APRIL 2013 PoliceMonthly 27

Colleagues and friends of the late Snr Cst David Rixon VA raised well over $75,000 for his family and for Police Legacy, thanks to “phenomenal community support”.

STORY BROOKEEGGLETON,VKG

At 6am on Monday, 25 February, officers from the Tuggerah

Lakes, and Brisbane Water LACs began a 350 km walk that ended at Tamworth Police Station for the Our Mates, Our Families fundraiser.

More than 150 members of the NSWPF participated in the relay-style walk, which crossed through six LACs including Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Central Hunter and the Hunter Valley.

Snr Cst David Rixon of the Tamworth Highway Patrol was sadly killed while on duty in March 2012. The walk ended on Saturday, 2 March to commemorate the anniversary of his tragic loss.

Tuggerah commander and enthusiastic walker, Det Supt David Swilks said the event was an enormous success and described the community support as phenomenal.

“Our priority was not necessarily raising funds, but raising awareness of the supportive culture we share in the NSW Police Force and how instances such as what happened to David Rixon impact on all of us,” he said.

While on the walk, passing cars continuously beeped and officers were frequently approached with messages of support and donations from members of the public.

The Murrurundi public school passed along donations from students, while a local coffee shop proudly gave all the money from their tip jar.

Det Supt Swilks said there was an overwhelming response from the silent majority that consistently support police.

“People were saying thank you on the street and their appreciation was really more than just support – it was brilliant,” Det Supt Swilks said.

At 8am on Saturday 2 March at

Tamworth Police Station walkers were joined by the Commissioner Andrew Scipione and other members of the Commissioner’s Executive Team to lower the flag and unveil a memorial plaque in David Rixon’s honour.

Snr Cst Rixon’s family – who participated in the walk – was also present at the unveiling.

Det Supt Swilks described the day as a very special event, which saw an emotional outpouring from all who attended.

“I think David Rixon’s wife Fiona appreciated the support and the indication across the board that what happened to her husband has not been forgotten and never will be,”

Det Supt Swilks said. “All who participated in the walk

should be congratulated for their strong resolve while covering some hard terrain in challenging weather conditions. It was an honour to be in their company.”

“A special thank you to Insp Col Lott and his band of St Johns first aiders, Tracey Freeman and Phil O’Reilly who organised an event at the Tamworth Diggers that raised $8000, Det Insp Guy Guiana who walked the furthest completing 230km and finally, The Entrance MP Chris Spence, whose support was a major contributing factor to the overall success of the event.”

350 KILOMETRES FOR OUR MATES, OUR FAMILIES