Help request
Dear Andy
Former police officer and now voluntary carer, Laurie Scherer, recently
sought my help in assisting a fellow-retiree. I now, in turn, write
to you to appeal for help through The Readout.
Laurie told me of retired senior sergeant, Doug McMurray, who, in
the Perry Park Hospital, Port Noarlunga, is now suffering dementia
and unable to walk without assistance.
Once a tall, well-built man with jet-black hair, Doug played for
the police football team 30-odd years ago. He was said to be a very
good ruckman.
Our request is for someone to volunteer to take Doug on a once-a-week
morning walk. Perhaps the task might suit another retired officer
who lives in the vicinity of the hospital. We look forward to a charitable
response.
Best regards
Les Morris
President
Retired Police Officers Association
Grandson can take pride
The Editor
As I lost my father at an early age and never knew my paternal grandfather,
I can appreciate the void in the life of Constable Adam Barney as
outlined in Never to be Mates (Police Journal, Sept
2003).
I did, however, have the comradeship of his grandfather, Ronald Cyril
Huddy, firstly as a fellow junior constable in wartime 1941, and subsequently.
Ron Huddy was a well liked member of “O” Troop. Intelligent and
mature for his age, he possessed an innate dignity coupled with a
quiet but firm personality. His strong build was reflected in his
skill in the boxing ring, but contrasted by his nature which was never
aggressive, but gentlemanly and courteous at all times.
A good horseman, he was also a member of the Bugle Band, and as
such was one whose calls dictated our working day from reveille to
retreat at night. In 1945 he was one of five junior constables seconded
to the Northern Territory for two years. Sadly only two (Bruce Evans
and Kevin Breen) are alive today.
His subsequent service with SAPOL revealed him as a superior performer.
Had he lived, his abilities would undoubtedly have taken him to a
high level. His death was a sad loss for his comrades by whom he was
greatly respected. His grandson can justifiably take pride in the
man his grandfather was and his police service.
Ray Killmier
Grateful for support
Dear Sir
Kimberley and I would like to thank the Police Association for its
support since the death of my husband, Phil Elshaw. We were particularly
touched by Brett Williams’ article about Phil’s career in the Police
Journal (Sept 2003).
Furthermore, we would like to express our gratitude to all the members
of SAPOL who attended Phil’s funeral, sent us cards and flowers and
visited our home at Magill to check on our welfare.
A special thank you to Assistant Commissioner Graham Brown, who
personally presented to me posthumously Phil’s service medals. To
Senior Sergeant Ian Buckley and those members of Phil’s team at Parks
Traffic, our sincere thanks for performing the flag-folding ceremony.
Pauline Elshaw
