Passed away surrounded by loving family on Saturday, 30th December 2023. Beloved husband of Tish. Dearly loved father of Karly and Glen. Cherished Opa of Ruby. Much loved brother of Raymond (dec), Lynne, and Wendie. Allan will be sadly missed by his loving family and many dear friends.
Aged 68 years
We will miss your smiling face, a special person no one can replace
Alan Baker
Aloha… my old friend
Michele Woods
I have fond memories of Al from Parra… then experienced his kindness at Xavier.
RIP
Lachlan O’Donohoe
Likewise I have memories of Al at Parra and experienced his compassion and willingness to be there for many people who were not at their best and needed a familiar face to chat! May he rest in peace.
Glen Bennett
Al was truly unique man in every way. A true gentleman, an incredible Police officer, a loving family man, a person who unselfishly gave so much to the broader community in the Hawkesbury. Although Alan’s passing leaves so many of us with a heavy heart, I personally feel blessed to have shared part of his life. RIP mate.
Madonna Collis
Al was such a beautiful man and a great Detective. He had a sense of grace and ‘coolness’ about him that I so admired, Sad times – sincere condolences to family ????????????
Ron Viles
Such a kind man a privilege to know sadly missed RIP my friend
Matt Brodin
Al was a great , kind , very compassionate man. I will miss our chats.
R.I.P Mate.. ????????
Jonathan Cornelius
It was my great privilege to know and work with Al. A great friend and mentor who taught me so much. Rest easy Al.
Tish
Thank you to all for the beautiful, heartfelt comments.
From the Duncan family ????
Olli O’Keeffe
Gone too soon Al. Such a dedicated and talented Detective and a mentor to so many young Police. I loved working with you at Granville and Parramatta. You were such great company and respected by all. Deepest condolences to your family and loved ones.
JEFFREY MOORE
Rest in peace Allan, I meet you at Bowen Mountain on many occasions with melissa gods own ???? country, bye mate
Greg Callander
https://police.freom.com/allan-duncan/
May Allan DUNCAN ( NSWPF # 18922 from Redfern Police Academy Class 165 ) who Served the people of NSW from 24 September 1979 – ?, Forever Rest In Peace.
Reputed to be one of the “driving forces of the Windsor Blue Light disco …”
Class 165B – 10 December 1979
* Story behind any Nickname: Dunko – play on surname.
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 News paper items I attributed to Lionel John Alexander COLE were to the incorrect Lionel COLE – so those articles, which were here, have now been withdrawn and attributed to Lionel COLE who was Stationed at Capertee & Cullen Bullen and whom Retired H.O.D. c1959.
Those incorrect attributes were picked up by Gordon Weaver, NSWPF # 8167 for me.
* Story behind any Nickname:
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.
I have just heard of the passing of a former colleague from Class 158 Geoff Bernasconi. He was a wonderfully generous and giving man and a real entertainer. Your shift is complete Geoff – but your legacy, and the considerable memories you created will live on with many, especially during the times at Wagga Wagga. Special thoughts to Geoff’s family and the friends he leaves behind. Rest easy my friend.
* * *
Geoff featured in the book: ‘Forensic Investigator – true stories from the life of a country crime scene cop’, written by Esther McKay.
Class 158A – Redfern Police Academy – April 1978
Katie BERNASCONI & Geoff BERNASCONI
Katie BERNASCONI & Geoff BERNASCONI
Geoffrey Paul BERNASCONI # 17970
Georgina CLEMENTS & Geoffrey Paul BERNASCONI # 17970 at their wedding. 10 June 2020
Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995),
Tuesday 28 February 1995, page 4
Boys face murder charges
WAGGA WAGGA: Blood had soaked 5cm into the ground around the head of a man found dead by a council worker in Wagga Wagga, the city’s Children’s Court was told yesterday.
Four Wagga boys, aged 11, 12, 15 and 16, have been charged with the murder of Peter William Baker, 55, whose body was found in Victory Memorial Gardens at 8am on November 6 last year.
They were charged also with robbery in company after it was alleged that money had been taken from the dead man.
On the first day of committal proceedings yesterday, Detective Sergeant Geoff Bernasconi said Baker would not have staggered to the spot where his body was found.
He would have fallen to the ground after being struck on the back of the head and stayed there.
A significant feature was that blood had been found only on and under Baker’s head, there had been no blood on the back of his clothes and only minute traces surrounding him.
Peter James Kelly identified three of the four youths as those he had given a lift at about 11.30pm on November 5.
SYDNEY: A pilot spoke to his wife about his plane experiencing electrical difficulties only minutes before the plane plunged into a paddock near Wagga in south-eastern NSW, killing all four people on board.
Police said the 64-year-old Narrandera pilot told his wife in a mobile-phone conversation that he had lost the artificial horizon on the twin-engine Cessna 310’s navigation system.
He said he was flying in low cloud cover during a descent from 9000 feet on his approach to Wagga.
According to the Bureau of Air Safety Investigation, the pilot, from an air taxi service in Narrandera, then made his last known radio contact with Wagga airport at 7.43pm on Friday.
He failed to contact the airport six minutes later as scheduled.
A bureau spokesman said his last contact was routine and made no mention of difficulties.
Police identified the pilot as Don Knight, 64, of Knight Air Taxi, Narrandera. The Wagga men were Dallas Gooden, 42, Bruce Campbell, 54, and David Larwood, 33. They had been on a trip to Longreach in far-north Queensland buying stock.
Wreckage was strewn over more than a kilometre in the open paddock where the plane crashed.
Police said a woman from a property near the crash site, about 15km north-east of Coolamon, reported seeing a large flash in thesky and heard the plane crash about 8.10pm on Friday.
But the officer-in-charge at the crash site, Inspector Chris Morley, said it was too soon to talk about the plane exploding in mid-air.
He said the flash in the sky may have been the plane crash reflected on low cloud.
“It’s a big mess, I have never seen anything like it,” Inspector Morley said.
“It’s just devastating.”
The wreckage was found on the Thalia property by the property owner at midday yesterday after the alarm was raised.
This morning, NSW police video unit and photogrammetry officers recorded the crash site.
Two BASI investigators were travelling from Sydney to pick over the wreckage for clues about how the crash happened.
Inspector Morley said the men’s bodies would be collected and eventually taken to the city morgue in Glebe, Sydney, for disaster victim identification procedures, to be carried out by Riverina forensic services head Detective Sergeant Geoff Bernasconi.
Detective Sergeant Bernasconi was in charge of similar investigations after the Monarch air crash that killed seven people as it approached Young in central NSW on June 11, 1993.
NSW Fire Brigade, bushfire brigade and State Emergency Services workers were involved in the search on Friday night.
Forensic investigator Geoff Bernasconi had always been passionate about his job as a policeman in rural New South Wales, and went the extra mile, both for victims of crime and for their families. But one night in 1984, he was called to investigate the scene of a horrific car accident in which an entire family had been wiped out – and which it was impossible for him to forget.
Geoff‘s day-to-day working life became a catalogue of tragedies, some of which involved people close to him, and he found himself spiralling downwards in the grip of post-traumatic stress disorder.
When Esther McKay heard that Geoff had been awarded maximum compensation for his suffering, she knew immediately this was a story that needed to be told.
This is a harrowing account of what it is like to work on the frontlines of crime and tragedy as a forensic investigator. It is also the inspiring story of one who has been exposed to sights and experiences many of us can hardly even imagine, yet has emerged from the darkness to begin his journey to recovery.
Relationship issues from the autobiographies Allan Sparkes(Sparkes, 2013:136)describes his relationship with his wife Deborah as beingstrong and supportive, although he says “I kept my mental state from her.” Her support, Allanbelieves was central to his later recovery.
John Horner(Horner, 2011)experienced a marriagebreakdown in mid–career, as did Esther McKay.
She described her subsequent partner as“extremely sensitive and comforting” in terms of her battle with the trauma that was then achallenging part of her everyday experience.
Belinda Neil had a similar experience, as didGeoff Bernasconi(McKay, 2010:74)
where he describes his marriage as “weakening underthe strain”.
After being absent from home forfourdaysinvolved with the forensicinvestigation of a plane crash scene, (during which time he made no contact with his pregnantwife) on arriving back to his home town he went straight to the hotel, got drunk and called his wife, suggesting she join him for dinner. The relationship did not survive.
Sleep Problems and Exhaustion: The autobiographies. Alan Sparkes(Sparkes, 2013:140) describeshis confronting dreams and his inability to sleep.
As his Post traumatic stresssymptomsincreased he commenced having nightmaresin whichhe had stabbed to death his wife and daughter.These were the source of profound anxietyand fear for him, prompting thoughts of suicide to protect his loved ones from the possibilitythat his dreams might become reality.
EstherMcKay(McKay, 2005:265/227)gives a similaraccount of nightmares describinga particularly disturbing one where she was ‘lying naked onthe morgue table’.
Belinda Neil(Neil, 2014:2)describes “the long working hours with no time to recover from one traumatic incident to the next.”And continues,“I was falling apart,exhausted and forgetful”.
Geoff Bernasconi,(McKay, 2010:58/59)is “mentally and physically exhausted” and “fatigue was ever–present, especially on long road trips when Geoff would struggle to stay alert.”
These wereofficers nearing the limit of their resilience, unsupported by their organisation, isolated and nearing the end of their police careers.
Thesis Final PDF.pdf Trigger Warning re this link; This document looks into Police, the culture, Stress and Suicide / Suicidal thought by Police.
DAILY TELEGRAPH P15 THURSDAY 23 DECEMBER 2004 FORMER POLICEMAN GEOFF BERNASCONI FROM WAGGA WAGGA WHO SUED THE POLICE DEPT.
My dog Mac reading the book
Forensic officer awarded $750,000
While a judge in Sydney was telling the court that a former policeman should receive the maximum compensation – $750,000 – the man in question was visiting the grave of a victim of a crime he had investigated.
“I have been to a few cemeteries,” said Geoffrey Bernasconi, 48, speaking from his home in Wagga Wagga. “It’s just a solace, a place for me to think and reflect.
“I think about those that are left behind, and I feel for the person … I found it quite peaceful there today. I reflect could I have done more, and I reassure myself, no, I have done everything I can.”
On Wednesday in the District Court, Judge Raymond McLoughlin awarded the former forensic services police officer $785,000 (including interest) for his suffering, and lost career due to work-related post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.
During his 23-year career, in which more than half the cases involved homicides and dead bodies, Mr Bernasconi was only debriefed three times. Those occasions were “poorly organised and often occurred after the event”, the court heard.
A medical report said he had been “repeatedly exposed to some of the most tragic circumstances that may be witnessed in civilised societies”.
Based in Wagga Wagga since 1987, he investigated crime and accident scenes, retrieved body parts from cars, trains and light plane crashes. There were teenage suicides, infant drownings and homicides. Sometimes he was required to remove decomposed bodies because the government contractor “couldn’t stomach it”.
One of Mr Bernasconi‘s strengths was his empathy with the families of victims, who relied heavily on him. But this was also a stress.
The court also heard that for 15 months in the late 1980s he was the only crime scene investigator for the whole region, and was on call around the clock.
Judge McLoughlin criticised the service for failing to properly manage his 70-80 hour week, and failure to order appropriate leave and job rotation.
In 1999, he broke down while giving evidence at a coronial inquiry into a plane crash. The coroner recorded: “I have dealt with this man for 15 years and I have never seen him like this.”
Soon after, his police supervisor took his gun and handcuffs away. He was medically discharged in 2000-2001. He spent months in psychiatric care in hospital.
Judge McLoughlin said there were managerial and psychological interventions which should have been taken by the service. He found Mr Bernasconi was now unfit to work in the labour market.
THE NSW Police Force has wasted millions of dollars fighting “no-brainer” claims by stressed officers, prompting the State Government to order an external review of the force’s legal services unit.
The Herald is aware of at least six cases in which former police officers offered to settle for less than $150,000 but ended up with $750,000 payouts after going to court. Seventy claims are before the courts.
The Police Minister, Carl Scully, said he had “concerns about the performance of the unit, particularly in relation to its management of settlements and litigation”. He mentioned matters “not being handed expeditiously or fairly” and a “reluctance to settle that then causes payouts being larger than what they otherwise may have been”. Payouts include:
■ Child protection officer Rodney Keen: offered to settle for $148,000 plus legal fees of $30,000. Awarded $750,000 plus costs.
■ Forensic services officer Geoff Bernasconi: offer of $150,000 to avoid stress of court before $750,000 judgement.
■ Armed hold-up squad officers Edward Shepherd, Mark Wilson and Craig McDonald: offer of $790,000 for all three. Awarded $2.04 million plus costs.
■ Undercover officer Bob Ridley: offer of $100,000 before $750,000 judgement.
Mr Scully said a solicitor who has worked in the public and private sectors, Helen Vickers, would deliver her report in a few weeks.
He conceded that if the claims were proven, “then obviously I would have to consider ways of improving or potentially changing the way legal services is conducted”.
One police insider said the unit had an “army mentality”. “They want to fight everything and settle nothing and then rage against the courts when things go wrong. It’s scandalous the amount of taxpayer money they are wasting.”
Mr Scully said the current system, under which up to six people must be consulted before making an offer, could be a case of “too many cooks spoiling the broth”. The minister must approve all settlements over $100,000. “No doubt we could potentially streamline that and make it more efficient and effective.”
Mr Ridley‘s solicitor, Philip Sim, settled a case involving another undercover officer – dubbed Miss X – on the fourth day of a District Court hearing last week. “They slow the process down, so they can wear people out,” he said.
He said one attempt at mediation collapsed when police lawyers could not get instructions.
Tom Edmunds, a solicitor and former policeman who represented the hold-up squad officers, was blunt: “$1.4 million – that’s how much the Crown contributed to our legal costs.”
Kim Smith, who acted for Mr Keen and Mr Bernasconi, said the legal costs of running a matter against NSW Police were “so much greater” than her other personal injury matters.
The Crown, which will pay a large amount of Mr Keen‘s estimated $350,000 legal costs, has foreshadowed an appeal.
Ms Smith said the Crown Solicitor’s Office had pointed out many times that NSW Police was exempt from the model litigants’ policy. This demands government departments avoid litigation wherever possible, but only the Attorney-General’s department is bound by the policy.
The secretary of the NSW Police Association, Peter Remfrey, said the way NSW police managed stress had improved but the legal unit’s handling of claims was “dysfunctional”. The association’s research director, Greg Chilvers, said 70 former police – many undercover officers – had negligence claims before the courts.
A precedent was set in a 2000 Court of Appeal judgement which awarded a former child abuse officer, Beth Seedsman, $750,000 for NSW Police’s failure to provide a safe system of work or protection from mental injury. “Given what we know about the law, in these cases it should either be a no-brainer or one to be fought on a matter of principle,” Mr Chilvers said. “It seems on a matter of principle they fight them all.”
* Story behind any Nickname: The man liked a drink.
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.
Western Suburbs Mens Bowling Club · Follow · Today we lost an absolute champion. Life member, great clubman and pleasure to be around. So many stories and life experiences were shared for anyone willing to listen. His larger than life presence will be sorely missed. Condolences to his family and friend. Rest in peace Peter Hardgrove.
RSL & Services Clubs Association · Follow · It is with great sadness that Leagues Clubs Australia had to pass on the news that their Chairman, Peter Hardgrove passed away on Friday afternoon after a short battle with illness. Our sincere condolences to Peter’s family, close friends, LCA Board, Don and Katrina. He was a great character, a good friend to everyone he knew and a strong voice for rugby league and the club industry. He will be missed! Please see details for Peter Hardgrove’s funeral below…. Date: Friday December 22nd Time: 11.00am Venue: Mary, Mother of Mercy Chapel, Barnet Ave Rookwood Dress Code: Black and White or club attire In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Concord Centre for Palliative Care.
Wests Ashfield Leagues Club is with Markets Club and Croydon Sports. · It is with profound sadness that I inform you of the passing of Mr Peter Hardgrove. Joining the Club in 1979, Peter was elected to the Board of Wests Ashfield Leagues in 1988 and assumed the role of Chairman in 2001, serving in that role until 2011. He was awarded Life Membership of the Club in 2001. Peter was also a Director of Wests Tigers Rugby League Football Club, and was proudly Chairman as they tasted premiership success in 2005. Peter was awarded Life Membership in 2021. That same year, following his long involvement with Leagues Clubs Australia (formerly Leagues Clubs Association NSW), Peter became President of the Association, a position he held until his passing. He was also awarded Life Member of the Association. Peter was a keen golfer. Peter has had an association with Wests Ashfield Men’s Golf Club for over 50 years. He is a Life Member and past President of Wests Ashfield Men’s Golf Club and a long-time Patron of Wests Ashfield Ladies Golf Club. In later years, Peter involved himself more with his “local”, Wests Sports Club, where he has served on the Western Suburbs Leagues Men’s Bowling Club Committee. He was Chairman of the Bowling Club for many years. Peter was also awarded Life Member of the Bowling Club in 2019. Peter was a retired Police Officer, with a career spanning over 30 years as a member of the NSW Police Force. To Peter’s children, Josh and Lauren and their partners, grandchildren Billie and Ella, brother John and partner Julie Romero, we offer our deepest condolences and support at this very sad time. Funeral arrangements will be advised. SIMON COOK CEO http://tinyurl.com/ms9bhayb
Peter HARDGROVE is in middle row – 5th from left.
Peter HARDGROVE – Rear row, wearing the white jacket.
It is “possible” that Peter was a Clerical Assistant, Grade 1, Fourth Division for the Department of the Treasury – Taxation Branch, prior to joining the NSWPF.
It is with profound sadness that we inform you of the passing of Mr Peter Hardgrove.
Joining the Club in 1979, Peter was elected to the Board of Wests Ashfield Leagues in 1988 and assumed the role of Chairman in 2001, serving in that role until 2011.
He was awarded Life Membership of the Club in 2001.
Peter was also a Director of Wests Tigers Rugby League Football Club, and was proudly Chairman as they tasted premiership success in 2005.
Peter was awarded Life Membership in 2021.
That same year, following his long involvement with Leagues Clubs Australia (formerly Leagues Clubs Association NSW), Peter became President of the Association, a position he held until his passing. He was also awarded Life Member of the Association.
Peter was a keen golfer. Peter has had an association with Wests Ashfield Men’s Golf Club for over 50 years. He is a Life Member and past President of Wests Ashfield Men’s Golf Club and a long-time Patron of Wests Ashfield Ladies Golf Club.
In later years, Peter involved himself more with his “local”, Wests Sports Club, where he has served on the Western Suburbs Leagues Men’s Bowling Club Committee. He was Chairman of the Bowling Club for many years. Peter was also awarded Life Member of the Bowling Club in 2019.
Peter was a retired Police Officer, with a career spanning over 30 years as a member of the NSW Police Force.
To Peter’s children, Josh and Lauren and their partners, grandchildren Billie and Ella, brother John and partner Julie Romero, we offer our deepest condolences and support at this very sad time.
Peter Hardgrove Obituary, Death – Our Chairman, Peter Hardgrove, passed away earlier this afternoon following a brief battle with illness. He had been battling the illness for some time. We must break the news to you with a heavy heart that he has died away. The LCA is deeply saddened by this news. The election for Peter to serve on the LCA Board took place on January 4, 2005, and he was appointed to the role of Chairman. Up to the moment he passed away, he continued to serve in this capacity. In addition to this, Peter was presented with the achievement of the title of Life Member of the LCA.
In addition, Peter was a Director and Chairman of the Wests Tigers Rugby League Football Club, where he was awarded Life Membership in the year 2021. In this capacity, Peter was recognised for his contributions to the club. Aside from that, Peter was a member of the Wests Ashfield Men’s Golf Club for life and had previously held the position of President of the club. There was also the Wests Ashfield Ladies Golf Club, which he served as the Patron of. Additionally, he was a recipient of Life Membership and had previously served as the Chairman of the Western Suburbs Leagues Men’s Bowling Club. Both of these accomplishments are noteworthy.
Over the course of his thirty-year career with the police department, Peter eventually reached the point where he decided to retire from his post. As a consequence of this information, each and every member of the LCA Board and Staff is experiencing a great degree of sorrow. During this terribly trying time, we would like to express our deepest condolences and support to Peter’s children, Josh and Lauren, as well as their wives, as well as to his grandchildren, Billie and Ella, as well as to his brother John and his girlfriend, Julie Romero. We are truly sorry for the loss of your loved one.
* Story behind any Nickname: The Nose. Could sniff out anything.
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.
Last of the Pre 1988ers’ in relation to Police Superannuation changing on 1 April 1988
New South Wales Police Force
ProCst # 99706
Regd. # 24895
Rank: Commenced Training at Goulburn Police Academy on Sunday 3 January 1988 ( aged 21 years, 7 months ) ( Previously employed as an Electrician )
Probationary Constable- appointed Friday 25 March 1988 ( aged 21 years, 10 months, 21 days )
Constable – appointed 25 March 1989
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Detective – appointed ? ? ? ( NO )
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ? ( Newcastle )
Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ? ( N/A )
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed ? ? 2003 ( Newcastle )
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Inspector – appointed ? ? ?
Chief Inspector – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank: = Chief Inspector
Stations: Lake Macquarie area ( 10 years )( 1988 – 1998 )( GDs ) – Swansea, Belmont, Catherine Hill Bay, Charlestown, Newcastle – Youth Liaison Officer ( 1998 – 2001 ), Newcastle ( GDs )( 2001 – 2007 ), Communications Group ( VKG )( Sgt )( 2007 – 2012 ), Lake Macquarie area ( 2012 – ? )( Field Operations )( Sgt – Acting Insp ), Fairfield ( 34 Division )( South West Metro area )( Inspector )( ? – 2020 ), Lake Macquarie ( Inspector – Duty Officer )( March 2020 ), seconded to VKG Newcastle ( 2021 – 2022 ) but remand attached to Lake Macquarie District as a Duty Officer until his Death.
Time employed with NSW Police: From: 3 January 1988 to 16 December 2023 = 35 years, 8 months, 21 days
Service: From 3 January 1988to 16 December 2023
Retirement / Leaving age: = 57 years, 7 months, 12 days
Time in Retirement from Police: 0
Awards: No Find on the Australian Honours system – however
For those who worked in Fairfield, SWM, Lake Macquarie and their surrounds, it is with much sadness that I inform you that Inspector Dan SYKES has succumbed to the Black Dog and has passed away.
Dan attempted suicide, on Friday, and was placed on life support but has now passed on Saturday.
Dan, you were a great guy and great cop.
I am sorry that the black dog wouldn’t let you go for long enough to reach out.
Photo – 2014 in Newcastle
Photo = 2019
Make sure that everyone is alright.
Check on each other.
Talk to each other.
Seek Help after a shit job.
Make the Welfare check.
Call on the Team after a shit job.
When you are asked, Say you are NOT O.K.
???? Shattered, such a great calibre of a cop, a colleague you want to have by your side. Funny, supportive and great all round guy, he was a Sgt and did periods of acting Chief Inspector whilst stationed at Newcastle.
Paul Lyth
Retired C/Insp.
Newcastle
17 December 2023
Tributes
Paul Gauci wrote on 29 December 2023
Kim Marsden (nee Thomas) wrote on 27 December 2023
Greg Callander wrote on 26 December 2023 May Dan SYKES ( NSWPF # 24895 from Goulburn Police Academy Class 233 ) who Served the people of NSW for 35 years, 8 months, 21 days between 3 January 1988 – 16 December 2023 ) Forever Rest In Peace.<br />
Joshua David KASUN AKA Josh KASUN – Liverpool ( 22 Division ) reunion in 2017
Excerpt from the NSW Police Force 2016-17 Annyual Report
Commissioner’s Unit Citation
Awarded to police officers who collectively come together for a common purpose and perform outstanding service which may involve bravery or other acts of merit.
Assistant Commissioner Mark John Murdoch
Det Supt Anthony John Cooke
Det Supt Luke Gerard Moore
Det Supt Allan John Sicard
Supt Darryl Wayne Tuck
Ch Insp Catherine Joan Cole
Ch Insp Christopher Bede Hickey
Det Insp David Raymond Goddard
Det Insp David Geoffrey Moss
Det Insp Ian Michael Rotsey
Insp Mark Leslie Smith
Det Snr Sgt Andrew Brian Layhe
Snr Sgt Paul Thomas Bousfield
Snr Sgt Paul Thomas Smith
Det Sgt Glenn Kenneth Chalker
Det Sgt Gary Charles Lowe
Det Sgt Andrew Paul Marks
Sgt Raymond Constable
Sgt Dale Christopher Atterby
Sgt John Samuel Byrom
Sgt Andrew James Garner
Sgt Ty Peter Hayes
Sgt Brook Russell
Sgt Elise Teeling
Sgt Rene van Hoven
Det Snr Cst Lee Kevin Brown
Det Snr Cst Gregory Matthew Camilleri
Det Snr Cst Darren Michael Cooper
Det Snr Cst Mary Kathleen Crumlin
Det Snr Cst Adam Alexander Daniel Evans
Det Snr Cst Mark Tomislav Nestorovic
Det Snr Cst Benjamin Paul Walsh
L/Snr Cst Dayne Peter Brown
L/Snr Cst Craig Holmes L/Snr Cst Joshua David Kasun
L/Snr Cst Matthew Bruce Warwick
L/Snr Cst Paul Andrew Whitehead
Snr Cst Luke Robert Bakey
Snr Cst Luke Douglas Buxton
Snr Cst Brett Andrew Ferrari
Snr Cst Laura Jane Hallett
Snr Cst Julian Edward Hicks
Snr Cst Ashley Robert May
Snr Cst Mark Sydney Reynolds
Snr Cst Todd Steven Seydler
Snr Cst Mark Woodroffe
Snr Cst Matthew Craig Zeibots
Cst Aaron Rhys Gaskell
Cst Adam David Guest
Cst Jason Paul Immens
Cst Karen Elizabeth Lowden
Cst John Michael Porter
Cst Natalie Janet South
Cst Dean Walter Turner
Amanda Jane Duncan
Major Michael Sloman (ADF)
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.
NSW Goulburn Police Academy – Class # DPP 17 ( Class 17 ) 290
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 40423
Rank: Commenced Training at Goulburn Police Academy on Monday 1 September 2003 ( aged 20 years, 5 months, 24 days )
Probationary Constable- appointed Friday 19 December 2003 ( aged 20 years, 9 months, 11 days )
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Detective – appointed ? ? 2008 ( YES ) ( Came 2nd in her Course )
Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank: = Detective Senior Constable
Stations: Cabramatta ( 34 Division )( GDs )( ProCst ), Campbelltown( 35 Division ) Commuter Crimes Unit, City Sydney Street Policing Unit, Strike Force Setter @ Riverwood, Penrith / Nepean PAC Detectives (17 April 2007 – ? ), Strike Force Nethina re murder of Mac Moon ( Sept 2020 – Aug 2021 )( with Homicide Squad ), Sex Crimes Squad – State Crime Command ( 15 August 2021 – 8 December 2023 ) – Death
Time employed with NSW Police: From: 19 December 2003 to 8 December 2023 = 19 years, 11 months, 19 days
Service: From 1 September 2003to8 December 2023 = 20 years, 9 months, 11 days Service
Retirement / Leaving age: = 40 years, 9 months, 0 days
Time in Retirement from Police: 0
Awards: No Find on the Australian Honours system – however received:
Region Commanders Unit Citation – granted 2004 re Meritorious Action at the Redfern Riots of 15 / 16 February 2004
Police Officer of the Month – Cabramatta Commander – granted 2008
Region Commanders Citation – granted 1 September 2015 – work on Strike Force Orkin
Ethical and Meritorious Police Service medal – granted
NSW Police Service Medal – granted
1st Clasp to the NSW Police Service Medal – granted
National Medal – granted
National Police Service medal – granted
Commissioner of Police Emergency Commendation – granted
Premiers Bushfire Citation medal ( 2019 – 2020 Bushfires ) – granted
Born: Tuesday 8 March 1983 at Sutherland, NSW
Died on: Friday 8 December 2023 during the morning, at home, with family by her side
Age: 40 years, 9 months, 0 days
Organ Donor: Y / N / ?
Cause: Cancer ( Type = ? )
Event location: at home with family by her side
Event / Diagnosis date: December 2022 ?
Funeral date: Tuesday 19 December 2023 @ 10am ( 20 years, to the day, from her Attestation at the Goulburn Police Academy )
Funeral location: The Under Cover Betting Arena of Hawkesbury Race Club, 1 Racecourse Road, Clarendon, NSW
Loving wife of Andrew and proud Mum of Liam and Charlie.
Daughter of Ken and Jane,
granddaughter of Roni, sister of Kel and her husband Matt.
Daughter-in-law of Barry and Liz, sister-in-law of Wes, Mark and Alison.
Aunt of Hamish, Ayla and Patrick.
Sadly missed by her Shire and Hawkesbury family and friends, and by her Police colleagues.
So Dearly Loved, So Sadly Missed
A celebration of Jo’s life will be held in its entirety at 10:00am on Tuesday 19th December 2023 in The Under Cover Betting Arena of Hawkesbury Race Club, 1 Racecourse Road, Clarendon.
* * *
Sandra Ramos
7 days ago
Sending my deepest sympathies to all of Jo’s family and friends.
RIP sweet girl.
Such a beautiful service.
Thinking of you all.
X
Amanda Saad Kharma
7 days ago
My dear Jo… thank God for memories because they will live on forever.
One of the sweetest and kindest people I have known… what a blessing to this Earth xx you will be forever missed.
Thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends
xoxox
Lyndal and Chris Richardson
7 days ago
Rest in Peace Darling Girl.
Thanks for showing the world how to be kind. ????
Paul Rouillon
7 days ago
What an absolute privilege to have known Jo, lovely to see her remembered in such a beautiful celebration of her life.
Condolences to her family and friends who like me, will miss her every time we see her in brightness and joy in the world like…Read more
Tony and Catriona Steinborn
14 days ago
Deepest sympathies to Andrew, Liam, Charlie, Jane, Ken, Kelly, Roni, Barry, Liz and extended families on the loss of your beautiful Jo. Sending strength for the difficult days ahead. We will never forget Jo and her bubbly vibrant personality. RIP…Read more
Delina Buttigieg
14 days ago
Absolute beautiful soul indeed Miss Jo, heartbreaking news, thoughts and prayers to all xx God bless ????????????
Scott Harris
It’s no surprise a common sentiment is how bright, happy, kind and energetic you were Jo. The way you carried yourself, even when you were sick is a testament to your enduring strength of character. I don’t think anyone who has met you will ever forget. My heart goes out to Andrew, the boys, and all Jo’s family. I sincerely hope you can eventually find peace and solace with Jo’s passing.
RIP Jo. 18 December 2023
Catriona & Tony Steinborn
Deepest sympathies to Andrew, Liam, Charlie, Jane, Ken, Kelly, Roni, Barry, Liz and families on the very sad passing of your beautiful Jo. Our thoughts are with you at this very sad time.
RIP Jo, taken way too soon.
12 December 2023
Natalie Saad
Deepest condolences to the Travers family. You will be forever loved and missed xx
12 December 2023
John and Janelle Scott
Our deepest sympathy to all the family. A life cut too short. In time Happy memories will overcome your grief.
John and Janelle
18 December 2023
Elizabeth Jackett
A beautiful soul who will be missed and loved by many.
Thank You for your 20 years of service.
You can rest easy now your duty is done.
19 December 2023
Matt Brophy
Dear Jelder,
Matt BROPHY & Joanne TRAVERS
I’ll always remember you as someone whose smile shone brightly. You were genuinely a beautiful soul. Those who were lucky enough to call you a friend were better people as a result. Thank you for making the footy club a better place with your vibrant presence. You’ll be sorely missed and never forgotten.
My heart goes out to Andrew, Liam and Charlie during this difficult time. Wrap yourselves around your loved ones and share stories of this wonderful human. Be there for each other and know that Jo will be with you every step of the way.
My thoughts and prayers to you all,
Oyster
Xoxox
14 December 2023
Billy
Your forever smile, your infectious laugh and your adoring voice of an angel will be sadly missed by so many. I don’t think any of us will truly understand why such a beautiful soul was taken way too soon. I pray for your family, your closest friends, your loving husband and your two handsome boys who you will forever embrace from the stars above and who will one day hold your hand again.
RIP little Joey xx
love Billy
18 December 2023
Shaun Cain
RIP Jo – Rest easy.
19 December 2023
Claire Hogan and Barbara Wagstaff
We will never forget Jo with her beautiful smile, rest in peace, thoughts are with the family at this time.
15 December 2023
John and Janelle Scott
Our deepest Sympathy to all the family..A life cut short..In time Happy memories will overcome your grief.
John and Janelle
18 December 2023
Rebecca Tutill and Malik Arici
Liam TRAVERS, ?, Charlie TRAVERS
It was such an honour to join your family, friends, fans and blue family today, to celebrate your life Jo.
Your three boys did you proud and held their heads high. You have given them the strength to live in your memory. Rest easy beautiful darling.
I will try to keep our boys together.
Thank you for being a part of my world, even just a little.
About 18 months ago, Jo started suffering from pains in her stomach that wouldn’t go away. Testing took place and it was discovered that Jo had bowel cancer that had already spread to her liver. Jo was found to have numerous lesions on her bowel and her liver was riddled with lesions.
Jo has been having extensive chemotherapy since this time and sadly, a recent scan has shown that her tumours have grown and the cancer has also spread to her lungs. Jo is not eligible for liver surgery, bowel surgery, or any type of transplant. It appears as though Jo’s body is no longer responding to chemotherapy. Jo has been informed that she is eligible to trial a brand new immunotherapy drug that has just been brought over from the USA. Unfortunately, this drug is not yet on our PBS and will cost $1900 per fortnight, capped at $27,000.
Regardless of this trial, Jo has been informed that her condition is completely incurable, and that the aim of any trial or medication from this point onwards is to solely prolong her life. About 18 months ago, Jo was given an estimated 3 years life expectancy. Jo has only just turned 40.
Jo is a mother of two beautiful beautiful boys ( aged 8 and 5 ), a wife to a supportive, loving husband and a friend to so many people. She has served the NSW state as a dedicated police officer and Detective over her 20-year policing career. Her shock diagnosis and cancer treatment has taken an enormous toll on her and her family. Despite all of this, Jo has remained so infectiously positive and upbeat which has been an inspiration to us all.
We recently held a fundraising event to raise money for Jo and her family to help make special memories for them. We are now trying to continue our fundraising efforts to raise enough money to cover her ongoing treatment and ease the financial pressure on Jo and her family. We would love Jo to spend as much precious, quality time with her boys as she can.
Police Chaplin – Reverend Susan AVERY leading Jo’s coffin at the completion of Jo’s Service.
* Story behind any Nickname:
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.
A top bloke gone too soon. As the Flickman often said “It must be someone’s shout for a Red Mill Rum.” John has hung up his cue now and is relaxing somewhere with a pint of lager, Cheers John, we all miss you. !!
* Story behind any Nickname: A play on his surname
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.
Police HQ ( 20 Division )( 22 December 1967 – 1 December 1978 )( Five different Sections at HQ over that time, including the formation of Police Internal Affairs with Lionel KELLECK – RIP),
Internal Affairs ( OIC – 1978 ),
Investigator – Internal Affairs Branch ( 13 October 1980 ),
Professional Standards Branch ( name change from Internal Affairs Branch )( November 1985 ),
Appointed Chief Inspector – Senior Investigator – Internal Police Security Unit ( IPSU )( cMay 1986 ),
Internal Affairs ( name changed back from Professional Standards Branch ( 2 March 1989 ),
North West Region Internal Affairs Commander ( 16 August 1993 ),
Port Stephens-Hunter PAC will provide a Guard of Honour at the service
Wake location: ???
Wake date: ???
Funeral Parlour: ?
Buried at: ?
Grave Location: Section: Row: ?Plot: ?
Grave GPS: ?, ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Conference Room of Internal Affairs, Police HQ, Parramatta, NSW is named the Supt. Len Topping Retired Room
by Assistant Commissioner Joe CASSAR ( December 2023 )
LEONARD is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance * NOT JOB RELATED
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
Condolences to Lenny’s wife – Lorraine and family.
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.
Sadly, on Friday the 1st of December North Bondi SLSC lost one of it’s greats in Craig “Cungy” Cunningham.
The Cunningham’s are a four generation North Bondi SLSC family, the type that make up the fabric of our great club. Craig was a 60 year member and an Australian Champion, winning the senior Surf Boat Championship in 1959. He was a fierce competitor that coached and mentored many athletes in the art of Surf Boat rowing and sweeping. He was a tough but fair man, very well respected in the surf boat community and will be sadly missed.
Steve Larnach
President, North Bondi SLSC
2 December 2023
* Story behind any Nickname: Cungy – ( Cunjevoi ) is a sea squirt.
Cungy was a member of North Bondi Life Saving Surf Club, NSW for 60 years.
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.
Alan Baker