As the church bells rang on Wednesday, hundreds of police officers stood side by side, in solidarity, as they farewelled their colleague and their mate.
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Senior Sergeant Paul “Beau” Reynolds tragically died last week, leaving his family, friends and Tasmania Police team devastated.
Long-time friend and celebrant of the funeral Father Richard Ross said Senior Sergeant Reynolds was remembered as a man “who had time for everyone”.
“He always made the person he was speaking to feel so special,” he said.
“He was full of love, warmth, and generosity, and was just such a terrific and well-respected guy.
“He was a wonderful father and husband, and a very fine police officer. He was a really effective coach and administrator, particularly in the football community, and the sense of loss [during the funeral] was massive.”
Father Ross also shared a message for Senior Sergeant Reynolds’ colleagues, and that was “thank you”.
“Just for what they do, they see the worst of humanity and they deal with that on a daily basis,” he said.
“The cumulative effect of trauma has been well documented and I think ultimately Paul was a victim of that.
“I encourage police to take care of themselves and know it is OK to ask for help.”
Speaking at the service, Commissioner Darren Hine shared some of the many highlights from Senior Sergeant Reynolds’ 38-year career.
He was one of the first officers on the scene at Port Arthur after the 1996 massacre and received a commendation for his work following the tragedy.
He was also commended by the Commissioner for his performance as the officer in charge of managing police activities during the rescue of miners Todd Russell and Brant Webb and the recovery of the body of Larry Knight at Beaconsfield in 2006.
The dedicated officer also spent time working in the Coroner’s office and attended countless fatal crashes throughout his career.
“Beau was posted all over the state during his 38-year career,” Commissioner Hine said.
“Beau successfully completed many courses throughout his career and he put those skills to good use wherever he served.
“His loss will be deeply felt across Tasmania Police, and our thoughts and prayers are with [his family] at this difficult time.”
Officers from across the state formed a guard of honour after the funeral service for the much-loved son, husband, father, brother and uncle.
Beyond his work in the force, he was highly regarded among the local football community.
Last year he was elected president of the Northern Tasmania Football Association and had served as coach for the Longford Tigers, worked with the St Patrick’s College senior team, and was chairman of the Tasmanian Football Council.
Senior Sergeant Reynolds leaves behind his wife Sharon, and children Jacob, and Emily.
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Melissa Mobbs
A journalist with more than a decade of experience, Melissa Mobbs currently works as the Deputy Editor for The Examiner Newspaper in Launceston, and has a strong background in reporting on crime and the justice system. Send tips to Melissa.Mobbs@examiner.com.au or on Twitter via @melissamobbs.
A journalist with more than a decade of experience, Melissa Mobbs currently works as the Deputy Editor for The Examiner Newspaper in Launceston, and has a strong background in reporting on crime and the justice system. Send tips to Melissa.Mobbs@examiner.com.au or on Twitter via @melissamobbs.
