October 1999 Volume 80 Number 10 "serving the protectors"
By Andy Dunn

Not To Be Failed In Death

Watching the throng of police, civilians and family bid an emotional farewell to Sgt Glen Huitson on a hot August morning in Darwin was deeply moving.

To lose any police officer to such a vicious, cowardly assault is an absolute tragedy, but to lose one so broadly respected and admired by an entire community is intolerable.

Glen Huitson wasn’t known to South Australian police, but his intensely saddened NT colleagues say he internalized every quality of the human character.

He had been decorated for bravery, bridged gaps between black and white Australians, and demonstrated extraordinary commitment to outback communities. Along with his young family, these were his passions.

In Police Death in the Territory, NTPA executive officer, Max Hill, summed up Huitson’s approach to work and life - he gave “110 per cent”.

Australian policing will be poorer for his passing.

And, now that his life has been extinguished by the single bullet of a crazed gunman, we who are left mourn this loved and important member of the police family.

But we must set aside our own sorrow and, in any way possible, provide unconditional support to Huitson’s wife and two fatherless children. They too are, and will remain, members of the police family.

Two simple means through which South Australians can offer their support are available in Adelaide. By contacting the Police Association of SA, readers of the Police Journal can buy $50 tickets in the Glen Huitson lottery. They can also donate money to the Glen Huitson Family Memorial Fund (account 035 302 204 682) at any Westpac branch.

Glen Huitson served so many in life. Let us not fail him in death.

Association Survey

The Police Association of SA distributed a survey to its entire membership last month. Respondents were guaranteed confidentiality and a named response was optional.

Conducted by Australian Business Enterprise Development, the survey’s aim was to establish members’ levels of satisfaction with association services. Moreover, the survey invited members to indicate the level of importance they placed on services they’d used.

Even the association’s style of communication was laid open for comment.

The association considers that, amid South Australia’s current industrial relations environment, ever-improving services are vital. A strong member response to the survey will guarantee continual improvement.

Results of the survey will be available to members in the coming months.

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 1999  The Police Association of South Australia sustance