Constable Joseph Nash, who was in charge of the local police station, was found dead in the barrack-room at noon today.
The police authorities in Sydney have received a telegram stating that Constable Nash had been found dead with a bullet wound in the head, the circumstances of the case pointing to suicide.
An officer at Armidale has been sent to North Guyra to make full inquiries.
Relatives and Friends of RONDA are warmly invited to attend a Memorial Service in Celebration of her Life to be held at the Fingal Bay Surf Life Saving Club, 3 Marine Drive, Fingal Bay this Wednesday morning 3rd February 2016 commencing at 11am.
A private cremation has preceded this service.
May She Rest In Peace
MEIGHANS FUNERALS Locally owned 4952 3099
Published in The Newcastle Herald on Jan. 30, 2016
STATE MEMBER for Dubbo and NSW Deputy Premier Troy Grant learned of the “importance of caring for people and serving your community” from his mother who will be farewelled at a memorial service on Wednesday morning.
Ronda Grant, a former aged-care nurse, died suddenly late last month at the age of 64.
She was cremated last Thursday at Newcastle.
Wednesday’s service at Fingal Bay Surf Club from 11am will be attended by Mr Grant’s parliamentary colleagues, family and friends, many of them from Dubbo.
Born at Newcastle and raised at North Haven, Ms Grant lived at Moree and Kootingal before settling into retirement at Nelson Bay.
The venue for the service, overlooking Fingal Bay, was chosen because the mother of two and grandmother of four “loved the beach”.
Her only son has spoken of his “devastation” at her unexpected passing.
“Mum was the life of every party,” Mr Grant said in a statement released to the Daily Liberal.
“She grew up in impoverished conditions but she didn’t let that detract from being a positive person.
“She was a world traveller and an adoring grandmother to four grandkids.”
Mr Grant said he had his mother to thank for his contribution to NSW initially through policing and in recent years the state parliament.
“She taught me the importance of caring for people and serving your community,” he said.
“I am devastated by her sudden death and I have been overwhelmed by all the good wishes and cards from the people in my electorate.”
Among the Dubbo residents who have headed to the coast for the service are David and Stella Aird, formerly of Gilgandra where Mr Grant began his policing career.
The Aird family welcomed the newcomer into their home and later met his mother.
“She was a lady who was so very, very proud of everything Troy achieved,” Mrs Aird said.
John became a Paraplegic when injured on duty during his Probation in 1969 and was invited by Commissioner Norm Allen to remain in the Force after suffering his injury. He retired HOD in 1982.
Perhaps some members on here will remember John KIDD a former HWP Cyclist, who was involved in a serious accident with a brewery truck in the inner city about 1975 and as a result ended up a Paraplegic in a wheel chair. John as also a Vietnam Vet. and instead of being boarded out he wanted to continued as he was very interested in surveillance and collating of evidence, so in a wheel chair he was transferred to Lismore and worked with Detectives in charge of running sheets on some very heavy incidents such as the Murwillumbah Bank Robber, the double beach murders at Kingscliff, a couple of other serious murders involving Mr Asia Syndicate.
John carried on a brilliant job and he stayed in the job until about 15 years ago when his health failed him, he had all sorts of problems including having both legs amputated.
John, under the circumstances, done a great job, he was very popular with his fellow workers.
Unfortunately John passed away last Friday he was about 69-70 old.
Appointed by Earl Bathurst in 1824 and took up the post in 1825
Stations: ?
Service: From 19 May 1825to 1834 = 9 years Service
Awards: ?
Born: 1776 on Corsica
Died on: 26 November 1851
Cause: ?
Age: 75
Funeral date: ?
Funeral location:
Old Saint Saviour’s Cemetery, Goulburn ( behind Goulburn Gaol ) in a large vault of the Rossi family ).
Buried at:
Old Saint Saviour’s Cemetery, Goulburn ( behind Goulburn Gaol ) in a large vault of the Rossi family ).
Memorial at: ?
History:
Francis Nicholas Rossi (1776 – 1851), soldier and public servant, was born in Corsica, France, the son of Philippe François Antoine, Comte de Rossi, who, through aiding the British occupation of Corsica in 1795, lost his possessions when the island was surrendered to France in 1796 and was compensated with a pension by the British government. Rossi entered the British army in 1795 as ensign in an Anglo-Corsican battalion. In 1798 he transferred to the 69th Regiment and served in Holland. Next year as lieutenant in the 5th Regiment he served in Gibraltar and was favourably noticed for conspicuous ability.
In April 1803 he joined a regiment formed to serve in Ceylon and was promoted captain in January 1807. In 1811 he was appointed aide-de-camp to Sir Robert Townsend Farquhar who in 1812 became governor of Mauritius, where Rossi also held the civil posts of deputy-secretary to the government and collector of registration and mortgage dues. Sent to Bengal in 1815, he arranged for the transportation to Mauritius of Indian convicts. He carried dispatches to England in 1816 and in 1817 was appointed general superintendent of the convict department in Mauritius. Through fear that the scattered working parties of convicts might incite the slaves to rebellion, Rossi enforced rigorous discipline. In 1822 he married Antoinette Geneviève Sornay, by whom he had two sons, Francis Robert Louis (b.1823) and Alexander Philip (b.1828). Rossi left Mauritius when Farquhar’s governorship ended in 1823 and in August 1824 accepted the post of superintendent of police in New South Wales, offered him by Earl Bathurst.
Rossi took up his duties in Sydney on 19 May 1825, replacing D’Arcy Wentworth. He reorganised the Sydney police on a system somewhat similar to that of the Bow Street police office in London. Through his own tireless efforts he made the force more efficient, although continuously hampered by inadequate funds and recruits of poor quality; even worse, control of the colony’s police forces was divided between the benches of magistrates outside Sydney, the officers of the mounted police, and the head of the Sydney police. In appointing Rossi, Bathurst intended to carry out a recommendation of Commissioner John Thomas Bigge that the police of the whole colony should be under one central authority. However, Governors Sir Thomas Brisbane and (Sir) Ralph Darling postponed the change. Rossi remained, therefore, executive head of the Sydney police only, although he had authority to correspond directly with the rural benches of magistrates and was himself a police magistrate. He felt the weight of his duties and in May 1827 was temporarily appointed to the less arduous post of comptroller, and in December acting collector of customs in Sydney. Despite Darling’s earnest request, this appointment was not confirmed and in 1829 Rossi resumed duty with the police. In 1833 the Sydney Police Act (4 Wm IV, no 7 NSW) introduced a new system, the application of which Rossi felt was too onerous for his health, already impaired by heavy duties. He obtained a year’s leave during which he was permitted to sell his army commission on condition that he retired from the police.
After retirement in November 1834 he lived on his property Rossiville in the Goulburn district. He had long believed himself a British subject, first because George III had assumed the crown of Corsica in 1794, and second because of his long service in the British army. In 1843, however, he found that he was still an alien in the eyes of the law and became anxious about his right to own land. On the representation of Governor Sir George Gipps in May 1844, the Colonial Office authorised the issue of letters of denization to Rossi. When the legal competency of denizens and naturalised aliens to hold land in the colony was questioned in 1845, Rossi’s case was noticed by the governor as one of particular hardship. To relieve the situation, an amending Act (11 Vic. no 39 NSW) was passed by the Legislative Council in September 1847 and given royal assent in October 1848. Rossi died on 26 November 1851.
Throughout his career in New South Wales, Rossi was surrounded by discreditable rumours. However groundless, they adversely affected his status as a magistrate and his influence on the Sydney police. For example the House of Commons was told in 1826 that he had instructed soldiers in Mauritius to ignore any indications of slave-trading; he was exonerated after a board of magistrates in Sydney examined the accusations and heard his explanation. Another harmful rumour was that his appointment in Sydney was a reward for personal services to George IV. Rossi, it was alleged, had been sent to Italy in 1819 with the secret commission to obtain evidence for the royal divorce and, under the pseudonym ‘Majorca’ or ‘Majocchi’, had been an important witness against Queen Caroline. No firm evidence substantiated the rumours but they persisted in Sydney, and the words ‘non mi ricordo in Queen Caroline Trial’ were noted against his name in a members’ list of the Australian Club compiled by Phillip Parker King in 1844. Rossi was involved in a local scandal when allegations of malpractice as a magistrate were brought against him in the Supreme Court in 1826. In giving judgement, the chief justice absolved Rossi from corrupt motives, but because his conduct had been irregular he was not allowed costs.
Some critics thought him unsuited for his post in Sydney because of his foreign origins and accent, and his inability to understand the nature of English law and customs. Bathurst himself seemed to doubt Rossi’s suitability and gave Darling authority to transfer him to another post if he saw fit. However, Darling was well satisfied with Rossi’s conduct, and Brisbane and Sir Richard Bourke commented favourably on his zeal and energy. In suggesting eligible names for a proposed local order of merit in 1844, Gipps included Rossi and bore high testimony to his character and to his long, honorary service on the Goulburn bench.
The Sydney Morning Herald Sat. 11 September 1937 p13
There is a large vault of the Rossi family. There is no inscription on it, but it would appear that Francis Nicholas Rossi (the elder), who died 26/1/1851, was the first occupant. He was a captain in the 3rd Reg., and Principal Superintendent of Police in N.S.W.
AN old and well known member of the Goulburn police force, named George Wyatt, died in the hospital on Sunday last. In the early days of settlement in this district he was coachman to Mr. J. R. Styles of Reevesdale, near Bungonia, and afterwards he was gith Mr. J. S. Futter of Lumley. Subsequently he was twenty years in the Goulburn police, and for some time was lockup-keeper at Wingello. He always bore a good character.
About seven years ago he was superannuated on a pension of 4s 4d per day, and for a long time past he has resided near the hospital.
Old age seemed to have been creeping on him for a long time, and being seventy two years there was no wonder. He was taken to the hospital on Saturday last and immediately attended by Dr. Morton ; but he was then rapidly sinking, and died next day. Deceased was an Englishman and a member of the English church. He leaves a widow but no family. He was buried yesterday afternoon in the Church of England cemetery, his remains were followed to the grave by all the police not immediately on duty, as a mark of respect to an old comrade; and thus has passed away another of the early residents of Goulburn.
Mervyn is recorded in the 1979 NSW Police ‘Stud Book‘ as M.L.T. YATES, Born 11 June 1921 and having been appointed as a Probationary Constable on the 4 March 1946 which would have made him 24 at that time.
On the afternoon of Wednesday, 3 March 1976, about 4.50pm, when Sen Const Laube was performing a motorcycle patrol north along Coolart Road, Somerville, and collided with a car which had pulled out into his path from Eramosa Road.
Sadly, he received fatal injuries and died at the accident scene. He was 31.
Sen Const Laube joined Victoria Police on 21 February, 1964 and worked at various police stations during his career including Bourke Street West, St Kilda and Mentone before transferring to the Mobile Traffic Section in 1972.
I think Ron used to play in the Carlton Football Premiership for Campbelltown around 1985.
Ron used to also Trade under Ron Hystek Home Handyman in the Southern Highlands, NSW.
Final farewell for loved policeman
MORE than 300 people gathered at Bowral’s Uniting Church last Thursday to remember Highlands policeman Ron Hystek, who recently lost his fight with stomach cancer.
Bowral police honoured the 28-year veteran of the force, who spent a decade walking the beat in Bowral, with a guard of honour.
Following the service Ron’s eldest son Wayne and wife Julie drove the casket on a homemade trailer with a Ulysses motorcycle group escort to Mittagong Showground before the casket was transferred to a hearse.
Senior Constable Hystek joined NSW Police in 1974; he was stationed at Bowral from 1985 to 1995 before transferring to Campbelltown until his discharge in 2002 on medical grounds.
He was awarded the National Medal and the NSW Police Medal.
Wayne Hystek said his father touched a lot of people and the family was “blown away” by the turnout to the service.
Ron Hystek started the Where’s Wally Ron charity to raise funds for cancer and arthritis research after he was diagnosed with stomach cancer in May 2007.
For the full story see the Southern Highland News, Wednesday, April 15
The Sydney Morning Herald Tuesday 10 August 1999 p2
After a shooting incident in 1993, Senior Constable Ronald Hystek refused to wear a firearm or carry handcuffs. He has also had his police driving certification withdrawn for nodding off at the wheel. The 25-year veteran, who has not been fully operational since the shooting, claims the Police Service has discriminated against him over promotions. Constable Hystek has taken the service to the Government and Related Employees Appeal Tribunal, where he wants seven days he took off work last year………
have his medical expenses paid by the Police Service. Constable Hystek won a previous decision before the tribunal over hurt-on-duty leave claims for time he took off in 1994. That leave, he said, was due to stress caused by a faulty departmental investigation into the shooting, for which he was deemed negligent. He had opened fire on the vehicle as it sped through an intersection near Bowral during a pursuit. The hearing continues.
As a sign of respect to our colleague lost overnight in a motor vehicle accident while providing assistance to others, Windsor Police Station is flying the State Flag at half mast. Our colleague leaves behind a wife who is a serving Senior Constable and two young boys aged seven and five months.
Funeral location: ?TBA
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
RIP Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson thank you for your service, thoughts & prayers go out to your wife Senior Constable Margaret King, & your two young sons.
The NSW Police Force lost a highly respected and much-loved member of its family last night.
Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson from the Port Stephens LAC – NSW Police Force was killed when the police car he was driving crashed into a tree on Lovedale Road, Allandale, around 11.50pm yesterday (Saturday 5 March 2016).
At the time, Sergeant Richardson had been driving to assist colleagues who were engaged in a pursuit. He was the only person in the car at the time of the crash.
Further police and Ambulance Paramedics were called to the scene, and got there a short time later, however Sergeant Richardson had passed away before their arrival. He was the sole occupant of the vehicle.
The matter is now the subject of a Critical Incident Investigation, which will be supported by the Newcastle Crash Investigation Unit and overseen by the Professional Standards Command.
Sergeant Richardson graduated from the NSW Police Academy in 1998. He served the Campbelltown LAC – NSW Police Force as a Constable until 2005, when he was transferred to Cobar and promoted to the rank of Senior Constable.
In April 2010, he was transferred to Central Hunter Local Area Command, before moving to Lake Macquarie Local Area Command upon his promotion to the rank of Sergeant in December 2010.
He served Lake Macquarie LAC – NSW Police Force until July of 2015, at which time he transferred to Port Stephens Local Area Command.
Sergeant Richardson provided 18 years of dedicated and distinguished service to the people of NSW. He was the recipient of numerous awards, including a Regional Commander’s Commendation for Bravery after he arrested a number of offenders while off-duty at Nelson Bay in 2012.
In every sense, he was a hard-working, highly regarded, popular and committed police officer, who will be sorely missed by the organisation he so ably represented and the communities he diligently served.
Above all else, he was a loving and much-loved husband and father. His wife, Senior Constable Margaret King, and his two young sons, are naturally devastated, and we ask that their privacy be respected during this extremely difficult time.
As the men and women of this organisation always do in times of tragedy, we will band together and support Sergeant Richardson’s family , his friends, and each other, through this extremely difficult situation.
Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson killed on way to emergency in Hunter Valley
Date
NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione has paid tribute to a police officer killed in a crash in the Hunter Valley on the way to an emergency on Saturday night.
Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson, 43, from Port Stephens Local Area Command died when his vehicle hit a tree at Allandale at about 11.50pm.
Standing outside of Nelson Bay police station on Sunday morning Commissioner Scipione said Sergeant Richardson provided 18 years of dedicated and distinguished service to the people of NSW.
“It’s a very sad day for the NSW Police Force today.”
“We have farewelled one of our officers.
“43-year-old Geoffrey Richardson from the Port Stephens Local Area Command was tragically lost to us, killed in a motor vehicle accident just before midnight last night”.
Commissioner Scipione met with Sergeant Richardson’s wife, Senior Constable Margaret King, and two children on Sunday morning to offer his condolences.
He said police had been at the family home since last night and would remain there to offer their support.
Sergeant Richardson graduated from the NSW Police Academy in 1998. He served the Campbelltown Local Area Command as a Constable until 2005, when he was transferred to Cobar and promoted to the rank of Senior Constable.
In April 2010, he was transferred to Central Hunter Local Area Command, before moving to Lake Macquarie Local Area Command upon his promotion to the rank of Sergeant in December 2010.
He served Lake Macquarie until July of 2015, at which time he transferred to Port Stephens Local Area Command.
He was the recipient of numerous awards, including a Regional Commander’s Commendation for Bravery after he arrested a number of offenders while off-duty at Nelson Bay in 2012.
In a statement, NSW Police said: “In every sense, he was a hard-working, highly regarded, popular and committed police officer, who will be sorely missed by the organisation he so ably represented and the communities he diligently served.”
“Above all else, he was a loving and much-loved husband and father. His wife, Senior Constable Margaret King, and his two young sons, are naturally devastated, and we ask that their privacy be respected during this extremely difficult time.
As the men and women of this organisation always do in times of tragedy, we will band together and support Sergeant Richardson’s family , his friends, and each other, through this extremely difficult situation,” the statement said.
Sergeant Richardson had responded to calls for help in a police pursuit through the Hunter when the crash occurred on Lovedale Road about 11.50pm.
Paramedics attended but the officer, who was the only occupant of the vehicle, died at the scene.
Details of the police pursuit through the Hunter have not yet come to light.
Newcastle Crash Investigation Unit will assist a critical incident team to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
That investigation will be overseen by the Professional Standards Command.
“All information will be provided to the coroner who will determine the cause of death and make any findings about the events leading to the officer’s death,” a police statement said.
Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
Anyone who can assist police should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Police investigating death of father-of-two sergeant in NSW Hunter Valley crash
A police sergeant who died after his squad car crashed into a tree in the NSW Hunter Valley last night has been remembered as a highly respected officer and a loving father to two young sons.
Port Stephen area Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson, 43, was driving through Allandale on his way to help other officers in a pursuit when his car ran off the road and crashed into a tree about midnight.
He was the sole occupant of the patrol car and died at the scene.
Sgt Richardson is survived by his wife, a serving member of NSW Police, and two sons.
Police say Sgt Richardson put his life on the line countless times in order to protect others, and had won bravery awards for his tireless work.
A critical incident investigation is now underway to establish how and why the experienced police officer lost control of his car rounding a bend during a routine callout.
“At the moment we don’t have too many details. It’s all subject to investigation, obviously,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Geoff McKechnie said.
“The investigation will take some time, obviously, and we may have some further information we can provide at a later time.
Act. Dep. Comm. McKechnie said his thoughts were with Sgt Richardson’s friends and family.
“He is a father of two young children, and his wife and family are currently being supported by extended family and colleagues of the officer,” he said.
“NSW Police Force will ensure that all available welfare, support and assistance is provided to his family and his colleagues as we work through this tough period ahead.”
Sgt Richardson was remembered as a dedicated police officer who provided 18 years of service, in a tribute statement released by the NSW Police Force.
“In every sense, he was a hard-working, highly regarded, popular and committed police officer, who will be sorely missed by the organisation he so ably represented and the communities he diligently served,” the statement read.
“Above all else, he was a loving and much-loved husband and father.
“His wife, Senior Constable Margaret King, and his two young sons, are naturally devastated, and we ask that their privacy be respected during this extremely difficult time.”
“As the men and women of this organisation always do in times of tragedy, we will band together and support Sergeant Richardson’s family, his friends, and each other, through this extremely difficult situation.”
The full NSW Police Force statement is below:
The NSW Police Force lost a highly respected and much-loved member of its family last night.
Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson from the Port Stephens Local Area Command was killed when the police car he was driving crashed into a tree on Lovedale Road, Allandale, around 11.50pm yesterday (Saturday 6 March 2016).
At the time, Sergeant Richardson had been driving to assist colleagues who were engaged in a pursuit. He was the only person in the car at the time of the crash.
Further police and Ambulance Paramedics were called to the scene, and got there a short time later, however Sergeant Richardson had passed away before their arrival. He was the sole occupant of the vehicle.
The matter is now the subject of a Critical Incident Investigation, which will be supported by the Newcastle Crash Investigation Unit and overseen by the Professional Standards Command.
Sergeant Richardson graduated from the NSW Police Academy in 1998. He served the Campbelltown Local Area Command as a Constable until 2005, when he was transferred to Cobar and promoted to the rank of Senior Constable.
In April 2010, he was transferred to Central Hunter Local Area Command, before moving to Lake Macquarie Local Area Command upon his promotion to the rank of Sergeant in December 2010.
He served Lake Macquarie until July of 2015, at which time he transferred to Port Stephens Local Area Command.
Sergeant Richardson provided 18 years of dedicated and distinguished service to the people of NSW. He was the recipient of numerous awards, including a Regional Commander’s Commendation for Bravery after he arrested a number of offenders while off-duty at Nelson Bay in 2012.
In every sense, he was a hard-working, highly regarded, popular and committed police officer, who will be sorely missed by the organisation he so ably represented and the communities he diligently served.
Above all else, he was a loving and much-loved husband and father. His wife, Senior Constable Margaret King, and his two young sons, are naturally devastated, and we ask that their privacy be respected during this extremely difficult time.
As the men and women of this organisation always do in times of tragedy, we will band together and support Sergeant Richardson’s family, his friends, and each other, through this extremely difficult situation.
Hunter Valley sergeant dies in crash on way to help colleagues involved in police chase
Updated
A police sergeant on his way to help colleagues involved in a car chase has been killed in a crash in New South Wales Hunter Valley.
Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson, 43, was driving his patrol car when it veered off Lovedale Street at Allandale and hit a tree late on Saturday night.
He was on his way to help colleagues involved in a car chase when the accident happened.
Paramedics were called but Sergeant Richardson, who worked at the Port Stephens Local Area Command, died at the scene.
He was the only person in the vehicle.
NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione, who has travelled to the region, said the force had lost a “very good man” in the tragedy.
“I have had a chance to meet with his family and certainly paid my condolences to his wife Margaret and his children,” Commissioner Scipione said.
“It is a terribly sad event, we’ve lost a very good man.
“He was respected, he was loved, and certainly he was one of our finest, and NSW is a much poorer state as a result.”
The accident is now the subject of a critical incident investigation to be conducted by Newcastle Local Command, Commissioner Scipione said.
“The officer was not involved in a pursuit, he was on his way to assist others that were involved in a pursuit,” he said.
Commissioner Scipione said support would be provided to Sergeant Richardson’s family, including his wife who was also a senior constable in the police force.
“My heart goes out to his family, we’ll do all we need to to make sure that they’re looked after, because they’re a really important part of our [policing] family,” he said.
Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward.
In a tribute released to media, police said Sergeant Richardson provided “18 years of dedicated and distinguished service to the people of NSW”.
“He was the recipient of numerous awards, including a Regional Commander’s Commendation for Bravery after he arrested a number of offenders while off-duty at Nelson Bay in 2012,” the statement reads.
He was a loving and loved husband and father, the statement reads, who leaves behind a “devastated” family.
In support of the Police Family your Association with NSW Police Legacy has set up a fund for the family of Sgt Geoffrey Richardson killed in a motor vehicle accident on the weekend.
The details are:
NSW Police Legacy Appeal BSB: 815 000 A/C: 282951S1 omit S1 if not transferring from a Police Bank account
(The S1 is only used for Police Bank to Police Bank transfers.)
Links to the fundraising site have also been added to the PANSW website homepage.
The 43-year-old Sergeant (Class 272 – 18 Years Service), who’s wife is Senior Constable Margaret Richardson (Nee King), was a much-loved husband and father with two young sons Patrick aged seven and Aiden five months of age.
As many members would be aware, Sgt Richardson was killed on his way to help colleagues engaged in a pursuit in the Hunter Valley, NSW.
It’s at these times the strength of the police family is fortified as we rally together to support the family and loved ones impacted by this tragic loss.
Like any member of the emergency services would know – it takes a great deal of courage to leave your own family behind to protect those you have never met on a daily basis.
It takes a particular type of person to step forward, often into harm’s way, and commit himself or herself to such a job, and to give up peace of mind to preserve it for others.
Our thoughts are with our fallen colleague, his family and friends and fellow officers at Port Stephens Local Area Command during this difficult time.
NSW Police Force FB page: Tuesday 8 March 2016
A man has been charged with a number of pursuit-related offences after a police officer died in a motor vehicle crash in the Hunter Valley at the weekend.
About 11pm on Saturday (5 March 2016), police became involved in a pursuit with a white Ford Falcon sedan on Ken Tubman Drive Maitland, after it allegedly failed to stop.
The pursuit continued for approximately 30 minutes before police lost sight of the vehicle.
About 11.40pm, the vehicle was seen on Wine Country Drive, Lovedale, and a second pursuit began.
During the pursuit, Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson, who was making his way to assist other officers, died after his vehicle left the road and struck a tree on Lovedale Road, Allandale.
Sergeant Richardson, aged 43, was the sole occupant of the vehicle.
The second pursuit ended and the Ford was last seen on Elderslie Road, Greta.
Following investigations, about 1pm yesterday (Monday 7 March 2016), a 34-year-old man was arrested at Maitland. ( Paul JOHNSON )
Checks of the man’s licence status revealed he had been disqualified from driving for life in 2000.
He was subsequently charged with two counts police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly (Skye’s Law), driving in a manner dangerous, exceeding the speed limit by more than 45km/h, driving whilst disqualified, using an unregistered/uninsured vehicle, using unauthorised plates, having custody of a knife in a public place, and resisting arrest.
The Greta man has been refused bail to appear before Maitland Local Court today (Tuesday 8 March 2016).
Rank: Probationary Constable – appointed 2 July 1973
Constable 1st Class – appointed 2 August 1978
Senior Sergeant – death
Stations: ?, B.A.S. Operator – early 1980’s ( Breath Analysis Section, Sydney ),
Rockdale ( SenCon ),
Punchbowl ( 13 Division ) Sergeant,
Leeton ( 1990’s – 4 October 2002),
Service: From 21 May 1973to 4 October 2002 = 28+ years Service
Awards: National Medal – granted 15 December 1989
1st Clasp to National Medal – granted 24 March 2000
Born: 3 November 1948
Died on: Friday 4 March 2016 at St Vincents Hospital, Sydney
Cause: Herman had a triple heart bypass in 1996. In March 2015 he had another bout of heart issues which resulted in 7 – 8 heart attacks over 3 – 4 weeks ending with 15% heart function. He had a heart device fitted but wasn’t 100%. See further information below.
Dear Family and Friends of our Dad,
Herman Vandervegt. Sadly, our Dad passed away on Friday 4th March, 2016 at St Vincents Hospital, Sydney. We would like to invite you ALL to our Dads funeral service.
Friday 11th March, 2016
Leeton Lawn Cemetery
2pm
Following the service we would love to have everyone join us at Yanco Ex-Servicemans Club from 3:30-4pm. The club provides a courtesy bus until 11:30-12pm should people wish to have a drink or two too many.
We will be having a viewing on Thursday 10th March, 2016, 4pm at Les Watkins funeral home, Leeton should anyone wish to attend.
As I’m certain we do not have contact details for all Dads friends, far and wide, we would appreciate if you could pass on the above to any relevant people. Dee and I have posted the above on our Facebook pages and I have posted the information on Dads Facebook page also.
We have also organised an advertisement in the irrigator newspaper which comes out tomorrow, 8th March and there will also be a radio announcement on Thursday 10th March on radio station 2RG following the 8:30 news.
Don’t think we have forgotten anything and apologies if you receive this message more than once.
Love Kez and Dee
VANDERVEGT, Herman:
Passed away at St Vincents Hospital Sydney, on Friday, 4 March 2016.
Late of 9 Coonong Ave, Yanco.
Loving father of Kerrie Cameron and Deanne Vandervegt. Cherished Grandfather of Jacob, Nicholas and Alex.
Aged 67 years.
“Resting peacefully in Gods care.”
The relatives and friends of the late Herman Vandervegt are respectfully informed that a graveside service will be held on Friday, 11 March, 2016 at the Leeton Lawn Cemetery, commencing at 2.00 pm.
In Lieu of flowers donations will be greatfully accepted at the service on behalf of St Vincent Heart Transplant Unit Sydney.
Email received, via AustralianPolice.com.au, from Deanne Vandervegt on Wednesday 9 March 2016:
Hi Cal
My name is Deanne Vandervegt. I am the daughter of Herman Vandervegt DOB: 03/11/1948. Dad retired as a Senior Sergeant, from Leeton Police Station in 2002. He was in the police force from 21/05/1973-04/10/2002.
Dad has had heart disease / cardiac issues since 1996 which was also the year he had a triple bypass. 23/03/2015 he had his next bout of cardiac issues which took him through 7-8 heart attacks in 3-4 weeks, multiple admissions to St Vincents Hospital, Leeton Hospital, Wagga Wagga Hospital and Griffith Hospital, eventually resulting in end stage heart failure with less than 15% heart function. As it was the end of the road, we (dad, sister and I) decided to accept surgery of a LVAD (left ventricular assist device) which is a pump inserted into the left heart ventricle that forces injection and contraction of the heart to maintain circulation of blood and oxygen. After coming close to death so many times following this surgery, he finally turned the corner and spent 3 months in rehab. The LVAD essentially gave him life again, nothing close to the life he knew, but he was alive, and that was all that mattered to him. He was then placed on the heart transplant list, awaiting a donor heart.
On the morning of 16/02/2106 we received the phone call we had been praying for… A donor heart was a match. It had only been 6 months following the LVAD surgery, but this chance may never have come around again and whilst too early for our liking, he made his way via the first flight out of Leeton.
Surgery took place at 12pm and finally was completed at 1:30am. Whilst the heart transplant went ok, there were major complications removing the LVAD and things sadly went down hill from there. Major abdomen bleeds, several clots in the aorta and following, a massive heart attack which again, put him back into end stage heart failure resulting in only 5% heart function. No human can sustain “life” with 5% heart function. We requested they just give him some more time and let his poor body heal. A couple of days later we were informed his heart was worsening and the heart “reserve” they were hoping for, was no longer. My sister and I were asked to remove all support. Over several days it was evident that dad just could not conquer this fight, he’d given it everything, his all, and we had to leave him with dignity. Regrettably after removing support dad passed quickly on 04/03/2016.
If there is any other information I can assist with, please contact me.
Regards
Deanne Vandervegt
On behalf of all us old and retired Police, may your father forever Rest In Peace.
Cal
Email from Neville Briggs
Former Inspector, Singleton, NSW
I was saddened to see the announcement of the passing of Herman Vandervegt.
All that I could add to his history is that in the early eighties, Herman was one of the mobile Breath Analysis Operators ( The BAS operators in Sydney ) I met him in that role at the old no. 9 Division, Burwood.
Between 1986 and 1990, I was stationed at Punchbowl in Sydney and Herman was a shift Sergeant in those years at Punchbowl, 13 Division.
One amusing incident that I always remember is that one of the Punchbowl Constables came to me to complain that she couldn’t work with Herman on the night shift. The reason, I was told, was that in the car Herman played a radio station all night that only featured Country & Western music, and Herman knew all the songs and sang along with them all. The poor Constable was distraught. Lol.
Neville Briggs,
Former Inspector, Singleton NSW.
Stations: ?, Richmond LAC, Transport Investigation Branch, Mt Druitt ( 27 Division ) around 1999, Surry Hills ( as a Sgt ), South Penrith, NSW Police project team arranging emergency services response to World Youth Day, Lismore ( Sgt )
Service: From? ? 1989to? ? 2015 Resignation = 26 years Service
Lismore police sergeant Matt Jacka at the Lismore roundabout where he and fellow off-duty officers arrested the man involved in yesterday’s road rage incident.
I have now resigned from work in order to study full time, but I worked in General Duties police for the past 26 years. During that time I did spend 12 months attached to the NSW Police project team arranging the emergency services response to the World Youth Day event.
A ROAD rage bully met his match when he leapt from his vehicle and attempted to intimidate motorists on the Bangalow Road in Lismore yesterday morning.
Much to the delight of fellow road users, the 26-year-old man from Brunswick Heads, who was seen driving dangerously and aggressively between Boat Harbour and Lismore, got more than he bargained for when the first driver he threatened turned out to be an off-duty police officer on his way to work.
If the driver thought that was unlucky, fate conspired even further with a second off-duty officer, Lismore police Sergeant Matt Jacka, also waiting in the queue, and a third officer pulling up just moments after that.
The maverick motorist was arrested and taken to Lismore police station and will face court on a range of traffic charges next month.
He was later taken to Lismore Base Hospital for blood and urine tests.
Sgt Jacka said he was following a fully-laden petrol tanker into Lismore, which he said was driving carefully in the dangerous conditions, when he was overtaken by the speeding driver after being tail-gated for about 30 seconds himself.
“He disappeared into the distance, but we caught up with him in the 60km/h zone in Lismore, where he appeared to be menacing drivers by slowing to 25 or 30km/h,” Sgt Jacka said.
“He then sped up at the next overtaking opportunity near the Westpac helicopter base, apparently to prevent other drivers from overtaking him.”
Police are still piecing together the sequence of events leading up to the incident and have appealed to any witnesses with information who were travelling to Lismore on the Bangalow Road before 6am yesterday to contact them.
The aggressive driver was seen dangerously tail-gating and overtaking traffic in dark and wet conditions near Bexhill before impeding traffic at Lismore’s city limits.
He eventually stopped his light blue, late model Ford Falcon utility in the middle of the road at the roundabout at St Carthage’s Cathedral and the BP petrol station about 6am, and was seen running at vehicles shaking his fists and yelling abuse.
Sgt Jacka and his police colleagues were more than happy to accommodate the man’s ‘issues’ back at the Lismore police station.
“You need your wits about you on that road as it is, let alone in dark, wet and foggy conditions,” he said.
“We highly recommend that drivers report such incidents and we will always follow up where we have a registration number.
“But it is important to exercise extreme caution and slow down or pull over if you deem it necessary.
“Get a rego number if possible, but never confront or antagonise aggressive drivers.”
There are heavy penalties for road rage in NSW, including permanent licence disqualification, fines up to $5500 and/or two years’ imprisonment.
Ian Borland: Brian was my Sergeant at Blacktown. A great bloke and a knowledgeable officer with a great sense of humour. Our shift was extremely close knit largely because of his way of running it. Rest in Peace Sergeant.
Paul Bernard Scott: I had the pleasure of working with Brian Fethers @ Fairfield in 70-71, agree with Borlo’s comments, very pleasant bloke, pleasure to work with, Condolences to his family.
Kevin Bishop: Yes, like Col BELL Brian Fethers was our Relief Sergeant at Blacktown. RIP Brian Fethers
Passed away peacefully, after a long illness on March 8, 2016.
Loving son of Max and Maude (Jo), (both dec). Beloved husband of Helen. Dearly loved father and father in law of Kim and Peter, Megan and Peter, Jann and Phillip. Much loved Grandad of his grandchildren Ben, Stuart, David, Michael, Jack, Samuel, Matthew, Fergus, Ruby, Harry. Loved brother of Elaine (dec). Loving uncle of John, David, Caroline.
The family would like to extend their thanks to the staff of 3rd Level, Wollongong Private Hospital.
Aged 91 Years
God has you in his keeping,
we have you in our hearts
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service for Rex to be held at Uniting Church, 122 Princes Highway Dapto on Tuesday 15th March, 2016 at 11:30am.
GOSFORD. Saturday. Constable Rex Lionel Rienecker, 30, of Gosford traffic police, was injured in a collision on the Pacific Highway, five miles north of Gosford, this afternoon.
He was chasing a speeding driver when his motor cycle collided with a vehicle which came out from a side road.
Constable Rienecker was hurled to the road.
An ambulance this evening took him 53 miles to Newcastle District Hospital, where he was admitted with a fractured right forearm, severe abrasions to the head and legs, and possible fractured ribs.
The Gosford Times & Wyong District Advocate Friday 12 March 1954 p1
Police promotions
Three Gosford police constables Rex Rienecker, R. J, Sawers, and Dick Cox, have been promoted to constables 1st class. The promotions have been held up for some time because appeals by police in other areas against promotion to other men, had to be heard first. Const. Rienecker, of Gosford’s traffic branch, has been two and a half years in the district. Const. Sawers, the lock up keeper, has been 19 months here, while Det. Cox has been in Gosford for two years.
Ted Collins:Big man. Loved a schooner or two. Traffic Sgt at Campsie for many years rest in peace . Great memories.
Barry Jones: Joe helped me with my first departmental over some shitty complaint. That night at Bankstown he showed me the power of the written report. His response was a pure work of art. The only thing missing was the words ……”Once Upon A Time” at the beginning. I still have that Roget’s Thesaurus he convinced me to buy in 1977 sitting on my desk. The other thing I remember about Joe was his stand up blues with Tom Gerdes, now they were different. Going to miss you big fella.
Ted Collins: Barry Jones. He had that enigma about him. Very very good touch typist. Nothing for him to pitch in and type the synopsis or charge sheets on a wicked night shift. Jump in a car and whiz them into town if we missed the mailman. Never like some sitting there studying the stud book. Gee whiz didn’t he have some stand up blues. The office rocked . He never backed down.
It is with heavy hearts that we report the death of a serving QPS member today. Our deepest condolences to family, friends and the entire Centenary Patrol Group in Brisbane. We understand that your friend and colleague was a highly valued and extremely well thought of member of your team.
To all directly involved, we cannot ease your pain but rest assured that our thoughts, and those of all your blue brothers and sisters nation wide are with you now…
Out of respect for friends and family, details at this point have been withheld. Should anyone need a little extra help right now, Blue HOPE stands ready…
