Police officer (father of 6) shot dead today

Jim Goose · 02-03-2012, 02:50 PM

While some of us lament the Police force, we sometimes forget just how difficult their job is and how dangerous it can get.

Quote:

Police officer killed in double shooting

A 40-year-old police officer who is a father of six has been killed in a double shooting in Tamworth in northern New South Wales.

Police say highway patrolman Senior Constable David Rixon was shot several times outside of a block of flats at Coledale in Tamworth about 8:00am (AEDT).

Senior Constable Rixon, who had over 20 years of experience in the force, was taken to Tamworth Hospital for treatment but died soon after.

Another man who was shot is under police guard in hospital undergoing emergency treatment.

A third man was arrested nearby and taken to Tamworth Police Station.

Joyce Glover saw the tragedy unfold.

"A police car went past and really fast, like nearly took the corner, and then next minute, bang, bang, bang," she said.

NSW Police Minister Mike Gallacher says Senior Constable Rixon was a much-liked policeman and dedicated family man.

"This is an incredibly tragic event for his loved ones, for his workmates and indeed for the state of New South Wales," he said.

Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione is heading to Tamworth and says his prayers are with Senior Constable Rixon's wife Fiona and six children.
'Day of mourning'

The shooting comes one day after NSW Police celebrated 150 years on the job - a fact that was not lost on Mr Gallacher.

"As is the nature of policing, yesterday we were celebrating, today we are mourning the loss of a police officer," he said.

"Today we have an additional name to be remembered as a fallen police officer in NSW.

"It is a day of mourning not only for NSW Police but for the entire community.

"We cannot ever underestimate the impact these events will have on the community."

NSW Opposition Leader John Robertson said his thoughts were with the officer's family and colleagues.

"It's a sad day and a reminder for all of us just what a great job our police do and the risks they take every day," he said.

Off-duty colleagues of the policeman have arrived at the scene, visibly upset with their heads in their hands.

Police have launched an internal investigation into the shooting.

**Mechan1k** · 02-03-2012, 04:26 PM

Yeah ... heard about it this afternoon from someone I know in the NSW Police Force ... was a routine pull-over for speeding ... officer was shot as he reached the driver's window.

phil545 · 02-03-2012, 04:30 PM

Far out, just a routine pull over, i guess thats why the yanks walk up with their guns drawn - trust no one!

Yellow_Festiva · 02-03-2012, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phil545

Far out, just a routine pull over, i guess thats why the yanks walk up with their guns drawn - trust no one!

And it won't be too long till it happens here.

Cop killers need to be put away till death. No if's, but's or psych reports...

gcg2503 · 02-03-2012, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yellow_Festiva

Killers need to be put away till death. No if's, but's or psych reports...

Fixed

Franco Cozzo · 02-03-2012, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yellow_Festiva

And it won't be too long till it happens here.

Cop killers need to be put away till death. No if's, but's or psych reports...

Why does someone deserve more punishment just because they targeted a cop? Shoud be the same for anyone.

Yellow_Festiva · 02-03-2012, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Damo

Why does someone deserve more punishment just because they targeted a cop? Shoud be the same for anyone.

True and agree. Mentioned cops because that was what the thread was about.

RIP Senior Constable Rixon.

wulos · 02-03-2012, 05:23 PM

Let's keep this stuff civil guys. No arguments please.
Tragic events such as this deserve our respect. It's not really appropriate for us to be showing how aggressively extremist we can be..

Dave_Obsession · 02-03-2012, 05:27 PM

RIP Senior Constable Rixon.

It's things like this that just make me wonder what is wrong with some people in the world...are people that stupid and un-educated that they actually consider this course of action (shooting dead a police officer) as something that's OK??

What also bothers me is that these same people get to vote, and that their vote counts just as much as mine...*shakes head*

A terrible tragedy, and now 6 more children in the world have to grow up without a father. It's just sad.

Jim Goose · 02-03-2012, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Damo

Why does someone deserve more punishment just because they targeted a cop? Shoud be the same for anyone.

Yes i can agree there... but it takes a certain type of sicko to apparently kill someone in cold blood (just for a pull over?).
Seems like these guys were up to no good... or about to do no good.
And Police walked into it... just doing thier job.

It is because of incidents like this that makes Police more and more nervous these days when attending "routine" jobs. Sadly it becomes like the USA... where Police shoot first.

Again its a small section of society which ends up affecting the rest of us.

I feel sorry for the Police officers family however... no one needs to go through this sort of grief.

GT0132 · 02-03-2012, 05:33 PM

Very sad day indeed. A dedicated man going about his duty and to have to suffer this kind of fate.

RIP Senior Constable Rixon and condolences to his family.

Nikked · 02-03-2012, 05:38 PM

I don't know whats happening to this town, cars are stolen almost weekly, Ambos get rocks pelted at them, dogs baited so break-ins can happen... and people as young as 10 are involved.

I was shocked to hear this, even more just to find out it was a regular pull-over.

**DJM83** · 02-03-2012, 05:59 PM

Sad world we live in.
RIP Senior Constable Rixon

gtxb67 · 02-03-2012, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Damo

Why does someone deserve more punishment just because they targeted a cop? Shoud be the same for anyone.

true in theory, but coppers are generaly only targeted because they are protecting the community and therefore annoying scum

the average person does not need to catch idiots on the road, stop violent idiots from hurting others or do drug busts. therefore they are not putting themselves in the same danger as coppers. for this reason, i believe they deserve respect

i still believe that all murderers receive a life sentence without cable tv and the other perks, but maybe the cop killers lose the 1 hour of daylight as well and spend everyday in close to darkness

NC1183 · 02-03-2012, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikked

I don't know whats happening to this town, cars are stolen almost weekly, Ambos get rocks pelted at them, dogs baited so break-ins can happen... and people as young as 10 are involved.

I was shocked to hear this, even more just to find out it was a regular pull-over.

Sounds a lot like Moree is or was, has seemed to have settled down in the last couple of years.

RIP Senior Constable Rixon.

**redxm** · 02-03-2012, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikked

I don't know whats happening to this town, cars are stolen almost weekly, Ambos get rocks pelted at them, dogs baited so break-ins can happen... and people as young as 10 are involved.

I was shocked to hear this, even more just to find out it was a regular pull-over.

Yes, a very tragic day for the community and the Police Family. I honestly dont know what is happening here, used to be a nice place to live
RIP S/C Rixon

Windsor342ci · 02-03-2012, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wulos

Let's keep this stuff civil guys. No arguments please.
Tragic events such as this deserve our respect. It's not really appropriate for us to be showing how aggressively extremist we can be..

In light of keeping this civil, something needs to be done and done very harsh. If these people have the ability to not hold any restraint to an officer who is promised to be wearing a weapon, what chance do you and I have when our house get broken into?

**Burnout** · 02-03-2012, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mechan1k

... was a routine pull-over for speeding ... officer was shot as he reached the driver's window.

The incident every Police Officer fears........

Rodp · 02-03-2012, 07:21 PM

IMO, there's nothing routine about a Police Officer's job. I'm paid 3x that of someone charged to tow the thin blue line but I'm never put in a position where my next job could turn out to be my last.

It's an underpaid and thankless (less than thankless since they 'cop' continual abuse for upholding the law) job and we've descended deeper into chaos at the death of Officer Rixon - a person who put his life on the line so that I can continue to enjoy mine. To those served and serving, you have my utmost respect.

jackson105 · 02-03-2012, 10:31 PM

RIP S/C Rixon. Thoughts are with your family

mrih8hsv · 02-03-2012, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Damo

Why does someone deserve more punishment just because they targeted a cop? Shoud be the same for anyone.

Point taken, big damo all killings should be delt with according to law and a harsh penalty given, but a police officer puts his life on the line every day for you and me. They are willing to do this so we can walk down the street safely. I think there should be a higher punishment for cop killers. If it was treated just as another murder then we might see more police killed. Im a current policing student and im paying hecs and not getting paid a cent to do it. So i think police deserve a little more respect its not an easy job. R.I.P snr cnst rixon. If any body would like to make a donation the details are below

The Police Association of NSW have announced the formation of the David Rixon Memorial Fund for Senior Constable Rixon’s wife and six children.

Contributions to the family can be made via the Police Credit Union; Account number 269978S1 (for PCU members) or BSB 815000 Account number 269978 (for contributions from other financial institutions).

Franco Cozzo · 02-03-2012, 11:57 PM

Regardless of a homeless person or the prime ministers I don't believe that a humans life is worth more or less depending on what you do/who you are.

I don't want to detract from what has happened and he deserves the attention this is getting, but regardless if they did make the laws for murdering police officers harsher that it would reduce the occurrence. I don't think this scumbag was thinking about the law when he shot dead the guy coming up to his window.

For arguments sake, lets say murdering a member of the emergency services carries a mandatory life sentence. Mr scumbag kills the first officer, he knows that he is going to be spending the rest of his life behind bars, so he kills any witnesses around in an attempt to get away rather than just giving up or running. He knows he is done for, so he won't be going out without doing Max casualties.

Unfortunately 4 kids are going to grow up without a father, a wife without a husband, a mother and father burying their son, the community loses an upstanding citizen and a family has lost its breadwinner. R I P.

Racecraft · 03-03-2012, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Damo

I don't think this scumbag was thinking about the law when he shot dead the guy coming up to his window.

R I P.

I agree with your equality setiments...but that line is the point others are making....

He was shot because the perp was thinking of the law... The law aka police don't get the coin or respect sometimes that is proportional to the risk

FTe342 · 03-03-2012, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Damo

Regardless of a homeless person or the prime ministers I don't believe that a humans life is worth more or less depending on what you do/who you are.

I don't want to detract from what has happened and he deserves the attention this is getting, but regardless if they did make the laws for murdering police officers harsher that it would reduce the occurrence. I don't think this scumbag was thinking about the law when he shot dead the guy coming up to his window.

For arguments sake, lets say murdering a member of the emergency services carries a mandatory life sentence. Mr scumbag kills the first officer, he knows that he is going to be spending the rest of his life behind bars, so he kills any witnesses around in an attempt to get away rather than just giving up or running. He knows he is done for, so he won't be going out without doing Max casualties.

Unfortunately 4 kids are going to grow up without a father, a wife without a husband, a mother and father burying their son, the community loses an upstanding citizen and a family has lost its breadwinner. R I P.

IMO you are way off the mark. A homeless person or the Prime Minister are not risking their lives for the society nor do they represent the law. By attacking a member of the force, whether it results in that members death or not, it shows a blatant disregard for the laws of the land and to the rest of society. A basic disregard of respect and a one finger salute to society and our laws that the rest of us live by.

I don't care what this oxygen thief was thinking about when the officer came up to his window, he knew he was a Police Officer, and shot him in an attempt to avoid whatever ( a traffic offence or being caught with weapons). I don't care if the scumbag ( you are too kind to the mongrel low life that he is) was off his face on drugs or alchohol, it still shows blatant disregard to the law and the rest of us.

Too many do-gooders in this world, and the sooner they bring back capital punishment the better. I believe in time, society will demand it, as I for one begrudge paying the cost of keeping and feeding these low lifes. The first politician with the guts to step and say he/she will introduce it will win in a landslide

RIP Senior Constable Rixon and condolences to his family and friends

GS608 · 03-03-2012, 01:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FTe342

IMO you are way off the mark. A homeless person or the Prime Minister are not risking their lives for the society nor do they represent the law. By attacking a member of the force, whether it results in that members death or not, it shows a blatant disregard for the laws of the land and to the rest of society. A basic disregard of respect and a one finger salute to society and our laws that the rest of us live by.

I don't care what this oxygen thief was thinking about when the officer came up to his window, he knew he was a Police Officer, and shot him in an attempt to avoid whatever ( a traffic offence or being caught with weapons). I don't care if the scumbag ( you are too kind to the mongrel low life that he is) was off his face on drugs or alchohol, it still shows blatant disregard to the law and the rest of us.

Too many do-gooders in this world, and the sooner they bring back capital punishment the better. I believe in time, society will demand it, as I for one begrudge paying the cost of keeping and feeding these low lifes. The first politician with the guts to step and say he/she will introduce it will win in a landslide

RIP Senior Constable Rixon and condolences to his family and friends

Agreed, nobody is saying a cops life is more valuable than any other persons. The poor bloke was just doing his job..same goes for the drop kicks that attack paramedics and firefighters. The world needs to head back down the path its come get rid of all this PC and equal rights ********. re-introduce capital punishment, let parents belt their kids when they do wrong, The lack of respect in the world today is purely astonishing and not in a good way.

XP6 · 03-03-2012, 01:36 AM

a sad day indeed, RIP

Mickxr8 · 03-03-2012, 03:46 AM

RIP Senior Constable Rixon and condolences to his family and friends.

Will save my rant for later if the threads still open, the guy died doing his job and now his kids don`t have a dad, the wife douesnt have a husband,
Let the family grieve for a bit.

**Mechan1k** · 03-03-2012, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodp

IMO, there's nothing routine about a Police Officer's job. I'm paid 3x that of someone charged to tow the thin blue line but I'm never put in a position where my next job could turn out to be my last.

It's an underpaid and thankless (less than thankless since they 'cop' continual abuse for upholding the law) job and we've descended deeper into chaos at the death of Officer Rixon - a person who put his life on the line so that I can continue to enjoy mine. To those served and serving, you have my utmost respect.

Pretty much spot on .... from what I hear all of the time about what they deal with "on the job" ... it's bad. What gets to the news is only a small part of what they deal with day to day.

Definitely a thankless job. And as Simon mentioned above .... it's one of those fears that every officer has when walking up to a driver's window.

2011G6E · 04-03-2012, 05:04 PM

RIP, another good officer lost.

Oh, and as to the question of "Why does someone deserve more punishment just because they targeted a cop? Shoud be the same for anyone.".
Simple. In most countries, if you attack a police officer and kill them, it's an automatic life in jail or death sentence.

Even in a policemans job...perhaps especially in a policemans job...you should have the expectation of going home to your family at the end of the day. Those people have signed up to a potentially dangerous community service, and are there to protect us...targeting one of them should mean you face a much higher penalty.