Constable
Francis Laurel BURKE
YEAR OF DEATH
1961
JURISDICTION
New South Wales
DETAILS OF DEATH
On 20 January 1961 Constable Burke was holidaying on the South Coast with his family. In the afternoon of that day the family were at Kiama Beach when the Constable was informed by his son that two boys were in difficulties in an undertow. Constable Burke entered the water and swam out through the heavy surf to assist. Unfortunately the Constable collapsed during his efforts and after being seen floating face downwards in the water was carried onto the beach. He failed to respond to resuscitation and was conveyed to the Kiama District Hospital where life was pronounced extinct. The Constable was born in 1927 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 20 June 1955. At the time of his death he was stationed at Redfern.
