Hunter Cop Killed On Duty Honoured 40 Years On

A Lake Macquarie police officer killed in the line of duty has been honoured on the 40th anniversary of his death.

Senior Constable Douglas Eaton OPM and Senior Constable Edward Gill attended a 'silent' intruder alarm at the Toronto Country Club at Kilaben Bay on April 30, 1977.

While checking the site, the officers were ambushed and shot by three intruders.

Senior Constable Eaton was killed instantly while Senior Constable Gill was seriously injured.

“Douglas was an exemplary husband, father, community man and police officer, giving of his time to assist anyone in the community who required his assistance, from those he counselled through various problems to the widows and elderly who affectionately referred to him as ‘Mr Fixit’," Superintendent Brett Greentree said.

“His widow raised her two children to remember the brave man that their dad was, proudly insisting on there being no place for hatred in their home.

“Michael is now a Sergeant working general duties at Coffs/Clarence Local Area Command”, Superintendent Greentree said.

Senior Constable Eaton was honoured at a dedication service on Sunday, with a memorial plaque commemorating his sacrifice.

The service was attended by Superintendent Greentree, Acting Deputy Commissioner Field Operations Jeff Loy, Police Minister Troy Grant, as well as family and friends of Douglas Eaton.

“The new Toronto Police station, to be opened in the next few weeks, will appropriately contain a training room dedicated in his memory,” Mr Grant said.