Campbelltown police paused to remember the life of late Senior Constable James “Jim” Affleck today on the 20th anniversary of the highway patrol officer’s death.
Senior Constable Affleck was killed while attempting to stop a stolen vehicle during a high speed pursuit near Mittagong around 8.40am on January 14, 2001.
“Officers gave approval to place road spikes on the Hume Highway and Senior Constable Affleck did this near the Mark Evans Bridge at Glen Alpine,” New South Wales Historic Patrol Vehicles – a social media group made up of many retired police officers and approved by NSW Police – said on its Facebook page.
“The offending driver, travelling north, reached the spikes and swerved from one side of the highway to the other, hitting Senior Constable Affleck who died instantly.”
The driver, Trevor Edward Holton, then 26, was later arrested and charged with murder. Holton was sentenced to 16 years jail but was released in 2016.
James “Jim” Affleck was born in 1957 and joined the NSW Police Force on September 18, 1978 as a probationary constable.
He was appointed constable first class in 1984 and became a senior constable four years later.
He was awarded a national police medal in 1995. He was posthumously awarded the Valour Award for exceptional bravery following his death.
“God Bless you mate you were a very unique guy and a great operator and also your Highway vehicles were always tidy and professionally displayed.”
“RIP Jim ‘JA’ Affleck you may be gone …..but you will be never forgotten , as we all drive over your bridge for the past 20 years we say hi to you.”
The Jim Affleck Bridge, on the Hume Highway at Menangle Park, stands in memory of his service and sacrifice to the community.
