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Respected top cop dies

Kate FieldingSouth Western Times
In 2001, then Superintendent John Watson viewed monitors for detecting crime on the street. Mr Watson sadly died yesterday.
Camera IconIn 2001, then Superintendent John Watson viewed monitors for detecting crime on the street. Mr Watson sadly died yesterday. Credit: WA News

Former South West top cop John Watson has died of a suspected heart attack.

It is understood the former Bunbury-based superintendent died yesterday while holidaying with his wife, Larraine.

From 2001, South West Supt John Watson warned school leavers heading south. Mr Watson sadly died yesterday.
Camera IconFrom 2001, South West Supt John Watson warned school leavers heading south. Mr Watson sadly died yesterday. Credit: South West Times

Mr Watson – known to many as ‘Watto’ – started in the South West in 1996 before relocating to Albany in 2003.

From 2004, then Great Southern Police District Supt John Watson presented former Police Commissioner Barry Matthews with a batton made of sheoak. Mr Watson sadly died yesterday.
Camera IconFrom 2004, then Great Southern Police District Supt John Watson presented former Police Commissioner Barry Matthews with a batton made of sheoak. Mr Watson sadly died yesterday. Credit: Albany Advertiser

Mr Watson retired to Preston Beach with his wife in 2005 after a 36-year stint in the WA Police force.

From 2001, Supt John Watson in Bunbury. Mr Watson sadly died yesterday.
Camera IconFrom 2001, Supt John Watson in Bunbury. Mr Watson sadly died yesterday. Credit: WA News

Mr Watson joined the WA Police force on Australia Day, 1970.

From 1999, fromer Premier Richard Court tries a hat on at the Bunbury Police station with the help of Supt John Watson. Mr Watson sadly died yesterday.
Camera IconFrom 1999, fromer Premier Richard Court tries a hat on at the Bunbury Police station with the help of Supt John Watson. Mr Watson sadly died yesterday. Credit: JOHN EVANS

He was awarded an Australian Police Medal in 1993.

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