Passed away peacefully at his residence surrounded by his family on July 4, 2016, aged 80 years.
Dearly loved husband of Christel. Loved father of Nigel and Julie, Ingrid and Martin. Loved grandfather of 5 and great grandfather of 2.
“Always In Our Hearts”
Family and friends of Vincent are invited to attend his funeral service to be held in the Heritage Chapel, Maryborough Crematorium, Bruce Highway on Monday, July 11 at 11am.
ROBERTSON:
WA POLICE UNION Members are invited to attend the Funeral Service for our late retired member Neville Ray ROBERTSON 3556 at PINNAROO Valley Memorial Park on THURSDAY (16.6.2016) at 1.00pm.
Hi Maureen
So Sorry to hear of Neville”s passing
I have many fond memories of Neville going back to the Wickham days.
Please accept my condolences and am thinking of you during this sad time.
Dear Maureen and Ryan.
So sorry to hear about Neville’s passing. Even though we did not know Neville really well, we did enjoy the times that were spent getting acquainted in the past. I distinctly remember his great sense of humor, especially the times he accompanied Uncle Ole around our district.
Please know that even though we are half a world away, we are still thinking of you.
With our sympathy,
Take care, Dawn and Les Strinholm, Melfort, SK, Canada
2nd Clasp to National Medal – granted 3 August 1996
Born: 12 September 1941
Died on: Tuesday 14 June 2016
Cause: ?
Age: 74
Funeral date: Monday 20 June 2016 @ 10am
Funeral location: West Chapel in PINNAROO Valley Memorial Park, Whitfords Avenue, Padbury, W.A.
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial at: ?
Bien Hoa, Vietnam. 1965-07. Private Peter Dorter of Perth, WA, relaxes at the edge of the airfield after an operation by the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR).
[alert_yellow]PETER is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO
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Funeral location:
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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
DORTER:
The Funeral for the late Retired Police Officer Mr Peter Dorter 4103 of Duncraig will assemble at the West Chapel in PINNAROO Valley Memorial Park, Whitfords Avenue, Padbury for a Cremation Service to commence at 10.00am on MONDAY (20.6.2016).
Vale
54029 Peter Charles Dorter. Peter was a member of Anti-Tank Platoon 1 RAR (First Tour Vietnam 65/66). Peter’s funeral will be held at Pinnaroo Cemetery, Perth WA at 10:00am on Monday 20th June. Veterans are requested to wear medals.
WA POLICE UNION Members are invited to attend the Funeral Service for our late retired member Ronald GILLIES 2230 at Karrakatta Cemetery on TUESDAY (7.6.2016) at 1′.30pm.
GILLIES (Ronald):
Passed away peacefully on 26.5.2016 at RPH aged 88.
Dearly beloved husband of Rona, much loved father of Geoff, Ray and Neil, daughter-in-law Kate and cherished Poppy of Isabella and Alice.
The emptiness we feel today is comforted by a lifetime of beautiful memories.
Forever in our hearts –
Monday, 6 June 2016
Dear Rona, Geoff, Ray and Neil our heart felt sympathy goes out to you with the sad loss of Ron – a true gentleman. Our thoughts are with you – Ray and Irene Kaerger
~
Ray Kaerger,
Mandurah, Western Australia
Monday, 6 June 2016
So very sorry to hear of your sad loss – Rona, Geoff, Ray and Neil. I have so many happy memories of Rons broad smile and laughter on holidays at Rockingham. Such a lovely gentleman. Sue Breen (Née Kaerger)
~
Sue Breen,
Mandurah, Western Australia
Monday, 6 June 2016
To Rhona,
My deepest sympathy to you and your sons.
Maryanne (met in the Inglewood Pharmacy)
Tuesday, 31 May 2016
Our deepest condolesences to you Neil for the sad loss of your dearly loved father. Our thoughts are with you, your dear Mother and all your family members.
~
Michael & Mark.,
Rozelle, New South Wales
Thursday, 2 June 2016
GILLIES (Ronald):
Heartfelt sympathy to Rona and family. So sorry about Ron. We have memories of 70 years and fun in early Police days.
Max and Barbara Blight
Published in: The West Australian
Thursday, 2 June 2016
GILLIES (Ronald):
Our thoughts are with Rona, Geoff, Ray and Neil on the sad loss of Ron, a loving husband and father. Our memories will always be of a wonderful, happy man who greeted us with a big warm, welcoming smile. He will be fondly remembered by all of the 59ers.
Published in: The West Australian
Wednesday, 1 June 2016
GILLIES (Ronald):
Sincere sympathy to Rona, Geoff, Ray and Neil. It was a privilege to have Ron as our friend.
Mary and Robert Ramage.
Published in: The West Australian
Wednesday, 1 June 2016
GILLIES (Ron ): So many great memories of a special friend and neighbour for over 40 years. One of nature’s true gentlemen and a wonderful family man.
Our heartfelt sympathy to Rona, Geoff, Ray and Kate and girls and Neil.
Judith and Alan, Andrew and Ellen, Mark and Fiona, Simone and Dave and their families. RIP dear friend.
Published in: The West Australian
Wednesday, 1 June 2016
GILLIES (Ronald):
Brethren of the Lodge of Justice 328WAC mourn the loss of their late W Bro Ronald Gillies PGStd Br. A highly respected Freemason.
Sincere condolences to Rona and his family.
Published in: The West Australian
Wednesday, 1 June 2016
GILLIES (Ron ): A wonderful gentleman who touched the hearts of everyone he met. Deepest sympathy to Rona, Geoff, Ray and Neil. Fond memories of North Perth Tennis Club days. Julie on behalf of Jim (dec), Pat and McMorrow family.
Tuesday, 31 May 2016
GILLIES (Ronald):
Fond memories of a truly great friend. With sympathy and love to Rona and family. Dot and Maurie West
Published in: The West Australian
Tuesday, 31 May 2016
GILLIES (Ron):
To Rona and family. A privilege to have had you as my best friend for many years. Love Peggy.
Published in: The West Australian
Tuesday, 31 May 2016
GILLIES (Ronald):
A dear friend of many many years. Thinking of you Rona and boys. You will be remembered Ron. Dot Jones.
Published in: The West Australian
Tuesday, 31 May 2016
GILLIES (Ronald ): Deepest sympathy to Rona, Geoff, Ray, Neil, Kate, Isabella and Alice on your sad loss. Ron was a fine man of great integrity. Gerry Arthur.
Published in: The West Australian
Tuesday, 31 May 2016
GILLIES (Ronald):
Loving sympathy to dear Rona and family. Happy memories of a respected friend. A true gentleman. The Leonhardt family.
Published in: The West Australian
Tuesday, 31 May 2016
GILLIES (Ronnie):
Long time friend and colleague of John (dec) and Kath. Remembered with affection by all. Sympathy to Rona and family. Greenaway family
Published in: The West Australian
Tuesday, 31 May 2016
GILLIES (Ronald):
Deepest sympathy to Rona, Geoff, Ray, Neil and families. Ron was a person of great credibility with a personality that touched everybody he met. Goodbye old friend and mentor. You will be missed. Maureen and Jack
Published in: The West Australian
Tuesday, 31 May 2016
GILLIES (Ron):
Deepest sympathy to Rona, Geoff, Ray and Neil on the passing of Ron.
Ron will always be fondly remembered. From Max Robinson and family.
Published in: The West Australian
Monday, 30 May 2016
GILLIES (Ronald):
Ron – the best of men. With our love, Jeanie and Winsome. “The lives of great men all remind us we can make our lives sublime and, departing, leave behind us footprints on the sands of time.” A Psalm of Life.
Published in: The West Australian
Monday, 30 May 2016
GILLIES (Ron):
One of my best friends who will always be remembered. Sincere sympathy to Rona and family. Pam and family.
Monday, 30 May 2016
GILLIES (Ron ): Deepest sympathy to Rona, Geoff, Ray and Neil on Ron’s sad passing.
Great Memories of social and tennis days.
From all your friends at North Perth Tennis Club.
Published in: The West Australian
Monday, 30 May 2016
GILLIES (Ronald ): A long and cherished friend who was a gentleman in every aspect who will be so sadly missed. Deepest sympathy to Rona, Geoff, Ray, Kate and girls and Neil.
We will always remember you Ron.
Brian Erna and Family
Published in: The West Australian
Monday, 30 May 2016
GILLIES (Ronald):
Good friend and golfing mate for many years. Deepest sympathy to Rona and family. Hazel, Ron Godfrey and family.
Published in: The West Australian
Monday, 30 May 2016
GILLIES (Ron): Heartfelt sympathy to Rona and families. Treasured memories of a jovial lifelong friend. Val and Les (dec) James and families.
Published in: The West Australian
Tuesday, 31 May 2016
GILLIES (Ronald):
Our deepest sympathy to our Auntie Rona, cousins Geoff, Ray and Neil and their families.
From Graham, Helen and Denise and families. May Ron rest in peace.
Published in: The West Australian
Saturday, 28 May 2016
GILLIES (Ronald):
Fond and respected brother-in-law of William (dec) and great friend of Stephanie. Loving sympathy to Rona and family. Rest in peace Ron.
Published in: The West Australian
Saturday, 28 May 2016
GILLIES (Ronald):
Cherished memories of my loving husband and soul mate of 64 years. Thank you for the journey we shared. You were the love of my life and will remain in my heart forever. Rona.
FOUGH:
WA POLICE UNION
Members are invited to attend the Funeral Service for our Retired Member Paul Gregory Fough 4220 at Bethany Chapel, Albany on MONDAY (23.05.2016) at 1.30pm
Beloved husband of Beth (dec). Loving father of Catherine, Robert, Maureen, Pamela. Much loved grandfather of James, Clare, Liam, Alix and Lucy.
Now resting peacefully with Beth.
Tuesday, 10 May 2016
Well respected workmate who was always a friend. Sympathy to all of his loved ones and mates.
Roger McDonald
Rosebud West, Victoria.
~
Roger McDonald,
Rosebud West, Victoria
Monday, 9 May 2016
Sympathy to Bob’s family he was a good work mate, fond memories of Boddington and other bush days with Bob.
~
Douglas Ryder,
Sapphire Beach, New South Wales
Wednesday, 11 May 2016
MAWSON (Bob ): Sincere condolences to Rob and family on the passing of your Dad.
He was a nice, caring man with a big heart and a good sense of humour.
We got along well from day one, I will miss you mate.
Rest in peace, God bless. Darren and family
Published in: The West Australian
Tuesday, 10 May 2016
MAWSON (Bob):
Sincere condolences to Bob’s family. A very respected and generous man who will be sadly missed. Rest in Peace and God bless. Charlie Ross.
Published in: The West Australian
Tuesday, 10 May 2016
MAWSON (Robert):
Councillors, Staff and the Community of the Shire of Koorda extend their deepest sympathy to Cathe, Pam, Robert and Maureen on the passing of their father, and express their condolences to the family for their sad loss.
Published in: The West Australian
Monday, 9 May 2016
MAWSON (Bob):
Our sympathy to Kathy, Robert, Maureen, Pamela and families on the passing of Bob.
Long time friend of Brian, Marje and families.
Published in: The West Australian
Monday, 9 May 2016
MAWSON (Bob):
Condolences to all the family. Fond memories of an old friend and work mate. Lou and Anne Dorsa.
Published in: The West Australian
Saturday, 7 May 2016
MAWSON (Bob):
Long time friend of Brian (dec), Dawn and family. Sincere sympathy to Cathy, Robert, Maureen and Pamela.
Published in: The West Australian
Friday, 6 May 2016
MAWSON (Bob):
A wonderful true friend for many years. Gone to be with his beloved Beth.
Our sympathy to Cathy, Robert, Maureen and Pamela. From Bethel, Gary and family.
Published in: The West Australian
Tuesday, 10 May 2016
MAWSON (Bob):
Farewell nephew, reunited with Beth. Special love to Cathy, Robert, Maureen, Pamela and their families. As Bob would say, Great- Aunt Marilyn, Stuart and family.
Monday, 9 May 2016
MAWSON RE (Bob ): Dad, Sorry I didn’t see you one last time. I’ll miss you, You Silly Old Bugger. Give Mum a kiss. Love, “Bobby’s Girl” Catherine.
MAWSON RE (Bob):
Much loved Grandad of James and Clare. Gone to be with Nana Beth.
Rest in Peace.
Published in: The West Australian
Monday, 9 May 2016
MAWSON (Bob ): Dad. You were gone before we could say goodbye. A strong person with a big heart that would help anyone. I will miss you and the “Come and give me a bloody hand” yell each day. Now resting in peace with Mum. Love Robert
Published in: The West Australian
– See more at: http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/thewest-au/bob-mawson-condolences/179894511?&page=2#sthash.YkGrWpGE.dpuf
John GIBSON
Funeral notice
GIBSON:
WA POLICE UNION Members are invited to attend the Funeral Service for our late retired member John Keith Gibson 4004 at Bowra & O’Dea Chapel Hilton on WEDNESDAY (13.04.2016) at 10.00am. A private Cremation will be held at a later time.
McIntosh
Robert Dennis (5976):
19.5.1955 – 31.3.2016
Passed away peacefully in his sleep after a short battle with cancer.
Served his country faithfully as a decorated police officer for 35 years.
Loving father of Daniel, beloved son of Bob and Noreen MCINTOSH (dec), treasured brother of Karen and Michael (dec), wonderful brother-in-law of Tony, much loved uncle of Anne-Louise, Christopher, Bridget, and Gabrielle.
Will be sorely missed. Gone fishing!
Published in The West Australian on Apr. 2, 2016
Robert McINTOSH
This Guest Book will remain online until 7/05/2016.Learn More
Saturday, 2 April 2016
McIntosh (Robert):
Passed away 31.3.2016. Our hearts break for you Daniel, Karen, Tony and all the family on the sad loss of your dear dad, brother and uncle. Happy memories of our Dampier teenage years. Rob a man of very few words, but had a heart of gold. Rest peacefully. Always in our hearts. Julie and Warren McFadden.
Plans for new medal to recognise slain, seriously injured WA police
Nicole Cox
EXCLUSIVE
Every slain and seriously injured WA police officer would be automatically honoured with a special commendation medal to mark their selfless community sacrifice, under a new plan to be mooted at the WA Police Union conference today.
The idea, which is modelled on an award offered by Victoria Police, has been raised by outgoing union deputy vice-president Jon Groves and has won support from the state opposition and families of officers killed in the line of duty.
Opposition Leader Mark McGowan will unveil a proposal at the police union’s annual conference on Monday for a WA medal, similar to the Victoria Police Star and the US military decoration the Purple Heart, to acknowledge officers killed or seriously injured while on duty.
Under the concept, fallen officers including Constable Damien Murphy, who was run down and killed by a drunk and drugged driver in Craigie in 2007, would be posthumously awarded the medal, along with those who sustain life-changing injuries – like Senior Constable Matt Butcher, who was left partially paralysed by a “flying headbutt” during a brawl in Joondalup in February 2008.
It would apply to all work-related injuries, including psychological illnesses, regardless of whether the conditions first manifestedon or off-duty.
“The Victorian Government has struck a medal for police officers who are seriously injured or killed in the line of duty and it recognises the sacrifice, valour and contribution of those police officers,” Mr McGowan told Fairfax Media.
“It’s only awarded rarely, but it is an appropriate recognition and certainly gives families of those who have died in the line of duty some additional recognition of their mother or father, husband or wife.
“It’s also for those who are seriously injured in the line of duty – so officers who put their lives on the line and get injured as a consequence…that they are appropriately recognised for that.
“It is rare recognition, but appropriate recognition and I think that should happen here in WA.”
Mr Groves said a medal that acknowledged officers killed and maimed in the line of duty – and not only acts of bravery – was needed to highlight their community sacrifice and the risks that police officers come up against every day of their working lives.
“We need a medal that recognises the police officers in this state who have paid the ultimate price – either with their lives or their health – in serving the community,” he said.
“It’s something tangible for those who have been kicked out the door of WA Police, due to work-related illness or injury, to have in their hands to remind them of the good times and the good work they did for the community.”
WA policeman Simon Bowen was five years old when his father WA Detective Sergeant Geoff Bowen was killed by a parcel bomb at the National Crime Authority in Adelaide in 1994.
Detective First Class Constable Bowen, who has served with WA Police for seven years, welcomed the idea saying a special medal would validate the ultimate sacrifice his father made.
“I think it’s a great concept in not only is it a keepsake, but it’s something else in the present that will identify the sacrifice and the memory,” he said.
“It’s a small token that you can just marvel at and look at it and say, for my situation, the memory of Dad is never going to be forgotten not only by me but by the blokes that he used to work with and generations to come.
“It’s a small bit of recognition. It would be humbling.”
Tracey Ball, who was widowed when her husband Constable Peter Ball was run down by a car and killed while chasing a suspected car thief in Cannington in August 1998, welcomed the police medal proposal.
The couple’s daughter, Brianna, now 17, was only 18 months old when her father died in the line of duty.
“Brianna was just 18 months old so she really has no memories of her dad,” Ms Ball said.
“She’s very proud of him but she never really knew him, she never got the chance. So to have something physical and tangible that links who he was as a police officer, I think would be extremely important to her.
“My granddad served in World War I and we have his medals. Having those medals, we used to do the Anzac Day parade and we were so proud and patriotic. To have chance to have that for someone in the police force, I think would be awesome.
“I know the defence forces award medals posthumously and with Legacy the kids go on camps with the armed forces kids who talk about their dads’ medals whereas the police kids don’t have that, they don’t have anything.”
A WA Police spokesman said the force already offered several Police Commissioner’s awards for bravery and conduct including the Cross for Bravery, commendations and a group citation for conduct.
In addition, there is also the WA Police Medal for diligent and ethical service, service medals, the Commissioner’s Medal for Excellence, a Certificate of Outstanding Performance and a WA Police Cadet Medal.
The spokesman said the Western Australia Police Cross for Bravery could be awarded to officers killed or seriously injured after a specific act of bravery and members killed in the line of duty were also recognised on the WA Police Memorial Honour Roll and the National Memorial Honour Roll.
He said the “existing awards and medals are quite comprehensive” but declined to comment about the proposal for a medal for officers killed or seriously injured in the line of duty.
“I am unaware of any proposals for new medals and the department does not make a habit of commenting on speculation or possible proposals,” he said.
Comments:
les bassednean,
that is all well and good, but what do those officers who put their body on the line for their state, and then get arrested, interrogated, humiliated, insulted and shamed get?
Mrs Elliott Watt (9038)
I wonder if the medal will be awarded to officers with psychological injuries who have died from these injuries like PTSD, depression and anxiety? My husband died on duty from depression after 15+ years service….surely he, and other officers like him deserve to be recognized too?
Long overdue Perth,
This issues has been raised for quite literally decades that I have been aware of, and yet the Dep’t has chosen to ignore the injured in the hope they will leave. It is only if you suddenly become high-profile media interest then they cannot ignore you.
The embarrassing fact is as things stand, all the officers who came to Matt Butcher’s aid can be recognised, but there is literally nothing that can be given in acknowledgement to Matt himself as there was no “clever act” they can use for a special commendation. And not even Toxic Tony could spin a believable one for the actions of an unconscious man. This has been raised at the highest levels in emails that were ignored and not replied to.
If they finally come to the table on this one, great! Allow retrospectivity, even better. The men and women who put their life on the line so you can be safe deserve nothing less!
The Perth Coroner’s Court has heard that exposure to a number of critical incidents, including fatalities, could have contributed to a police officer’s suicide.
The Coroner has begun an inquiry into the death of Elliot Peter Watt, 36, at the Collie police station in 2008.
Sergeant Watt, who was the acting officer-in-charge of the station, had four sons.
His body was discovered in the station’s armoury alongside his police-issue firearm.
The Coroner is investigating what impact the daily access to firearms had on the sergeant and whether WA police had adequate mental health safety checks in place.
His wife, Emma Watt, told the court her husband was deeply affected by his work.
Mrs Watt told the inquiry her husband’s mental health started to deteriorate when he was stationed in Kondinin and he had to attend a number of critical incidents with limited or no back up.
She said these included a serious car accident involving children, a farmer’s suicide and an unsuccessful attempt to resuscitate a footballer.
Mrs Watt said he was never offered counselling by WA Police and bottled up his emotions.
Earlier today, the court was told Internal Affairs investigated Sergeant Watt’s death and found there was no single work related incident that triggered his death.
The family’s lawyer said the critical incidents were just as likely to contribute to the suicide as any family problems.
The inquiry also heard Sergeant Watt was depressed in the the years leading up to his death and was looking for another job.
The wife of a policeman who shot himself while on duty at a WA country police station has described how he broke down the night before crying and said he had enough of work but didn’t know what was wrong.
Elliott Peter Watt, 36, took his own life with a police pistol in the armoury of Collie police station on December 22, 2008 – his first day back after a three week break.
An inquest is now examining the tragedy and whether strategies can be used to avoid a repeat of the police suicide.
Today, Emma Watt described how her husband, a father of four, had displayed a dramatic change in his behaviour in the days leading up to his return to work, showing feelings of agitation, withdrawal, and finding a lack of pleasure in the things he used to enjoy.
She said his dislike of going to work had reached the point where she had to wake him up for work, prompt him to shower and lay out his uniform with the belt through the loops and items in his pockets so that he would attend.
The night before he killed himself, she had asked him what was wrong, she told the inquest today.
“He just looked at me and said ‘I just don’t know’,” she said.
“He said that just everything was getting to him… he said he had enough as far as work went…. (but) he didn’t want to leave us financially with no income.”
Mrs Watt said he had eventually withdrawn from her again, prompting her to call Lifeline in hysterics.
The inquest has heard earlier evidence that Acting Sen. Sgt Watt had dealt with “critical incidents” during one stint at a country police station including the failed resuscitation of a young man.
He had also attended a serious car crash in which a child was badly injured and the suicide of a farmer in his car after which he had to clean the blood-stained ute and return it to the farmer’s wife.
The inquest heard Acting Sen. Sgt Watt, who had 15 years experience in the police force, worked by himself for extended periods while stationed at country towns and had $35,000 worth of annual leave owing when he died – the equivalent of about five months’ leave.
Mrs Watt today said she had believed her husband was depressed. But she rejected suggestions his state could have been solely due to the domestic pressures of having young children and a relatively new and senior job.
She said she had not called a doctor because her husband, who she described as quiet and private, had been angry when she once suggested he could be depressed.
However, after her call to Lifeline on December 21, 2008 she had made plans to visit a GP with her concerns – a visit she had unfortunately scheduled for two days after her husband shot himself.
Mrs Watt said she had assumed the police force looked after its officers and that annual checks would be conducted on their mental health.
She told the inquest she would have contacted the police force’s health and welfare division earlier in the year with her concerns about his increasing mood swings but that she had been unaware of the division.
Mrs Watt said her husband was unlikely to ask for assistance from within the police force, but she believed information about the health and welfare division should also be provided to partners of police officers.
The inquest has heard an internal police investigation found there was “no one specific incident” that seemed to prompt Acting Sen. Sgt Watt’s suicide, though the investigator agreed his involvement in critical incidents could have affected him.
The report instead suggested non-work issues could be to blame.
The inquest heard training and education about stress management was required for police but they were also expected to ask for assistance.
Det-Sgt Judith Seivwright, who conducted the internal police report on the suicide, denied suggestions that officers feared asking for counselling or assistance would be viewed negatively by senior officers.
The inquest continues.
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14
COUNTRY policeman Elliott Watt cleaned up after a farmer’s suicide, tried unsuccessfully to resuscitate a young footballer and was brought to tears by a child’s injuries from a car crash in the months before he told his wife he did not want to go to work anymore.
The senior sergeant shot himself at the Collie police station in Western Australia’s southwest after telling his wife everything was getting to him.
In an inquest that is throwing a spotlight on the difficult work of police in isolated rural stations, Watt’s widow, Emma, said her husband killed himself because he did not want his moods affecting their three children. He took his life three days before Christmas 2008.
The night before, Watt broke down and told his wife everything was getting to him and he had had enough of work.
Giving evidence yesterday, Mrs Watt said she had to get her husband out of bed each morning, make sure he had a shower and make him get dressed and go to the station.
She had earlier told the court about three critical incidents her husband had been involved in while he was the officer in charge at Kondinin, a town of 300 people 275km southeast of Perth.
She said she had found her husband crying after attending a car accident in which a child was injured. He had tried unsuccessfully to resuscitate a young football player, and he had to clean the ute of a farmer who had killed himself in it with a shotgun.
She said her husband had become withdrawn after the transfer to Collie.
She said he had expressed feelings of “nothingness”, played less with the children and could not sleep or concentrate.
The next morning, Watt showered and dressed himself. “That’s why the day he died was so unusual,” she said.
Later that day, he took a gun from the station’s armoury and shot himself.
If you are depressed or contemplating suicide, help is available at Lifeline on 131 114.
The Police Union says it is unfortunate the suicide of a police officer had to be the catalyst for reform in WA’s police service.
The coronial inquest into the death of Acting Senior Sergeant Elliott Watt concluded yesterday.
Sergeant Watt shot himself at the Collie Police Station in 2008.
Coroner Alistair Hope has recommended WA police conduct annual health and wellness reviews on every police officer in the State.
The President of the Police Union Russell Armstrong says more resources are needed.
“Not enough staff within health and welfare, four clinical psychologists for nearly 6000 people and we’re dealing with 24/7 critical incidents,” he said.
“And that is not enough staff, so it’ll have to be resourced and resourced very quickly.
“It’s long overdue and should have been put in place a long time ago,” he said.
Office of the State Coroner, Western Australia – Annual report – 2011 – 2012
Elliott Peter WATT
The State Coroner conducted an inquest into the death of Elliott Peter Watt (the deceased) with an Inquest held at Perth Coroner’s Court on 13‐16 February 2012. The State Coroner found that death occurred on 22 December 2008 at Collie Police Station, Collie, as a result of gunshot wound to the head in the following circumstances ‐
The deceased was an acting Senior Sergeant of police with Western Australian Police (WA Police) at the time of his death on 22 December 2008. The deceased was born on 31 July 1972 and so was 36 years of age at the time of his death.
The deceased died at the Collie Police Station as a result of a self inflicted gunshot wound. At the time he was the relieving Officer in Charge of the Collie Police Station, the day of his death
was his first day back at work after a period of three weeks long service leave.
On the day of his death the deceased worked from 8am and had been conducting his normal duties as the Officer in Charge of the Police Station throughout the day. It appears that he was last seen at about 3:45pm.
The deceased was discovered in the armoury at 4:25pm having died of a gunshot wound to the head.
The deceased used the Glock pistol which had been allocated for his own use to shoot himself while alone in the armoury of the Collie Police Station.
None of the police officers on duty at the Collie Police Station heard the shot being fired and none were alert to the possibility that the deceased might be about to take his own life prior to his doing so.
The State Coroner found that the death arose by way of Suicide.
The State Coroner observed that it was important that families of serving members are alert to the available services as it is often family members who are most aware of changes in a person suffering from mental health problems.
In that context the State Coroner made the following recommendation –
I recommend that WA Police take action to better promote information in relation to available services to families of serving members.
The State Coroner observed that the deceased’s colleagues were not alert to his deteriorating mental condition. This was in large part because the deceased concealed his condition from them, but it is also clear that they had received little training in the management or identification of persons suffering from depression.
Evidence at the inquest revealed that for officers taking on senior management roles, while training in respect of these issues is available, it is at present not a mandatory requirement.
The State Coroner made the following recommendation –
I recommend that training in respect of the identification and management of officers suffering from stress or depression should form part of the training for police officers entering management roles.
The State Coroner made the following recommendation in respect to improving the recording of conversation with the Health and Welfare Branch of WA Police in the context of evidence relating to contacts which had not been recorded or filed –
I recommend that WA Police ensure that there is in place appropriate computer software which will enable the recording of all contacts to the Health and Welfare Branch relating to individual officers where concerns have been expressed as to the welfare of those officers.
The State Coroner observed that the evidence in this case has highlighted the fact that policing can be a demanding and stressful occupation.
The deceased was described as a very good officer who was generally highly regarded and yet none of his work colleagues had any real appreciation of his deteriorating mental health.
In the State Coroner’s view there needs to be some form of regular health review or wellness review of every police officer in WA Police.
In this context the State Coroner made the following recommendation –
I recommend that WA Police put in place a system which would ensure that in respect of every member there is some form of wellness review conducted or at least offered each year which will identify significant changes in physical and mental health.
A letter dated 20 March 2012 addressed to the Minister for Police invited the Minister to respond to the State Coroner’s recommendations. At the time of publishing the annual report a response had not been received from the Minister’s office. http://www.coronerscourt.wa.gov.au/_files/Coroners_Court_Annual_report_12.pdf
I remember my husband spending 3 nearly whole days in 45*C + heat scrubbing a farmers ute to give back to his widow. It had sat in full sun for nearly a week and as the OIC in a country town you do it yourself – and he wouldn’t let me help, he always wanted to protect me from the nasty side of the job. 3 days stressing it was pristine, immaculate; nothing left to distress the farmers family further. He didn’t realise the toll it took on himself. He was Beginning to realise he was battling inside his own mind with these thoughts….I still remember him saying to me ” Everyday. Everyday I get kitted up and think how easy it would be. ”
It will be 8 years this year. And still no closer to acknowledging those already lost, and helping, saving, those suffering.
So sad….Everyday I think, how easy it would be. Easy it would be to stop talking and start doing. Helping. Acknowledging. Remembering. Sharing. Supporting. And stop this waste!
Retired WA policewoman seeks compensation
AAP
A POLICEWOMAN and mother-of-four who fell into financial ruin after the accumulated psychological trauma of her work forced her to medically retire has appealed to Queen Elizabeth II in her bid to seek redress.
Wendy Kennedy, 49, served in the West Australian force for 15 years, seeing horrendous crimes such as a woman who had been stabbed and thrown through a window by her partner.
She saved people from ending their own lives, but other times, nothing could be done.
The images are burnt into her mind and still haunt her.
She lists off the many times she was in mortal danger – a broken bottle attack while working pregnant as Katanning’s first female police officer, running from a man who came at her with a machete, seeing an axe about to fall on her before her partner jumped on the assailant.
It still rattles her to recount the time a car ploughed into her mounted police colleague as they patrolled a dark Perth highway at 2am.
“I watched him go over the car,” Ms Kennedy told AAP.
“We didn’t wear hard hats. There was no requirement – our uniform was an Akubra hat.”
His head hit the cement. He was convulsing, his head in blood, his horse was hurt.
“I thought ‘my partner’s dying’.”
She rushed to his aid and he thankfully pulled through, but no-one asked her if she was okay and she was sent straight back to work.
Ms Kennedy, who suffers post-traumatic stress disorder, says the mental health of officers is not properly monitored, and she’s backing the Medically Retired WA Police Officers Association in calling for regular wellness checks, particularly after traumatic jobs.
Such checks were a key finding from an inquest into the death of Collie policeman Elliott Watt, 36, who fatally shot himself in the station’s armoury in December 2008 on his first day back from long service leave.
For Ms Kennedy, her psychological health is turning a corner thanks to the support of the association and her psychologist Joseph Presti.
And after not being well enough to work for the past 12 years, she’s now managing four hours a week as a personal trainer.
Her clients, who have become friends, understand if she has to reschedule because some days are better than others when you suffer from PTSD.
But she’s so broke, she’s on the brink of being evicted.
Even her superannuation fund was closed after fees ate up all that was in there.Sick of asking for help from Centrelink, Ms Kennedy has gathered strength to fight for the recognition and financial redress she feels she deserves after all of her public service.
“I put on my life on the line and I’ve seen the most gruesome stuff,” she said.
“I shouldn’t have to live like this.”
She’s preparing her first application for an ex-gratia payment from the state government, with the WA Police Union officially declaring her case has merit.
The rare act-of-grace payments are currently the only way medically retired officers are financially acknowledged, although they are usually for physical injury, and while a worker’s compensation scheme is now finally on the cards for police, it won’t be retrospective.
Like all WA police, she’s not considered an employee of the state, so Ms Kennedy has written to the woman she promised to serve – the Queen.
Australian readers seeking support and information about depression can contact the Depression Helpline (from 8am to midnight) on 0800 111 757.
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
An inquest into the death of Sergeant Elliott Peter Watt (who, at the time of his death in December 2008, was a serving WA police officer) was undertaken in February 2012. The Watt Inquest outlined that Sergeant Watt had deteriorating mental health, characterised by:
Irritable moods, generally quite snappy and grumpy;
Pushing his wife away, threatening separation;
Expressing unhappiness in areas of his work and life;
Isolation;
No motivation;
Being short-tempered and moody; and
Becoming completely absorbed in computer games
109
.
It was noted that Sergeant Watt had experienced three specific traumatic incidents in his career, being: the attendance at a car accident that had involved young children; the attendance at a suicide by a farmer in which Sergeant Watt had to clean the utility involved before returning it to the family; and the prolonged, attempted resuscitation of a young footballer, who later died
110
.
It appeared that as Sergeant Watt’s job responsibilities increased, his stress levels increased and his mental health declined. Despite an informal mental health assessment by his senior management
111
,
none of Sergeant Watt’s colleagues “had any real appreciation of his deteriorating mental health”
112
.
The coroner made several very important comments regarding police officer health and safety as it was noted that “serving police officers can be
vulnerable to serious mental health problems as a result of their work”
113
. The coroner noted that:
Being transferred to certain locations can place pressures on police officers;
Police officers “face regular exposure to stressful situations including violence inflicted on them and others, trauma and death scenes”
114
;
109
Coroner’s Court of Western Australia,
Inquest into the death of Elliott Peter Watt
, Government of Western
Australia, Perth, 2012.
110
Ibid, p. 10.
111
Ibid, p. 17.
112
Ibid, p. 36.
113
Ibid, p. 29.
114
Ibid.
33
“The health and welfare of serving police officers requires ongoing monitoring and support”
115
;
“It is the responsibility of the Health and Welfare Services of WA Police to educate and train personnel in the management of stress, and in particular, post-trauma stress”
116
;
“Officers involved in critical incidents may suffer problems months or even years after those incidents and so there is an ongoing need to monitor [police officer] health and wellbeing”
117
; and
It is vital that “families of serving members are alert to the available services as it is often family members who are most aware of changes in a person suffering from mental health problems”
118
.
The inquest outlined four recommendations:
1.
WA Police must take action to better promote information in relation to available [mental health] services to families of serving Members
119
;
2.
Training for police officers entering management roles should include identification and management of officers suffering from stress or depression
120
;
3.
WA Police is to ensure that appropriate computer software is in place to enable the recording of all contacts to the Health and Welfare Services relating to individual officers where concerns have been expressed about the welfare of those officers
121
; and
4.
WA Police must put in place a system which would ensure a wellness review be conducted (or at least offered) to every member, in order to identify significant changes in physical and mental health
122
.
The coroner was adamant that there needed to be some mechanism within WA Police to regularly review the mental and physical health and wellbeing of every WA Police officer
123
. Significant changes such as “an increase or decrease of over 10kg in weight over a 12 month period, significant deterioration in fitness, unexplained mood changes or an officer becoming more isolated from his or her colleagues” were flagged as being important to note within these welfare checks
124
. The coroner also acknowledged, to some extent, the stigma associated with admitting to suffering from stress or from mental health problems and the likelihood this declaration has on promotional opportunities.
The recommendations outlined in the Watt Inquest were also referred to within the Toll of Trauma Inquiry
MAWSON RE (Bob ): Dad, Sorry I didn’t see you one last time. I’ll miss you, You Silly Old Bugger. Give Mum a kiss. Love, “Bobby’s Girl” Catherine.
