Warren Proops is speaking out for the first time about his father, hero policeman Sergeant John Proops, who was killed in the line of duty in 1993, to help raise awareness about the inaugural National Police Legacy Day.
"I've been part of NSW Police Legacy for the past 32 years. For me, this isn't just an organisation, it's a family. A family that's been there for me during some of the most difficult times in my life. And has helped shape the person I am today," Warren, 42, said.
Police Legacy organisations are charities that provide support to police and their families.
National Police Legacy Day will be celebrated on 17 June.
Warren was just 10 when his father passed away. On 22 May, 1993, Sergeant John Proops and his partner, Probationary Constable Katie Thompson, attended a domestic violence incident in Enfield NSW, where the alleged offender had breached his AVO.
"Dad was trying to arrest him, and he punched Dad in the chest, which put his heart out of rhythm, and he had a heart attack," Warren said.
It's believed the punch to the chest caused Sergeant Proops' heart attack and, subsequently, his death at age 42.
It wasn't the first time Sergeant Proops had been injured when attending a domestic violence incident. Earlier in his career, then a Constable, he attended a domestic incident.
"When he opened the door, the guy had a loaded spear gun, and he shot Dad in the chest. And Mum said that they (police officers) used to carry their notebook in their right-side pocket, but Dad found it easier just to take it out of the left side, so the heart side," Warren said.
And that's where he got shot – in the notebook."
That notebook saved his life.
Warren explained his father was in a state of shock after being shot with the speargun but quickly gathered himself when he saw the offender re-loading in an apparent attempt to shoot again.
"Dad disarmed him and then arrested him," Warren said.
Constable John Proops was awarded the Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct in June 1977.
"To this day I still remember the knock on the door. And the two police officers standing outside," Warren said of the day his Dad died in 1993.
"I remember the look on Mum's face and the way her voice broke when she told us Dad had passed away. My Mum was suddenly left to raise three boys, Karl, 16, Erik, 12, and I was just 10 years old.
"Nothing prepares your family for that kind of loss, but in the days that followed, NSW Police Legacy was on our doorstep. In the midst of unimaginable tragedy, Police Legacy brought us hope.
"In the early days, they helped Mum (Mandy Proops) navigate raising three boys on her own. And over the years, they've continued to be there offering opportunities, guidance and connecting us with people facing similar tragedy."
NSW Police Legacy assisted with items such as books and educational support. And if the boys or Mandy needed someone to talk to, there was always someone at Police Legacy they could lean on.
Warren attended Police Legacy camps, where he found comfort in knowing he was surrounded by people who understood what he was going through. And he formed lifelong friendships.
When he was 14, NSW Police Legacy paid for him to go on a six-week backpacking trip through Africa with a mentor and a small group of other teenagers.
"This wouldn't be possible without people like John Waddell and the Pollard family as well as Police Legacy - they helped fund those trips in the early years when Police Legacy didn't have the resources available," Warren said.
"It was a life-changing adventure that opened my eyes to the beauty and diversity of the world."
Warren said the Africa trip was critical to re-building his confidence.
"You had to do your own things, get up, make your own beds, do all that sort of stuff. And the places that we stayed weren't luxury places. The toilets were holes in the ground, and the showers were buckets of water. It also showed us that people are doing it tougher than what we are and can still have a smile on their face," Warren said.
"When you lose a parent, you lose your confidence. So the trip just built that, and by the end of it, I was able to hike by myself with my pack and everything."
With NSW Police Legacy's support, Warren also hiked the Kokoda track.
"These experiences weren't just about travel or adventure; they were about healing and growth and learning to embrace life after loss. It taught me that even in the face of tragedy, there is so much more to look forward to," he said.
Warren says the impact NSW Police Legacy has had on his life has been "massive". As an adult, he has volunteered on Police Legacy camps to give back to the organisation that has always been there for him.
He and his wife, Elaine Proops have a nine-year-old son, George, and they live together in Woronora.
Warren works as a national sales manager – not in policing.
"If I passed away at my work, yes people will be sad and maybe send flowers, but there wouldn't be the type of support Police Legacy provides. When you get support from Police Legacy, you're part of a big family, and you don't get that anywhere else."
National Police Legacy Day will be celebrated every year on 17 June. NSW Police Legacy has been supporting police officers and their families since 1987.
NSW Police Legacy Board Chair Detective Superintendent Donna McCarthy APM talked about the significance of the day.
"We hope that through National Police Legacy Day we can celebrate and highlight the life-changing work being done by Police Legacy organisations around the country," Detective Superintendent McCarthy said.
"The mission of Police Legacy is not only to honour the memory of those who served, but to ensure that the lives of those they leave behind are not defined by tragedy, but shaped by hope, resilience, and possibility.
"NSW Police Legacy was established in 1987 and since then has helped more than 1500 Police Legatees."
NSW Police Legacy support services range from counselling, field officer visits, and social activities to education and career grants, providing comfort, connection, and practical assistance to families.
Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, The Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP officially launched National Police Legacy Day at Parliament House in Canberra.
"When tragedy strikes, Police Legacy is there – not just in the immediate aftermath, but in the months and years that follow. It provides emotional support, financial assistance, and – just as importantly – a deep sense of ongoing connection. These organisations check in, stay close, and remind families that they remain part of something larger," Assistant Minister Leigh said.
"When we mark the first National Police Legacy Day on 17 June 2025, we'll be shining a light on work that has, for years, been carried out locally – with dedication, discretion, and deep humanity."
The logo for National Police Legacy Day is inspired by the Michaelmas Daisy. The Michaelmas Daisy is the flower of St Michael, the patron Saint of Police who protects those who have sworn to serve. We are proud to call it the Police Legacy Daisy.
