ONE of the Wimmera’s most respected police officers has died.
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Horsham’s Trevor Elsom died suddenly at home on Wednesday, aged 63.
Mr Elsom worked in the police force for about 35 years, with 27 of those years in Horsham.
He became Senior Sergeant in charge in 2005, and received an Australian Police Medal as part of the 2007 Queen's Birthday Honours before retiring in 2010.
He then worked at Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative in Horsham as its community and youth justice worker for four years.
Mr Elsom’s partner Donna Elsom said he was a fun-loving man and full of character.
“He had a wicked sense of humour,” she said. “He was also very practical and used common sense.
“Outside work he loved fishing and shooting. He had several favourite spots including Rocklands, Green Lake, and Taylors Lake.
“He loved sea fishing, and had just bought himself a new boat. He was also planning some extensive trips around Australia in his new caravan.
“We spent hours and hours talking about his police work – he was a great storyteller.
“Our loss is absolutely gut-wretching and heartbreaking.”
Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative community services manager John Gorton said Mr Elsom was highly respected and loved by everyone.
“Trevor knew a lot of the older Aboriginal community members from his time growing up in Dimboola,” he said. “He was always very respectful to them.
“Elders always said they preferred to talk with Trevor as ‘he gets us’.
“He had such a profound impact on the Aboriginal community. He would go above and beyond to support anyone, even if it wasn’t within the scope of his role.
“There aren’t any words we could say that would do Trevor justice. He will be sadly missed by all our staff and all the Aboriginal community in the Wimmera region.”
Mr Elsom is survived by his partner Donna, son Brenton and Brenton’s partner Jodie, grandchildren Colby and Bodey, and his sister Heather and brother-in-law Rodney.
He is also an uncle to Breanna and Madelyn, Sarah, Laura and Little Peter.
Mr Elsom’s funeral will be on Wednesday at Horsham’s Wesley Performing Arts Centre.