July 2002 Volume 83 Number 7
"serving the protectors"
| July 2002 Volume 83 Number 7 "serving the protectors" |
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ChaplaincyBig occasions |
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| By David Marr |
All of us encounter important or life-changing occasions at some time in our lives. Some involve positive and memorable encounters, right of passage celebrations or shared meaningful experiences with others. There are experiences or moments we recall joyfully, and others we would give anything to forget.
Recently, we experienced a life-changing event as we considered the life and death of a colleague. Bob Sobczak died as a result of a motor vehicle accident while performing his duties as a member of Northern Traffic Operations Motorcycles Section. Senior Constable Sobczak was buried with full police honours following a requiem mass attended by the Premier, the Police Minister, other politicians and dignitaries, commissioners (or their representatives) from other state police services, police union representatives, colleagues and friends.
It was an emotionally moving occasion on which all felt deeply for Bob’s family and friends. His motorcycle colleagues contributed their emotions, commitment, discipline and resources to provide physical assistance, support and a poignant escort for the occasion.
No one is able to understand or know just how his wife, family or close friends feel about all that has happened. They are entitled to their private feelings and experiences, however moving, painful or life-changing they might find them. Any of us might find ourselves unwittingly involved as we observe the struggles and pain of others. Bob’s passing comes at a high cost and will continue to mean different things for us all.
For many of us, the hurt we felt as we listened to the tributes and celebrated his life eases with the passing days, weeks, months and years. There is a truth about that, even for those who were closest to him, but not without the personal struggles, the memories and the array of feelings one passes through in the process of readjustment and moving on with life.
His loved ones and close friends will miss him. Personally, they will recall the former daily routines, family occasions and anniversaries, and will miss his laughter and presence at family occasions and special functions. For others of us, it raises the question of how we remember our friend or colleague – and for how long?
Any who have experienced the pain of tragedy with its untimely intrusions will quietly and sensitively remind us that “life goes on”. That is true, but it goes on differently, and sometimes there are people who are sadly left behind. That is when true friends and supporters are ultimately appreciated: they do not intrude or dominate, but are simply there to be a friend when needed.
Bob is gone from us. However, the positive aspects of his life and work can still influence us and stand as an example to emulate and standards to be achieved. We will continue to remember him, and the times we spent with him. Farewell to a friend and colleague.
SA Police Chaplains
Welfare Section 58 David Marr 8364 3567 Senior Police Chaplain. Academy 8 Brenton Daulby 8272 8324 Adelaide: 158 Vacant Adelaide Hills Division 54 Adrian Stephens 8398 2510 Office: 8398 2517 Ceduna 214 Sybil Peacock 8625 3505 Christies Beach 20 Peter Coote 8381 3039 0412 818 995 Clare 202 Michael Dutschke 8842 3681 Communications 172 David Hand 8376 5612 Elizabeth 52 Lindsay Mayes 8281 8088 Far North 210 John Folkman 8672 5011 Firearms/Records Dianna Bartlett 8337 8552 Gawler 52 Brian Tscharke 8522 2288 Glenelg 22 Malcolm Thomas 8377 0772 Henley Beach 18 Tim Kowald 8449 6868 Holden Hill 44 Rod Dyson 8365 1170 Kadina 71 Vacant Kingston 208 Mount Gambier 208 Brian Ashworth (w) 8723 1353 (h) 8725 2537 Murray Bridge 200 Malcolm Bottrill 8532 5536 Naracoorte 208 Bruce Cliff 8737 2457 0417 811 702 Norwood 60 Lynton Wade 8362 2227 0418 831 703 Nuriootpa 204 Andy Kowald 8562 1011 Port Adelaide 6 Jeff Oake 8341 5930 Port Pirie 206 Steve Ardill 8632 3977 Prosecution Services 176 Vacant Port Augusta PS 210 Mark Thomas 8642 2487 0401 671 850 Port Lincoln 214 Peter King 8682 3725 Riverland 212 Robin Zadow 8588 1540 Salisbury 53 Vacant South East Terry Natt 8571 1114 Sturt 12 Chris Beal 8278 9578 Ian Dempsey 8296 7292 Tea Tree Gully 48 Bob George 8395 9363 Thebarton Barracks 32 Vacant Transit Division Rob Packer 8332 9155 Victor Harbor Graham Rogerson (h) 8552 1718 (w) 8552 5029 Whyalla 218 Tony Redden 8649 3593
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