Canadian highway murders: Hills Police support Fowler family
A former colleague and close friend of Chief Inspector Stephen Fowler has told how devastated the family is after his son and his girlfriend were killed in Canada.
As a devastated Fowler family tried to process the gut-wrenching news of their 23-year-old son and brother Lucas’ murder in Canada, The Hills Police family rushed to support the “immensely proud and devoted father” who works alongside them at the Castle Hill station.
Former Hills commander Detective Superintendent Rob Critchlow and commander Jason Joyce met Chief Inspector Stephen Fowler, his wife and children to drive them from their upper north shore home to Sydney Airport bound for Vancouver on Saturday morning.
On Monday, July 15, Lucas and his American girlfriend Chynna Deese, 24, were found dead on the side of the Alaska Highway in British Columbia.
“He was so distraught, he could barely speak when he told me,” Supt Critchlow said of Insp Fowler.
He said Insp Fowler and his wife, were very proud of their three sons and daughter, who ranged in age from 20 to 30 years. The eldest child is a policeman in the Northern Territory.
“They’re a very, very close family and Stephen’s a great family man and for any family this would be devastating but they’re a very close family and had strong relationships with their children, and had road trips with the kids; it’s particularly devastating for their family,’’ he said.
“He’s proud of his children. He was an immensely proud and devoted father.”
The NSW Police Association has thrown emotional and financial support behind the Fowler family.
Homicide detectives Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Walpole and Detective Sergeant Adam Childs have arrived in Vancouver to provide expertise to the case.
“I’ve worked with both of them, they’re both very professional and highly personable. They’re very good,’’ Supt Critchlow said.
Supt Critchlow formed a close rapport with Insp Fowler seven years ago when he was the acting Eastwood commander. Supt Critchlowworked at Chatswood and they were then both assigned to The Hills police.
“He had a very strong reputation in police force for his medals and bravery,’’ Supt Critchlow said.
He said the murder of Mr Fowler, a former Ku-ring-gai High School student, hit the police force hard.
“It affects us deeply because our relationships go back a long time in the police force,’’ he said.
“It becomes very personal because we understand the impact better than others. We understand the ramifications of this.
“We care for each other deeply and it goes beyond normal working relationships. They’re really strong, deep-binding relationships.
“As police officers you want to protect your family as best you can. We’re no different to anybody else.
“We do really care for our own during the tough times.’’
Supt Critchlow said his 54-year-old mate joined the force about 1980 and had garnered several bravery awards.
“He’s a very experienced, very wise man,’’ Supt Critchlow said.
“He’s used his experience so well.”
The Hills police commander Supt Joyce echoed Supt Critchlow’s thoughts following the tragedy.
“The circumstances of Lucas’ death are tragic and words cannot express how devastated we are for Stephen and his family,” Supt Joyce said.
“The entire Hills Police Area Command send our love and thoughts to Chief Inspector Stephen Fowler and his family following the death of his son Lucas in Canada.
“We will continue to support Stephen and the family with the difficult task of returning their son Lucas to Australia.”
He said the outpouring of support from the community had been a great comfort to Mr Fowler and his family.
He added when they arrived at the airport on Saturday morning the airport staff at Qantas were wonderful in supporting the Fowler family.
“Special mention should be made to the staff of Qantas for all they did to assist the Fowler family to transit safely to Canada.”
The Hills Shire Mayor Michelle Byrne expressed condolences to Chief Inspector Fowler and his family.
“As a member of our highly valued and respected Local Area Command team, Chief Inspector Fowler is focused on keeping our community safe and free from crime and to have this horrific incident happen to his own loved ones must be almost incomprehensible given his role in upholding the law,’’ she said.
“On behalf of The Hills Shire Council, we extend our deepest sympathies.’’
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