Senior Victorian police have praised the work local officer Brenton Erkens-Goss made to forging relationships between the police and the LGBTIQ+ communities following the officer’s unexpected death.
Constable Erkens-Goss passed away on Friday, he took his own life. Prior to joining the Victorian Police, Erkens-Goss had worked as a Protective Service Officer.
Assistant Commissioner Neil Paterson, who is also the executive champion of Victorian Police Pride, praised the contribution First Constable Erkens-Goss made to building relationships between the police and LGBTIQ+ community.
“Brenton was a member of VP Pride and was a proud and out gay man who was truly valued by his work colleagues and the community he served.
“Prior to graduating as a sworn member on 12 May 2017, Brenton spent a number of years as a PSO where his enthusiasm for policing shone through. Brenton was part of the Victoria Police contingent that attended the first World LGBT+ Criminal Justice Professionals Conference in Amsterdam in August 2016.” Assistant Commissioner Neil Paterson said.
“As a member of the local Hamilton community, Brenton made many friends both at the station and in the community.”
Western Region Superintendent Glenn Owen echoed the praise for the officer.
“Brenton worked at Hamilton uniform and was recognised for his investigative talents, recently being selected to work at the Portland Tasking Team. His supervisors and work friends describe him as a highly competent, intelligent and enthusiastic member who was destined to become a detective. Brenton was also well respected in the local community and volunteered as a member of the SES.” Superintendent Owen said.
As one of 100 officers in the Victorian Police trained as a Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officer Constable Erkens-Goss had previously shared his thoughts on the program with east-coast LGBTIQ publication Star Observer.
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