General News
18 July, 2024
Police honour sergeant at final farewell
Victoria Police Sergeant Leonard Erwin Nuske (11199), retired, passed away on June 18 at Stawell Hospital, aged 96.
Sgt Nuske graduated from the Victoria Police Depot in St Kilda on April 9 1951, and began his career on beat duty at Russell Street before spending six years at the Mobile Traffic Section.
After spending two years in Benalla, he returned to Russell Street and was promoted to Senior Constable.
He spent some time as the Russell Street branch supervisor, the Dandenong section duty officer, and Portland supervision officer.
He was promoted to Sergeant in 1959, before transferring to Warracknabeal in 1964, where he remained until his retirement on August 30 1986 - 22 years later.
In 1957, Sgt Nuske received two commendations.
The first, on January 7, was for “alertness and initiative displayed in the arrest and conviction of two men for illegally using a motor car”.
The second, shared with a fellow officer, was on March 19 for “keen observation and prompt action which led to the arrest and conviction of two troublesome offenders”.
Sgt Nuske was also awarded the Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 1973.
Sgt Nuske was married to Barbara for over 60 years before she passed away.
The couple had three children - Wayne (dec.), Leanne and Graeme - and eight grandchildren.
“He certainly was the quintessential country cop, as honest and hardworking as they come,” Leanne said.
“He wore his uniform with pride and was highly respected in Warracknabeal.”
Policing was in Sgt Nuske’s blood, and his service combined with that of his brothers to total over 100 years.
Sgt Nuske’s younger brother Vern (11942) retired as Officer In Charge of Harrow in 1987 after serving 33 years, and his other brother Colin (12599) retired as Officer In Charge of Ashburton in 1989 after 33 years service.
Their legacy carries through the generations: Sgt Nuske’s nephew, Leading Senior Constable Rob Nuske (36362) is currently serving with the Geelong Highway Patrol.
Two of Sgt Nuske’s grandsons also serve with Victoria Police: Ryan Paligorov (40400) is stationed in the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT), and Jodee Nuske (41746) is stationed in Ararat.
Sgt Nuske’s funeral service was conducted at Warracknabeal Lutheran Church on June 28 with a Victoria Police guard of honour, and a Highway Patrol vehicle lead the procession to the cemetery.