Three NSW Police Legatees will be awarded the 2018 NSW Police Legacy Commissioner’s Scholarship following the National Police Remembrance Day commemoration today, NSW Police say.
The annual scholarship was traditionally awarded to a single NSW Police Legatee, however Commissioner Mick Fuller APM decided to increase the amount awarded this year and share it among each police legatee nominated by Police Legacy.
The first recipient is 18-year-old Erin McCulloch, who will be awarded a $3000. Erin became a police legatee when her father, Senior Sergeant John McCulloch, died of cancer in 2017.
Erin is currently completing her HSC and would like to study physiotherapy at university. She currently works part time in a physiotherapist office and also babysits for local families.
Senior Sergeant McCulloch worked at Special Services, State Electronic Evidence Branch and is survived by his wife, Leena; and 16-year-old son William.
Commissioner Fuller will present a $2000 scholarship to 17-year-old Joel Bryant. Joel became a police legatee when his father, Detective Sergeant Ashley Bryant (retired), took his own life in 2013.
With a passion for cinematography, Joel is also completing his HSC, and has shown a true talent for film-making after creating videos from a Police Legacy camp to New Zealand.
Detective Sergeant Bryant was based at Richmond Police Area Command before his retirement and is survived by his wife Deborah, and children 13-year-old Blake and 10-year-old Claire.
The final Commissioner’s Scholarship of $1000 will be awarded to 15-year-old Keely Gray. Keely became a police legatee after her father, Sergeant Aaron Gray (retired), died in an accident on a farm in 2009.
Keely was awarded the Police Bank Encouragement Award for compassion and leadership qualities after being nominated by NSW Police Legacy.
Sergeant Gray, was based at Manning/Great Lakes Police District and is survived by his wife, Michelle who is also a serving officer, and their four children.
Commissioner Fuller said police legatees and their families face enough hardship after losing a loved one and this is a small gesture to ensure a bright future.
"I am a proud to award three scholarships to Erin, Joel and Keely, who now have the opportunity to follow their dreams with the full support of the extended police family," Commissioner Fuller said.
With Erin and Joel about to complete their HSC, they are about to embark on a whole new journey, while Keely is already displaying a high degree of leadership. It is my hope, which ever path they choose, this scholarship will help," Commissioner Fuller said.
NSW Police Legacy, established in 1987, is a not-for-profit organisation committed to supporting both past and present police and their families during times of tragedy and need.
Today, NSW Police Legacy supports more than 1200 police legatees, of which 226 are young people (0-25-years-old).
