Police, family offer $350,000 reward for help in hero helicopter pilot Ian Pullen’s death
The family of Ian Pullen continue to mourn the hero helicopter pilot, left for dead in a hit-and-run in the Hunter Valley.
Newcastle
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As a young boy who always wanted to fly, Ian Pullen was a dedicated pilot who put his life on the line to keep others safe.
A shy boy and little bit of a clown growing up, he was a loving son, family member and father to three young children but his life was cut short when he was tragically left to die on the side of the road in the Hunter Valley.
Just days from the anniversary of his death, his devastated family has made a tearful plea for information into who was responsible.
“This last 12 months has been hell, and a part of me feels I am missing something,” said the mother of Ian Pullen, Gill Pullen.
“Up until 12 months ago I had three sons, Ian was my middle son.
“Ian was a caring husband, he had three beautiful children, which he really loved and he was man that cared so much for other people that he would put his own life at risk.”
The 43-year-old from New Zealand was over fighting fires in Australia last year, when he was struck and killed early one morning on September 29 at Glenridding, near Singleton, as the driver fled the scene.
In hope of enticing someone to come forward, the NSW Government has announced a $350,000 reward for information regarding his death.
His family just want closure.
“If anybody knows anything, they should come forward so we can actually get some closure,” Ms Pullen said.
“We can’t go on with our life, all I have got now is my memory from my son growing up, I carry his ashes around my neck. I put it around my neck since the day he was cremated, it has never been taken off.
“Vicki his wife can’t go forward, she couldn’t even come this weekend because she’s not coping, her children are not coping.
“I carried my boy for nine months in my body and my body has been torn, a part of me missing which I’ll never get back.”
Mr Pullen’s older brother, who couldn’t come to the media presser on Friday, hoping he can one day look his brother’s killer in the eye.
“My other son is hoping to come over one day to a court case so he can look someone in the eye and say why couldn’t you stop,” Ms Pullen added.
“It might have been an accident but why not stop, if you hit an animal you don’t leave them on the side of the road.
“It’s just not fair how somebody can do that, how can they look at themselves for 12 months.”
Hunter Valley crime manager Acting Inspector Steve Benson said police have active leads into Mr Pullen’s death and hope this latest appeal will bring forward more information.
“Strike Force Awabakil was set up over the last twelve months, and have been making inquiries,” he said.
“The NSW government has released a $350,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person involved with Mr Pullen’s death.
“We hoping this incentive will bring people to the table, because we do believe there are people out there in the community that have information.
“Mr Pullen was a husband, family member and father of three young boys and he was over here helping us out in the fire season.
“If you do have knowledge of this incident whether it be second hand knowledge please come forward and make contact with police.
“We’re bringing this matter back into the public and bringing it back into focus.”
Investigations are continuing. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.