VALE
Anthony Hogarth-Clarke
“At 37 with a devoted wife and a 16 month old son, this is not
A young woman is without a husband. A baby boy is without
a father. And we are all without Tony Hogarth-Clarke
following a shooting tragedy in Melbourne in April.
right. We shouldn’t be here for this. We are right to feel cheated
and express anger and question the wisdom of God.”
Killed on Anzac Day Eve, Jim Pilmer described Tony’s death as
‘in the spirit of Anzac.’ “Policing is one of the ways our hard won
freedoms are protected. Officers who sacrifice their lives do so in
T
ina Hogarth-Clarke nursed her young son, Connor as family
the spirit of Anzac, protecting what was fought for and won by
and friends farewelled her husband, Senior Constable
others. It is about being Australian.”
Anthony Hogarth-Clarke. More than 1,500 people gathered
Prayers were offered for Senior Constable Rennie Page and his
at the Police Academy Chapel with many hundreds listening to the
partner Senior Constable Colleen Sheridan. They would have been
service on relay in the Academy grounds.
at the Academy mourning their mate if fate hadn’t stepped in.
Among the mourners were Premier Steve Bracks, Commissioner
Tina Hogarth-Clarke drew a long, slow breath before telling
New Zealand. Representatives from all Australian and New
everyone about the man she loved, the father of her son. Her own
Zealand police unions also joined together to mourn this young
grief didn’t stop her from passing on her love to Colleen and
policeman, murdered on the job.
Rennie Page’s family.
Members on service with the International Deployment Group in
Honiara conducted their own service at the local police memorial
– a symbol of comradeship across the oceans.
Senior Police Chaplain Jim Pilmer told the mourners that they had
every right to be angry. “We are here because of the loss of Tony’s
victoria police association journal, june 2005
life and the loss of his personality and uniqueness among us.
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Rennie Page was killed two days after Tony’s death.
Mick Keelty from the AFP, police from all states, territories and
Tina with her son Connor
“He was our life and we were his life.”
Tina explained that Tony preferred to work nightshift so he
would be there for the important firsts in his young son’s life. And
that her husband had paced the halls when his son wouldn’t sleep
and changed more nappies than she did.
Tony would sneak out of bed in the early hours of the morning
Rev Jim Pilmer blesses Tony Hogarth-Clarke
Photos – Greg Noakes
to watch his beloved Liverpool Football (Soccer) Club play on
television. He would be an unhappy man for the rest of the day if
his team lost! The team’s song – ‘Never Walk Alone’ was played
during the service of thanksgiving for his life.
Tina told of the man who loved fire engines and gadgets – the
man she described as ‘just a big kid’.
“Babe I miss you. You were my rock, my partner and my best
friend. We had such a wonderful life together and so many wonderful plans. We will continue living and fulfil our dreams. You
are in my heart and you will always be there.”
Tony’s father John told of his son – the decent man, “who never
caused us any grief – until now.”
Tony’s mate, Leading Senior Constable Peter Baltas said it was
an honour and a privilege to know Tony. He shared with mourners Tony’s love of dancing and the way he even convinced himself
he was a good dancer. “He took it seriously. He would warm up
and stretch before he hit the dance floor. We enjoyed watching
everyone’s reaction to his routine.”
Peter spoke to Tony at 9.45pm on the night he was murdered.
They talked about Tina and Connor. “Tony was a content and
happy man,” said Peter Baltas. “I will cherish my memories of
Tony forever. He was a good friend with a huge heart and soul. It
is hard to imagine a world without him.”
Senior Constable Paul Murray
Senior Constable Paul Murray worked with Tony and described
a trusted and much loved protector of our community. We can all
him as a valuable member of the team. “As a partner you could
take heart that there are many Tony Hogarth-Clarkes in Victoria
always rely on him. The only problem with working with Tony
Police. He will live on in our thoughts and actions. Please look
was that he tended to talk a lot. Tony was a proud dad and hus-
after yourselves and each other. I’m sure that’s the least Tony
band. I knew when and where Connor said his first words. As for
would want from us,” said the Chief Commissioner.
Tina, I feel I know her as well as my own sister! Tony was a passionate man. He was someone who was fun to be around.”
A DVD was made of the ceremony for Connor Hogarth-Clarke.
Looking straight at the camera Jim Pilmer told Tony’s son “We
Paul told Connor that in his father’s death he had gained 12
want you to know that we are very proud of your dad. He was a
uncles – the members of the Region Four Traffic Task Unit. “Tony
fine man, a fine police officer and we will miss him. And we are
will be sadly missed by all of us.”
very proud of your mother too. Our love and best wishes go to
Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon read an email from the
mother of a member of the Force.
you for your future.”
At the end of the service friends placed symbols reflecting Tony’s
Tears have come so often since Sunday morning. As the mother of
life on a table standing alongside his coffin. There were photos, a
a serving member, it's as though every police officer is family, and
Liverpool Football Club scarf and a small football, placed there by
every police officer killed or injured is 'one of our own'.
his young son, Connor (with a little bit of help from a friend).
One feels so helpless, unable to reach out and do something real
Police lined the street outside the Police Academy. There were
and practical to comfort the bereaved families and help the fellow
white caps as far as the eye could see. The guard of honour
officers who have worked alongside, been mates and brothers with,
stretched for about a kilometre – a sign of respect for a colleague
those who have fallen.
feloniously slain while carrying out his police duties.
“The Victoria Police and Victorian Community grieve the loss of
Association Executive members among the mourners
victoria police association journal, june 2005
Senior Constable Peter Baltas
Senior Constable Tony Hogarth-Clarke 30180 rest in peace.
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