May 2002 Volume 83 Number 5
"serving the protectors"
| May 2002 Volume 83 Number 5 "serving the protectors" |
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Operational cops have no choice but to accept the dangerous nature of their work. Every day, they confront all forms of conflict, abuse and, of course, violence. Nowhere in the world will police work ever be free of these evils – or the threats they pose to cops who try diligently to diffuse them.
South Australia has a sad record of police officers – 58 in all – lost to violent acts in the line of duty. We, of course, regret their tragic deaths and memorialize those officers in many ways. Australia’s other states, too, have lengthy honour rolls for their dead police.
The police family hates but accepts the potential for some of its number to fall victim to an evil. But, neither that acceptance, nor the knowledge of past sacrifices, eases the pain of parting with loved mates. And forewarning of the risks serves as no comfort. Few ever respond with: “Ah well, we all know it can happen,” or “It goes with the job.”
With deep sadness, but also great pride, I attended two police funerals in NSW in the space of two weeks last month. Senior Constable Glenn McEnallay – shot to death by four attackers after a pursuit in suburban Hillsdale – was farewelled with intense emotion but also great dignity. So, too, was Senior Constable Christopher Thornton, who had been run off the road near Woy Woy.
Many other police funerals I had attended failed to make these two any easier to endure. The shared grief was palpable, the respect omnipresent and the spirit of oneness inspiring.
It was a privilege to see police commissioners and/or their representatives, police union officials, and community members and their leaders all stand together in honour of these fallen, and in support of their grieving families and colleagues.
But who among cops would not sacrifice all the positives he or she could draw from these sad experiences for one less police death? No one.
The Police Journal extends its deepest sympathy to the families and friends of Senior Constables McEnallay and Thornton.
Few of those who still serve with the SA Police began their careers before the 1960s. Deputy Commissioner Neil McKenzie is one who did.
Soon to be a spectator told almost a storybook tale of a long journey from callow junior constable to second-in-command of the entire organization.
The Police Journal has sometimes disagreed with his stand on police industrial issues but now wishes him and his wife, Pauline, a fulfilling retirement.
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