Edward Crimmins

Edward Crimmins was a police constable working in Redan, <1917.

History
Edward Crimmins was born on 22 May 1869 in Victoria, the son of Patrick Crimmins and Catherine Power.

He joined the Victorian Police Force on 20 October 1891. In 1906 he was stationed at Sebastopol.

He married Catherine O'Donnell in 1898. They had at least four children:
 * Edward Patrick (1901-1965)
 * John Francis (1902-1925)
 * Catherine (1905-1969)
 * Eileen Mary (1909-1975)

Crimmins was a popular policeman at Sebastopol, and so when his transfer to Snake Valley was announced, the Mayor invited people to hold a valedictory dinner: "In response to the invitation of Mayor Hopkins, a large number of residents met at the Sebastopol Town Hall on Thursday night, when resolutions were passed, expressive of regret at the departure of Constable Crimmins from Sebastopol. It was decided to tender him a valedictory banquet on Tuesday, 20th February. An energetic committee was appointed, with Mayor Hopkins as chairman, Cr Jones .vice-chairman, Cr Dickinson treasurer, and Mr T. Hughes as secretary, to carry out the arrangements. The Mayor and a number of those present spoke in the most eulogistic terms of the ability of Constable Crimmins as an officer, and also of the zeal displayed by him in furthering any movement for the welfare of Sebastopol. Mayor Hopkins said that Constable Crimmins had always evidenced by his actions his belief that 'prevention was better than cure.” He always sought to advise, father than coerce; They were heartily glad of his advancement, but regretted his departure." VALEDICTORY TO CONSTABLE. E. CRIMMINS. BANQUET AT SEBASTOPOL TOWN HALL. At the Sebastopol Town Hall last night a valedictory banquet was tendered to Constable Crimmins, who has been stationed at Sebastopol for the past 7 years, and is removing to Snake Valley; to which station he has been appointed. There was a good attendance of representative ratepayers. Mayor J. Hopkins presided, and there were also present Mr D. C. M'Grath, M.L.A., Crs D. Hughes, J. E. Jones, T. Dickinson, G. Kent, W. H. Franklin, Sen-Constable Quinn. Constable Finn, Mr A. Horan (head teacher). Apologies were received from Messrs C. Rowe, J.P., Sergeant Curtain, Mr R. V. Williams, and Superintendent' Milne.

After the usual loyal toasts had been honored, the toast of "Parliament" was proposed by Cr J. E. Jones, who expressed his pleasure at seeing Mr M'Grath present. He spoke in high terms of the work of Mr M'Grath. Mr .M'Grath, in responding to the toast, said he was present as a resident of Sebastopol, to do honor to Constable Crimmins. He paid a high tribute to the zeal and energy of that other in the renovation of the State school and in the work of the free library. He felt sure that in his new sphere the guest would make many friends, as they recognised he was a worker. "Sebastopol Borough Council’’ was proposed by Mr N. Wallis, who referred to the ability and self sacrifice of the councillors of the borough. The tramway service in Sebastopol was not all they wisher, and he recommended to the councillors of the borough present that they should endeavor to have it placed in a more satisfactory condition. Responses were made by Cr Hughes, J.P.— who spoke of the tact of Constable Crimmins in the execution of his duty as an officer, and to the fearless man ner in which he carried out his, at times, unpleasant duty—and Cr W. H. Franklin. J.P. ‘'Our Guest" was proposed by the Chairman, who regretted that Constable Crimmins was leaving Sebastopol, but congratulated him on the fact that his removal meant promotion. He had been a zealous officer, and a good citizen. Reference had been made to the work he had carried to a successful issue, as correspondent of the School Committee, and to the renovation of the Free Library, on which the guest was to be warmly commended.

Mr Gomer Jenkins, Cr T. Dickinson, and Messrs W. Wallis, T. Hughes, and A. Horan and Senior-Constable Quinn also spoke to the toast. A presentation was made by the chairman to the guest of a silver-mounted smokers outfit, on behalf of the citizens of Sebastopol, and for Mrs Crimmins, a handsome ladies’ handbag. Cr Jones, on behalf of the School Committee, also presented him with a pipe. Constable Crimmins thanked the various speakers for the kind things they had said about him, and also for the handsome presentations they had given him. It was gratifying to think that what he had done had met with their appreciation. He believed it was the duty of every one to leave a place better than he had found it. He described the state of the school when the School Committee were appointed. He paid a tribute to their member (Mr M’Grath) for his arduous work in having the renovation carried out. If he (Constable Crimmins) was only half deserving of the good things said of him, he would be a proud man. He would greatly treasure their gifts. It was a pleasure to see the young fellows now at the club instead of hanging around the street corners. “Visitors." proposed by Mr T. Downer: and "The Press’’ were also honored. Harmony was contributed by Messrs G. Jenkins and J. Baxter.

In May 1916 Crimmins was one of the pall bearers at the funeral of Senior Sergeant Richard Blanchfield, who was the office in charge of the Redan Police Station.

Crimmins died at the Redan Police Station on 21 March 1917: "CONSTABLE FOUND DEAD. Ballarat, Wednesday. Constable Edward Crimmins, temporarily in charge of the Redan police station, was found dead in a shed at the rear of the station to-day." "CONSTABLE FOUND DEAD. BALLARAT, Wednesday. Constable Edward Crimmins, who had been stationed at Redan for some time, was to-night found dead in the changing room at the Redan police station. He left his home in York Street, Ballarat East, this morning to go on duty. As he was not seen about during the day Miss Finn, daughter of Senior-Constable Finn, the officer in charge at Redan, who is on holidays, made a search and found the body. Death had apparently oocurred some hours before. Deceased, who when last seen was apparently in good health, was 47 years of age, and had been 25½ years in the force. He leaves a wife and family. The body was taken to the Ballarat Morgue. An inquest is to be held." "POLICEMAN'S END. CONSTABLE E. CRIMMINS DIES SUDDENLY. A sensation was caused in police circles last evening when news was received of the death of Constable E. Crimmins, who was in charge of the Redan police station, during the absence of Senior-Constable Finn, who is away on holiday leave, with Mrs Finn. Constable Crimmins' death occurred with painful suddenness, and under conditions which make his passing the more regrettable. He resided in York street, Ballarat East, with his wife and family, and yesterday morning cycled across to Redan to take up his usual daily duties. He had been in the habit of changing his civilian clothes for tunic and helmet in a small hut close to the police station, and he reached there yesterday, but afterwards was not seen about. Miss Finn, who was home at the police station, noticed his absence during the afternoon, and when evening came without any sign of him, asked Mr. John M'Goldrick to look into the hut to ascertain if his uniform was there. Mr M'Goldrick was shocked on entering the place to find Constable Crimmins' body lying on its face. The remains were cold and rigid, death having apparently taken place several hours previously. It was apparent that deceased was in the act of changing when he expired. His civilian coat was off, but his tunic was hanging on the wall. Deceased was highly regarded by his superior officers as an efficient, tactful constable, and he was generally liked and respected by the public. He was 47 years of age, and had been for 25 years in the police force, being due shortly for promotion to the grade of senior-constable. He was for many years in the Ballarat district, having been stationed in turn at Snake Valley, Ballarat East, and Redan. A brother of the deceased is Senior-Constable M. Crimmins, now of the Prahran station, and formerly one of the Ballarat City Watchhouse keepers. A post-mortem examination of the remains was not required, Dr. Crawford having given a certificate today that the cause of death was heart failure. Constable Crimmins' death makes the third which has occurred with more or less suddenness at the Redan Police Station during the past three years. It is just about three years ago since Constable Hooley, who had been in the station for a considerable period, died after a brief illness. Senior - Constable Blanchfield, while in charge of the station, died there about twelve months ago, and now comes Constable Crimmins' regrettable end."