A POLICE guard of honour lined Hay Street Port Macquarie on Friday 8 May, to farewell Retired NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Peter Walsh APM, following his funeral in St Agnes Catholic Church.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon APM was among the current and former police officers who joined extended family and friends in remembering the “true country copper”.
Peter Walsh served the state for more than 37 years, from 1965 to 2003, and remained a member of the Police Association for 62 years.
Described as a highly respected leader, he was also known for his “old school” policing values and mentorship of junior staff.
His career included roles in Sydney, Orange, Goulburn, Dubbo and Tweed Heads, and as Northern Region Commander.
He took the lead in responding to the 1995 ambush murders of Senior Constables Robert Spears and Peter Addison at Crescent Head, and the murders of seven people in the 1991 Strathfield massacre.
Known as “Walshy”, he also spent many years as a member of the Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) and was a flight crew member with the Westpac Rescue Helicopter while attached to the Northern Region.
Following his retirement, he remained involved in the Port Macquarie community.
Married to Narelle, the couple shared sons Justyn and Ian, and nine grandchildren.
“As I look around this church… you should have no doubt of the impact that Peter had on so many,” Commissioner Lanyon said in addressing his family.
Peter Walsh passed away on 2 May aged 79.
By Sue STEPHENSON
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