After pumping $2000 into a Police Legacy Memorial, cattle producer Richard Ogilvie recently returned to Lucindale for the unveiling of a memorial for his friend, the late Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig PEM LEM.
Mr Ogilvie and his family previously farmed at Spots Hill, near Biscuit Flat – an area Sgt Doig frequented when off duty.
“Jason was an excellent friend – a very good friend of my wife and I,” said Mr Ogilvie, describing a large birthday celebration for Sgt Doig once held at Spots Hill.
“He also worked with our foster son who used to be a policeman in Mount Gambier and now works … in Adelaide.
“So, there has been a long association with Jason and his family, and yes, I did donate $2000.
“I’m very pleased with the memorial. I think it is better than something that can be just moved on and forgotten.”
The memorial is a plaque on a stand and a life-sized silhouette of Sgt Doig, based on a photo taken by his mother, Faye.
With a view of the police station, it stands opposite the Lucindale Hotel – one of many places Sgt Doig tried to ensure his community arrived home safely from.
Mr Ogilvie praised everyone involved with the memorial, including others who donated financially.
Many people gave donations after Sgt Doig aged 53 years was shot and killed while on duty and attending a job 120kms from his home.
SA Police Legacy actioned the idea for a permanent memorial on February 5, last year when representatives visited Lucindale for a public meeting.
Sgt Doig’s mother Faye, her husband Rob and brothers Brett and Greg were consulted along with SA Police, Police Association of SA, Cops for Kids and Wall to Wall Ride for Remembrance.
Representatives of the groups, including a large contingent of Wall to Wall riders, were among the crowd of more than 300 people at the unveiling.
A Ducanti buff, Sgt Doig’s yellow motor bike, stood motionless throughout the ceremony.
The governor of SA, Frances Adamson, assisted by Sgt Doig’s family officially unveiled the memorial.
SA Police chief inspector and SA Police Legacy president, Kellie Watkins GAICD was MC for the ceremony.
“Jason was the quintessential country cop. He had a reputation for giving 100 percent to the community and helping others,” she said.
SA Police chief commissioner, Grant Stevens reflected on Sgt Doig’s career, his commitment to country policing as well as his dedication and advocacy for the Lucindale community – and his organisational skills.
“Jason was renowned for keeping the Lucindale Police Station in immaculate condition, and I can say from having visited every police station in the state, Jason set the benchmark,” commissioner Stevens said.
Other speakers included SAPOL course mate Matt Buck, Sgt Doig’s brother, Brett Doig and Mount Gambier based police chaplain, Pastor Mark Hann.
The SA Police Band performed The Requiescant which has become an anthem for fallen police officers. Against that background the crowd engaged in a minute’s silence followed by wreath laying.
Concluding the service Ms Watkins urged people to view a shelter in the park. In honour of the community’s police officer who went to work and never came home, the Lucindale Lions Club had renamed it the Jason Doig PBM LEM Memorial Shelter.
Some of the dignitaries at the ceremony included Naracoorte Lucindale mayor Patrick Ross, member for MacKillop Nick McBride, Police Minister Stephen Mullighan, and member of the Legislative Council, Ben Hood.
Wally Ogilvie who previously farmed at Biscuit Flat and travelled from Strathalbyn for the service with his brother Richard of NSW, was also a great friend of Sgt Doig.
“Jason would call in and have a cup of coffee – he was into computer games and he gave me a joystick. He would just talk endlessly about computer games,” Mr Ogilvie said.
“He was into all sorts of (other) things as well. He was a bit of a character.”
Naracoorte based Sgt Simon Haebich and his wife and family were also personal friends of Sgt Doig.
“He is sadly missed. But this (memorial) is a great reminder, not just to those who knew him, but to anybody who passes through,” Sgt Haebich said.
“It is going to be here for a very long time. It is in a very good position and it is a fitting memorial to a good man.”
Member for MacKillop, Nick McBride said it was a fitting and great turnout for Sgt Doig.
“I know Jason is sadly missed as a local, as a policeman and as a gentleman who looked after the community through thick and thin,” he said.
This article appeared in The Naracoorte News, 16 April 2025.
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