A 44-year-old police officer who followed in his father’s footsteps by joining the force has taken his own life amid calls for better mental health support for officers.
Stephen Charles Hardwick passed away three days before Christmas, on December 22, two years after leaving the New South Wales Police.
Hardwick joined the force in December 2000 and left in 2022, having spent more than 20 years in Sydney and Wollongong.
His father, Barry Hardwick, is a retired officer. It is understood his brother, Chris Hardwick, is still on the force.
Mr Hardwick’s death was met with great sadness on a tribute page dedicated to fallen officers in New South Wales.
Both those who knew the 44-year-old man and those he had never met agreed that better mental health facilities for officers could have prevented his death.
‘It’s very sad to hear it. Another loss that is hard to understand unless you have been there,” one wrote.
Another, who knew Mr Hardwick’s father, wrote: ‘To my former Detective Sergeant Barry Hardwick, his son Chris and his family. I am very sorry to hear of the death of your son and brother.
Stephen Charles Hardwick (pictured) passed away three days before Christmas on December 22, two years after leaving the New South Wales Police.
Hardwick (pictured) joined the force in December 2000 and left in 2022, having spent more than 20 years in Sydney and Wollongong.
“It’s a good situation that’s been going on for years with cops in trouble versus this lousy support system for frontline officers.
‘It has happened to many of my former and current colleagues, as well as me, and it breaks my heart.
‘The only thing I wish for now is that this death makes the hierarchy sit up and take notice.
“The frontline police support system is broken and we are losing too many good men and women to their negligence.”
For confidential 24-hour support in Australia, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
More to come.