38 PoliceMonthly APRIL 2013

SITREP

Colleagues of the late Det Insp Bryson Anderson VA were treated to a special canine visitor in February. English Springer Spaniel puppy, ‘Bryson’, was taken to Windsor Police Station to spend some time with his namesake’s workmates.

The visit was the puppy’s first socialisation outing, which is an integral part of police dog training. A/Commander Supt David Jones said the visit was just as important to the officers as it was to the puppy’s development.

“Bryson is one of eight in a litter born last December,” he said. “As all puppies were given names starting with the letter B, this was also a chance to honour the late Det Cst Bill Crews VA.”

Police puppy Bryson with Cst Christine Nelson on a recent visit to Hawkesbury LAC

On 3 February 1865 Snr Cst John Ward was shot by the Chinese bushranger, Sam Poo who was hiding in the bush near Coonabarabran. Two drovers found the officer with a fatal gunshot wound in the groin. He died of his injuries the following day and was buried in a paddock on his property ‘Birriwa Station’.

Sam Poo was later shot during another gun battle with police. He survived his injuries and was sentenced to hang in the Bathurst gaol later that year.

As part of our 150 year celebrations, Coonabarabran police restored his simple grave and marked it with a remembrance garden, built by officers attached to Coonabarabran Police Station. The team thanked their generous sponsors the Police Bank, the Police Association, the Retired Police Association and members of the executive.

Lachlan LAC has a new Nissan Pulsar, sponsored by Frank Spice Nissan at Forbes. A/Supt Rayner said the sponsor vehicle arrangement highlights how strong support from the business community can help with crime prevention. “This car will be used by officers in the Crime Management Unit for crime prevention, community engagement and other initiatives.”

Snr Cst Daniel Greef, CPO, and A/Supt Scott Rayner with Troy Hurford and Michael Killeen from Frank Spice Nissan in Forbes.

Prb Cst Kristina Buchanan, 24, from Campbelltown LAC was a star at the recent Police Games, winning eight gold medals in the track and field events: 60 metres (8.0 seconds), 100 metres (12.9 seconds), 200 metres (27.5 seconds), 400 metres (1min 06 seconds), mixed 4 x 100 metres relay, long jump, triple jump and shotput.

As a member of the Illawong Athletics Club and the Ramjets Track Club, Kristina trains up to seven times a week. She is currently in training for the National Championships next year.

The team at Campbelltown are also raising funds to help Kristina get to Belfast for this year’s World Police Games.

After 41 years as a front line police officer, Ch Insp Bill Lardner was warmly marched out of Bankstown Police Station on his last day of service in February. Ch Insp Lardner has served at Bankstown, the Drug Squad and PSC as well as the Australian Crime Commission. In that time he has mentored thousands of young officers who have worked with him. The team at Bankstown, and all of his old colleagues, wish Ch Insp Lardner all the very best in his retirement with his wife Diane and family.

APRIL 2013 PoliceMonthly 39

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In what the Commissioner called “a beautiful moment”, 10-year-old Patrice visited Waratah Police Station last year to thank a police officer for the job they do. Cst Toni Chambers was the lucky officer on the desk that day.

Patrice said she’d seen Commissioner Scipione on the TV asking members of the public to thank a police officer.

“So in she came, with mum and a box of chocolates and said to me ‘This is to say thank you for everything all the police do’,” Cst Chambers said.

Then commander of Northern Region, Assistant Commissioner Carlene York said Patrice has made a gesture that is appreciated by police at all ranks across the state.

Commissioner Andrew Scipione has honoured former rep rugby league player and referee, retired Det Insp Kevin ‘Bilko’ Roberts for his contribution to policing at a recent Men of League lunch.

After more than 41 years in the Force, Bilko retired in 1999 and last served as the Crime Manager at Harbourside LAC. The Commissioner presented him with the NSW Police Medal.

The former South Sydney player turned to refereeing in the early 1970s and umpired six State of Origin games and three grand finals.

Other professional Rugby League players who also served as police officers include Johnny ‘Chook’ Raper, Frank ‘Bumper’ Farrell, Brian ‘Chicka’ Moore, Paul Sironen, Craig Young, Paul Osborne, Jim Hall, and Jeff Emery.

Sutherland LAC won the second annual Emergency Services Mega Bash last month, raised $8000 and raised awareness for bowel cancer. In front of hundreds of onlookers the first ball bowled on the day was broadcast live on television, along with delivery of the tournament shield by PolAir.

Celebrity cricketers included NRL stars from Cronulla Sharks Todd Carney, Wade Graham, Chris Heighnington, Matt Wright and Nathan Stapleton, and Canterbury Bulldogs’ Josh Morris. They were supported by Australian junior champion Dave Murphy and a number

of State and First Class cricketers from Sutherland Cricket Club.

Sgt Jayson Heyward led the team which included Supt Julian Griffiths, Insps Craig James, Rod Hart, Matt Francis, Snr Csts Mick Hinke, John Slatter, Paul Tamblyn, Justin Gaunt, Dave Maione, Csts Crystal Lesk, Scott Morris, Matthew Bailey, Anthony Karakostas and Shane Withers.

T-shirts are still on sale for $5 each with all proceeds from the sales donated to cancer awareness. Contact Snr Cst Dave Hayes (haye1dav) for details.

The NSWPF Spokeswomen’s Network has published its first new and improved newsletter for 2013. Stories included social networking within the Spokeswomen’s Network, this year’s International Women’s Day Breakfast and profiles of two Network representatives.

You can find the newsletter on the intranet by searching for “Spokeswomen’s Network” or contact your local representative. All staff are encouraged to send ideas or topics of interest to Snr Sgt Melissa Hawkins via email hawk1mel or ph: 8835 6464 / 26464.

The Board of Directors proposes to update the NSW Police Legacy Constitution to bring it into line with the current needs of police officers and their families. All members are invited to vote on the changes at the Annual General Meeting, scheduled for 2pm on 15 May at the Sydney Police Centre, McQueen Auditorium.

More detailed information of the proposed changes will be published on the NSW Police Legacy website, www.policelegacynsw.org.au, closer to the meeting date.

NSW Police Legacy is there to support those left behind when the unthinkable happens. Ensure the security and wellbeing of your family by helping to support NSW Police Legacy by regular donations via your salary. For more information contact the NSW Police Legacy Office on ph: 9264 1311.

Bowel Cancer gets hit for six! NRL First Graders Todd Carney and Josh Morris were the stand outs, taking two wickets each. Morris even managed an unbeaten 44 with the bat, which included a massive eyes-closed pull shot over square leg