John Healey was an early New South Wales policeman originally from Listowel, County Kerry, Ireland. His police career began in London in 1851 when he joined the London Metropolitan Police. In 1855, he arrived in Sydney as part of a large contingent of British policeman who had been recruited for the colonial Sydney Police. He arrived with his wife Mary Ann Anderton and an infant daughter.
The various police forces in NSW were amalgamated in 1862 when the New South Wales Police were formed. Healey was promoted to Senior Sergeant at this time, a rank he was to keep for most of his career apart from a brief promotion to Sub-Inspector.
John Healey's most famous event during his Police career occurred at Bargo Bush in 1866 when some prisoners Snr Sgt Healey was escorting attempted to escape. One of the prisoners had managed to unlock the cuffs in the wagon and then managed to get one of the constables rifles. A scuffle and fire fight ensued between the Police and prisoners, and Healey was fired upon, but was missed, hitting and killing the unfortunate Constable Raymond behind him. Sergeant Healey quickly regained control of the prisoners, and with reinforcements they were able to continue on their way.
John Healey married Mary Ann Anderton in London, 1852, and they had 12 children.
He retired in 1887, and died in 1899 at his home in Marrickville, New South Wales, Australia.
| Additional Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 17th Jun 1830 (circa) | VIEW SOURCE |
| Date of Death | 24th Jul 1899 | VIEW SOURCE |
| Place & Date of Marriage | 20 Dec 1852 St Marylebone, London, England | |
