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.
Coroner urges six-monthly welfare checks after inquest into four police suicide deaths
Posted
In short: A Hobart coroner who investigated the deaths of four police officers who took their own lives has recommended Tasmania Police conduct mandatory half-yearly well-being screenings for PTSD.
What’s next? The Police commissioner says work will continue with the police association to implement changes
The family of one of four Tasmanian police officers who died by suicide between 2016 and 2020 say they hope the findings of a coronial inquest may prevent a similar tragedy in the future.
Coroner Simon Cooper has handed down his findings into the deaths of Constable Paul Hunt, Senior Sergeant Paul Reynolds, Constable Simon Darke and Sergeant Robert Cooke, recommending a swathe of welfare supports be implemented.
WARNING: This story touches on themes of depression and suicide.
During last year’s hearings, the court was told how overworked officers were self-medicating with alcohol and drugs, and of significant shortfalls in welfare support — particularly in areas such as fatigue management and protocols around interactions with the Professional Standards Command.
In his findings, Coroner Cooper, acknowledged the fact that these men were all serving police officers was “only part of the whole picture” of their lives, but he said he had “no doubt” that “Sergeant Cooke‘s police service was the direct cause of his death“.
But he said the provision of welfare support and whether it was adequate was a “central consideration at the inquest.”
He called for Tasmania Police to immediately develop and implement a fatigue management policy saying it was essential it was “addressed urgently”.
The inquest heard Robert Cooke had reportedly worked “16-hour continuous shifts for four weeks” during the Central Highlands bushfires in 2019.
This had left him “exhausted and barely functioning towards the end of the third week”.
“Tasmania Police had no fatigue management policy at any time, up to and including as recently as when the evidence at the inquest was publicly taken at the end of 2022,” he said.
“The absence of any fatigue management policy was, I consider, a direct factor in Sergeant Cooke’s death.”
The coroner also recommended six-monthly screenings of all operation police officers for post-traumatic stress disorder.
“Sergeant Cooke obviously suffered from the effects of PTSD for a long time before it was diagnosed,” he said.
“Every health care professional who gave evidence … unanimously agreed that his PTSD was entirely attributable to his service as a police officer.
“Every health care professional also agreed that earlier detection of PTSD increases the chances of successful treatment and recovery.”
Tasmania Police investigating the feasibility of “introducing a points system”, whereby an officer’s exposure to severe incidents would be tracked, was also recommended.
When a “critical points threshold” was reached, an automatic referral to a psychologist should be triggered, Coroner Cooper said.
The coroner also called for better support for officers under investigation for misconduct — including ensuring that those who had their phone seized by Professional Standards be given a replacement mobile pre-programmed with well-being support numbers.
“The death of any member of the community by suicide is a tragedy,” Coroner Cooper said.
“The suicide of serving police officers, whatever their individual circumstances, is particularly tragic for serving members of the police force and the community at large.
“My sincere hope is that some improvements and learnings can emerge from the deaths of Constable Hunt, Senior Sergeant Reynolds, Constable Darke and Sergeant Cooke.”
Families welcome findings
In a statement, Robert Cooke‘s mother Lyn and sister Michelle said they were satisfied with the findings, particularly the recommendations for a fatigue management policy and screenings for PTSD stress disorder.
“The family miss Rob terribly and hope the findings and increased support for mental health may prevent similar events in the future,” they said.
“[Our] thoughts are with all the families involved in this inquest.”
Commissioner committed to ‘safe model of policing’
Police Commissioner Donna Adams acknowledged it was a difficult time for the families and colleagues impacted by the coronial report.
She said improvements had already been made within Tasmania Police.
Strategies included “a strong peer support group, and a critical stress program” to ensure officers could access the help they needed.
But she said changes wouldn’t end there — and that Tasmania Police would work with the Police Association to examine the coroner’s recommendations.
Police Minister Felix Ellis said the government had allocated funding to “Tasmania Police and the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management’s nation-leading wellbeing program”.
“Police officers, by the nature of the job, are exposed to some pretty difficult and extraordinary circumstances, so providing that support is important,” he said.
“We want to work to make sure that policing continues to be a career or choice, and that we’re supporting our officers if they do find themselves facing challenging circumstances.”
An inquest examining the deaths by suicide by four police officers in Tasmania has heard how overworked officers were self-medicating with alcohol and drugs, were poorly served by under-trained welfare staff, with one officer enduring horrific nightmares of what he had seen in the line of duty.
WARNING: This story touches on themes of depression and suicide.
The three-weeks of hearings learned about one instance where an officer went from being a happy-go-lucky family man who was exceptionally good at his job, to an absolute wreck who couldn’t get out of bed before his eventual death by suicide.
Sergeant Robert Cooke — affectionately known as “Cookie” — had been diagnosed a year before he died in October 2020 with post-traumatic stress disorder, which was attributed to years of cumulative trauma and over-work.
Before he was placed on leave, the veteran officer of 30 years was in charge of Oatlands police station, in rural central Tasmania, which meant he was regularly on-call and would often take sole responsibility for an incident.
The inquest was given evidence that Sergeant Cooke had worked 16-hour continuous shifts for four weeks during fires in the Central Highlands in 2019, and was experiencing increased anxiety, including nightmares of the dead and burnt bodies he had seen throughout his career.
Clinical psychologist Jacqueline Prichard — who was treating Sergeant Cooke — said he could sometimes go from one traumatic incident to the next or straight into shift work before he would have had the opportunity to fully process the initial trauma.
“Your brain naturally resolves trauma in your sleep patterns in the three days following a traumatic incident, which is why it is important to get at least eight hours of sleep in the subsequent nights,” Ms Prichard said.
“If there’s no chance for sleep, or to think about the traumatic incident, then it becomes stored within the brain and can be as vivid as it was on the day.”
The inquest also heard there was a tendency among some police officers to abuse alcohol after a serious incident, which can also be disruptive to a person’s sleep pattern.
“If officers could clean out each trauma as they occurred, so they weren’t getting the cumulative effect, that would help,” Ms Prichard said.
Sergeant Cooke‘s then-partner, Senior Constable Elizabeth Carlisle, said well-meaning but under-trained people in welfare roles at Tasmania Police had a negative impact on his mental health.
Senior Constable Carlisle told the inquest she did not believe a welfare officer supporting the 49-year-old in the lead-up to his death had any formal training in assisting someone with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“Welfare officers back then were not equipped to deal with someone as unwell as Sergeant Cooke … but they are significantly better trained now,” she said.
Abused during bushfire evacuations
The deaths of Senior Sergeant Paul Reynolds, Constable Simon Darke and Constable Paul Hunt, between 2016 and 2020, have also formed part of the inquest that ended in Hobart on Friday.
Shanna Sweeney, said she contacted police after Constable Darke threatened suicide in 2011 but did not believe her concerns were taken seriously.
She said that Constable Darke was concerned he could be punished if he was seen as being vulnerable.
The inquest also heard evidence from Constable Darke’s father, Graham, who told the court the long hours during the 2019 bushfires and run of night shifts at a Hobart police station became too much for his son.
“He mentioned he had copped a lot of abuse when he asked people to leave their homes during the fires. He then went onto night shift by himself,” Mr Darke told the inquest.
The inquest was also told the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management had made significant changes to the welfare protocol as a direct consequence of Constable Hunt‘s suicide in 2016.
Constable Hunt took his own life on the same day he received an unannounced visit from Professional Standards Command (PSC) personnel over allegations that he used his police badge and other people’s driver’s licence numbers to obtain codeine and pseudoephedrine-based medications from pharmacies in Hobart.
The court was told that the 32-year-old had his personal phone confiscated and did not have a support person present at the meeting with officers from PSC when he was officially stood down from his role.
Police Inspector John Ward told the inquest that he saw the benefit of putting a system in place where a risk assessment is carried out before an officer is approached about an investigation involving them.
“I was aware that Constable Hunt had been suffering from a medical condition, but didn’t realise he was experiencing suicidal thoughts,” he said.
At the time, he was facing allegations that he had sent and received child exploitation material, and that he had groomed young men.
Director of wellbeing support at Tasmania Police, Matthew Richman, told the court, the organisation has looked at what additional early intervention opportunities could be implemented as a direct consequence of Senior Sergeant Reynolds‘ death.
“Every aspect of policing has changed dramatically from when Senior Sergeant Reynolds started his career to the time of his death, but I think there is an opportunity to rethink our wellbeing check approach,” he said.
The inquest was told it is now standard procedure for a Tasmania Police officer to be offered a replacement mobile phone if their personal one is confiscated as part of an investigation.
It also heard that significant improvements had been made regarding welfare after the deaths of the four officers, including de-stigmatising post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions.
The inquest was told that, while Tasmania Police has made improvements in staff rosters and resourcing, it is facing an 18-month delay in the publication of a fatigue-management policy.
Work is continuing between the department, the Police Association of Tasmania and the University of Tasmania to research and identify areas that regulate workloads.
Former commissioner Darren Hine said a lot of improvements had been made over the years and Tasmania Police had dramatically increased the number of welfare officers after a funding submission to the government.
“The area of welfare and mental health will never be finished. It is a growing body of knowledge and it’s something we should never stop learning about,” Mr Hine said.
Coroner Simon Cooper is expected to hand down his findings next year.
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.
Coroner urges six-monthly welfare checks after inquest into four police suicide deaths
Posted
In short: A Hobart coroner who investigated the deaths of four police officers who took their own lives has recommended Tasmania Police conduct mandatory half-yearly well-being screenings for PTSD.
What’s next? The Police commissioner says work will continue with the police association to implement changes
The family of one of four Tasmanian police officers who died by suicide between 2016 and 2020 say they hope the findings of a coronial inquest may prevent a similar tragedy in the future.
Coroner Simon Cooper has handed down his findings into the deaths of Constable Paul Hunt, Senior Sergeant Paul Reynolds, Constable Simon Darke and Sergeant Robert Cooke, recommending a swathe of welfare supports be implemented.
WARNING: This story touches on themes of depression and suicide.
During last year’s hearings, the court was told how overworked officers were self-medicating with alcohol and drugs, and of significant shortfalls in welfare support — particularly in areas such as fatigue management and protocols around interactions with the Professional Standards Command.
In his findings, Coroner Cooper, acknowledged the fact that these men were all serving police officers was “only part of the whole picture” of their lives, but he said he had “no doubt” that “Sergeant Cooke‘s police service was the direct cause of his death“.
But he said the provision of welfare support and whether it was adequate was a “central consideration at the inquest.”
He called for Tasmania Police to immediately develop and implement a fatigue management policy saying it was essential it was “addressed urgently”.
The inquest heard Robert Cooke had reportedly worked “16-hour continuous shifts for four weeks” during the Central Highlands bushfires in 2019.
This had left him “exhausted and barely functioning towards the end of the third week”.
“Tasmania Police had no fatigue management policy at any time, up to and including as recently as when the evidence at the inquest was publicly taken at the end of 2022,” he said.
“The absence of any fatigue management policy was, I consider, a direct factor in Sergeant Cooke’s death.”
The coroner also recommended six-monthly screenings of all operation police officers for post-traumatic stress disorder.
“Sergeant Cooke obviously suffered from the effects of PTSD for a long time before it was diagnosed,” he said.
“Every health care professional who gave evidence … unanimously agreed that his PTSD was entirely attributable to his service as a police officer.
“Every health care professional also agreed that earlier detection of PTSD increases the chances of successful treatment and recovery.”
Tasmania Police investigating the feasibility of “introducing a points system”, whereby an officer’s exposure to severe incidents would be tracked, was also recommended.
When a “critical points threshold” was reached, an automatic referral to a psychologist should be triggered, Coroner Cooper said.
The coroner also called for better support for officers under investigation for misconduct — including ensuring that those who had their phone seized by Professional Standards be given a replacement mobile pre-programmed with well-being support numbers.
“The death of any member of the community by suicide is a tragedy,” Coroner Cooper said.
“The suicide of serving police officers, whatever their individual circumstances, is particularly tragic for serving members of the police force and the community at large.
“My sincere hope is that some improvements and learnings can emerge from the deaths of Constable Hunt, Senior Sergeant Reynolds, Constable Darke and Sergeant Cooke.”
Families welcome findings
In a statement, Robert Cooke‘s mother Lyn and sister Michelle said they were satisfied with the findings, particularly the recommendations for a fatigue management policy and screenings for PTSD stress disorder.
“The family miss Rob terribly and hope the findings and increased support for mental health may prevent similar events in the future,” they said.
“[Our] thoughts are with all the families involved in this inquest.”
Commissioner committed to ‘safe model of policing’
Police Commissioner Donna Adams acknowledged it was a difficult time for the families and colleagues impacted by the coronial report.
She said improvements had already been made within Tasmania Police.
Strategies included “a strong peer support group, and a critical stress program” to ensure officers could access the help they needed.
But she said changes wouldn’t end there — and that Tasmania Police would work with the Police Association to examine the coroner’s recommendations.
Police Minister Felix Ellis said the government had allocated funding to “Tasmania Police and the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management’s nation-leading wellbeing program”.
“Police officers, by the nature of the job, are exposed to some pretty difficult and extraordinary circumstances, so providing that support is important,” he said.
“We want to work to make sure that policing continues to be a career or choice, and that we’re supporting our officers if they do find themselves facing challenging circumstances.”
A 32-year-old Tasmanian policeman who took his own life in 2016 has been described as “gentle, kind and popular” with a “deep love for animals and his family” — and whose struggles with depression weren’t “a secret”.
WARNING: This story touches on themes of suicide, depression and substance abuse; reader discretion is advised
Constable Paul Hunt is one of four policemen whose death is being investigated as part of a coronial inquest in the Launceston Magistrates Court.
The deaths of Senior Sergeant Paul Reynolds, Constable Simon Darke and Sergeant Robert Cooke will also form part of the inquest.
All four men took their own lives in the period between 2016 and 2020.
Council assisting the coroner, Cameron Lee, said the inquest will look at the circumstances surrounding the deaths, the policy and procedures of Tasmania Police and the nature of welfare and fatigue management.
“The life of a police officer is a very dangerous one, they’re often exposed to dangerous and traumatic events,” he said.
“It’s very much the luck of the draw, one cannot unsee what they have seen.”
Constable Hunt was found dead on the July 8, 2016 at his father’s property at Mount Direction, near Launceston.
His father, Matthew Hunt gave evidence during the inquest and told the court his son battled for years with anxiety and depression and was in and out of hospital.
He told the court he first noticed signs of his son’s depression when he was visiting him for Christmas one year while Paul was working as a policeman on King Island, off Tasmania’s north-west coast.
“I believe he was first diagnosed there,” he said.
“We went over there quite regularly to visit … he met his wife Jess there.”
Questioned over drug purchases
The court heard on the day Constable Hunt died he was called in for an unannounced meeting with officers from the Professional Standards Command.
The meeting was regarding allegations he had been using his Tasmania Police badge and fake driver’s licence numbers for several years to obtain codeine-based and pseudoephedrine-based medications from a number of pharmacies in Hobart.
In early 2014, the court heard he was identified through Project STOP, which is a tool pharmacists use to track purchases, as being in the top four purchasers in Tasmania between January and August.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia said the tool is aimed at preventing the use of pseudoephedrine-based products to manufacture methamphetamine.
He was spoken to by senior police following this — and was flagged again the following September.
On 13 November 2015, he was interviewed by Professional Standards about the allegations.
On the day he died, his work station and locker were also searched and his personal phone was confiscated. He was also officially stood down from his role.
He then withdrew $600 from his joint bank account with his wife and took a taxi to Launceston, and then another taxi to his father’s property in Mount Direction.
His father Matthew Hunt was travelling at the time and wasn’t home.
Constable Hunt then sent his wife a message on Facebook on his dad’s computer saying goodbye.
“Paul had always wanted to be a policeman, and he had depression, it wasn’t a secret,” Matthew Hunt told the court.
He said his son’s wife or another person who could have offered support should have been included at the meeting with his police superiors.
“It was a pretty significant event for him,” Mr Hunt said.
The inquest also heard in the days after his death, Matthew Hunt was told by a Tasmania Police officer that “it wasn’t a compensable issue” which he said he felt was a strange thing to say.
“I checked with other family members afterwards that I had heard that correctly and they said yes,” he said.
“It was very strange … this was before the funeral.”
When asked if other members of Tasmania Police visited him afterwards, he said three had.
The inquest is continuing.
Key points:
A coroner is investigating the deaths of four Tasmania Police officers between 2016 and 2020
Paul Hunt, a constable, died by suicide in 2016 at his father’s property
The inquest heard he had been called in by the Professional Standards Unit on the day he died
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.
Deepest condolences to Randalls wife – Janean, family and friends.
My husband Sergeant Randal Moulden was one of those officers that tragically took his own life on Tuesday 29th June 2021.
He couldn’t carry the pain of the trauma of what he had experienced over the 30yrs as a serving Police officer.
He was one of a kind, Professional, Caring, Empathetic, Understanding, Passionate. These traits that not only I as a wife, but his children, his friends, his colleagues are what we loved about him.
Regardless of what he had seen, experienced and witnessed.
Every day that he put on his uniform he wore it with pride, dignity and grace, ultimately it was these traits as a serving officer that made him suffer.
To EVERYONE I can not stress this enough, PLEASE, PLEAS,E PLEASE, get help.
There is ABSOLUTELY no shame in reaching out.
As partners we are here to support, to love and to comfort those suffering. Your burden is our burden to share.
Don’t let this tragedy be in vain, lets learn from it and try to change it as death is never the answer.
To all the people that have shared their respect and Grief, there are not enough words to thank you.
This is an Audio file by Janean MOULDEN – wife of Randall MOULDEN, about the impact that his suicide has had on her, the family and Policing families.
MOULDEN (Randall Phillip):
The Commissioner of Police and all Members of the Western Australia Police Force regret the passing of our colleague, serving Police Officer, Randall Phillip Moulden, Registered Number…
Randall Moulden: Wife of cop who took own life says WA Police, State Govt still not providing enough support
Daryna Zadvirna The West Australian
Randall Moulden was a larrikin, the “fun” parent and so dedicated to his job as a WA Police officer, he literally gave his life to the role, according to his widow Janean.
She recently commemorated one year since her husband died by suicide on June 29 by spreading his ashes across the desert in Morocco.
“I had coppers ring me the next day to tell me how graphic and horrendous it was out there.
“He became very withdrawn. I just couldn’t help him.”
Finding helpful support
It was not until January 2016 that Mr Moulden realised he needed help and started seeing a counsellor employed by WA Police.
“Then in the August, the counsellor said, ‘I can’t help you. You need medication,'” Ms Moulden said.
“He just felt like it was just a horrible thing to say, you know?
“So then he was just sort of left stranded.”
It wasn’t until he found Soldiers and Sirens, a free not-for-profit service for veterans and first-responders, that Mr Moulden’s health began to improve.
The service was co-founded by Danielle Baldock, a psychologist and former police officer who felt there was a gap in support for police and other emergency services staff.
“There was no service for first responders that was independent and external and confidential,” Ms Baldock said.
“One of the big concerns that officers have is that if they go to their internal support it might limit their career in some way.
“That’s not a reality, it’s more of a perception. The WA Police psych unit is amazing — they do great work.”
Ms Baldock said because police officers were often hesitant to seek counselling through their workplace she was motivated to provide external support.
“We wanted to provide this separate space where they could come together and be a community,” she said.
‘A massive improvement’
Ms Moulden said the counselling Soldiers and Sirens provided to both her and her husband was a godsend.
“He was doing amazing, he really was. Every time he saw Danielle he walked out with bounce in his step, a smile on his face,” she said.
“He had made such a massive change this year.”
Ms Moulden said the key difference was that the service was independent and staffed by people who had lived experience in emergency services.
“It’s the essential ingredient. You cannot speak to someone who does not have a clue about trauma,” she said.
“And there is a genuine fear out there.
“I’ve spoken to many police officers and they all say the same thing, that they would not go to the police psychiatrist or the police doctor — not when the commissioner is in the same building. You can’t be honest.”
Funding discontinued
Soldiers and Sirens received initial start-up funding from the federal Department of Communities as well as bulk-billing fees from Medicare and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
However, at the end of June the federal funding ended and has not been renewed.
“We were hoping in the time that we could fundraise, that we could apply for the grants and get some funding from somewhere,” Ms Baldock said.
“But unfortunately, with the COVID situation, we just haven’t been able to secure any further funding.
“So on the first of August we shut our doors.”
Service closure ‘daunting’
Ms Moulden said the news that the service was closing devastated her husband as he faced the prospect of having to re-tell his story to a new psychologist.
“He had built a rapport with Danielle and that’s half the key,” she said.
“The thought of going to another psychologist is daunting; you’ve got to keep reliving it. It’s cruel.”
In June, Mr Moulden died by suicide.
His death has motivated his wife to fight for funding for the Soldiers and Sirens service.
“I know that he would want me to speak up [and] speak about my own experience,” Ms Moulden said.
“Not just for me, but for anyone suffering. He would want me to be their voice.”
Request for state funding
Soldiers and Sirens is now hoping the WA state government will provide the additional funding needed for the service to remain accessible.
“We want there to be no barriers to entry,” Ms Baldock said.
“[So] that you can ring up and get an appointment straight away within a couple of weeks without lots of triage barriers in the way, and we really wanted it to be free.
“WA Police are amazing. They paid for all of the sessions for their officers. We were also cost-recovering from Medicare and DVA and the places that we could, but unfortunately, it just wasn’t enough to sustain us.”
In a statement, Minister for Police Paul Papalia said the WA government provided funding to the WA Police Force for “a range of wraparound services through the Health and Welfare Division”.
“In addition to internal outreach services which include 24/7 access to on-call clinical psychologists and chaplains, officers are able to access private psychological and psychiatric support services from a network of external providers,” the statement said.
“Soldiers and Sirens is one of a number of those approved external providers which police officers are able to access.”
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.
* 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.
Cop refused to seek WA Police force’s help before taking own life
By Aaron Bunch
A WA Police officer who took his own life after becoming disillusioned with his job had refused to undertake mental health counselling with the force for fear his reputation would be tarnished, an inquest has heard.
Senior Constable Cameron Fyfe died at home on June 20, 2021 after drinking heavily amid bouts of depression following a series of on-the-job incidents that threatened his safety.
The 27-year-old was prescribed antidepressant medication, which he took irregularly, and his family and friends had made numerous pleas for him to seek mental health support after he told his father he was having suicidal thoughts.
“Mr Fyfe made it clear to his loved ones that he did not want to involve the police force in pursuing any mental health assistance,” counsel assisting Sarah Tyler told the Coroner’s Court of Western Australia on Tuesday.
Fyfe’s father suggested reaching out to the police employee assistance program. Fyfe refused, saying there was a stigma attached to doing so.
The constable did, however, tell his family that he was seeing a psychologist, who diagnosed him with major depression.
It came after a series of incidents that left Fyfe questioning whether he wanted to remain a member of the force, including responding to the death of a baby, and a family violence incident where he was hit in the face.
“The person said to have struck Mr Fyfe was found not guilty after trial,” Tyler told State Coroner Rosalinda Fogliani.
In November 2020, the officer was spat on as he attempted to arrest an offender.
“Saliva entered Mr Fyfe’s mouth,” Tyler said.
He was forced to undergo blood screen testing and quarantined for two weeks due to COVID-19 laws amid the global pandemic.
“While quarantined, Mr Fyfe (again) expressed to his family his disillusionment with the police force,” Tyler said.
On the evening of June 19, 2021, Fyfe drank whiskey alone at his home while exchanging text messages with his parents, his girlfriend and ex-partner.
In the early hours of the next morning, he told his father that he’d stopped taking his antidepressant medication because it impacted his libido.
Fyfe then sent a message to his mother saying he couldn’t live his life on medication.
The next morning, his parents and partner sent messages to Fyfe, but he did not respond.
By the afternoon, Fyfe’s parents drove to their son’s home address, and his father used his key to go inside.
He found Fyfe’s lifeless body in his computer gaming chair in his study.
A post-mortem showed very high levels of alcohol in Fyfe’s system.
A police investigation did not identify any evidence to suggest another person was involved in the death.
During that investigation, it became apparent that the police force did not hold any information about the officer’s reported mental health issues.
The inquest continues.
AAP
Crisis support is available from Lifeline on 13 11 14. Support is also available from Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
A coronial inquest into the suicide of a young first class constable is examining the WA Police force’s off-duty firearm access rules as well as mental health safety and support for officers.
Key points:
WA Police first class constable Cameron Fyfe took his own life in June 2021
A coronial inquest into his death is underway in Perth
His father, sister and uncle were in the coroner’s court for the hearing
WARNING: The following story contains details that may distress some readers.
Cameron Fyfe was 27 when he killed himself at his home in June 2021.
A coronial inquest into his death has heard Mr Fyfe had been struggling with his mental health for some time, and while he was getting support privately – including being medicated at times — he appeared to have hidden his situation from his workplace, telling his father there was a stigma attached to seeking support internally.
State Coroner ( W.A. ) Ros Fogliani is heading up the inquest at Perth Coroner’s Court, exploring specific issues including:
Why Mr Fyfe had access to his police issue firearm within his home while off duty, and
Safety considerations in the context of mental health, in relation to serving police officers having access to police issue firearms in their homes while off duty.
Counsel assisting the coroner Sarah Lynton began by giving a brief overview of Mr Fyfe‘s life, with his father Brett — who discovered his son’s body — his sister Anna and his uncle sitting in court.
Ms Lynton mentioned several incidents throughout the later years of Mr Fyfe‘s life where he had shared with family members he was struggling with his mental health.
Jobs affected wellbeing
She told the court Mr Fyfe attended confronting jobs throughout his work, one of significance being the death of a baby and another where he was struck in the face when attending a family violence incident.
The court was told that in 2017, Mr Fyfe told his then partner and his father he had gone to The Gap in Albany, where he was working at the time, and contemplated taking his own life.
A number of further red flags were noticed by Mr Fyfe‘s family and loved ones, including that he was experiencing sleeping difficulties and mood swings, and was drinking alcohol heavily on his rostered days off.
In 2018, when he mentioned to his partner he was considering leaving the police force, his loved ones again suggested he seek mental health support.
Ms Lynton told the court Mr Fyfe made it clear he did not want to involve his work in pursuing any mental health assistance, later telling his father there was a stigma attached.
In 2019, Mr Fyfe was assessed by his GP and prescribed antidepressant medication, which he soon stopped taking.
Then in 2020, a person spat on Mr Fyfe while he was attempting to arrest them, at which point some saliva entered his mouth.
The COVID pandemic was well underway at that time and Mr Fyfe was quarantined for two weeks, telling his family he was feeling disillusioned with the police force.
Ms Lynton said Mr Fyfe‘s father had understood that his son’s reluctance to seek assistance through the police force’s mental health support unit was due to his concerns it could see him taken off operational duties, which could affect his pay and impact his ability to cover his mortgage.
At this time, towards the end of 2020, Mr Fyfe told his dad he had been seeing a private psychologist who had diagnosed him with major depression. Medical records show he had a mental health care plan and was on medication, which he took irregularly.
Police gun taken home
In 2021, Mr Fyfe started with the Traffic Motorcycle Group, which allowed him to take his own police motorcycle home — as well as his police-issued firearm.
Ms Lynton told the court officers are occasionally allowed to keep their police-issued firearm, ammunition and other accoutrements at their home address.
She said Mr Fyfe had been drinking and communicating with friends and family on the evening of June 20, 2021 at his home.
The next day, when no-one had heard from him, his parents went to his house and discovered his body.
Toxicology analysis showed very high levels of alcohol in Mr Fyfe’s system and the forensic pathologist determined the cause of his death was a self-inflicted gunshot injury.
Stigma in seeking help
A number of police investigations have taken place since his death, including an external review into allegations Mr Fyfe might have been bullied, but nothing was substantiated.
Ms Lynton said it appeared Mr Fyfe had hidden his mental health issues from work, with no evidence of him seeking help identified in the system.
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.
Senior police officer found dead at work in horrifying discovery in Melbourne’s inner south
Police have confirmed the death of a senior sergeant who was found at a police station in Melbourne’s inner south.
WARNING: Confronting.
Jessica Wang
less than 2 min read
January 14, 2023 – 1:44PM
NCA NewsWire
WARNING: Confronting
A senior Victoria Police officer has been found dead at a station in Melbourne’s inner south, police have confirmed.
Victoria Police confirmed the death of the senior sergeant which happened at around 7.30pm on Friday.
A spokesman confirmed he was not on-duty at the time.
“It is with great sadness that we can confirm a senior sergeant has taken his own life on Friday 13 January, ( 2023 )” a statement from Victoria Police reads.
“The male police officer was located deceased at the station just before 7.30pm.
“His death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the coroner.”
The senior sergeant’s death has sent shock waves around the police community.
The Police Association of Victoria shared their condolences and said the officer’s family and colleagues will be taken care of.
“We can confirm reports of a non-operational incident that occurred at the Moorabbin police station yesterday afternoon where a police member has sadly passed away,” read a post made on social media.
“Our thoughts are with the family and colleagues of the deceased member who will be supported by The Police Association and Victoria Police.”
In a Facebook group dedicated to fallen members of the force, one member said it was a “sad day” for the force.
“RIP Sarge,” he wrote.
“Rally around the troops and make sure they’re okay.
“It’s going to be hard for them.”
Former police officer and Opposition corrections spokesman Brad Battin also shared his condolences.
“My thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of a life gone too soon,” Mr Battin, who is also the MP for Berwick, shared on social media.
“Today, reach out and thank all police for the stress and pressure they put themselves and their family under to protect our community.
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.
**********
Cal
24 February 2024 Above newspaper article discovered by me on 23 Feb 2024 relating to this 2023 suicide
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 Victorian police force has been rocked by its second suicide within weeks after an officer took his own life while on duty at a Melbourne station.
The male officer was found dead at Glen Waverley police station, in the city’s south-east, just after 12.30pm on Friday.
The tragedy comes after officer Rowan Andrews, 38, was found dead at Laverton Railway Station, in the city’s inner-west, during the early hours of January 12. He was not on duty at the time.
Victoria Police said the exact circumstances surrounding the latest death are being investigated.
But the death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
Meanwhile, devastated friends have flocked online to pay tribute to the young male officer.
In one touching post, a man urged others to be kinder to emergency services personnel as they have tough jobs protecting the community.
‘Rest in peace young man,’ he began.
‘Police officers are human too but the sadness hits them a lot harder than [the] normal public as they deal with a lot of negativity in their usual work day.
‘Just because they wear a uniform, doesn’t mean they are bullet proof. If you’re married to them or are in a relationship with them, then it becomes your responsibility that you understand and keep an eye on what they’re going through.
‘A gentle tap on the shoulder at the right time can make a difference between life and death.
‘If you’re going through something then please make sure that you talk, talk to someone.’
Tragedy Strikes Twice: Second Victorian Police Officer Found Dead in Melbourne
The recent deaths of two Victorian Police officers have highlighted the urgent need for better mental health support within the force. As investigations continue, colleagues and the wider community call for action to address the challenges faced by emergency services personnel.
In the quiet corridors of the Glen Waverley Police Station, a somber mood prevails as news breaks of a male police officer found dead, marking a distressing pattern of loss within the Victorian Police force. This incident, not being treated as suspicious, casts a long shadow over the force, coming just weeks after the death of Officer Rowan Andrews at Laverton Railway Station. The community and colleagues alike reel from the impact, sparking a renewed focus on the mental health of those who serve and protect.
Remembering the Fallen
The recent losses have sent ripples through the heart of Victoria’s emergency services community. Officer Rowan Andrews, remembered fondly as a great leader and a steadfast friend, left a legacy of dedication and service. His untimely departure last month has been mourned by family, friends, and former football teammates, who all recalled his unwavering support and leadership. The identity of the officer found at Glen Waverley remains undisclosed, but the tributes flowing in underscore a shared sentiment of grief and respect for the sacrifices made by those in uniform.
A Call to Arms for Mental Health Awareness
These tragic events spotlight the urgent need for comprehensive support systems for emergency services personnel. The strenuous demands and high-stress situations inherent to police work often take a significant toll on officers’ mental well-being. Colleagues of the deceased Glen Waverley officer have paid tribute not just with flowers and memories, but with calls for action to enhance mental health awareness and support within the force. They emphasise the importance of acknowledging the challenges faced by emergency services staff and the critical need for accessible, confidential support services.
Investigations and Reflections
As investigations into the precise circumstances of the Glen Waverley officer’s death continue, the incident is not currently being treated as suspicious. A report will be prepared for the coroner, in the hope of shedding light on the events leading up to this tragedy. Meanwhile, the Victorian Police force, together with the wider community, reflects on the need for vigilance in supporting the mental health of its members. It’s a poignant reminder of the hidden battles faced by those who work tirelessly to ensure public safety.
In the aftermath of these losses, the conversation around mental health in high-pressure professions has been reignited. The message is clear: support services and open dialogues about mental health are indispensable. As the Victorian Police mourn the loss of two of their own, the imperative to care for those who care for us has never been more evident. Let these tragedies not be in vain but serve as a catalyst for change and heightened awareness around the mental health challenges faced by emergency services personnel.
A Victorian police officer has been found dead at a Melbourne police station
By Tess McCracken
NCA NewsWire
Victoria Police has been rocked by the death of a second officer in more than a month
A police officer was found dead at the Glen Waverley Police Station shortly after 12.30pm on Friday.
Victoria Police said the death is not being treated as suspicious at this stage and the exact circumstances are currently being investigated.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
The death comes nearly four weeks after police officer and local footballer, Rowan Andrews, was found dead at Laverton Railway Station, 25km from the Melbourne’s CBD.
The married father of two, aged 33, was not on duty when his body was found in the early hours of January 12.
Mr Andrews’ family and friends have remembered him as a “great bloke” who was loved by everyone.
A former coach of the footballer described him as a “rock” and said he has received “thousands (of) calls from all over Australia” since Mr Andrews’ passing.
“He was just a natural leader, he was a bloke in the trenches with you, he was not a loud mouth, he was just a great bloke,” Chris Rourke, who was the senior coach at the north Canberra based club when Andrews joined, told the Herald Sun.
“He would be the last person you would ever think would leave us. He was a rock for his family, a rock for the footy club, he was Mr Dependable.”
In a post on Facebook, Ainslie football club, which Mr Andrews joined in 2009, offered its condolences to Mr Andrew’s family.
“Rowan joined the Ainslie Football Club in 2009 and made an instant impact not only with his uncompromising training habits but his fearless and tough way of playing football in the Ruck. He led the way and set the tone for many games,” a spokesman for the club said.
“Two time Premiership player in 2010 & 2011, Rooster played 80 Senior games with the club.”
“Our sincere condolences to Alice, Max & Zac and to their extended 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.
Formerly of Tamworth, Allambie Hts – Late of Beacon Hill, NSW and resident of Narrabeen Glades Community Care, Warriewood, NSW
Relations in ‘the job’:
“possible” relation in ‘the job‘: ?
NSW Police Training Centre – Redfern – Class # 095A
NSW Police Cadet # 1633
New South Wales Police Force
Regd. # 10703
Rank: Commenced Training at Redfern Police Academy as a Police Cadet on Monday 5 December 1960 ( aged 16 years, 6 months, 10 days )
Probationary Constable- appointed 25 May 1963 ( aged 19 years, 0 months, 0 days )
Constable – appointed ? ? ?
Constable 1st Class – appointed 25 May 1968
Detective – appointed ? ? ? ( YES )
Senior Constable – appointed 25 May 1972
Leading Senior Constable – appointed ? ? ? ( N/A )
Sergeant 3rd Class – appointed ? ? 1979 ( YES )
Sergeant 2nd Class – appointed ? ? ?
Sergeant 1st Class – appointed ? ? ?
Final Rank: = ?
Stations: Cadet: The Rule Book Section – NSW Police Academy at Redfern, Mossman ( 6 Division )( Station Duties & School Crossing Duties ), Public Safety Bureau ( PSB )( Station Duties )( North Sydney )( 1961 ), Warrant Index ( Old C.I.B. building – Campbell St, Sydney ), Regents St ( 2 Division )( Traffic ), Motor Cycle section – Patrol Yard in the basement of Police HQ ( College St, Sydney )( doing the Metropolitan Mail run ),
Constable: North Sydney ( 6 Division )( ProCst )( GDs )( 1963 ), Mossman ( 6 Division )( GDs )( 1963 ), Clearway Cyclist ( 4 years ),
Chatswood ( 25 Division )( Cyclist )( Cst – Cst 1/c )( ? – 1968 ), Mona Vale ( 14 Division )( GDs & Water Bay Water Police )( 1968 – Jan 1969 ),
Plain Cloths ( 21 Division )( Jan 1969 – Oct 1969 ), Balmain ( 8 Division )( C.I. Duties )( Oct 1969 – 1975 ) – included his Detectives Training course during this time and became a Detective Senior Constable,
21 Division ( 1980s ), During the time in 21 Division ( 1981 ) – he was in foot pursuit of an escapee in Kings Cross and suffered a serious injury to his right leg – resulting in him being in a cast for nearly 12 months. He then applied for a Medical Discharge from the employ of NSWPF.
Was also a member of the Police Aero Club
Time employed ( Paid ) with NSW Police: From: 5 December 1960 to ? August 1982 = 22 years,
Service ( From Training Date ) period: From 5 December 1960to? August 1982 = 22 years Service
Retirement / Leaving age: = ?
Time in Retirement from Police: ?
Awards: Commissioners Commendation for confronting a man, armed with a knife, holding his family hostage at Drummoyne ( 1969 – 1975 )
National Medal – granted 1 September 1982 ( Sgt 3/c )
Police Ethical & Good Conduct Medal – granted
NSW Police Medal Police Medal – granted
Born: Thursday 25 May 1944 in Tamworth, NSW
Died on: Thursday 1 February 2024
Age: 79 years, 8 months, 7 days
Organ Donor: Y / N / ?
Cause: ?
Event location: ?
Event / Diagnosis date: ?
Funeral date: Friday 9 February 2024 @ 11.15am
Funeral location: North Chapel, Northern Suburbs Crematorium, 199 Delhi Road North Ryde, NSW
Wake location: Skyline Lounge, Northern Suburbs Crematorium, NSW
Wake date: Friday 9 February 2024
Funeral Parlour: Wilson Family Funerals – 02 99137131
Buried at: ?
Grave Location: Section: Row: ?Plot: ?
Grave GPS: ?, ?
Memorial / Plaque / Monument located at: ?
Dedication date of Memorial / Plaque / Monument: Nil – at this time ( February 2024 )
GRAHAM is NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance *NEED MORE INFO
FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.
KEECH
Graham Lawrence
25.5.1944 – 1.2.2024
Aged 79 years
Late of Beacon Hill
Formerly of Tamworth.
Much loved husband of Jan.
Loving big brother of Elaine and brother-in-law to Bob.
Amazing and proud father of Kelli, Shane-Maree and Kristy.
Cherished grandad of Arin, Zac, Jake, Holly, Oscar and Harry.
A great mate to his son-in-laws Robert and Daniel.
Will be very sadly missed.
A Celebration of Graham’s life will be held in the North Chapel, Northern Suburbs Crematorium, 199 Delhi Road North Ryde on Friday 9th February 2024 to commence at 11:15am.
Please join us for refreshments following the service in the Skyline Lounge.
Wilson Family Funerals
Family Owned and Operated
02 9913 7131
* 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.