The Blue Ribbon Foundation, in conjunction with Centenary House in Traralgon, recently dedicated the facility's stage three development in honour of former Warragul police officer detective sergeant John Hodge.
John (Jack) was a senior detective at Warragul Police Station in the 1960s and 1970s. He died from injuries sustained in a car accident in February 1976 at the age of 43 - survived by his wife Isabel and five sons aged between seven and 17.
Almost 50 years after his death, John's family gathered to see the unveiling of the new section of Centenary House. Gippsland Rotary Centenary House (GRCH) is a community-based not-for-profit accommodation facility for patients and their families who are attending the Gippsland cancer care centre and Latrobe Regional Hospital (LRH).
The Blue Ribbon Foundation perpetuates the memory of Victoria Police members who have died in the line of duty through the support of worthwhile community projects within Victoria. The foundation is a non-profit, community based association which honours fallen members of the police force. It aims to show police that their dedication and work is valued and to create appropriate memorials for police force members who have died while on duty.
John's son Michael described the pride felt by his family at the dedication. "It's an amazing honour, to think that after nearly 50 years since dad's passing that we could commemorate him in the way we have - attached to such an iconic facility."
John was a detective sergeant in the Warragul CIB - considered a very senior and prominent position in the community.
Michael, who was only 13 at the time of his dad's death remembers the standing John had in the community. "When you pass at 43, you leave a lot on the table. I am sure he would be a little embarrassed by such an honour but he would certainly be proud."
John played a prominent role in the community and was a driving force in the creation of the Warragul Junior Football League in the 1970s. He and his colleague Keith Kidd were behind the establishment of the Warragul Youth Club in the 1960s. The Warragul Blues Junior Football Club under 14 best-and-fairest is named in his honour.
John's wife Isabel died only six months before the dedication at the age of 90. "She would have been very proud as well," Michael said.
Victoria Police acting chief commissioner Robert Hill addressed spokes at the dedication. Other speakers included Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation Gippsland branch president sergeant Leanne Evans, Blue Ribbon Foundation chief commissioner Neil Soullier and Gippsland Rotary Centenary House deputy chairman Dave Swainsbury.