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Senior Constable Cecil Bagley was at home with his wife and children at Mt Gravatt about 7pm on 14 February 1963 when his and his wife’s attention was attracted by the sound of a light bulb exploding, and a scream. They then saw their neighbour, Mr Chapman, leaning on his motor vehicle with the open bonnet of the car resting on his head, and the engine of the vehicle still running.
Bagley realised that Chapman had been electrocuted, went to render assistance. He warned Mrs Chapman and his own wife that on no accountant were they to touch Chapman due to the danger to themselves of electrocution. He asked Mrs Chapman to tum off the electricity at the fuse box which she did. However, before the power had been switched off, Bagley went to the driver's side door and leaned into the vehicle to tum off the ignition. He was electrocuted as he leant through the window.
Attempts were made to immediately revive both Bagley and Chapman but both failed to respond and were pronounced dead on arrival at hospital. Although Senior Constable Bagley was not on duty at the time of this accident, he is included on the Commemoration Roll in recognition of the fact that by nature of their occupation police officers are always on duty and must be prepared to cope with any emergency whenever it arises.