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
| 01/09/2013
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.
GPS of Grave: Lat: -34.4880559530445 Long: 150.81964650639043
Memorial: NSW Police Force Service Memorial Wall, Sydney Police Centre, Surry Hills, A29 ( left wall )
Chief Inspector Graeme Donnelly
GRAEME is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance* NOT WORK RELATED
Death of Chief Inspector Graeme Donnelly, 52 old around 11.30am, today, Friday 16 August 2013, who was riding his push bike with a mate around Lake Illawarra ( the actual lake ) this morning and was riding up Mt. Terry when he stopped and said to his mate that he didn’t feel well.
Whilst standing next to his bike, he suffered a massive heart attack.
An Off Duty passing Paramedic commenced CPR and called for assistance. Helicopter assistance was also considered and I am informed that the Paramedics worked on Graeme for a lengthy and extended period and was conveyed to Hospital under Police escort but, unfortunately, he never regained consciousness from the time he fell.
He was aged 52 and was a Chief Inspector ( for those who don’t know him ) and a really nice bloke.
May he forever Rest in Peace and look over the rest of us.
The funeral for Graeme will take place on Monday, 26 August, at 1.00pm at St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral in Harbour Street Wollongong. Guest’s to be seated by 12.40pm.
I would expect this to be a big funeral with standing room only – out onto the street.
He was a highly respected policeman who sought relief from his demanding role as chief inspector in his passion for cycling.
Tributes have flowed for long-serving officer Graeme Donnelly, 52, who died of a heart attack while riding around Lake Illawarra last Friday.
Friend and cycling companion Wally Erven said Insp Donnelly loved cycling because it allowed him to de-stress.
“Being in the police force, it gave him a separation,” he said.
Insp Donnelly was the father of junior Australian cycling champion Aaron Donnelly – and Mr Erven said the apple hadn’t fallen far from the tree.
“Aaron’s not a professional cyclist for no reason – it’s in his genes and he got that from his father.”
Wollongong acting superintendent Tim Beattie said the policing community had been shocked to learn of Insp Donnelly’s death.
Insp Donnelly spent his career based in Wollongong until about 12 months ago when he transferred to Sydney and was attached to a specialist police unit.
“Graeme was a highly respected member of the police force who performed a significant amount of his service in the Illawarra area,” Supt Beattie said. “He is regarded by all those who knew him as being a good bloke.”
A tribute has also been posted on the Cycling NSW website.
“His loss is greatly felt by the Illawarra Cycle Club and the NSW cycling community,” the statement read.
Insp Donnelly’s funeral will be held at Wollongong Catholic Cathedral, 36 Harbour Street, at 1pm on Monday.
He was one of a kind and his death will leave a hole in the life of his family, friends and the police force.
On Monday a sea of blue police uniforms surrounded an overflowing St Francis Xavier Catholic Cathedral in Wollongong as officers paid their last respects to Chief Inspector Graeme Donnelly.
Insp Donnelly, 52, died on August 16 after having a heart attack while riding around Lake Illawarra with friends.
Yesterday his cycling companions joined police colleagues and formed a guard of honour stretching from the cathedral along Harbour St.
Insp Donnelly’s colleague Peter Lindwall and friend Neil Foster gave a joint eulogy.
They described the high-ranking officer’s passion for the police force and his love for his wife Kerri and sons Aaron and Brad.
Mr Lindwall said the sheer number of fellow officers in attendance, including NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione, was testament to how highly Insp Donnelly had been regarded in the community.
“He was a person no-one ever had a bad word to say about,” Mr Lindwall said.
He also made reference to Insp Donnelly’s previous career as a butcher and his skills behind a barbecue.
In a statement read at yesterday’s service, Aaron Donnelly said his father’s entire life had been dedicated to helping others.
“I don’t think there’s a person here who hasn’t been impacted by his kindness,” he said.
Mr Donnelly’s wife Kerri said her husband had been a “selfless” man who gave his time “to so many people”.
In a statement also read to the service, she recalled how proud he had been when his Brad announced he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a police officer.
Mr Scipione also spoke at the service and posthumously awarded Insp Donnelly the National Police Service Medal.
WEDNESDAY 6 APRIL 2016 GRAVE OF GRAEME FRANCIS DONNELLY GRAVE IS ON THE EAST SIDE OF ROAD, PAST THE NEW CRYPTS THAT ARE CURRENTLY BEING BUILT WHICH ARE ALSO ON THE EAST AND TO THE NORTH OF THE OFFICE. THE GRAVE IS ABOUT 3 – 4 ROWS BACK FROM THE ROADWAY AND FACES AWAY FROM THE ROADWAY.
Grave location: Wollongong Memorial Gardens, Berkeley Rd, Berkeley, NSW
Retired Sgt Geoff Richens – taken in 2009
Geoff was stationed in the Illawarra area ( Wollongong & Warilla ) for many years leading up to his Retirement.
He was attached to Warilla HWP, Warilla Traffic Sergeant, Wollongong General Duties. He spent most of his service in the Illawarra.
Geoff stared his Police training at the Redfern Police Academy, Bourke St, Redfern on the 7 August 1967. He died on the 7 August 2013.
[blockquote]
May you forever Rest in Peace Geoff.
It was a pleasure working with you.
Cal
[/blockquote]
Geoffrey Enoch RICHENS, 66 old, former Regd. No. 12803.
Geoff passed away on 07/08/2013 and his funeral is proposed to be held at 10am on Thursday 15th Instant at Parsons Funeral Home, Princes Highway, BULLI.
Constable Geoff Richens – about 20 old.
15 August 2013
Funeral for Retired Sgt Geoffrey Enoch RICHENS at Bulli.
15 August 2013
Funeral for Retired Sgt Geoffrey Enoch RICHENS at Bulli.
15 August 2013
Funeral for Retired Sgt Geoffrey Enoch RICHENS at Bulli.
15 August 2013
Funeral for Retired Sgt Geoffrey Enoch RICHENS at Bulli.
15 August 2013
Funeral for Retired Sgt Geoffrey Enoch RICHENS at Bulli.
15 August 2013
Funeral for Retired Sgt Geoffrey Enoch RICHENS at Bulli.
15 August 2013
Funeral for Retired Sgt Geoffrey Enoch RICHENS at Bulli.
15 August 2013
Funeral for Retired Sgt Geoffrey Enoch RICHENS at Bulli.
15 August 2013
Funeral for Retired Sgt Geoffrey Enoch RICHENS at Bulli.
15 August 2013
Funeral for Retired Sgt Geoffrey Enoch RICHENS at Bulli.
15 August 2013
Funeral for Retired Sgt Geoffrey Enoch RICHENS at Bulli.
15 August 2013
Funeral for Retired Sgt Geoffrey Enoch RICHENS at Bulli.
15 August 2013
Funeral for Retired Sgt Geoffrey Enoch RICHENS at Bulli.
15 August 2013
Funeral for Retired Sgt Geoffrey Enoch RICHENS at Bulli.
15 August 2013
Funeral for Retired Sgt Geoffrey Enoch RICHENS at Bulli.
15 August 2013
Funeral for Retired Sgt Geoffrey Enoch RICHENS at Bulli.
15 August 2013
Funeral for Retired Sgt Geoffrey Enoch RICHENS at Bulli.
15 August 2013
Funeral for Retired Sgt Geoffrey Enoch RICHENS at Bulli.
15 August 2013
Funeral for Retired Sgt Geoffrey Enoch RICHENS at Bulli.
15 August 2013
Funeral for Retired Sgt Geoffrey Enoch RICHENS at Bulli.
15 August 2013
Funeral for Retired Sgt Geoffrey Enoch RICHENS at Bulli.
15 August 2013
Funeral for Retired Sgt Geoffrey Enoch RICHENS at Bulli.
15 August 2013
Funeral for Retired Sgt Geoffrey Enoch RICHENS at Bulli.
15 August 2013
Funeral for Retired Sgt Geoffrey Enoch RICHENS at Bulli.
15 August 2013
Funeral for Retired Sgt Geoffrey Enoch RICHENS at Bulli.
15 August 2013
Funeral for Retired Sgt Geoffrey Enoch RICHENS at Bulli.
15 August 2013
Funeral for Retired Sgt Geoffrey Enoch RICHENS at Bulli.
15 August 2013
Funeral for Retired Sgt Geoffrey Enoch RICHENS at Bulli.
15 August 2013
Funeral for Retired Sgt Geoffrey Enoch RICHENS at Bulli.
15 August 2013
Funeral for Retired Sgt Geoffrey Enoch RICHENS at Bulli.
15 August 2013
Funeral for Retired Sgt Geoffrey Enoch RICHENS at Bulli.
15 August 2013
Funeral for Retired Sgt Geoffrey Enoch RICHENS at Bulli.
15 August 2013
Funeral for Retired Sgt Geoffrey Enoch RICHENS at Bulli.
15 August 2013
Funeral for Retired Sgt Geoffrey Enoch RICHENS at Bulli.
15 August 2013
Funeral for Retired Sgt Geoffrey Enoch RICHENS at Bulli.
15 August 2013
Funeral for Retired Sgt Geoffrey Enoch RICHENS at Bulli.
15 August 2013
Funeral for Retired Sgt Geoffrey Enoch RICHENS at Bulli.
15 August 2013
Funeral for Retired Sgt Geoffrey Enoch RICHENS at Bulli.
15 August 2013
Funeral for Retired Sgt Geoffrey Enoch RICHENS at Bulli.
15 August 2013
Funeral for Retired Sgt Geoffrey Enoch RICHENS at Bulli.
Laurie Ian THATCHER
| 01/09/2013
Laurie Ian THATCHER
Cause: Surpirize heart attack
Rank: Retired Senior Sergeant
Death: 25 July 2013
Regd # 8009
Father of SenCon ( Retired ) Gary Ian THATCHER, Regd # 17604 ( R.I.P. )
SenSgt Laurie Thatcher – 1988
Laurie passed away at 4pm on Thursday 25th July 2013, at Wollongong Hospital, suffering a surpirize heart attack after a short stay in hospital. He had been doing well and was expected home today, the 26th but, unfortunately, this didn’t happen.
Laurie was a really nice bloke and was attached to Wollongong Police Station as a Licencing Sergeant before his retirement.
May he forever R.I.P.
Gabrielle Patricia McDONALD
| 01/09/2013
Gabrielle Patricia McDONALD – nee Eggleston
aka Gabby
late of Maryland
Wife to Andrew McDonald # 22289
NSW Police Academy Class # 242C
“possibly” a Rejoinee
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 26685
Rank: Commenced training at Goulburn Police Station on Sunday 30 July 1989 ( aged 19 years, 5 months, 5 days )
Probationary Constable – appointed 25 January 1990 ( aged 19 years, 11 months, 0 days )
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Detective – appointed ? ? ? ( YES )
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank: Detective Sergeant
Stations: ?, Inner City ( Sydney ), Newtown Detectives, Balmain ( 8 Division ), Newcastle, Lake Macquarie L.A.C., Northern Region Professional Standards
Service: From 30 July 1989 to 3 July 2013 = 23 years, 11 months, 3 days Service
Awards: No Find on Australian Honours
Born: Wednesday 25 February 1970
Died on: Wednesday 3 July 2013
Cause: Depression – Suicide – hanging – ON DUTY
Previous attempt in 2012 inside Newcastle Police Stn
Age: 43 years, 4 months, 8 days
Funeral date: Thursday 11 July 2013 @ 11am
Funeral location: Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church, Sandgate Rd, Shortland
GABBY is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance – Canberra
* BUT SHOULD BE. Last checked 2 Aug 2019 24 Jan 2024
GABBY IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance – NSW Domain
Grave location:
Grave of Gabrielle Patricia McDONALD – nee Gabby Eggleston
Class 242C Goulburn – Attested 25 January 1990 Gabby EGGLESTON, Front row, 3rd from right
Late of Maryland
Gabrielle passed away on 03/07/2013.
Her funeral is proposed to be held at 11am on Thursday 11th Instant at Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church, 262 Sandgate Road, SHORTLAND.
Dearly loved wife of ANDREW, loving mother of JESSICA and JOSH. Loved daughter and daughter-in-law of CARMEL and NORM (dec’d) EGGLESTON, FRAN and WARREN McDONALD.
Sister and sister-in-law of PETER and MAREE, MEL and JULIE, MARIA and MARK, ANDREW and AREEYA, ANGELA and MARK, SUE and STEVE, PATRICK and CAROLINE, NICOLE and NIGEL, GREG and loved aunty of their FAMILIES.
The Relatives and Friends of GABRIELLE are warmly invited to attend her Funeral to be held in Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church, Sandgate Rd, Shortland on THURSDAY 11/7/13 Funeral Liturgy commencing at 11am. An interment will follow at Sandgate Lawn Cemetery.
Family of NSW policewoman who took her own life suing state for millions
Exclusive by the National Reporting Team’s Lorna Knowles
Updated
The family of a policewoman who took her own life is suing the state of New South Wales for millions of dollars, for allegedly failing to protect her from harm.
[blockquote]
Key points:
Andrew McDonald has filed three negligence claims against the state
The claim alleges his wife did not receive adequate care after attending several traumatic incidents
It also alleges police failed to investigate a previous suicide attempt
Newcastle mother-of-two Sergeant Gabrielle McDonald developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression after witnessing a string of horrific incidents on the job.
She took her own life on July 3, 2013, the day after a police medical officer had declared her as fit for duty.
Her husband Andrew McDonald has filed three negligence claims against the state of NSW on behalf of himself and his two children, Jessica and Joshua.
His statement of claim, filed to the NSW District Court, said over the course of her career, McDonald attended numerous traumatic incidents, including domestic disputes, assaults, car accidents, suicides and murders.
She was particularly distressed by the drowning of a 17-year-old boy in 2009 and a double road fatality in 2010, but did not receive any counselling, debriefing or monitoring after the incidents, the statement of claim alleges.
In late 2010, she was promoted to Detective Sergeant in the Professional Standards Unit, Northern Region. But she struggled with the heavy workload, which included two stints relieving for her supervisor.
In 2012, McDonald attempted suicide in an office at the Newcastle police station, but police never investigated the incident.
“It’s investigation 101,” Mr McDonald, who was also a police officer, told the ABC.
“That’s what police do and it’s appalling that it was never done.”
Police medical officer found suicide attempt ‘was not genuine’
The day before McDonald took her own life, she was sent to see a police medical officer, Dr Naresh Verma.
Mr McDonald told the ABC, Dr Verma determined her previous suicide attempt was not genuine and he did not believe she had PTSD.
“All the staff thought well, OK, things must be on the improve, maybe Gabrielle is not sick at all, maybe she’s pulling the wool over our eyes and that was clearly wrong,” Mr McDonald said.
Dr Verma did not respond to repeated requests for comment.
The police force determined that McDonald should be transferred to another police station the next day.
According to the statement of claim, she was summoned to a meeting without warning and without a support person to be told she was being moved.
McDonald left the meeting in a distressed state, drove to a state forest and took her life.
Mr McDonald said he had one last telephone conversation with his wife.
“She said I can’t go on any more. I’m not getting better. I’m such a burden. They keep kicking me down at work. All I’m trying to do is keep my hours up. You know, this is hopeless,” he said.
“And I said: ‘You can’t do this’. I pleaded with her and begged her not to.
“She said I love you and the kids. We talked about all the things we’d done together, but nothing I said would make sense to her, she was just that determined to do it”.
McDonald ‘did not receive proper monitoring’
Mr McDonald’s lawyers allege that the police service ought to have known the meeting would cause her distress and that she was at risk of self harm.
They allege the NSW police force was negligent because it failed to maintain a safe system of work to avoid injury to McDonald.
It had also allegedly failed to provide her with adequate training to perform her duties and to take precautions for her safety, “putting her in a position of peril”.
The service is also accused of failing to provide adequate training on how to recognise the symptoms of psychiatric injury.
“The deceased did not receive any or proper monitoring of her condition while she continued to work in a stressful environment,” the claim states.
The claim also alleges the police force had failed to devise a system for the flagging of police officers involved in numerous distressing or traumatic incidents.
As a result of its negligence, McDonald had suffered a major depressive disorder, chronic PTSD, alcohol abuse and death by suicide, it is alleged.
Mr McDonald said he now suffered from an adjustment disorder with depression and anxiety.
He was on track to become a superintendent, before he was medically retired.
He is claiming about $900,000 in future lost earnings, in addition to damages and interest. He is also seeking damages on behalf of his two children.
Damages are limited to $750,000 in the NSW District Court, but it does have the discretion to lift the cap.
In a statement to the ABC, the NSW police force said it could not comment specifically on the tragic circumstances which led to the death of a serving officer.
“NSW police continues to improve its practices and procedures, having made significant advances over many years to minimise the psychological impact of policing duties on our officers, who frequently undertake stressful and difficult work,” the statement said.
“As a major priority, NSW police encourages the reporting of these impacts and offers a range of services to support, guide and educate our staff.
“These support services are comprehensive and effective.
“It is well understood that every officer’s circumstances are unique and most often extremely complex with regard to the impacts of psychological injury.”
Gabby was my partner Newtown D’s. She was rock solid, loyal and supportive. She spoke her mind and was honest in opinion and views.
Gabby was from the Eggleston family of the Hunter & loved horses and racing. She taught riding to kids with patience & care. Gabby also helped place horses with the Mounted Section NSW Police.
Along with Gabby & Deb Hayton, we had a tough feminine perspective to our office in the 90’s.
Sad to know when she was in need, Gabby felt alone.
Gabby was loved by many and will be missed by all!
