NSW Police Force Acting Commissioner, Peter Thurtell APM, has reflected on one of the darkest days in the history of the NSW Police Force – the shooting murders of two officers at Crescent Head on the Mid North Coast, 30 years ago.
Speaking at the Crescent Head Police Memorial yesterday morning (Wednesday 9 July 2025), Acting Commissioner Thurtell honoured the bravery and unwavering commitment of Senior Constables Peter Addison VA and Robert Spears VA, who were killed while on duty on Sunday 9 July 1995.
At 12.35am that day, the Kempsey-based officers were dispatched to Crescent Head in response to a report of a domestic violence incident. As they arrived in Walker Street, the officers were ambushed by a heavily armed and intoxicated gunman dressed in camouflage and lying in wait.
Under intense gunfire, both officers returned fire and sought cover behind their vehicle. While attempting to call for back-up over the radio, Senior Constable Spears was fatally shot.
In a desperate effort to save his colleague and summon help, Senior Constable Addison ran to a nearby home, only to discover it had no telephone.
He tried to reach another property while continuing returning fire; however, he too was shot and killed. The attacker then turned the weapon on himself.
Honoured
A month later, both officers were posthumously awarded the Commissioner’s Valour Award (VA), the highest honour in the NSW Police Force. At the 20-year memorial in 2015, their widows – Liana and Kath – were presented with National Police Service Medals, recognising their husbands’ diligence to duty.
Today’s memorial brought together both active and retired police officers, their family members, and the broader community to remember and reflect.
‘Senior Constables Peter Addison and Robert Spears were selfless in the face of danger. They were ambushed, and in trying to protect the community, made the ultimate sacrifice,’ Acting Commissioner Thurtell said.
‘Their deaths left behind a profound loss and unimaginable grief – a grief still deeply felt to this day.’
The events of Sunday 9 July 1995 prompted major changes within the NSW Police Force to improve officer and community safety.
‘Their legacy is one of respect and critical reform,’ Mr Thurtell said.
‘Respect, because their bravery continues to inspire current and future officers. And reform, because this tragedy brought significant change to better protect both officers and the community.
‘Those lifesaving reforms include the transition from revolvers to automatic pistols, increased use of ballistic vests, improved radio communications, and better tactical training,’ he said.
‘I extend my sincere condolences to the families and friends of Senior Constables Addison and Spears here today. Thirty years later, they are still sorely missed, and their legacy lives on. They will never be forgotten.’
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