Senior Constable Rob Kerr was always giving to his community during his life as a police officer, now a facility named in his memory will continue to help others nearly 13 years after his death.
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The Robert Kerr robotics rehabilitation centre, built thanks to fundraising from the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s North East branch, was officially opened with a dedication ceremony at Wangaratta hospital on Thursday.
The 52-year-old father-of-three, who worked at the single-member police station in Chiltern, died from a blot clot after a hit-and-run on the morning of October 26, 2004.
His daughter Sarah spoke at the ceremony and said the family was humbled and proud by the dedication to her father, who had always been respected by his peers in the police force, friends and the wider community.
“He was strong in character and had a great sense of humour, he was intelligent, his morals and ethics were the highest level, he was highly trustworthy and fiercely loyal to his family and friends,” she said.
“His compassion and determination for life will continue to inspire us all and his presence will always be missed.”
The hospital is now the first in rural Australia to offer robotics, which engages the brain and nerves to the limbs by providing stimulating treatment, particularly in stroke victims.
Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton traveled to Wangaratta for the event, thanking Blue Ribbon and Senior Constable Kerr’s family for being part of the special day.
“The equipment you have raised money for will save lives and it will allow people to recover properly from serious, serious injury,” he said.
Blue Ribbon Foundation North East branch president Sergeant Colleen Sheridan said dedications were usually reserved for members killed in the line of duty, but a special exemption was made because Senior Constable Kerr was always “on duty” for Chiltern.
“Rob took ownership of ensuring the safety of his community and when you dedicate your career to managing a single-member station, you take ownership of that community 24-7,” she said.
“His community, regardless whether the station door was locked, knew exactly where to find him and he was available to them at all times of the day.”