CCTV footage would be prepared formatted for the court.
Singh, who was dressed in hi-vis clothing, did not apply for bail and he was remanded in custody to reappear for a committal mention on May 4.
Valued former Benalla police officer killed in a crash between motorbike and truck
Jane Lee
Former Benalla police officer First Constable D’Arne De Leo had only moved to Melbourne three months ago, before she was killed in a motorcycle crash.
The truck driver accused of causing her death after running a red light has been assessed as suicidal, a court has heard.
Police allege Ferntree Gully man Samandeep Singh, 26, drove through a red light at Boronia Road, Wantirna and crashed into the back of the woman’s motorcycle on Thursday morning, trapping her underneath his truck.
First Constable De Leo died at the scene.
Singh has been charged with culpable driving causing death and dangerous driving.
He appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday.
Defence lawyer Chen Yang said a forensic medical officer diagnosed his client as having “suicidal ideation” after he was arrested.
It was Singh’s first time in custody.
Fairfax Media understands police have not yet interviewed Singh, who will be re-assessed by a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse to determine whether he requires medication.
He did not apply for bail. Magistrate Andrew McKenna remanded him to appear in court on May 4.
First Constable De Leo worked at Benalla for two-and-a-half years before a transfer to Fitzroy three months ago. She was aged in her 40s and lived in the eastern suburbs.
Benalla Acting Inspector Ash Mason said First Constable De Leo was a well-respected and valued general-duties member who was only at the beginning of her career. “She had a huge career ahead of her and it’s a huge loss,” he said.
“She just wanted to get in, do her job and do it really well.”
Police Association assistant secretary Bruce McKenzie said the union was thinking of her family and the officers who had to attend the crash.
“One of our members has tragically lost her life simply by travelling to work,” he said.
“We have the greatest sympathy for her family at this time.
“We also feel for her police family and for her colleagues who attended (Thursday) morning’s tragic scene. She had only been in the force for a relatively short time.”
If you are troubled by this report or experiencing a personal crisis you can call Lifeline 131 114 or beyondblue 1300 224 636 or visit lifeline.org.au or beyondblue.org.au
