Jugiong residents have agreed to name a street after a fallen police officer who was murdered in a gun fight with a member of the infamous Ben Hall’s gang.
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On October 26 Hilltops Council mayor Brian Ingham and NSW Police deputy commissioner Gary Worboys will unveil Jugiong’s newest street, Parry Street.
The street is named after the town’s fallen hero sergeant Edmund Parry who was savagely murdered by Johnny Gilbert at Jugiong, on November 16 1864, almost 154 years ago.
Sergeant Parry was wounded twice during the shootout but refused to submit to the Bushrangers, yelling he “will never surrender”.
The 32-year-old was fatally shot a third time through the back and the naming of the street was made by local residents to show their appreciation to the Gundagai policeman who sacrificed his life to protect the community.
Parry’s comrade, Sub Inspector O’Neil was forced to surrender having no bullets left, but in a last show of defiance threw his empty revolver at the head of Ben Hall.
The memory of the town’s fallen hero comes in the lead up to this year’s Sergeant Parry Memorial Day on November 3.
Jugiong will hold a community event to commemorate the sacrifice of the local policeman.
Members of the Gold Trails Re-enactments and 73rd Regiment of Foot groups will bring history to life and will recreate the gunfight between Sergeant Parry and the Hall Gang.
Chairman of the Sergeant Parry Day Committee Wes Leseberg said this year’s celebration will be a bit different as the NSW Police Deputy Commissioner and the mayor will be joining.
“Jugiong only has about 150 residents but we should see a good representation on the day as the community was behind the naming of the street,” Mr Leseberg said.
“We took the opportunity to name Parry Street when council was addressing the urban street numbering.”
The community is encouraged to join the day’s festivities of food, drinks and activities for a family day out between 2pm – 8pm.
