2LT Local News

CENTRAL WEST, NSW, Australia – Long-serving New South Wales Police Officer Senior Constable Shannon Hollibone, aged just 46, will be laid to rest on Friday.

Members of the state’s police force are expected to come together to farewell the “one of a kind” officer and loving father who passed away last week.

Shannon died last Thursday after a five-year battle with cancer.

He dedicated 11 years of service to the NSW Police Force, commencing his career as a Probationary Constable at The Hills Local Area Command in December 2009 before transferring to the Western Region in 2014.

During his career, Shannon was the recipient of various awards acknowledging his service to the NSW Police Force. This includes an Acknowledgement of Good Police Work in 2010, and the NSW Police Force Commissioner of Police 150th Sesquicentenary Anniversary Citation. He was awarded the prestigious Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow Award at the NSW Rotary Police Officer of the Year Awards in 2016, and was awarded a Local Area Commanders Unit Citation in 2017.

On Tuesday 28 July 2020, just two days before he died, Shannon was presented the prestigious NSW Police Medal for Diligent and Ethical Service, and the Commissioner of Police Commendation by Commissioner Michael Fuller APM for outstanding and meritorious service to the NSW Police Force.

“Snr Cst Hollibone displayed exceptional courage and determination throughout the last five years as he continued to work in the community of Coonabarabran, which is why he has been recognised,” NSW Police Force Commissioner, Michael Fuller APM, said Thursday.

“He devoted his time and energy to keeping people safe without wanting anything in return, and that’s something his family can always be proud of.”

Western Region Commander, Superintendent Peter McKenna, said the officer’s courage was admirable as he continued working after being diagnosed.

“He showed a level of tenacity and courage that I’ve not seen before,” Supt McKenna said.

“Snr Cst Hollibone tirelessly served the Orana Mid Western Police District and in particular the Coonabarabran community even while undergoing treatment, and often in physical pain.”

“His efforts were inspirational and complained about his personal circumstances, but rather always spoke of how proud he was to be a police officer, a testament for other officers to strive for.”

“It was a privilage to have been Snr Cst Hollibone’s Commanding Officer and I am extremely proud to have known and worked with him.”

Supt McKenna said above all, Snr Cst Hollibone was a “one-of-a-kind” who was both a very proud family man and police officer who came to work to make a difference, despite his personal circumstances.

“It is with sincere condolences and sadness that we recognise the passing of Shannon, however, in our eyes he will always be a part of the Orana Mid Western Police District family, as will his family members,” Supt McKenna said.