(Former N. S. W. Deputy Commissioner of Police 1982-1986.)

John was the son of Alfred James and Mary Henrietta Ruby Perrin (nee Grube), pictured below.

He was born and bred in Deniliquin N. S. W. growing up on `Bullawa’, a farm managed by his parents, not far away. On leaving the George St school at age 14, he joined his father, droving throughout the Riverina. Three years later, on 1^st May 1944 and aged 17, he moved to Sydney where he joined the N. S. W. Police Force via their Cadet system. He was duly appointed a Probationary Constable on the 17^th Mar 1947.

Around this time he tried out the sport of football but it seems no other sport was to grab his fancy.

On 25^th Sep 1948 he married Mercia Beverley Wallace in Glebe, N. S. W. Mercia by choice, became known as Terry but her beloved husband always called her “Mus”. They had 2 girls and 2 boys, 12 grandchildren and 10 Great Grandchildren.

He was appointed Sergeant 3^rd class on 4^th Apr 1962 and Sergeant 2^nd class on 30^th Jun 1968 moving on to Inspector 3^rd class on 14^th Mar 1976 and Senior Inspector in 1980.

In 1978 Mr. Perrin was admitted to the NSW Bar after completing a law course at Sydney University.

Senior Inspector Perrin was appointed Superintendent on 30^th Jun 1981 and with the approval of his Excellency the Governor and on the advice of the Executive Council,  reached the lofty heights of Deputy Commissioner of Police, Sydney, in 1982.

Over the years he held posts in Internal Affairs, headed Special Branch and had country appointments serving with the Vice Squad and as a Lock-up Keeper at Nimatabel, Yass, Eden, Coonabarabran and Canowindra. He was a Cadet Instructor at the Police Academy and worked in Public Relations and Licensing.

To those that knew him he was considered to be “ the policeman’s, policeman”. AND…. he was referred to in an edition of the Sydney Morning Herald as the “most experienced cop ever to put on a pair of police boots”.

To family he was nick named the “silastic man” as silicon was his favourite tool, indeed his only tool. The builder/neighbour came to his help with any other “handyman” jobs.

He was one of the youngest Deputy Commissioners appointed since WW11 and probably the only one who left school at 14! His legacy to his fellow police officers was to allow “suspended with pay” as he always said, “innocent until proven guilty”. “Police are always getting berated for doing their job”.

He had been strongly tipped to become the next N.S.W. Commissioner of Police in 1984, on the retirement of Cec Abbott, and had State Cabinet support. He was however unexpectantly pipped at the post by John Avery, the Executive Chief Superintendent of Personnel.  

His medals included: Her Majesty’s Silver Jubilee Medal 1977, the Queen’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service on 16^th Jun 1979, the National Medal on 29^th Jun 1984 and the Australian Police Medal on 9^th Jun 1986 (this medal from the Queen’s Birthday Honours list, was instituted in early 1986 and this was the first time it had been awarded), all recognising his long service and good conduct.

He retired in 1986  and the well-attended event to celebrate his service was duly reported on by the Sydney Morning Herald on 11^th July 1986 (P.5).

After retirement, Mr. Perrin worked as a part-time legal adviser for 13 years.

John died aged 75 from cancer at Smithfield N. S. W. on 14^th Sep 2001, 3 days after the “9/11” disaster. (11/9 to us Aussies.) He was afforded a full police funeral with full honours and his ashes rest in the  Forrest Lawn Memorial Park, Camden Valley Way, Leppington, N. S. W., alongside those of his wife Terry who died in 2012. John was the first family member to choose cremation. His five siblings all predeceased him.

His family continued the policing tradition.

Sincere thanks to John’s daughter Tracie for the information provided.