Qld Police Vessel "RUSSELL A. WILSON" - Cairns

"RUSSELL A. WILSON" - 3 June 1998

A 16.8 meter aluminium police patrol vessel built by Geraldton Boat Builders, Western Australia.

Launched on the 3rd of June 1998,at Geraldton West Australia

Initial Cost $950,000

Operates between Hinchinbrook Island and Cape Grenville, a coastline of 830 km. 

Named in honour of Russell Anthony Wilson

Russell Anthony Wilson was born in Cairns on 23 May 1960. Russell commenced his training with the Queensland Police Service at the Police Academy, Oxley on 17 March 1980 as a Probationary Constable. He was sworn in as a Constable on 29 August 1980 and commenced duties as a Police Officer with Cairns as his first posting.

On the evening of 3 July 1981, Russell was working traffic duties with his partner, Constable Allan Doyle of the Cairns Traffic Branch, Their attention was drawn to a suspect motor vehicle. The two Police Officers attempted to intercept this vehicle that led to a pursuit through the streets of Cairns. Whilst travelling south along the Bruce Highway near the Coral Twin Drive-in Theatre, Woree, the offending vehicle collided with the police vehicle causing the police vehicle containing Russell Wilson and Allan Doyle to overturn.

Constable Russell Anthony Wilson sustained fatal injuries as a result of this collision. Russell was interned at the Lawn Cemetery, White Rock, with full police honours.

Russel was survived by his wife Deborah and daughter Decima who was born on 27 February 1982.