February 2003 Volume 84 Number 1 "serving the protectors"

Long memory

Dear Sir

The October issue of the Police Journal was of great interest to me, particularly the photograph of Constable Mick Galvin on point duty – circa 1958 – in the city (page 3, centre-section lift-out, Around Town).

I was born in Largs, and my memory goes back over 70 years. In those days the police station at Largs was situated at 483 Military Rd (the “new” one facing west down Jetty Rd was built in the 1930s).

In those early days of my life, the Largs police officer was Constable Galvin, Constable Mick Galvin’s father. I recall my mother telling me that the lady who lived alongside of the police station asked her: “Who was the young man requested by Constable Galvin to assist him in the arrest of a difficult culprit?”

The lady knew full well that it was my father. It is on record that he so assisted and the culprit was finally put in the lockup.

Constable Mick Galvin had a brother, Anthony, who for many years worked for the Largs Grocer, Frank Harvey. I knew Anthony very well as he delivered the groceries to our house in Roslyn St for many years.
Yours sincerely
Neil Cormack
Largs

Condolences

Dear Andy

I had intended only to write and commend Brett Williams on the article His toughest-ever challenge (Police Journal, December 2002) about Michael Nasalik’s fight against his illness, written with sensitivity, taste and empathy.

Now, sadly, I read of Michael’s passing. Would you please convey my most sincere condolences and sympathy to his family.
Rox Rosey
Victor Harbor

Touched many hearts

Dear Editor

I found out about the cruel illness that had been inflicted upon Michael Nasalik through my mother who works with Michael’s mother at an aged-care facility. It was distressing to discover that someone so young and performing such a great service to the community had been diagnosed with cancer and given such a short time to live.

I first met Naz in the late 1980s when he was a constable stationed at Holden Hill. We met through a mutual friend but I eventually moved on a couple of years later after joining the RAAF and our paths never crossed again.

A couple of weeks ago my mother called me to tell me that Naz had passed away. Having known him all those years ago did not minimize the sorrow that I felt. We are both the same age and have a young family. I could not perceive how difficult it must have been for him knowing that his family would be left to cope without his support following his death.

The article, His toughest-ever challenge, (Police Journal, December 2002) showed his inner strength and positive attitude were attributes that we could all be inspired by.

I am now a serving police officer with the WA Police Service and stationed at a town called Narrogin, 200km south-east of Perth. In our job we deal with death more times than most others but it is even more difficult when one of the police family so young and dedicated to his family and occupation is taken prematurely.

To Sam (we met years ago also) and his family, all of his friends and colleagues, my thoughts are with you. My mother also told me of the huge turnout at his funeral. A true testament to this man who obviously touched the hearts of many. RIP Naz.
Dave White
Constable 10392
Narrogin Police Station
E-mail: pd10392@police.wa.gov.au

Overwhelming support

Dear Andy

My young family and I faced an extremely tough time through the nine weeks after my husband, Naz, was diagnosed with cancer. But, through that period, we received the most amazing and overwhelming support from members of SAPOL.

Naz was particularly blown away by the kindness and generosity of those who arranged our short holiday to Queensland. We still don’t know all of those who helped make the trip possible.

Those who knew Naz will know that he was a very private person and not the kind to accept such an offer. He took it (the trip) reluctantly, but it produced priceless moments for four-year-old Shanna, who now has fond memories of her daddy patting a dolphin and meeting Terri Irwin. To all involved (and you know who you are), and to all who donated, a huge “thank you”.

I would also love to thank the Police Association, which generously contributed to the holiday. The association provided for and supported both Naz and me during that time, and continues to do so. To Trevor Haskell of Welfare Branch and Sturt LSA police chaplain, Father Chris Beal, I also say “thank you”.

To Brett Williams, the associate editor – what a guy. Thank you for giving Naz the opportunity to express his thoughts through the story (His toughest-ever challenge) in the Police Journal (December 2002). Yes, it was hard reliving it all, but it was what he wanted to do, in order to provide support for his family. And, through the story, he wanted those who knew him to know he was comfortable with them approaching him.

The photographs and story are a memory which the children can treasure and reflect upon. It honestly portrayed his courage and love for his family.

I want to mention a few of the many individuals who gave support. First, to all who worked with Naz at Sturt CIB, particularly Inspector Tank, Sgt Kym Hand, Snr Constables Annie Martin and Mark Kingsley – thank you. You guys were there from the beginning. Don’t lose touch.

To those I work with at Tea Tree Gully, Holden Hill LSA, Insp Woolacott, Snr Sgt McLean, Sgt Growler, and the hard workers, thank you. You girls keep me sane and have supported me through thick and thin. I know you will continue to do so. To all who sent flowers and cards of sympathy, thanks.

To all who attended the funeral, thank you. I am proud that Naz had influenced and inspired so many people. Your attendance encourages me to be strong, as I know that, around me, I have an abundance of good, genuine people who will support me.

To those in all other areas that Naz and I have worked, such as Holden Hill, Mounted Operations Unit, and the old Southern Command crew, thanks for your best wishes.

A big thank you to relatives, friends, neighbours and work colleagues who have contributed to completing Naz’s dream home. If only Rome was built in a day...

We are still working to fulfil Naz’s dream, and to those continuing on this project, a huge thank you.

To all members past and present, and readers of the journal, who sent their condolences, thank you. I have been overwhelmed at the response of many people to the Police Journal story. It was a true reflection of what a courageous person Naz was.

I now have his two children to love and hold, and will remain strong. My task now is to nurture these children, constantly reminding them of what a loving daddy he was. This is a task far easier than Naz was given. He remains my inspiration.

I hope I haven’t forgotten anyone. I thank you all again. To those who know me, give me a call.
Sam Nasalik

PASAweb   Index & Search   Top of Page   Comments   Email to Editor

The Police Journal Online is an official publication of the Police Association of South Australia and is published monthly. Editors of kindred publications can seek permission from the Editor to re-publish any Police Journal Online article. Copyright 2001  The Police Association of South Australia sustance