BARTON. George Andrew. Ret. Vic. Police Sgt. Sadly passed away peacefully at St Arnaud on Dec. 12, 2015, aged 83 years. Loved Dad of Jan and George, father-in-law of Dennis and Janice. Grand father of Sarah, Andrew and Nicci, Adam, Jacqui, Lachlan and Great Grandfather to Flynn and Ellie. Son of the late George and Esther and dearly loved brother of Esther Mensforth, Laura Steer, Thelma Button and William (Bill). You will be sadly missed
A Service of celebration for Vic. Police Sgt George A. Barton will be held at 1.00 p. m. in the J. J. Kell & Son Chapel (cnr Napier and Mill Sts) St Arnaud on WEDNESDAY (Dec. 16).
The cortege will then leave for the St Arnaud Lawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family wish Donations to Cancer Research.
Surrounded by loving family Bernie passed away on 23rd December 2015.
Beloved husband of Dawn. Dearly loved father and father in law of Troy, Jillyan and Paul.
Much loved Poppy of Grace and Lawson.
Bernie will be sadly missed by his loving family and many dear friends.
Aged 86 Years
Forever in our hearts.
A funeral service to celebrate the life of Bernie will be held in The Autumn Chapel, Wollongong City Funerals, 48 Baan Baan Street Dapto on Wednesday 30th December 2015 at 11:30am.
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 14 September 1970 ( aged 29 years, 2 months, 8 days )
Constable 1st Class – appointed 14 September 1975
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed 3 May 1986
Final Rank: ?
Stations: ?, Fairfield ( 34 Division ), Burwood ( 9 Division ), Castle Hill, Windsor, Wetherill Park – retirement
Service: From? pre 14 September 1970 to 10 August 1996 = 26 years Service
Awards: National Medal – granted 15 November 1982
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 7 October 1991
Born: Sunday 6 July 1941
Died on: Tuesday 29 December 2015
Cause: ?
Age: 74 years, 5 months, 23 days
Funeral date: Wednesday 6 January 2016 @ 10am
Funeral location: Garden Chapel, Castlebrook Memorial Park, Windsor Road, ROUSE HILL
Buried at: ?
Memorial at: ?
BILLY is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
Funeral location:
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
You were a nice bloke Billy. May you forever Rest In Peace.
LOWE, William ”Billy” Claude
6.7.1941 – 29.12.2015
Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family after a long illness.
Beloved husband of Margaret. Devoted father and father-in-law of Natasha and Joe, James and Lara.
Adored Poppy to Allegra and Joey.
Very much missed by his devoted dog Hammer.
Family and friends are warmly invited to attend a Celebration of BILL’S Life to be held in the Garden Chapel, Castlebrook Memorial Park, Windsor Road, Rouse Hill on Wednesday, 6th January 2016 at 10.00am.
I knew John Allen Garth during the period between 1982 to 1993. When I met him he worked at CIG as the National Security Manager. He had already left the force for some time. He mentioned he was in charge of Wollarah. His close friend and one time partner was Allen Whittaker. Allen passed away 2 yrs later than John. John was a very interesting character with a sharp intellect and a hawk eye for detail. I’m richer by far for having known him.
Anne Sparks via email to AusPol on 11 Oct 2021.
Richard John BEHAN
| 01/01/2016
Richard John BEHAN
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 6033
Rank: ? – Couldn’t find him in the 1979 ‘ Stud Book ‘ from Sgt 3/C & higher. May have left ‘the job’ prior to May 1972 when the rest of his Class appeared to obtain Sgt 2/c
Stations: ?, Liverpool ( District Court Processing )( 22 Division ) as Sgt 2/Class,
Service: From? to?
Awards: ? – nil
Born: ?
Died on: Thursday 24 December 2015
Cause: ?
Age: 93
Funeral date: Thursday 31 December 2014 @ 11.30am
Funeral location: Forest Lawn Crematorium, Camden Valley Way, LEPPINGTON
Buried at: ?
Memorial at: ?
[alert_yellow]RICHARD is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_yellow] *NEED MORE INFO
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Funeral location:
[divider_dotted]
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
AN online fundraising campaign for the Underhill family, who lost their four-year-old daughter in an horrific crash on the Bruxner Highway, has raised more than $11,000 in less than a day.
About 1.20pm on Friday a red Mazda 323 was travelling west on the Bruxner Highway, about 10km east of Casino, when it collided with a white Subaru Liberty.
As a result of the collision the Mazda was torn in half.
Sergeant Steve Underhill’s four-year-old daughter in the back seat received fatal injuries and died at the scene.
Sgt Underhill’s other daughter, aged two, who was also in the back seat received serious injuries and was taken to Lismore Hospital before being transferred to Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital where she has since regained consciousness and is speaking to her parents.
News of the crash sent shock waves around the Northern Rivers and across Australia when it was revealed Sgt Underhill attended the scene of the incident.
To help the family deal with their grief and ease any financial burdens, Tammie Valle launched a GoFundMe webpage for people to donate to.
“The Underhill family suffered a major tragedy and as a community we all felt helpless in what we could do and many were asking where they could donate to ease the burdens,” she wrote.
The 18-year-old female driver of the Mazda was taken to Lismore Hospital with a laceration to her arm.
The seven-year-old female front seat passenger was also taken to Lismore Hospital suffering shock.
The driver and front seat passenger were unrelated to the back seat passengers.
The 81-year-old male driver of the Subaru, who was the sole occupant, was taken to Lismore Hospital with sternum injuries.
Police are appealing for any witnesses of the crash to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Policeman called to crash site finds girl who died is his daughter
Jeremy Pierce and Brittany VonowThe Daily Telegraph
A four-year-old girl, the daughter of a policeman, died in the two-car crash. Picture: Channel 7
IT’S the phone call every parent dreads.
But when Casino police called the father of a toddler killed in a horror road smash on Friday, they were calling one of their own.
Richmond police sergeant Steve Underhill rushed to the scene of the two-car crash on the Bruxner Highway in NSW to find his two young daughters in the wreckage.
Carnage… A girl, 4, died and her two-year-old sister was critically injured.
The car they were travelling in had been ripped in half.
Sgt Underhill’s four-year-old girl died at the scene, while his two-year-old was rushed to Brisbane’s Lady Cilento Hospital in a critical condition.
In a ray of light for a town gripped in grief, the girl later emerged from a coma.
Sgt Underhill is a local officer who has responded to accidents on the very stretch of road where his daughter died.
The young sisters and another eight-year-old girl were passengers in a car driven by their babysitter, Courteney Matthews, an 18-year-old ballerina who had just finished high school at a respected private school.
Courteney Matthews, 18, was driving the car with the young girls inside when the tragic accident occurred.
The dedicated community worker, who raised money to help people in Third World countries, escaped with minor arm injuries in the crash.
At the scene, local woman Tazman Currie rushed to help the girls tangled in the wreckage.
We were driving and heard a big bang and smoke, so we got out of the car to see what had happened. One half of the car was on the right side of the road and the other half on the other side,” she said.
“The little girl kept saying her back hurt so I got her to sit down and tried to settle her down.”
Tragic… Toddler’s car set in the road.
High impact… The scene following the collision.
A mother herself, Ms Currie described the moments when Sgt Underhill arrived.
“He was speechless, he was so shocked and upset. He wanted to know what had happened,” she said.
She said he tried desperately to help but was suffering from shock.
Ms Currie said the girls’ mother also soon arrived and was devastated to see her family torn apart.
She said the teenage driver was also devastated.
“She didn’t really care about herself, she wanted the little girls to be OK,” she said.
The scene of the fatal crash near Casino. Picture: Adam Head
Flowers have been left at the scene of the fatal crash. Picture: Adam Head
Ms Currie said the community, a tight-knit town of 10,000 people, was shocked and upset about the incident.
The driver of the second vehicle, an 81-year-old retired pharmacist, was taken to Lismore Base Hospital suffering internal bleeding and sternum injuries. The man’s son yesterday told The Sunday Mail his father was shaken by the accident but recovering.
The NSW Police Association sent officers from Sydney to help Sgt Underhill, his family, and his colleagues through the ordeal.
Police are investigating the cause of the crash and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
The girl’s death is the first since police launched Operation Arrive Alive on Thursday.
May God give the family strength to overcome this terrible tragedy. Our prayers go out to you and we are thinking of you all. The little girl is safe in the arms of God now. God Bless You All.
Shocking. No one can imagine how this father and mother feel. I’m a nana and it breaks my heart when I hear or read about a little one like this. So so very sorry for your loss. There’s a new star in the sky shining down.
What can anyone say about this story except why? Why do bad things happen to good people and the innocent while murderers, child molesters and those that prey on the weak live healthy, selfish and care free lives contributing nothing while taking whatever they can.
I’m an ex-cop and someone who believes in a merciful God but these things, and I’ve seen them happen time and time again, test my faith every time. This accident has pushed it to the limit once again.
I hope this will make people take more care on the roads this holiday season. It can happen to anyone, RIP little one, may your family recover from this terrible loss.
The pain and heartache is beyond words. Sadly, the policeman and his family will suffer this for a lifetime. Praying for speedy recovery for the injured.
I could not imagine anything worse than attending something like this and finding out it’s your family…….sincere condolences to the officer and his wife at this sad time……..
A sad day for the township, but even a sadder time for the Sergeant Underwood and his family. I could not imagine the grief all these people are feeling at this time.
One of those articles we wish we didn’t have to read. So dreadfully sad, my heartfelt sympathy to the Police officer and his family. Nothing will change the circumstances, but please know you have the support and thoughts of thousands.
It is refreshing to see below, that at this time all comments are of sympathy and support, nobody opining their speculative solutions.
I could not imagine anything worst, as this must be the nightmare every emergency worker thinks of before attending an accident. My heart goes out to the officer and the family involved. R.I.P. little one
Police have to attend all sorts of grisly events, but to arrive at the scene of a car accident only to discover your young daughter was a fatal victim is way off the scale.
My heartfelt sympathies to the officer and his family. There will be no Christmas for them this year.
My condolences to that police officer and his family….working in the emergency services can deal up some pretty hard calls at times…but a call like this officer faced is a call that know one in emergency service wants to face….one can only imagine what’s going threw that police officers mind ATM.
There will be a time and a place for answers Bruce but at the moment it is the time to be supporting the families involved. I have no doubts the police will be putting the utmost efforts in determining what happened. Such tragedies deserve respect to the families. It looks like the reporters are showing their respect to the families and police by allowing them to investigate the scene whilst not interfering or nagging police during such distressing times .
Empathy is what should be our focus at the moment. In time Bruce there will be answers.
My heart goes out to the Officer that would be one of the worst things that anyone would have to face. Bad enough going to these accidents but to find your little child would be beyond pain. I am sure his mates would of taken care of him. God Bless to all of them and I hope the others in the car make a full recovery. Rest in peace little girl and hugs to your family..
My sympathy to the officer and their family after suffering such a tragic acident.Country police always get called to those that they know and love. God bless.
Our prayers go out to the policeman who lost his daughter in the horrific car accident.What a tragic thing to happen , going to the scene of an accident and finding one of your family members deceased RIP
Policeman’s Christmas heartbreak: Off-duty officer arrived at crash scene to find his daughter, 4, dead inside and his youngest girl, 2, in critical condition… as police chief begs drivers to slow down
Police Sergeant Steve Underhill arrived at car crash near Casino, NSW
His two daughters were still trapped inside the vehicle at the time
His four-year-old daughter Elle died at the scene on Friday, 1.20pm
Car was being driven by their 18-year-old babysitter Courteney Matthews
Three other people across Australia died in road accidents on Wednesday
Police increasing safety operations over Christmas with double demerits
Published: 21:06 EST, 23 December 2015 | Updated: 11:44 EST, 24 December 2015
A grieving police officer who was called to the crash site where his four-year-old daughter perished and his two-year-old daughter suffered critical injuries will be offered more than $50,000 in donations.
Police Sergeant Steve Underhill arrived at the scene at Bruxner Highway near Casino in northern NSW on Friday while his two daughters were still trapped inside the Red Mazda 323 which split in half in the two-car collision, Daily Telegraph reports.
Sgt Underhill was off-duty at the time, local police confirmed to Daily Mail Australia, and had to be restrained after his colleagues called him to the horrifying scene, Nine News reports.
His four-year-old daughter Elle died at the scene, and his two-year-old daughter was airlifted to Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital in South Brisbane in a critical condition.
She had emerged from a coma the following day in a remarkable recovery, NSW Police told Daily Mail Australia.
She will reportedly remain in hospital for a week as a precaution.
The car was being driven by the girls’ babysitter, 18-year-old Courteney Matthews. She suffered lacerations to her arm in the accident.
The little girl’s death just a week before Christmas comes as three others died on Australian roads on the first day of the holiday season on Wednesday.
A passenger died in a two-car crash on the Bruce Highway, about 20km north of Gin Gin in central Queensland, about 12.45pm on Wednesday.
A motorcyclist aged in his 20s was killed hours later after he collided with a taxi in Albert Park, in Melbourne’s inner south.
Police believe the taxi was doing a U-turn when the man crashed into it just before 5pm.
Another man later died in Tasmania after his car collided with a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction south of Somerset.
Speed and alcohol may have contributed to the crash, Tasmania police believe.
Police around Australia are increasing safety operations over the Christmas period, including stepping up drug and alcohol testing.
Double demerits will also be in place from Thursday, December 24 to Sunday, January 3.
They will target speeding, illegal use of mobile phones, not wearing a seatbelt and riding without a helmet.
Tasmanian Police say there’s an eight-hour period on Christmas Eve when motorists are most likely to have a road accident after examining crash statistics from the past five years.
‘The most likely time for a crash to occur during the Christmas and New Year period is on Christmas Eve between midday and 8pm,’ assistant commissioner Donna Adams said.
It comes as heartfelt tributes rolled in for ‘beautiful girl’ Elle on the GoFundMe page set up for her family.
‘Such a beautiful girl and friend to our daughter, you will be greatly missed,’ one person wrote.
‘Our hearts go out to you for your loss of beautiful Elle and our prayers will be sent for her sister. We have only just been touched by tragedy ourselves and wish to pay forward some of the beautiful kindness we have also received,’ another said. ‘Stay strong for each other.’
‘Constantly in our hearts,’ another person who donated wrote.
The staff at Tweed Byron Police donated $1,000 to the family on Wednesday.
Altogether, more than $50,000 for the family in just three days, after family friend Tammie Valle launched the fundraiser.
The Casino local wrote that the community ‘felt helpless in what we could do’ to help the Underhill family following the tragedy.
‘The funds raised will go towards helping this family with assisting with the funeral, memorial, and help with accommodation, medical expenses and travel costs,’ the page reads.
Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said the force was grieving with the family.
‘We care and we hurt,’ he told Nine News.
Three others were hospitalised when the two cars collided around 1.20pm on Friday.
A seven-year-old girl in the passenger seat of the same car was taken to Lismore Base Hospital suffering shock.
The 18-year-old woman driving, a babysitter, was taken to the same hospital, two hours south of Brisbane, with a laceration to her arm.
Neither the driver nor the seven-year-old girl are related to the two and four-year-old girls, who were sitting in the back seat of the car.
An 81-year-old man, the driver and sole occupant of the second vehicle, a white Subaru Liberty, was taken to hospital with sternum injuries and is understood to have been released from hospital on Saturday.
That day, a NSW Police spokesman said there was ‘good news’ for the two-year-old girl amongst the tragedy.
‘She’s out of the coma and breathing on her own now and talking to her parents.’
A toddler’s car seat, children’s toys and clothing could reportedly be seen in the wreckage near Irvington Wharf Road, about 10km east of Casino.
‘It’s an absolute tragedy that someone so long has been lost,’ NSW Police Traffic and Highway Commander Acting Assistant Commissioner Hartley said on Friday.
‘Let this time be one of celebration, an occasion where all the seats at the Christmas table are filled.’
Diversions were put in place away from the crash site for around seven hours on Friday.
The Crash Investigation Unit is investigating the crash with the assistance of local police.
They are appealing for any witnesses who have not yet spoken to police to come forward.
Elle Underhill: Family asks police to watch over her body as they hope and pray for their injured younger daughter
December 23, 20156:59pm
THE heartbroken family of car crash victim Elle Underhill have asked police to ensure their daughter’s body is not left alone as they keep vigil at the hospital bedside of their younger daughter.
Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said Sergeant Steve Underhill and his wife Michelle had asked him to ensure Elle was “not by herself” while they were with their two-year-old daughter in Brisbane.
Mr Scipione also revealed the heartbreaking moments when Sgt Underhill arrived at the crash scene and had to be held back by colleagues as he realised four-year-old Elle and her sister were involved.
The two girls were in the back seat of a red Mazda 323 when it and a white Subaru Liberty collided about 1.20pm last Friday 10km east of Casino on the north coast.
Their babysitter Courteney Matthews, 18, and a seven-year-old girl, sitting in the front seats, suffered minor injuries and shock.
Elle’s sister was flown to the Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital where she was “on the mend”, Mr Scipione said.
Mr Scipione, who spent time with the Underhill family this week, said it was a “tragedy from start to finish”.
“It’s so horrific it’s difficult to even talk about,” he said.
“We deal with these matters every day but when it’s one of your own and when it’s so graphic, it’s difficult to tell other people. “In their conversations with me, it’s clear that they were mourning the loss of their angel. They were mourning the loss of their little girl, they didn’t want her to be alone.
“They were saying ‘Commissioner, will you please make sure she’s not by herself’.”
The drivers involved are receiving counselling and friends are rallying behind Ms Matthews. Retired analytical chemist John White, 81, suffered a fractured sternum and internal bleeding in the crash but is expected to be released soon from hospital.
Mr Scipione said police were investigating the cause of the accident.
“We have to get to the bottom of that,” he said.
THE tragic death of Elle Underhill has “cut deep to the bone” for the north coast and police communities who are now praying for her sister / Picture: SuppliedSource:Supplied
Tributes left at the crash scene in Casino / Picture: Supplied
In memory of Russell Sheehan – a truly amazing man.
To honour and celebrate the gift of friendship, family and community.
Kathy Poole 2016
Daughter speaks out to honour suicide police officers
LATE Coast detective Russell Sheehan had a deep respect for the officers whose names adorned the National Police Memorial.
By Stuart Cumming
less than 2 min read
September 16, 2017 – 5:00AM
LATE Coast detective Russell Sheehan had a deep respect for the officers whose names adorned the National Police Memorial.
He visited the Canberra monument while on a family trip away in 2014, a year before he tragically took his own life.
His daughter Kaitlyn Pobar believes her dad and all other officers who died like him deserve to be up there.
Late Sunshine Coast police officer Detective Senior Constable Russell Sheehan visits the National Police Memorial in Canberra in 2014. Picture: Contributed
Mrs Pobar has added her voice to those Coast residents who have spoken out for the names of officers lost to suicide to be added to state and national memorials.
“It is important to recognise mental illness is an injury,” Mrs Pobar said.
“I think it needs to be recognised just like any other physical injury.”
She said she supported a national campaign driven by North Queensland man Steven Isles for the names of suicide officers to be added to memorials.
A coroners inquest into the 2009 disappearance of Mr Isles’ police officer father, Senior Sergeant Mick Isles, found he had likely committed suicide.
“I know how much dad honoured the people on the wall,” Mrs Pobar said.”I just know his general view was it meant a lot for him to go and be there (national memorial).”
Mrs Pobar said she recognised her father’s dedication to his career whether or not his name was added to the memorial.
She said the value of it would come in breaking down stigmas around mental illness as well as being a huge honour for his family.
“I think anyone who puts the (police) uniform on deserves that honour.”
Mr Isles has been busy since October last year advocating for the cause.
“We are here to achieve change,” Mr Isles said.
Sunshine Coast police district officer Superintendent Darryl Johnson said Commissioner Ian Stewart was considering a number of options in regards to the addition of those officers’ names to the state memorial.
“It is important that we as an organisation remember our colleagues who pass away while serving members,” Supt Johnson said.
He said a decision on the issue would be made “in due course”.
AMY Williams will gather with her sisters at their mum’s Sunshine Coast home today to celebrate what would have been her dad’s 54th birthday.
Russell and Kathy celebrate a friend’s wedding in Theodore last year.
They will share a beach-themed cake she is sure her police officer father, Detective Senior Constable Russell Sheehan, would have loved.
She hopes they will be able to joke about the countless good times they had with their dad but knows the treasured sound of his raucous laugh will be sadly missing.
Det Snr Const Sheehan’s suicide on December 23 last year shocked his family, colleagues and the wider community.
He had been based on the Coast for the past 12 years of his 33-year police career, predominantly with the Maroochydore Child Protection Investigation Unit and the Criminal Investigation Branch.
Mrs Williams, the eldest of Det Snr Const Sheehan and his wife Kathy’s four daughters, said her family was still trying to adjust without their “rock”.
“We never thought he would see that as his only option,” Mrs Williams said.
“I THINK he got very good at the end at hiding exactly how he felt.”
They knew he had been struggling in the past year and that he had sought help for depression through the Queensland Police Service and a psychologist.
Mrs Williams said she had frequently been asked whether her dad’s experiences, such as being a first responder to the tragic Childers backpacker fire in 2000, had contributed to his mental health difficulties.
But she did not know.
“I know that Dad could not pinpoint one particular incident,” she said.
“There were a lot of things that were distressing about the work and cases he did.”
She described her dad as a very proud person.
SEVERAL POSTINGS: Det Snr Const Russell Sheehan during his time at Childers between 1998 and 2000. Contributed
“To admit he was struggling and not performing how he would like to be was hard for him,” she said.
“He was trying so hard to be his old self but it wasn’t happening as quickly as he wanted.”
Mrs Williams said her father had always been happy at home during her childhood.
“His job was a stressful job, but he never brought it home,” she said.
“But last year it became evident that was getting harder for him to do.”
His career took his family to postings in Theodore, Childers and the Coast.
Mrs Williams said her dad was known for having a raucous laugh that would instantly make other people laugh.
She said some people would go to the old cinema in Theodore just to hear his laugh when he was there watching a movie.
“We really miss that.”
She recalled how her dad had been able to find the humour in being bitten on the backside by an over-excited police dog during an arrest.
“Dad would always find the funny side of anything,” she said.
“He had a very good wit and a very quick wit.”
Police support since Det Snr Const Sheehan’s death
has been “tremendous”.
Mrs Williams said an assistant commissioner flew from Rockhampton on Christmas Eve to be with her family.
There has been a steady flow of support since then.
She has welcomed a charity bike ride being organised by her dad’s former colleagues to raise money for Blue Hope, a police-run organisation dedicated to helping other police.
Ride for Russ, a 300km journey from Woodgate to Maroochydore, will be held on May 21.
“It’s a wonderful way to honour Dad while raising awareness of suicide and depression in police officers,” Mrs Williams said.
“I think it shows how much Dad’s work colleagues loved and respected him, to go to those lengths.”
More immediately, Mrs Williams said today’s birthday celebrations were important to her family.
“We just don’t ever want to stop remembering him. He is in our thoughts every day.
“As sad as these milestones are, they are bringing us together as a family.”
Anyone with issues arising from this story can phone Lifeline on 131 114 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
The grieving family of a Queensland policeman who took his life say the police psychologist did not have time to treat him.
Detective Senior Constable Russell Sheehan ended his life two months ago after 33 years as a policeman.
His daughter Amy Williams said he was widely seen as a happy, optimistic person.
“He was such a genuinely wonderful person, a gentle soul, a caring soul.
“I used to tell people I don’t know how he was a police officer because he just wasn’t this tough, rough person, he was so gentle and caring but I think that is what people admired about him in his line of work.”
But Ms Williams, the eldest of Constable Sheehan’s four daughters, said that was not the only trauma he experienced.
“As tragic as that was, there were other things that Dad saw in his line of work that I know stuck with him perhaps more so than that one particular event.”
Constable Sheehan had suffered anxiety over a long period.
[blockquote]
Suicides within the general population are about 12 per 100,000. In the police, it’s north of 18 per 100,000.
Bruce Graydon, Blue Hope.
[/blockquote]
“Some days it would be difficult for him to even leave the house, but he did,” Ms Williams said.
“He was battling it very privately, he didn’t want people to know that he was suffering.
“He felt I guess like he was a bit of a failure, that he couldn’t cope with it, so he just wanted to try to maintain a normal life.”
Last May the anxiety became so bad that the 53-year-old found himself unable to get out of his car to go to work at Maroochydore.
He went on stress leave and contacted the police psychologist for the Sunshine Coast.
“She was wonderful, Dad felt an instant connection with her,” Ms Williams said.
“However she sort of made it clear early on that she was very very busy, her books were quite full, she wasn’t going to be able to take Dad on as another client.”
So Constable Sheehan was referred to a private psychologist.
Russell Sheehan and family
“But he always felt that the QPS psychologist really understood what he was going through a bit more so than the private psychologist he was seeing.
“I’m not laying any blame on the QPS for what happened to Dad, because in the end we don’t know whether having that consultation with the Queensland Police psychologist would have changed the outcome for him.
“He may still have gone down this path.
“However, we want to make sure that for future and current serving police that there are adequate resources in place to help them when they need help.”
Ms Williams has written to the Queensland Police Commissioner, Police Minister and Opposition Police spokesman expressing concern about the lack of resources.
The Commissioner Ian Stewart is yet to respond to the ABC’s interview request.
Police suicide rate higher than general population
Former Queensland Police Detective Inspector Bruce Graydon said at least a dozen of his close colleagues had taken their lives over his 30-year career.
Inspector Graydon co-founded a support service called Blue Hope.
“Suicides within the general population are about 12 per 100,000,” he said.
“In the police, it’s north of 18 per 100,000.”
The real number is expected to be far worse.
“The moment that they leave the police or they’re retired medically unfit, their death isn’t recorded by the Coroner as a police-related suicide.”
Inspector Graydon said police need help to retrain and find new jobs, rather than feel cast aside.
The not-for-profit group Blue Hope has made links with education and recruitment organisations to assist officers that seek its help.
And he agrees with Ms Williams more support is needed earlier.
“We’re all for internal supports, we’re for any support, but some police officers just will not turn to internal supports so there needs to be additional options.
“There is a perception, be it true or untrue, that there’s no confidentiality.”
Blue Hope has case managed more than 130 people since it formed two years ago, and assisted hundreds of others around the country.
Meanwhile, in Victoria, police suicides have prompted the Commissioner Graham Ashton to order a mental health review which he hopes will lead to greater support for officers.
Detective Sergeant Andrew Ayers, the co-founder of Blue Hope, said the organisation had just helped its 177th client.
“[Suicide] is a massive problem. It’s endemic to police everywhere,” Mr Ayers said.
“We identified a shortfall in support services available, and that is that each law enforcement agency around the country has their own internal strategy in terms of dealing with mental health and stress in general amongst police officers.
“[But] there is a bit of a reluctance for members to use those services.”
The organisation is a relatively new service that was formed in 2014 to support police officers and their families to cope with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicide and other mental health issues.
“Blue Hope basically caters for those people who aren’t for any reason, or don’t for any reason, utilise internal support strategies. We provide mental health first aid for them on a national basis,” Detective Sergeant Ayers said.
The organisation’s aim is to raise awareness of police suicide and to provide a 24 hour hotline service for officers, both current and former.
Raising awareness of police suicide in the Wide Bay ( Qld )
Detective Sergeant Ayers recently visited Bundaberg to attend and support a fundraiser organised to celebrate the life of Detective Senior Constable Russell Sheehan, who took his life in December.
[blockquote]
The more people we can get talking about suicide the more likely it is that we can prevent it
Detective Sergeant Andrew Ayers
[/blockquote]
In 2000 the senior constable was the first on the scene of the Palace Backpackers Hostel fire in Childers where 15 people lost their lives.
Detective Sergeant Ayers said it was clear Detective Senior Constable Sheehan had had a positive influence on the Bundaberg, Childers and Woodgate areas.
“We’ve had some extensive dealings with his family in the wake of his tragic death,” he said.
“The focus really was to have people talking about the fact that such a highly regarded police officer felt that his only option was to take his own life, and that’s the real sad aspect of it.
“The more people we can get talking about [suicide], the more likely it is that we can prevent it.”
He said the tragedy of Detective Senior Constable Sheehan’s death highlighted the need to support all emergency service workers, who were usually the first on the scene of traumatic incidents.
Big toll on first responders
Figures released last year revealed it was estimated one emergency service worker took their own life every six weeks.
The figure, based on coronial cases, has support organisations concerned that the figure could actually be higher.
In response, Beyond Blue is preparing to undertake a national mental health study on first responders to investigate the prevalence of mental health conditions, suicide and stigma in Australia.
The findings of the study will be released at the end of 2017.
Beyond Blue’s spotlight on mental health issues facing emergency service workers is also set to intensify next month, as the first national conference on the mental health of Australian first responders is held in Sydney.
A personal response
While organisations such as Blue Hope and Beyond Blue are raising awareness, so too are individuals.
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If I can stress anything out there to the people, to anyone with post-traumatic stress, or even if they are feeling a little bit off — talk to people, communicate.
Graham Forlonge
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Singer songwriter Brendan Smoother, from Lismore in NSW, was horrified by the number of paramedics taking their own lives.
This prompted him to write and release an EP entitled Paramedic Suicide.
Mr Smoother, a paramedic himself for 21 years, won an award at this year’s Tamworth Country Music Festival for the EP.
Mr Smoother said he had been inspired to write the songs when he read about the alarming statistics of paramedics committing suicide, and realised he himself had known a number of paramedics who had taken their own lives.
“Personally I’ve never really had an issue with post-traumatic stress disorder, but I have certainly seen it in other people, ” he said.
The importance of seeking help
Former police officer, surf lifesaver and search and rescue diver Graham Forlonge, from Baffle Creek in Queensland, is one of many emergency services personnel whose life has been negatively impacted by PTSD.
Mr Forlonge said he struggled to get the right help for years, due to the number and type of traumatic incidents he had experienced.
“The best thing I could say to the people out there suffering from post-traumatic stress, and there are thousands of them — police, ambulance, fire brigade, rescue squad, military — is if you’re having issues, keep looking. There are people out there who do understand PTSD,” Mr Forlonge said.
He said talking to people and telling his stories had helped him, and he urged others to do the same.
“You’ve got to find someone to talk to,” he said.
“If I can stress anything out there to the people, to anyone with post-traumatic stress, or even if they are feeling a little bit off — talk to people, communicate,” he said.
SHEEHAN, Russell David
28.02.1962 – 23.12.2015
Beloved husband of Katharyn. The protector, mentor and adored father to Amy, Kaitlyn, Lara and Eden. Cherished eldest Son of Brian and Pamela Sheehan. Admired and selfless brother to Anthony, Angela, Gabrielle and Chris. Adored grandfather and uncle.
Never forgotten as he is forever in the hearts of those who loved him and met him.
Of the Sunshine Coast Criminal Investigation Branch and formerly stationed at Bundaberg, Maroochydore, Theodore and Childers.
A well respected Police Officer and Friend to many.
Dearly loved Husband of Katharyn.
Much loved Father of Amy, Kaitlyn, Lara, Eden and their Families.
Family, Friends and Colleagues are invited to attend a Funeral Service for Russell, which will commence at 1.00 p. m. , Thursday, 31st December, 2015, at Gregson and Weight Chapel, 5 Gregson Place, Caloundra.
Private Cortege.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Queensland Police Legacy and/or Blue Hope Services Ltd would be appreciated.
Russell was the much loved soul mate and husband to his wife Katharyn. The protector, mentor and adored father to Amy, Kaitlyn, Lara and Eden. Cherished eldest son of Brian and Pamela Sheehan. Admired and selfless brother to Anthony, Angela, Gabrielle and Chris.
He was also a much loved son in law to Kevin & Doreen Brewer and brother in law to Pete, Sue and Amanda and uncle to their children. So devastated and heartbroken
Russell was also an exceptional detective with three decades of service. Our thoughts are with the Sunshine Coast police community, especially his colleagues at the Criminal Investigation Branch.
The broader policing community also mourn the death of an exceptional man who will be missed by all who knew him.
Rest easy Detective, your work here is done.
Please Note: You can help Russell’s family celebrate his life.
The Sheehan family would love to hear any stories QPS members might have of Russell. You can share your memories or messages by emailing the family at: sheehan_memorybox@outlook.com
Deb BryantI’m so very saddened to hear of the tragic death of your precious husband, father, son, brother, friend, colleague. I hope in the days & months ahead that you gain comfort from the loving words and precious stories that you will receive about him & how his life & work touched so many. May these new memories sustain you as you learn to live with his loss.
Craig BellchambersAgreed, and hope your doing ok One step at a time Deb.
Kimberley GalvinHeartbreaking.We send our love from one lost family to another.xx
Troy CavellOne of the nicest sincere people, police or civilian, that you would meet. There are very few of Russ’s quality left in the QPS and he will be surely missed by many colleagues. Such a loss.
Kathy KucksI would second those comments. A shock to see this on FB this morning.
Michele PeverillIt is an awsome poem beautiful words thoughts with you all at this time
Leonie BrewerRuss was the epidemy of how a policeman conducts himself, he treated people with respect and in turn was respected, he was incredibly kind, selfless, and loved and adored his family.
He was also a much loved son in law to Kevin & Doreen Brewer and brother in law to Pete, Sue and Amanda and uncle to their children. So devastated and heartbroken
Darryl RuleMy sincere deepest condolences to the Sheehan family and friends for your loss of Russell and to all members of the thin blue line.
I lost my best friend 5 months ago to suicide who was a Detective Sergeant in the WA Police.
It is without a doubt the h…See More
Joey AngelDarryl i pray your best mate found peace ox im truly sorry for your loss . Here if you need a chat.
Christine TroyRIP Russ. You will be truely missed mate. Top bloke, a true gentleman, never too busy to stop and say hello. My heart breaks for your family. Deepest condolences to you all.
Julie BuckleyThoughts and prayers go out to the Sheehan family through this time. Russ touched so many people in so many ways in his role as a father and police officer. A true gentleman who will be sadly missed. RIP Russ
Kath FrahmSuch a loss. My love and condolences to Kath and the family. I knew both Russell and Kathy from school and they were both amazing people. Life on the force seems to take such a toll. Such a loss. RIP Russell. Thank you for your service. ?
Em JayWe’ve lost the most genuine, beautiful person. I still can’t believe you’re not here with us. Rest in peace Russ.
Pennie MartinStrength to you and your colleagues Em. Thinking of you xx
Carl ChristensenRIP brother, a beautiful man who now sits on the right hand of God watching over his family and friends.
Karina RichardsUncle Russ – what a legend! You always made me feel soo welcome & loved when I could make it up for a visit. Little words like Chum or kiddo I will always remember as words from you. I loved listening to that distinctive loud belly laugh too!! Soo many fond memories. Thoughts and prayers at this sad time. RIP Xx
Tammie WalterI am so sorry to see this tonight, my love, prayers and condolences to you Kath and to all the family. Yes Russell is a true gentleman, may the many memories and years you have shared together sustain you and give you strength as you journey through this sad time, RIP Russell. Tammy (McKenzie)
Neale StephensSquad 108 (Retreads) salute you mate. You were the Queenslander glue that held the rest of us together for those three months at Oxley. You’ll never be forgotten…
Krystal RalphOur deepest condolences to the beautiful Sheehan family. Have lots of fond memories from when they lived in Childers and our pony club days. Russell is a lovely man who will be missed by so many. Love and hugs to the family from Josh and Krystal Ralph xox
Amanda FinlayRIP Russell. Nearly 14 years ago I met you as a first year on rotation. The conversation centred mainly around the love you had of all your girls..wife and daughters. Such a sweet sincere knowledgable helpful gentleman in the coming years on every occa…See More
Melissa CraigOur sincere and deepest sympathy to Kathy, Amy, Kaitlin, Lara & Eden at this very difficult time. You are all in our thoughts. Russell was one of a kind, such a great bloke. Our thoughts are also with his other family, the Queensland Police Service. He will never be forgotten.
Kevin OngheenMy sincerest condolences to Kathy and kids; Russell was without doubt the most decent and sincere of police officers whom I’ve had the pleasure to work with. I will always remember him from Theodore as an absolute gentleman.
Daniel GaskinRIP Russ. You were a family friend, great loving dad to the 4 girls and a great genuine bloke people like you and the positive impacts you had on others lifes will never be forgotten.
Dan CollinsNo words can express the sadness and loss for a true gentleman. It was an honor to know you Russ. Rest in peace mate.
Megan ClarkRest easy Russ, not only my colleague but my family in blue. Words cannot express the loss we all feel. You were an amazing man, always smiling and willing to stop for a chat in the hallway. Sadly missed but never forgotten mate. RIP
Janelle AndersonRest easy mate. You may be gone from our site…but you will never be gone from our hearts. You have touched more lives than you will ever know I am sure and you will be missed by many. And to Kath and her lovely family our hearts and thoughts are with you all.
Tanya LuiseAbsolutely one of the nicest guys always had time for every member of the QPS…whether generals or plain clothes did not matter….and he always smiled will be sadly missed
Garrick StupplesReally hard to believe, What a good looking young fellow & an exceptional man in so many ways. Goodbye mate, Rest in peace
PM CarloWe love you Russ. Your kind heart, peaceful manner and ability to treat people with respect with a voice of ease and reason. A true gentleman from childhood and man who loved his family beyond this earth…..Rest easy xxx
Mel CampbellRest now Russell. My love to his family and friends from a sister in blue
Stephen PataDeepest sympathies to Russ’ family and Sunshine Coast CIB.
Siobhan MitchellVery shocked to hear this. RIP Russell. Deepest sympathy and all our prayers go out to the whole family.
Law ZeeRIP Russ…. A genuine gentleman and outstanding officer. Gone, but will never be forgotten!
Suzanne WarnerDeepest condolences to all who knew and loved Russell.
Milinda Marshall
RIP Detective Sheehan. Thank you for your service to our country. Thoughts go to your friends, family and colleagues. Thankyou
Kirrily HendersMy thoughts go to Kathy and her family, big hugs xxx
Ian HargraveThis is so sad. I knew Russell when he worked at Childers. Such a nice guy. My sympathy to his wife and family. RIP Russell.
Sue UebergangI knew Russell from school, one of the loveliest guys out there. So very sad xx
Janelle AndrewsRest in Peace – you served well and your shift is over. Thoughts to all Russell’s family, friends, colleagues, community…such a loss…
Evets KramStrength and compassion to both his family and workmates.
Sheree MitchellThe saddest news imaginable, I can’t believe it. Just the loveliest family man. My thoughts are with you Kath, Amy, Kaitlin, Lara & Eden. I cannot imagine the pain you are all in, words can’t express how sorry I am for your loss. Sending all my strength to you at this time. Russ, I pray you have found peace. Xx
Helen WelfareLove and Prayers to his family friends and colleagues ?
Martin LambertOur sincerest condolences and heartfelt thoughts to the Sheehan family, friends, and colleagues. RIP Russell
Jock GardnerMuch love to Russell Family we have fond memories from the Childers days .Stay strong we are all thinking of you xx
Craig BellchambersRIP brother in blue. You have done the hard yards and can now rest easy. Thoughts and condolences to family in this difficult time.
Rusty JHRest in peace brother. A true gentleman who will be sorely missed.
Mark Stephen PhtevenRIP… Words can not express the loss. Our Thoughts and condolences to ur wonderful family and ur
brothers and sisters in blue.
Jen LouiseRest in Peace Russell. You were one of the world’s true gentlemen. What a sad loss.
Beth JoyOur thoughts go out to Kath and the Sheehan family.
Shaz LGThoughts are with the family and also the QPS family.
Michelle FowlerOne of the kindest, respectful police officer I have had the pleasure of working with. RIP Rus. My love and condolences to your family and QPS family
Annie RoseVale Russell. So much love being sent to your family right now.
Ian WellsStill cant believe it Rusty. You were one of life’s true gentleman. At phase you always laughed at my jokes no matter how pathetic they were. Vale.
Elaine PatersonOur thoughts and prayers to Kath and the girls.
Micheal JeffsRIP Russell our deepest condolences to the Sheehan Families .
Dean AndersonOur sincere and heartfelt thoughts go out to the Sheehan families, and friends, and colleagues. Such devastating news. RIP Russell x
Glenda BrassingtonOur condolences to Kath & family. Our thoughts are with you. The Brassington from Childers
Iris May Vanden BergSo very sad.
Sincere condolences to all who knew and loved him. He will be sorely missed..RIP
Brooke StirtonRIP Russ; I will miss walking into the office, seeing your smile and hearing you say “hey kiddo”
Leonie BrewerRuss will always be remembered for calling people kiddo!!
Peter HillSo sorry to hear this sad news. Russell was a lovely man and freind
Brett CarterMy thoughts and prayers are with Russell’s family and friends.
Kris ZwartThinking of you Kath & family.
(Kristine Slatter)
Sue CannonDeepest sympathy for a wonderful family.
Danny HughesSo so sorry to see this, he was just a really nice bloke RIP
Eloise JaneA beautiful man. Kind to everyone regardless of age, gender, rank, uniform/plain clothes. If only we had realised the extent of his struggle.
Joey AngelI just pray he found peace & that his family find comfort in those cherished memories ox
William DrabditzDoesn’t matter where you are in this world,we are all blue,we grieve wherever you are
Bec BaileyThoughts and prayers to the Officers family, friends and work colleagues. May his spirit fly free and peace be with him ?
Yvonne HorneRIP Detective Senior Constable Russell Sheehan
Russell GarrardThe officers I wish they introduced me to while I was on the coast…
Elizabeth Jenarah Anne, words just don’t cut at times like this. Thank you fir your service to humanity and your love for your beautiful family .
Robert MurphyTotally agree with previous comments. Just a good guy who never had a bad word about any person. Russell you will be missed. RIP mate.
Krusty EvansMay you find comfort from friends and family surrounding you. I am terribly sorry for the loss of this man. We are working hard to recognize officers’ deaths and the circumstances they may find themselves in through www.Code9Project.org
In faith and service, your family is in our prayers from Canada.
Kirsti Haaka
A TWO-week police hunt for a 30-year-old man ended when he was found enjoying a beer in Maroochydore.
The Maroochydore man has been charged with 37 offences, including 10 counts of stealing, six counts of break and enter and three counts of resisting arrest.
Police found him drinking a beer at a hotel yesterday.
Police allege the man committed offences which date back to November.
The 30-year-old man has also been charged with fraud, evading police and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.
Police say the alleged offender stole a black Nissan utility and drove it around various locations on the Sunshine Coast where he committed offences.
Sunshine Coast property crime squad Detective Senior Constable Russell Sheehan said the arrest ended a two-week police hunt.
Snr Const Sheehan urged residents to contact police if they witness any suspicious activity.
The accused man was held in custody.
He will appear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court today.
ULLRICH (Lance):
Loved brother and brother-in-law of Steve and Roseanne, uncle to Renae, Kate, Meagan and Matt. Respected Police Officer with over 30 years service to the community of WA. Sympathy to Larraine and family.
Rest in peace
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Saturday, 19 December 2015
ULLRICH (Lance ): Loved son of Win and Norm (dec). Brother of Jan, Lyn, and Steve.
Rest Peacefully Lance.
Published in: The West Australian
Saturday, 19 December 2015
ULLRICH (Lance):
Loved brother and brother-in-law of Steve and Roseanne, uncle to Renae, Kate, Meagan and Matt. Respected Police Officer with over 30 years service to the community of WA. Sympathy to Larraine and family.
Rest in peace
Published in: The West Australian
Saturday, 19 December 2015
ULLRICH
(Lance Norman):
Loved brother and brother- in-law of Lyn and Mike. Uncle of Paul, Fiona and Mathew.
Happy memories.
‘ A Fuss about Russ ‘September 2018
