Patrick Short (police commissioner) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Commissioner
Patrick Short
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| Commissioner of the Queensland Police Force | |
| In office January 1921 – January 1925 |
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| Preceded by | Frederic Urquhart |
| Succeeded by | William Ryan |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 14, 1859 Ipswich, Queensland |
| Died | February 14, 1941 (aged 81) Clayfield, Brisbane, Queensland |
| Resting place | Lutwyche Cemetery, Brisbane |
| Spouse | Eleanor Teresa Short (c. 1859–1936) |
| Profession | Police officer |
Patrick Short was a police officer who became the top boss, or Commissioner, of the Queensland Police Force. He held this important job from 1921 until he retired in 1925. What's special about him? He was the very first police commissioner born in Queensland!
Contents
Early Life in Queensland
Patrick Short was born in Ipswich, Queensland. His parents, Patrick and Mary, had moved there from Ireland in 1855. Patrick's father ran a business making and fixing metal items. Sadly, his father passed away when Patrick was still young.
Growing up, Patrick first worked in the building trade. Later, he moved to south-west Queensland for work.
A Career in Policing
Joining the Force
On May 14, 1878, Patrick Short joined the Queensland Police Force. It was a very small police group back then. He trained in Brisbane. Then, he was sent to Saint George. This was the most distant police station at that time.
Early Adventures
In his first few weeks, Short made his first arrest. He caught a man who was scaring people with a gun. Short used a clever trick to capture him. The gun later broke when it was fired, showing how dangerously it had been loaded.
He also worked with another officer, Trooper Power. They went to Booligar to set up a camp. There were rumors that the famous Ned Kelly gang might be heading their way from New South Wales. Patrick Short was a great horse rider. He often traveled long distances to catch people who stole livestock.
Rising Through the Ranks
Short served in several areas, including Marburg. On January 1, 1884, he was promoted to acting-sergeant. He quickly rose to senior sergeant. In 1898, Short became the officer in charge of the South Brisbane police station.
In January 1901, he became the senior sergeant leading the Criminal Investigation Branch. This branch investigates serious crimes. He then became a sub-inspector in January 1904. Later, he asked to be transferred to Maryborough in 1910. After seven months, he moved to Toowoomba.
A promotion to senior inspector meant Short moved to the Petrie Terrace Police Depot. Here, he oversaw the police work in the Brisbane area. In January 1917, he became the senior inspector for criminal investigation for the entire State.
Becoming Commissioner
In December 1920, it was announced that Patrick Short would become the new Commissioner. He officially started on January 16, 1921. He took over from Commissioner Urquhart. Short was the first police officer who started as a constable and was born in Queensland to become Commissioner.
Changes as Commissioner
Patrick Short loved horses and knew a lot about them. As Commissioner, he worked to make the Queensland police horses even better. He did this at the police horse breeding station called Rewan.
During his time as Commissioner, he made some important changes. He reduced the number of police districts from twelve to ten. He also oversaw changes to the Police Act. These changes helped improve police pensions and family allowances. In 1924, new laws allowed police union members to appeal against promotion decisions. This applied to ranks up to senior sergeant.
Patrick Short announced his retirement in December 1924. He had served in the police force for 46.5 years! He remained Commissioner until January 16, 1925, when he turned 65. He retired with a perfect record.
Family and Later Years
Marriage and Family Life
When he was a young constable, Patrick Short married Eleanor Teresa Butler. They were married on June 30, 1880, in Roma, Queensland. Eleanor was born in Ireland and came to Roma when she was 15. She was known for being popular and smart. Eleanor enjoyed sports like croquet and loved going to horse races, just like her husband. During World War I, she helped with charity work and war efforts.
Retirement and Legacy
After retiring, a special event was held for Patrick Short in February 1925. People raised money to honor him. He continued his love for horses, often attending race meetings at Eagle Farm.
Eleanor, his wife, passed away on February 19, 1936, in Brisbane. She was buried in the Lutwyche Cemetery. Patrick Short himself died at his home on February 14, 1941. His service was held at Saint Agatha's Church. He was buried next to his wife.
At the time of his death, Patrick and Eleanor had three sons and five daughters.
