A SPOUSE’S SACRIFICE
The support of police officers’ families has forever been crucial to Victoria Police, but in 1936 Aimee Milne made the ultimate sacrifice when she was killed by bombs intended to murder her detective husband.
The wife of Detective Sergeant Fred Milne, Aimee this year became the first ever non-police officer to receive the prestigious Victoria Police Star, an honour traditionally reserved only for officers who are killed or seriously injured in the line of duty.
Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said Aimee’s sacrifice had gone unrecognised for too long.
Det Sgt Milne was a brilliant detective, known for investigations into some of the most high-profile organised crime figures of 1920s and 1930s Melbourne, including the infamous Squizzy Taylor.
“While this is unprecedented, to me this seems very natural, very important and it just seems right,” CCP Ashton said.
His tenacity in bringing criminals to account meant Det Sgt Milne received his fair share of death threats.
When the Victoria Police Memorials Committee approached him to posthumously award Aimee with the Victoria Police Star and a special grave dedication, CCP Ashton gladly gave his approval.
“Every achievement that any police officer makes in their career is made off the back of the support of those who love them. “We talk about Victoria Police being a family, Aimee is always a part of that family.
The threats tragically became reality when two improvised explosives were thrown into the main bedroom of his and Aimee’s home in Geelong in the early hours of 13 July 1936.
“This is a unique opportunity to send a message to all those who support their police officers today, that we thank you for your support and sacrifice in doing that.”
The explosion killed Aimee but Det Sgt Milne miraculously survived, along with their two young children.
The Milnes' grandson Rory Milne told those gathered at Aimee’s grave site for the medal presentation that it was difficult to express just how much the honour meant to his family.
“For our family today, this is just so wonderful,” Mr Milne said. “Acts of extreme violence can occur in such a short time but have an effect on victims for decades afterwards. “While we stand here in memory of a dreadful crime in 1936, we should also commemorate all the good policing that has prevented, and will prevent, violence in the community.” Editorial and photography: Jesse Wray-McCann
PART OF THE FAMILY A posthumous Victoria Police Star more than 161 years in the making has been awarded to a senior constable killed during Victoria’s gold rush period.
Deputy Commissioner Wendy Steendam presented the award and said that while Sen Const Barnett has no known relatives, he would always be part of the Victoria Police family.
Senior Constable Edward Barnett was murdered on 1 February 1858 at the White Hills Goldfield near Carisbrook when trying to arrest robber William Brook.
“One of our commitments is to honour the memories of members who have made the ultimate sacrifice, as we’re doing here,” DC Steendam said at the ceremony.
Brook, who had just shot dead restaurateur Charles Lopez during a bungled robbery attempt, shot Sen Const Barnett in the heart while escaping.
“This ensures that Sen Const Barnett, just like so many years ago, is still acknowledged and valued as part of the extended Victoria Police family.”
The police officer was buried at Carisbrook Cemetery and his grave site was the location of the Victoria Police Star presentation ceremony held in August this year.
DC Steendam also commended Avoca Leading Senior Constable Chris Trimble (pictured right) for his efforts in championing the honour for Sen Const Barnett.
Sen Const Barrett’s grave was also dedicated and the award now hangs inside the nearby Maryborough Police Station. Editorial: Jesse Wray-McCann Photography: Riley Upton, The Maryborough District Advertiser POLICE LIFE | SPRING 2019
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