SenCon Steve BALLARD – Funeral service booklet – front page only
NSW Police Academy Constable 1st Class Course # 12 – Class B 2 August 1982 – 27 August 1982 Back Row: Greg NEWHAM, Des LAKIN, Stephen MILLS, Callum CURRIE, Mario ZANATTO, John MARINE, Murray BAKER, Phil BELL Middle Row: Lionel SMITH, Allan GREEN, Ken TOPHAM ( Liverpool ), Stephen GIBSON, Helmut MYERS, Steve KOZICKI ( Liverpool ), Peter HARTNEY, George HEATH Front Row: Terry BUXTON ( Warilla HWP ), Norm PLACE, Deryck MARTIN, Sgt 2/C M.R. TUMETH ( Instructor ), Sgt 1/C Kev JOHNSON ( Director ), Sergeant 3/C John A. GRAHAM # 10775 ( Instructor ), Stephen BALLARD # 16127, Sue BYTHEWAY
Detective Sergeant Steve BALLARD attested on 17 February 1973 with the New South Wales Police Force and served in various locations across the state, including Manly ( 14 Division ) in 1974.
Towards the end of his service, he served at the Goulburn Police Station ( 1989 – 1994 ) and the New South Wales Police Academy ( 1994 – 1998 )
Steve was a very popular and respected police office whose friendship and good humour will be greatly missed by his family and his many friends.
Nothing further, than what is recorded above, is known about this person at the time of publication and further information and photos would be appreciated.
The 1st Police Officer ever awarded the 50th year Clasp to the National Medal
AKA Creeping Jesus
Late of Cherrybrook, NSW
NSW Redfern OR Penrith Police Academy Class # ? 058
NSW Police Cadet # 1090
Uniform # 998
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 8925
Rank: NSW Police Cadet – commenced Thursday 20 May 1954 ( aged 15 years, 0 months, 25 days )
Probationary Constable – appointed 25 February 1958 ( aged 18 years, 10 months, 0 days ) May have been the recipient of an Award during his Cadet years to warrant a 2 month promotion. General age of a Probationary Constable was 19 years and above.
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed 25 February 1964
Senior Constable – appointed 1 July 1968 ( 5 months less Seniority )
NSW Police Force – the longest serving member in Australia
WALKER, Leslie William October 12, 2013 Late of Cherrybrook Beloved husband of Lorraine. Loving father of Cameron and Sarah. Poppy to Lee, Mal and Beau and pets Ginge and Belle. Aged 74 Years A chapter completed A page is turned A life well lived A rest well earned. Family and friends of LES are invited to attend his Funeral Service to be held at Castlebrook Crematorium Chapel, Windsor Road, Rouse Hill, Thursday (October 17, 2013) at 11.00am. UNITY FUNERALSAustralian Family Owned All Suburbs 9747-4000 – See more at: http://tributes.dailytelegraph.com.au/notice/3192278#sthash.eTMYvidW.dpuf
WALKER, Leslie William
October 12, 2013
Late of Cherrybrook
Beloved husband of Lorraine.
Loving father of Cameron and Sarah.
Poppy to Lee, Mal and Beau and pets Ginge and Belle.
Aged 74 Years
A chapter completed
A page is turned
A life well lived
A rest well earned.
Family and friends of LES are invited to attend his Funeral Service to be held at Castlebrook Crematorium Chapel, Windsor Road, Rouse Hill, Thursday (October 17, 2013) at 11.00am.
Fair cop … Inspector Les Walker gets help with his medals from the former Inspector Maurice Green. Photo: Peter Morris
Les Walker notched up 50 years to become the state’s longest serving officer, writes Stephen Gibbs.
As a young constable Les Walker had to dodge trams in a city without traffic lights when he took up directing motor vehicles through where Pitt and King streets crossed.
With only one month’s initial training followed by another five weeks at the end of his probationary time, Walker had no radio linking him to back-up when first sent out walking alone on the beat.
“It was a bit frightening, I suppose, for a young fellow,” he says.
Five decades later as Walker’s career finally came to a close, senior police and politicians invoked Elvis Presley, Robert Menzies and Edmund Hillary in attempts to put into perspective the career of the country’s longest-serving cop.
The 65-year-old retires as the only man in NSW, probably Australia, and at one estimation possibly the English-speaking world, to reach 50 years of continuous policing.
The feat is so extraordinary the father of two left NSW Police as the first officer ever awarded a 50-year clasp to his National Medal.
With police now routinely retiring at 55, it is not a milestone that will be reached again, as each speaker noted in an anniversary and retirement ceremony at police headquarters in Parramatta 11 days ago.
Born in Lakemba, Leslie William Walker became a police cadet less than a month after his 15th birthday, on May 20, 1954, and a probationary constable on February 25, 1958.
He went on to serve under eight commissioners between Colin Delaney and the present commissioner, Ken Moroney, both of whom he knew personally.
A duty officer at Eastwood for his last years on the force, the still lean tennis player reached the rank of inspector in 1986 after more than 10 years as a traffic sergeant. He had not sought further promotion for various reasons.
Moroney, who served under Walker as a probationary constable in 1965, had been in third class at St James Primary School, Forest Lodge, when the now retiree joined the force. “When you reflect on 1954, when the greatest shock jock on radio was Gary O’Callaghan and Sammy Sparrow, we seem to have come an enormous way forward,” Moroney said. “Or maybe we’ve gone back.
“1954, when a young fellow paid $40 out of his own pocket to cut a record because he thought he had some musical talent and his name was Elvis Presley. 1954, when the names of Petrov, Evatt and Menzies were in the daily news.”
The Police Minister, John Watkins, was not even born when Walker became a cop. “The world was different, policing was different and crime was different,” Watkins said.
“To get up every day and put your uniform on and go out and do it again, despite what happened yesterday, despite what you saw, despite the belting you may have got, takes great strength, and Les has that.
“He’s found these great personal reserves of strength to get out and do it again and again, day after day, throughout his career.”
The shadow attorney-general, Andrew Tink, was so eager to join the nostalgia he excitedly claimed [incorrectly, by one year] that Walker was a police cadet before Edmund Hillary scaled Mount Everest.
“There are so many ways to put it,” Tink said. “But I understand your service is unique in Australia, and as far as I know it may well be unique in the English-speaking world.”
For his part, the man who upheld an oath to protect and to serve for 50 years was most thankful to his family: wife Lorraine, son Cameron, 21 and daughter Sarah, 18.
He had joined the force, he said, because his parents told him: “Son, get yourself a government job and you’ll always have a pay cheque”.
In 50 years the biggest change had been increased and improved training, but the basics of the job were still the same.
“The bottom line is if you enjoy working with the community it makes your job a lot easier,” he says. “It’s a lot more rewarding. When you break it all down, what you’re discussing 95 per cent of the time is people and their problems.
“You can’t resolve all their problems obviously, [but] we do as best as we can.”
(Epping) [5.21 p.m.]: I pay tribute to the police career of Leslie William Walker, who was recruited as a police cadet on 20 May 1954 and on 20 May 2004 will complete 50 years of continuous service in the New South Wales police force. That is an all-time record—no serving or former police officer has served as long as Les Walker. Les is currently a duty officer attached to the Eastwood Local Area Command, which covers my electorate and the electorates of the Minister for Police and the honourable member for Lane Cove. Les has had an extensive career in the metropolitan area, which has seen him perform general duties, traffic law enforcement, and human resource management. He has also been a station controller and occupied staff officer positions, including in intelligence and operations.
Les has been awarded the National Medal and is the only officer in any police force in Australia to receive three clasps to that medal. He was recently awarded the Centenary Medal—I believe he is one of very few police officers to receive it—and the NSW Police Medal for his long service. The medal was inaugurated recently for long-serving police officers. On Australia Day Les was awarded the Australian Police Medal, which is not usually given to an officer of his rank, which reflects his long and distinguished service. Today Les Walker was on duty from 6.30 a.m. until 4.30 p.m., when he clocked off and I had a talk to him. He is back on duty tomorrow morning at 6.30 a.m. and will work another 10-hour shift. I have spent a night in a police car with Les. He is 64 years of age, rising 65, and is lean and fit. He has a young family, who he says keep him young. Even in his sixties, Les has literally continued to chase crooks—I know because I have seen him. Les has never given up. He has not been sitting behind a desk for 20 years; he has been on active police duty for the whole of his time with the force. It is important to put that point on the record.
I am indebted to Alex Roberts, a student from Cheltenham Girls High School who has been doing work experience in my office this week, for trying to put Les’s career in context. Les joined the police force before police Ministers were appointed. We believe the first police Minister he served under was Mr Downing, who was followed by Mr Mannix, Mr Askin, Mr Waddy, Mr Wran, Mr Crabtree, Mr Anderson, Mr Paciullo, Mr Pickering, Mr Griffiths, Mr West, Mr Whelan, Mr Costa and the current Minister for Police, John Watkins. Les has been in the police force since before the Minister for Police was born—I regret to say that I was born shortly before that, but thems the breaks. Les served 10 police commissioners: Colin Delaney, Norman Allen, Fred Hanson, Mervyn Wood, James Lees, Cecil Abbott, John Avery, Tony Lauer, Peter Ryan and Ken Moroney.
I have tried to get a handle on what was happening in 1954 when Les joined the police force. He joined as a cadet nine days before Edmund Hillary climbed Everest on 29 May 1954. It is interesting to try to put 50 years of continuous service in an historical context. Les’s service pre-dates the active careers of anybody in this Chamber and in most other areas of the work force. I wish Les all the best for what I am sure will be an active retirement after 50 years in the force. From what I know of him, I am sure that until his last day in the force Les will do his job on the front line with vigour. I have witnessed him doing that job while in his sixties. I thank Les for his career with NSW Police.
Mr JOHN WATKINS
(Ryde—Minister for Police) [5.26 p.m.]: I thank the honourable member for Epping for raising this matter as a private member’s statement. I, too, offer my personal congratulations to Inspector Walker for his outstanding services to policing throughout the Sydney metropolitan area. As we know, Inspector Walker joined the police force as a cadet in May 1954. He later served as a traffic sergeant for more than 10 years before being promoted to inspector in December 1986. Inspector Walker has served in various commands across the metropolitan area, in roles including general duties; staff officer, intelligence and operations; staff officer, personnel; and station controller.
Inspector Walker is currently a duty officer at Eastwood Local Area Command, which is in my electorate and I am very proud to have him serve there. Inspector Walker is well known for his ability to pass on his vast experience and knowledge to younger officers, and he has played that important role with the many young officers who have come under his care throughout his long career. Inspector Walker’s career reflects the highest level of personal integrity, leadership, and commitment to policing. This was recognised in 2002 with the award of the National Medal and the 45 years clasp and, in May 2003, with the Centenary Medal for service to the community as a police officer. Inspector Walker should also be congratulated on his recent receipt of the Australian Police Medal. NSW Police encourages its officers to strive to provide the best possible service to the citizens of New South Wales. The award of all these medals, particularly the Australian Police Medal, is evidence of Inspector Walker’s great work on behalf of the community of New South Wales. All members wish him the best upon his retirement.
Belinda: Roadside memorial put up today ( Thursday 5 December 2013 ) , it’s been 68 days today beautiful, and I’ve missed you for every second of it, in the words of Pink Floyd . . . How I wish, how I wish you were here Belinda was the girlfriend of Lee Greck at the time of his untimely death on 28 September 2013. This memorial has been placed at the intersection of Old Lilypool Rd and Pacific Hwy, South Grafton. Lee Greck was nicknamed ‘Matthew Flinders’ by Belinda and her family because Lee was always off exploring on his motor bike. At the top of the monument is Lee ( Greck ), Triumph ( his motor bike ) Bel ( Belinda ). A lovely monument by a lovely person who loved the man deeply. Cal
On Saturday 28 September 2013, about 6.40pm, retired NSW Police Officer Lee George GRECK was riding his motor cycle and stopped at the ‘T’ intersection of Old Lilypool Rd and the Pacific Hwy, Grafton. He was seen to look in both directions before pulling out into the path of a north bound vehicle which was travelling upon the Pacific Hwy at an estimated 100kph.
As a result of the impact, Lee died at the scene.
Lee, being born on 5 March 1961, was 52 years of age and worked at various locations including Cabramatta, Fairfield, Wollongong and was last stationed at Batemans Bay from where he retired, after serving 22 years in “the job” on the 11 May 2000.
At the time of Lee’s death, he was living in Glenugie, a small hamlet near Grafton.
Lee joined the NSWPF as a Police Cadet, number 3350, on the 4 July 1977, and did his training at the Redfern Police Academy, Sydney, NSW.
Lee was also the victim of a common assault about 6 months earlier which recently failed at court.
A funeral service will be held to honour Lee on Tuesday 28 September 2013, from 11.30am at the Holy Family Catholic Church, at the intersection of Vincent & Green St’s, Ulladulla with Police Guard of Honour from Shoalhaven Police.
Fatal crash – South Grafton
Saturday, 28 September 2013 09:39:46 PM
An investigation is underway following a fatal crash at South Grafton.
Emergency services were called to the Pacific Highway, near the Bom Bom State Forest, about 7pm today (Saturday 28 September 2013) after a motorcycle and car collided.
Police have been told the motorcyclist was struck by the northbound car as he was turning onto the Pacific Highway from Old Lilypool Road.
The rider died at the scene. He has not yet been formally identified.
The driver of the car has been taken to hospital to undergo mandatory blood and urine testing.
Two other vehicles are believed to have struck the motorcyclist after the initial collision. Those drivers have also been taken to hospital for mandatory tests.
Officers from Coffs/Clarence Local Area Command have commenced inquiries into the incident.
They’re appealing for anyone who witnessed it, or the events leading up to it, to contact investigators.
The funeral service for the late Lee George Greck will commence at 11:30 am on Tuesday, 15 October 2013 at Ulladulla Catholic Church, to be followed by a committal service at Sandridge Cemetery. Please contact Milton Ulladulla Funeral Services for further information.
Memorial location: All Nations Park war memorial, Separation St, Northcote, Vic.
James, Andrea and Joshua Kilmartin.
First Constable Andrea Walsh at a service honouring the late Sergeant Brian Kilmartin.
Servicemen and women honoured the late Sergeant Brian Kilmartin.
[alert_blue]BRIAN is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_blue]
* NOT JOB RELATED
The Funeral of Sergeant BRIAN KILMARTIN will be held in the Chapel of the Victoria Police Academy, View Mount Rd, Glen Waverley on THURSDAY (October 10) at 2.00 pm.
POLICE HONOURS
Brian’s interment will take place at the Tatura Lawn Cemetery (Winter Rd) on FRIDAY (October 11) at 12.00 noon.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Heart Foundation would be appreciated. Envelopes at the Service.
The Age, Tuesday October 8, 2013
Messages:
KILMARTIN. Brian Gerard.
11.6.1964 – 30.9.2013
Beloved husband of Andrea.
Loved and loving father of Joshua and James.
Youngest son of Tom (dec. ) and Pat (Kyabram/Tatura) and brother of David and Chris, Tony and Angela, Dennis and Rosemary, Brendan and their families.
KILMARTIN. Brian. Killer, you are a legend of the job and will never be forgotten.
Steve “Trigger and Robyn Waite.
KILMARTIN. Brian. Always knowledgeable, always approachable. Best Sergeant we ever had. Rest In Peace
Nick and Jo Parissis.
KILMARTIN Brian Sergeant 24519
Members past and present of Northcote Police Station are saddened by the sudden loss of our highly respected work colleague and friend.
Killer, you were a man of few words but those words were always full of wisdom and humour. You will be sadly missed.
Condolences to Andrea, Josh, James and the Kilmartin family.
KILMARTIN. Brian. Sergeant 24519
Management and Staff of North West Metro Region, Division 5 extend their deepest sympathy to Andrea, Josh and James on the loss of Brian. Our thoughts are with you.
KILMARTIN. Brian. Sincere sympathy to our friend Andrea and Joshua and James on the loss of your beloved husband and father, Brian. He will be sadly missed
David, Rosemary, Linda, Sheryl, Judy, Grace, Alyx and all at North Balwyn Eye Clinic and Specialist Centre.
KILMARTIN. Brian. The Members of the Doncaster Junior Football Club are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of our fellow member and friend. Sincere condolences to Andrea, Josh and James.
KILMARTIN. Brian. You will be missed by all of your old detective buddies and friends at the High Street Blues.
KILMARTIN. Brian. Thank you for your friendship, memories and wonderful sense of humour. You always made me laugh. I can’t believe you’re gone. Much love to Andrea, your beautiful boys and the Kilmartin family. Muzza Porter and family.
KILMARTIN. Brian. Sgt. 24519 Good man, great Sergeant Sadly missed by all at Reservoir Police Station.
KILMARTIN Brian Loved son-in-law of Judith Robinson, brother-in-law and uncle of Louise, Sarah and Aaron, Aimee, Samuel and Jessie Lucas; Peter, Sharon, Christopher, Laura and Alex Robinson; Paul, Elsa, Matthew and John Robinson. Simply the Best
KILMARTIN. Brian. Sergeant 24519 The Chief Commissioner, Officers and Employees of the Victoria Police Force regret the passing of their colleague and offer their deepest sympathy to his family.
KILMARTIN. Brian. Cherished nephew and Godson of Bill (dec. ) and Marie Davies. Loved cousin of Jill, Denise, John, Anne, Nick and Cathy. Forever in our hearts
KILMARTIN. Brian Gerard. Loved brother of Dennis and Rosemary. Uncle of Thomas and Anna. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal.
KILMARTIN. Brian. From those heady days at Carlton and Fairfield until now. Killer, you will be sadly missed. Ray and Leanne Foster.
KILMARTIN. Brian. The President, Executive and Members of The Police Association mourn the passing of Sergeant Kilmartin and extend their deepest sympathy to his family. At Rest
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Northcote police officer posthumously honoured with Breavington Award
Julia Irwin, Northcote Leader
A NORTHCOTE police officer known for quietly going beyond the call of duty was posthumously recognised for his outstanding service to the community.
Peers at Northcote police station were unanimous in their decision to honour the late Sergeant Brian Kilmartin with the Breavington Award, which was presented to his widow Andrea and sons Joshua, 16, and James, 14, after a ceremony at All Nations Park war memorial last week.
Sergeant Kilmartin died from heart failure on September 30 last year, aged 49.
The award for policing excellence is presented annually in memory of former Northcote police officer and World War II prisoner of war Corporal Rodney Breavington.
Northcote police Senior Sergeant David Yates described the late Sergeant Kilmartin as a dedicated, kind and caring police officer.
“He was particularly caring when it came to the elderly,” Sen-Sgt Yates said.
“When an elderly man was reported missing in Fairfield, Brian came back on his own time and continued the search. That was the kind of man he was.”
During Tuesday’s ceremony, a plaque honouring Sergeant Kilmartin and former posthumous Breavington Award winners Senior Constables Mark Bateman and Fiona Robinson (killed in a car crash in May 2000), was unveiled on the war memorial usually reserved for military personnel.
Corporal Rodney Breavington, a former Fairfield resident, was executed by the Japanese in Singapore in 1942 during World War II after escaping from a prison camp where thousands of allies were held.
He and three other prisoners were forced to dig their own graves before facing a firing squad.
Breavington pleaded with his executioners to shoot him and free the other men but his captors ignored the plea.
He refused a blindfold and clutched a photo of his wife as he was shot dead.
Darebin RSL spokesman Bill Mountford said police, like other servicemen and women, put their lives on the line.
He said it was fitting that recipients of the Breavington Award who’d lost their lives while serving their communities should get recognition with a plaque on the war memorial.
But Mr Mountford said he hoped there would be no need for any more plaques to be awarded posthumously.
Senior Constable Paul Kennedy, aged 51, died whilst on holidays at Scotts Head, NSW, on Thursday 4 October, 2001, as a result of a heart attack & drowning in the surf.
Paul had been performing General Duties at the Wollongong ( NSW ) Local Area Command prior to his death.
His funeral Service was held at Parson’s Funeral Parlours, 278 Princes Hwy, Bulli, at 10am on Wednesday 10 October which was followed by a private cremation service at the Wollongong Crematorium.
Glen Anthony CONNOR
| 04/11/2013
Glen Anthony CONNOR
aka CHUCK
NSW Police Academy Class 205
New South Wales Police Force
[alert_yellow]Regd. # 21608[/alert_yellow]
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 26 October 1984
Constable – appointed 26 October 1985
Acting Sergeant – Death
Stations: Wollongong G.D’s, Wollongong Rescue Squad, Sutherland, South Region Dog Squad, South Region Prosecutors
Service: From? ? pre October 1984?to 24 September 2000 = 16 years Service
Memorial: the “Chuck Connor” trophy for “reteam on Course Dux”
Glenn Connor
24 September 2000
Acting Sgt Glen “Chuck” Connor, 38 old, who lived at Otford, died about 11am in a hang gliding collision at Stanwell Tops.
He had a female passenger from Albion Park Rail and collided with another paraglider, being piloted by Vitali Kouznetsov from Hurstville as the second glider took off from Bald Hill they became entangled. The woman and Vitali survived the crash.
Glen was also the owner / operator of “Skybound Hang Gliding School” and had been a qualified hang gliding instructor since 21 July 1983 with approximately 1850 hours hang gliding experience.
Glen’s wife, Sue and brother Adrian were on the hill and witnessed the accident.
Glen used to work at Wollongong G.D’s, South Region Dog Squad around 1992 & his dogs name was ‘Jet’ and, from memory, Wollongong Prosecutors.
At the time of his death he was stationed at Sutherland Prosecutors.
May Glen forever Rest In Peace.
Accident location
Illawarra Mercury Page 11 Wednesday 21 March 2001
Armed hold up at service station. Illawarra Mercury page 9 Monday 10 February 1992 with police dog Jet
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Hang-gliders hurt in Stanwell Park crash landing
BRETT COX
Two hang-gliders had to be rescued by helicopter from a rock at the bottom of a cliff after they were injured during a tandem flight at Stanwell Park.
The delicate rescue operation occurred under a darkening sky after an unexpected change of wind forced the emergency landing about 4.30pm yesterday.Hang-glider operator Tony Armstrong, 55, of the Stanwell Park Hang-gliding and Paragliding School, was initially knocked unconscious while landing on the rock.
He was later taken by helicopter to St George Hospital with head injuries and is in a stable condition.
The other man, an Irishman in his 30s visiting Australia on a working holiday visa, received cuts to his leg and was driven by ambulance to Wollongong Hospital.
Mark Mitsos, secretary of the school, told the Mercury northern suburbs man Mr Armstrong had more than 25 years’ hang-gliding experience and had spent thousands of hours in the air off Bald Hill.
“There was a very sudden change in wind direction and he effectively had to make an emergency landing down at the bottom – and there’s not too many options down there,” Mr Mitsos said.
Local hang-glider Matt Radzyner said sudden wind changes at Bald Hill were almost impossible to predict. He praised Mr Armstrong.
“He would have been in control the whole time and he obviously put his passenger first because his passenger had much lesser injuries.
“He took the brunt of the crash.
“The injured Irishman used his mobile phone to call five friends waiting on Bald Hill, who walked 40 minutes down a steep track to the men’s aid.
Ambulance officers began the trek just after 5pm, but the rescue helicopter reached the injured men first and winched them back to the top of the cliff.
The friends were transported to a nearby beach.
The most high-profile hang-gliding accident in recent times at Bald Hill occurred in September 2000 and left two dead.
Police officer Sergeant Glenn Connor, of Otford, was flying tandem with an Albion Park Rail woman when their gilder became tangled in the lines of a paraglider being flown by Hurstville man Vitali Kouznetsov.
Probationary Constable – appointed 27 January 1989
Senior Constable – death
Stations: Windsor, Penrith HWP ( 9 years ), Manning Great Lakes LAC ( from April 2005 – 31 July 2007 ) Forster HWP – death
Service: From? ? 1988 to 31 July 2007 = 19+ years Service
Awards: Police Valour Award – presented on 7 August 2007 ( posthumously ),
Region Certificate of Appreciation,
State Emergency Service Medal.
No find on It’s An Honour
Born: 5 July 1967
Died on: Tuesday 31 July 2007
Cause: Died from injuries received, as a pedestrian, whilst Off Duty, saving the life of another
Event location: Manning St, Tuncurry
Age: 40
Funeral date: Monday 6 August 2007
Funeral location: Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, Taree
Buried at: Manning Great Lakes Memorial Gardens Portion: Mon Row: B129
Memorial: 1/ NSW Police Force Service Memorial Wall, Sydney Police Centre, Surry Hills, D30 ( left wall )
2/ Manning Great Lakes – Manning 206 HWP vehicle bearing personalised number plates
Paul William MORRIS & Tracey Fergus
Manning Great Lakes 206 ( Manning 206 )
Manning Great Lakes 206 ( Manning 206 )
[alert_green]PAUL is mentioned on the NSW Police Force Service Memorial Wall at the SPC
D 30 Left Wall[/alert_green]
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The Daily Telegraph 31 July 2007
Pedestrian cop killed in smash
The scene… where two off-duty police officers were struck by a car on the NSW mid-north coast today.
AN off-duty policeman has died after being pinned between his car and a second vehicle which crossed to the wrong side of a road on the NSW mid-north coast, police say.
Senior Constable Paul Morris, 40, died on Wharf Street, Tuncurry about 12.55pm (AEST) today after he was struck by the car, NSW Police Commissioner Ken Moroney said.
Mr Moroney said a second off-duty officer, a 36-year-old woman, was also injured in the incident but had been treated and released from Tuncurry Hospital.
“We understand at this time that a motor vehicle approached from the opposite direction and, for reasons yet to be established, it appears to have mounted a median strip,” Mr Moroney told Southern Cross Broadcasting.
“It has travelled onto the incorrect side of the road and struck Senior Constable Morris, who was pinned beside his vehicle. He was killed by his injuries.”
The incident was witnessed by fellow officers, police said in a statement.
Mr Moroney said the policeman was a single man who was “close friends” with his female colleague.
The driver of the other vehicle had been taken to hospital in a state of shock, he said.
Mr Moroney and Deputy Commissioner Andrew Scipione were tonight on their way to Tuncurry.
Police Minister David Campbell offered sympathy to the families of the two officers.
Highway patrol officers “held back tears” as NSW Police Commissioner Ken Moroney offered them support over the death of an off-duty colleague in a freak car accident.
One witness told police Senior Constable Paul Morris died as he pushed his girlfriend, an off-duty officer who was injured in the incident, out of the way of an out-of-control car on the NSW mid-north coast on Tuesday.
Snr Const Morris, 40, died on Wharf Street, Tuncurry, about 12.55pm (AEST) after he was struck by the reversing car that pinned him to his own vehicle, police said.
A 36-year-old woman, who was in a relationship with Snr Const Morris, was also injured in the incident but had been treated at Manning Base Hospital and discharged.
Mr Moroney and Deputy Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione rushed to Tuncurry late on Tuesday to console local officers, some of whom saw the fatal collision.
Tony Ritchie, spokesman for the commissioner, said Mr Moroney and Mr Scipione also visited Snr Const Morris’ parents on Tuesday night to offer their support.
“There was a gathering of highway patrol officers in another house,” Mr Ritchie said.
“They walked through, shared the comfort, shook hands and watched as big men held back tears as they talked about friends.
“Same with the parents, they offered what comfort they could.”
Mr Ritchie described the collision near the Bellevue Hotel, a favourite haunt of off-duty police, as “freakish”.
He said it appeared the car that hit the officers, described as a silver Subaru station wagon by one witness, became locked in reverse as it tried to park.
Another witness told police the car’s tyres were smoking as it veered out of control, he said.
“(Snr Const Morris) was standing on a median strip, he was just about to walk across the road to get into his car,” Mr Ritchie said.
“He had to literally walk across one lane to get into his car and (another) car in some bizarre way somehow locked itself into reverse and comes veering across one lane … over the median strip and knocked him further across the road into his car.
“(The car) could have been one foot either way, six inches either way and (Snr Const Morris) would have said ‘Gee, what was that all about’.”
Mr Moroney’s spokesman said police were still looking for witnesses but one had told them Snr Const Morris tried to save his girlfriend.
“One of the witnesses said he’s pushed her out of the way as the car’s come across the road,” he said.
“But (the witness was) looking the other way, mind you, and it was all in a split second.”
Mr Ritchie said police were still considering whether it was appropriate to charge the driver of the Subaru, who was also injured in the incident.
THE distraught girlfriend of a policeman who died while pushing her from the path of an out-of-control car has described how the hero officer’s actions saved her life.
Tracey Fergus was yesterday suffering physical injuries and a broken heart after the death of Senior Constable Paul Morris, her boyfriend of four years.
As the couple crossed the main street of Tuncurry, on the NSW mid-North Coast, on Tuesday afternoon a car suddenly reversed towards them.
Sen-Constable Morris tried to push Ms Fergus, who is also a police officer, out of the way, but both were struck by the vehicle.
The off-duty highway patrol officer took the full force of the car and died at the scene from massive injuries.
“That was Paul, he tried to push me out of the way as best he could,” a shattered Ms Fergus told The Daily Telegraph yesterday.
“He was the best person in the world. He had a heart of gold.”
Nursing visible injuries from the incident, Ms Fergus smiled as her boyfriend’s family told of his three great loves – his girlfriend, his family and his fishing. “I sometimes wonder if fishing might have come first,” Ms Fergus said with a smile.
Just three weeks ago, Ms Fergus organised a surprise 40th birthday party for Sen-Constable Morris.
“I didn’t know whether he’d kill me for organising it or if he’d be OK about it,” Ms Fergus said.
But there was no mistaking how the policeman felt about the gesture.
The officer’s mother Marie Morris revealed: “He said to me afterwards ‘Mum, she is the best thing that has ever happened to me’.”
The investigation into the incident continued yesterday, with crash unit officers from Newcastle closing off Manning St in the town centre while they retraced the pair’s movements.
Sen-Constable Morris and Ms Fergus had been to a shop and were on a median strip waiting to get back to their car when the accident happened.
“It looks as if he’s been reversing back and somehow he’s come spearing across and hit the two officers, who were standing on the median strip,” a police spokesman said.
The 61-year-old male driver of the car was assisting police with inquiries late yesterday.
A full police funeral will be held for Sen-Constable Morris next week.
“He was a terrific policeman and he had the best group of workmates you could ever have,” his mother said.
The officer’s grieving colleagues visited his family after the accident, as did Police Commissioner Ken Moroney and Deputy Commissioner Andrew Scippione.
Workmates struggling to come to terms with the popular officer’s death have been offered counselling.
REST IN PEACE SENIOR CONSTABLE Paul MORRIS
31 July 2007
NSW POLICE FORCE
A DEVOTED partner, professional colleague and great mate is how Senior Constable Paul Morris will be remembered.
His three great loves in life were his partner Tracey, his family and his fishing, although not necessarily in that order – his brother Peter revealed at his funeral service.
Hundreds of people attended the full police funeral at Taree’s Our Lady of Rosary Catholic Church including Commissioner Ken Moroney, Deputy Commissioner Andrew Scipione and colleagues from Sydney and the Manning Great Lakes.
The Manning Great Lakes highway patrol officer was killed in a freak traffic accident in Tuncurry last Tuesday.
In an act of bravery, the off duty officer who was standing in Manning St with his partner Senior Constable Tracey Fergus, jumped in front of her, protecting her from an out of control car which had crossed the median strip.
He bore the the brunt of the impact and later died at the scene.
Senior Constable Morris joined the NSW Police Force as a trainee in 1988 and later assigned to Windsor following successful training. He moved into the highway patrol sector and this included a nine year period with the Penrith Highway Patrol. He successfully transferred to Manning Great Lakes Command in April 2005 where he continued his role in keeping the road toll down.
Commissioner Moroney said Senior Constable Morris’ death was a tragic loss.
“Senior Constable Paul Morris was the type of professional police officer the NSW Police Force could not afford to lose.”
He added he was honoured to confirm Senior Constable Morris had been appointed a posthumous commendation for bravery in recognition of his actions in Tuncurry last Tuesday when he put his own life on the line to protect his partner Senior Constable Tracey Fergus.
“I pay a special tribute to his partner Tracey and parents Bill and Marie for the dedication and support they unreservedly gave to Paul throughout his career. I offer my deepest sympathy on his tragic and untimely death.”
Peter told the congregation his brother’s death had left a huge hole in their lives.
“We have lost our best mate,” he said.
“While he may not be here in body he will be here in spirit.
“He had one of the biggest hearts. Paul you are our hero and we won’t forget you.”
A message read on behalf of Tracey gave a true picture of her life partner.
“He was a true gentleman. He was my soul mate. Not a day went by when he didn’t have a smile on his face or come out with a cheeky one-liner.
“It’s not often in a lifetime you meet a man like Paul Morris.
“Thank you for honouring him.”
Local Area Commander Superintendent Peter Thurtell said Senior Constable Morris was a true professional, working hard to keep local roads safe.
“Paul was our friend and he will always be.
“Paul was our colleague and he will always be.
“He was the essence of what is good about policing and he will always be.”
“Tomorrow and beyond the police family will now turn its attention to Tracey.
“This is, I believe, how Paul would have insisted it be.”
Senior Constable Paul Morris posthumously received the Certificate of Service, Region Certificate of Appreciation and State Emergency Service Medal.
Selfless act of a courageous man … police colleagues carry the coffin of Sen-Constable Paul Morris. Picture: Rob McKell
ON crutches and visibly injured, Tracey Fergus yesterday recalled the golden heart of her hero boyfriend who sacrificed his life to save hers.
The injured policewoman smiled bravely as she accepted a police valour award for Senior-Constable Paul Morris at his funeral service.
He was killed last Tuesday while pushing Ms Fergus out of the path of an out-of-control car. The couple had been crossing the main street in Tuncurry, on the mid-North Coast, when a car driven by an elderly man veered towards them.
Police Commissioner Ken Moroney told mourners at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church in Taree that it was the quick-thinking actions of Sen-Constable Morris in pushing Ms Fergus out of way that saved her life.
“He is awarded for his selflessness and courage and for the swift and evasive action to remove his partner out of harm’s way,” Mr Moroney said.
In tributes farewelling the officer, the congregation heard of Sen-Constable Morris’s love of life, his family, his friends and his job in highway patrol – a role he carried out for 19 years.
“He was a highly regarded and respected man who served the community with courage, honour and distinction,” Mr Moroney said.
Despite her injuries, Ms Fergus smiled graciously as she accepted the Police Commissioner’s Commendation for Courage medal on Sen-Constable Morris’s behalf.
In a eulogy read on her behalf, Ms Fergus said Sen-Constable Morris was a gentle, loving and caring man who had a heart of gold.
“Paul was a true gentleman not a day went by when he didn’t have a smile on his face,” Ms Fergus wrote in the eulogy.
Superintendent Peter Thurtell described Sen-Const Morris as the “consummate professional” with an love of highway patrol.
“His colleagues looked forward to working a shift with him because they could be guaranteed hard work as well as good fun and lots of laughter,” Supt Thurtell said. “He is the essence of what is good about policing and he will always be.”
At the end of the funeral service, Sen-Constable Morris’s coffin was driven through a guard-of-honour, formed by officers who gathered to to farewell their colleague.
In a tribute to the highway patrolman, the procession was lead from the church by his former police car, Manning 206.
Service: From ? ? 1996 to 22 September 1999 = 3 years Service
24 old
Suicide – shot – Service Pistol to chest
Stationed: Mt Druitt, Quaker’s Hill, Seven Hills, Penrith, Ermington Police Station – Plain clothes – Anti Theft Squad – Death
Funeral: Winston Hills on 28 September 1999
Rachael was a plain clothes constable performing proactive duties at Ermington, NSW.
Rachael suffered psychological injuries which were later declined by the insurer.
She slipped into a greater depression and subsequently died from a self inflicted gun shot wound from her own Service weapon, whilst On Duty, after she drove to Eric Primrose Reserve, Rydalmere.
A beautiful smile no longer shines, but her light lives on in the hearts of her loved ones and friends.
May Rachael forever Rest In Peace.
Collin Patrick McEVOY
| 04/11/2013
Collin Patrick McEVOY
aka Col & Ace
Regd. # 283
Rank: Superintendent – retired
Stations: ACT & Australian Federal Police
Service: From 12 December 1966 to? ? ? = 30 years Service
Awards: National Medal – granted 18 May 1983
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 29 November 1992
Born: ? ? ?
Died on: ? October 2013
Cause: Illness
Age: 66
Funeral date: Monday 2 September 2013 @ 11am
Funeral location: St John the Apostle, Blackman Street, Holt, ACT
Buried at: Gungahlin Cemetery
Son of Frank and Pat (both deceased) of Cronulla, retired Superintendent with 30 years of service in the ACT and Australian Federal Police.
Passed away peacefully in Canberra after a short illness.
Much loved husband of Ann. Father of Sharon, Brett, Andrew (deceased) and Samantha. Father-in-law of Andy, Tamara and Martin. Cherished grandfather of Skyla, Amy, Keeva and Jessie. Loving brother of David, of Adelaide.
Respected, admired and sadly missed by his extended family and many friends and colleagues. A dedicated police officer, a loyal man.
Aged 66.
The funeral service for Col will be held in St John the Apostle, Blackman Street, Holt, ACT on Monday 2 September 2013 commencing at 11.00am.
A burial will follow at the Gungahlin Cemetery. All welcome
In lieu of flowers, donations to Petrea King’s Quest for Life Foundation are encouraged www.questforlife.com.au or Quest for Life Foundation, PO Box 390, Bundanoon NSW 2578.
Belconnen 6251 2344.
Proudly Australian
Member AFDA
Published in The Sydney Morning Herald on August 31, 2013
Son of Frank and Pat (both deceased) of Cronulla, retired Superintendent with 30 years of service in the ACT and Australian Federal Police.
Passed away peacefully in Canberra after a short illness.
Much loved husband of Ann. Father of Sharon, Brett, Andrew (deceased) and Samantha. Father-in-law of Andy, Tamara and Martin. Cherished grandfather of Skyla, Amy, Keeva and Jessie. Loving brother of David, of Adelaide.
Respected, admired and sadly missed by his extended family and many friends and colleagues. A dedicated police officer, a loyal man.
Aged 66.
The funeral service for Col will be held in St John the Apostle, Blackman Street, Holt, ACT on Monday 2 September 2013 commencing at 11.00am.
A burial will follow at the Gungahlin Cemetery. All welcome
In lieu of flowers, donations to Petrea King’s Quest for Life Foundation are encouraged www.questforlife.com.au or Quest for Life Foundation, PO Box 390, Bundanoon NSW 2578.
Belconnen 6251 2344.
Proudly Australian
Member AFDA
– See more at: http://tributes.smh.com.au/obituaries/smh-au/obituary.aspx?n=collin-mcevoy&pid=166696532&eid=sp_ommatch&eid=sp_ommatch#fbLoggedOut
Nicholas Michael SKOMAROW
| 04/11/2013
Nicholas Michael SKOMAROW
aka Nick
New South Wales Police Force
from NSW Police Academy Class 195/C
Regd. # 21006
Uniform # 3854
Rank: Training – commenced Monday 14 March 1983 ( aged 23 years, 5 months, 12 days )( 2 months, 20 days at Academy )
Probationary Constable – appointed 3 June 1983 ( aged 23 years, 8 months, 4 days )
Cause: Surgical Operation complication stemming from HOD Injuries
Age: 53 years, 10 months, 25 days
Funeral date: Friday 30 August 2013 @ 10.30am
Funeral location: Wollongong Church of Christ, O’Briens Rd, Figtree
Buried at: Cremated
Memorial: NSW Police Force Service Memorial Wall, Sydney Police Centre, Surry Hills, D6 ( right wall )
NICK is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *BUT SHOULD BE
An application was made for Nick to be included on the National Police Wall of Remembrance, Canberra, and the NSW Police Wall of Remembrance, Sydney due to the fact that he died as a result of complications stemming from a medical operation in direct consequence to his Duty related Injuries. The Commissioner, Scipione, supported it but the Commander, Wollongong, at the time did NOT support the application and, to this day ( 22 March 2018. Rechecked 13 Jan 2021 – still doesn’t appear ), Nick only appears on the Police Force Service Memorial Wall at the Sydney Police Centre, Surry Hills and NOT the Police Wall of Remembrance.
As an aside, his Widow IS receiving a Police Pension as the matter was considered H.O.D.
Sgt Nick Skomarow in 2003
Sgt Nick Skomarow in 2003
It is with the deepest and heartfelt sadness that I let you all know that another one of our Illawarra mates has passed on.
Nick Skomarow was a 54 year old Sergeant, currently stationed at Wollongong, who had a 14 hour operation on his neck 8 days ago ( Friday 16 August ) at Figtree Private Hospital whereby he had 3 or 4 vertebra removed due to old HOD injuries suffered whilst on operational duties with the HWP.
Around 9.30am this morning ( Saturday 24 August, 2013 ) Nick was found deceased in his hospital room.This is now a Coroners matter but it is believed that he may have suffered from a blood clot ( not confirmed ).
Nick was in “the job” for 30 years and was a bloody good bloke.
He had also been stationed at Sutherland, Broken Hill and Liverpool HWP at one stage.
On behalf of the troops still in “the job” and those of us now out of “the job”, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Nick and give our condolences to Nick’s wife, Coralie and their families.
Nick, may you forever Rest in Peace mate.
A Full Police Funeral will be held this coming Friday, 30 August, 2013, at 10.30am at Wollongong Church of Christ, O’Briens Rd, Figtree.
The family will then attend the Wollongong Crematorium for a committal service and the wake will be held at Wests Leagues Club, Unanderra.
* * *
SKOMAROW Nicholas (Nick)
of Cordeaux Heights Taken from us too early on August 24, 2013. Adored and loving husband of Coralie.
Loving son of John and the late Tammy.
Adored father and father in law of Amanda, Aaron and Cassandra.
Much loved Poppo of Jayden. Loved brother of Victor and a dearly loved brother in law.
A much loved cousin, nephew and uncle, and a great friend and colleague to many.
Aged 53 Years
We will miss you A special person, no one can replace. Our memories of you will be treasured forever.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Nick’s funeral service to be held at Newday Church (Church Of Christ), O’Briens Road, Figtree on Friday at 10:30am. Following the service his funeral will proceed to the Main Chapel, Wollongong City Memorial Gardens Crematorium, Berkeley Road, Unanderra.
* * *
Photos taken by Retired SenCon Greg Callander (contact details at base of website). No copyrights attached to photos used by friends and family of Nick.
These photos are uploaded at 1.5meg but the originals are 35 meg each if anyone needs higher quality for printing etc. There are 140 photos:
Nick worked at Pooncarrie many moons ago and was instrumental in the arrest of Darryl Suckling for several murders of young women.
Daryl Suckling’s arrest in remote NSW in the late 1980s revealed his disturbing connections with the disappearance of Jodie Larcombe from Melbourne. Charged with the murder of Jodie, then a sex worker on St Kilda’s streets, Suckling was allowed to walk free, as police investigators struggled to prove a homicide without a body. He’d previously escaped conviction more than once after brutally abducting several women.
Frustrated by legal obstacles and bad luck, one officer resigned from the force in disgust, but the case was never forgotten and investigators closed in as Suckling stalked his next victim. The grisly murder linked St Kilda with the lonely, windswept sandhills of the NSW outback near Mildura, and brought two hardened policemen close to a brave family pushed to breaking point – in the end, it was too much for Jodie’s mother, who committed suicide when Suckling appealed his eventual conviction.
Suckling is now one of 15 prisoners serving life in NSW, never to be released.
Nick also had a boat, when he was stationed out at Broken Hill, called ‘ TJF ‘. This usually means ‘ The Job’s Fu*@ed ‘.
Grave vandals smash 45 headstones
Posted
Vandals have desecrated 45 graves at Wollongong Cemetery on the New South Wales south coast.
Police say the graves in the old Wesley section of the cemetery have had their headstones smashed beyond repair. They are some of the cemetery’s oldest graves.
The damage bill is estimated at $100,000.
Acting Inspector Nick Skomarow says vandals attacked the graves on Wednesday night.
“Unknown persons have entered the Wollongong Cemetery on Kenny Street and during this time 45 marked graves located in the southern end of the cemetery had their headstones smashed beyond repair,” he said.
Acting Inspector Skomarow says police are appealing for information on those responsible for the attack.
“Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or may have information that may assist investigators in identifying those responsible for the damage to contact Wollongong Police or Crime Stoppers,” he said.
