National Police Memorial

On this day

Probationary Constable

Andrew Thomas DIXON

YEAR OF DEATH

03 June 1987

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

In April 1987 Constable Dixon and other Police attended a serious motor vehicle accident at Mt Colah. A person trapped in the vehicle became violent when released and Constable Dixon assisted in restraining him. During the struggle the Constable was covered in a considerable amount of the injured person’s blood. It was later discovered that this person suffered from HIV/AIDS. Due to stress and concern over the disease Constable Dixon drove to the Lane Cove River Park on 3 June 1987 and committed suicide. The Constable was born in 1966 and joined the New South Wales Police Service on 18 August 1986. At the time of his death he was stationed at Pennant Hills.

On this day

Constable (Rtd)

William James WEBB

YEAR OF DEATH

03 June 1940

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

About 4.15pm on 15 July 1923 Constable Webb was the rider of a Police motor cycle outfit in Parramatta Road Burwood when he was involved in a collision with a motor vehicle travelling in the opposite direction. As a result the Constable suffered a compound fracture of the leg and abrasions to his head and body. The exact cause of the accident was not determined. Due to deteriorating health caused by his injuries the Constable was discharged medically unfit in 1931. He died on 3 June 1940 from the effects of staphylococcal pneumonia. The Constable was born in 1891 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 31 May 1917. At the time of his injury he was stationed at Burwood.

On this day

Constable

David SUTHERLAND

YEAR OF DEATH

03 June 1889

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

In the early hours of 3 June 1889 the Constable was patrolling Macleay Street Potts Point when he saw a man enter a yard and walk to the rear of a dwelling. He detained the man a short time later as he left the premises and spoke to him regarding his actions. When the man attempted to leave the Constable took hold of him and again asked what he was doing. The offender told the Constable to let him go or he would shoot him. A struggle ensued and when both men lost their balance the offender shot the Constable. While they were on the ground the offender again fired at the Constable who drew his baton and struck his attacker. Constable Sutherland was then able to take the revolver from the offender but as he was quickly losing his strength due to his wounds the offender quickly retrieved the weapon and escaped. He was very soon arrested by other police. Constable Sutherland died later that day. The death of David Sutherland was one factor which led to the general arming of Sydney Police in 1894. Country and mounted police had always been armed. The Constable was born in 1863 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 11 October 1887. At the time of his death he was stationed at Darlinghurst.