This book is dedicated to Harry Cann. As one of the main cast of a chapter relating to the courage of the Hard Men who protect our well-being, he was a young detective thrown into battle without real preparation or prior experience. He answered the challenge with true coolness and real courage. He stood beside his partner as they went “toe-to-toe” against a violent gunman in a deadly shoot-out. When the gunsmoke had cleared he lived to tell the story.
I also dedicate this book, and my total respect, to his partner in that street battle, my father, John Stephen McLernon. He had already tasted the harsh reality of battle during his 4 year long war service in New Guinea, Borneo and the Pacific Islands, operating behind enemy lines on numerous occasions. During that horrific time he received many medals for valour. Then, once again, he was called to defend threatened lives, this time those of Detective Sergeants Leitch, Parker and himself, along with their many children. He was only 25 years of age when he returned from the war in the tropic jungles. It was a mere 13 years later that he was attacked in the brutal street jungles along with his partner, Harry Cann. They survived. Their assailant paid the ultimate price for his war on society and individual police. They were two Hard Men, two heroes, -thanks!
The third person I dedicate this book to is Frank Scott who fought his battle with a corrupt hierachy alone with no support at all.
Terence J. McLernon
Once again I acknowledge a great number of people who assisted me in this project and who continue, advisedly, to retain their anonymity. And once more I make thanks to my wayward colleague, Senseye, for his editorial suggestions, some of which, after expletives were deleted, have massaged numerous chapters into greater readability. One day, if he defeats his lethargy and procrastinatory ways, he may regale the public with his own inimitable stories which remain, at present, stacked in cardboard boxes indexed according to some vague and esoterical supernumerical system.