Alan Bourke
Alan Bourke
I am a Detective Inspector in charge of The Gold Coast Criminal Investigation branch at Surfers paradise. I have spent in excess of 20 years in criminal investigation work ( hence the grey hair). Nickname " Silver Fox " 48 yrs of age married to Annette, three children aged 23,22 and 19 yrs. Hobby - fishing, Sports - Squash and jogging, Hates : snakes and hangovers.
Ray Brownhill
D.O.B. 23 February 1966
I am 34 years old and married with just the one wife. I have been a member of the Qld Police Service for 17 years. I am currently working at the Detective Training Program which is based in the capital of Queensland, that being Brisbane. I live in one of the inner Brisbane suburbs, making it handy for those early morning cab rides home from the city.
I am getting too old for contact sports but over time have competed in various sports including Rugby league, Rugby union, Australian Rules and more recently Surf Boat Rowing. I am a half serious runner and hope to get to the top of those mountains I am hearing about without any mechanical assistance. I also don't mind the odd punt on the tables. Should have a great time in Vegas as I have heard they have one or two casinos there.
Dolyne Budgen
D.O.B 1 December 1965
Hi there. I am a Constable of police in general duties stationed at West End, Brisbane. I am an American and have lived in Australia for almost 3 years now. I married an Australian, Wayne. He is a Sgt. at the Qld. police academy. I have been running competively since high school and a former collegiate runner. I ran for Springfield College, Massachusetts for 4 years. I was a member of the NCAA Div 2 cross country team for 4 years. In 1988, our team finished 5th in the US. I finished first in the New England Champs. in 1988 in 5km with a time of 17:53 and in the 10km with a 37:04 (those were the days!). I then went on and ran half marathons and marathons (3:14). These days I stick to the 5km/10km. I also served in the US Air force for 3 years prior to moving overseas. Can't wait to have a turkey dinner and see a Dunkin Donuts, again.
Anthony Buxton
Hello!! I am a 28 year old Plain Clothes Constable with 7 years of service currently working in Juvenile Aid Bureau in Morningside, Brisbane. I am a keen triathlete training 20 hours plus per week and competeing in all levels of competition. I recently have been selected to represent Australia in my age group at the World Duathlon Championships held in Calais on the 8th of October 2000. I love to live life and lock up bad guys. "Push it through baby, don't be afraid."
Leslie Clarke
D.O.B. 7 December 1972
My name is Les CLARKE. I am 28 years old and have been a Constable in the Queensland Police Service for almost 3 years. I have spent the length of my service on the busy Southport division on the Gold Coast in South Eastern Region of Queensland.
I reached the peak of my racing career in 1978 after beating Jason EACOTT(also team member) in our local egg and spoon race championship. Reaching this dizzying height & the pressure of being a champion at such a young age, soon took its toll & saw a forced retirement from competitive sport. That is until NOW!
The Baker to Vegas is to be my "Comeback Event" & like ELVIS before me in '68', I intend to re-establish my No. 1 status, with the QPS team.
Melanie Cooper
Once upon a time, 23 years ago, I was born in Brisbane and many years later in 1998 started my long awaited career in the Qld Police service, starting my training year at Upper Mount Gravatt and Holland Park. I have since been transferred to the Lovely Mount Isa (currently completing a 6 mth rotation in the watchhouse), where my athletic and sporting activities have blossomed due to the isolation and lack of other past times available. I currently play, touch football, squash, dirt volleyball (As there is no beach) and hockey, as well as running (obviously) and cycling.
Phil Deakin
I am an Inspector and Staff Officer to the Deputy Chief Executive (Resource Management) and Vice Captain of the team. My running career started off by competing in Triathlons and I've now dropped the other two sports to concentrate on running. This year I competed in my first Marathon, the Sydney Olympic Marathon on 30 April, and my last Marathon, the Gold Coast City Marathon on 25 June (I'm sticking to the half marathon from now on). I'm 47 yrs. young, married to Ann Maree with two boys (7yrs & 2yrs). I'm looking forward to the Challenge Cup and meeting up (but not necessarily catching up) with all the runners in the race.
Jason Eacott
Jason EACOTT 14/11/71 Gold Coast (Police Officer 2yrs)
Motivation for running B2V-
In grade3 (1978) I lost the Jamboree Heights Egg & Spoon race final. Then & there I vowed never to race again--UNTIL NOW. I plan to do my very best and show the Yanks that no-one runs an Egg & Spoon race like the Aussies.
Stephen Elder
D.O.B. 22 May 1967
Come race time I will have been with the Queensland Police Service Communications Centre 4 years. I enjoy my job and enjoy a good run. I first started running as a training tool for fitness prior to enlisting in the Army. I spent 5 very interesting years as an infantry soldier before discharging and followed by 19 months in Japan. It took 19 months to settle into a normal life using sake and Japanese pubs a my tools. I still kept the running up whilst in Japan as I went from pub to pub or just from the Yakuza for trying to mix with the local female population.
Chris Emzin
D.O.B. 17 August 1965
I am a 35 years of age, I am married to Sharon and have a daughter Renee who will be 9 years old in April. I have been a member of the Qld Police Service for 15 years. I currently working at the Legal/Policy Unit, Ethical Standards Command at Police Headquarters in Brisbane. I live on the Gold Coast which is 75km south of Brisbane
I have recently retired from the semi-competitive sports arena where I participated in Rugby Union and Surf Boat Rowing. I now play social Australian Rules Football and jog to keep fit as well as having an involvement in my daughters sporting activities.
I looking to pump out a personal best in my leg of the relay (for me this is under 5 minutes per kilometre). Using this tactic I will get back to the bar quicker to enjoy the celebrations. My wife is also looking to put in a +PB¦ in the local outlet stores she has a +black belt in shopping¦.
From a professional viewpoint, whilst in the USA, I am hoping to be part of an audience for the Jerry Springer Show so I can pick up some informal resolution techniques that could be introduced into the Queensland Police Service.
Mal Hinton
D.O.B. 2 December 1960
"Hi! My name is Mal Hinton. I'm an Inspector presently stationed at Ethical Standards Command and when I heard about this run I couldn't pass up the opportunity to go and see a bit of America and take my two wonderful children (Sam and Ali) to Disneyland, Universal Studios, Sea World etc. I've been known to go for a run every now and then, but with the passing of years (and the onset of more injuries than you could poke a stick at), these days I'm frequently mistaken for Cliff Young on the running track (there's nothing more inspiring than being passed by walkers). No matter, I am looking forward to my midnight run through the mountains of Nevada."
Barry Krosch
Aged 53, I feel like the team patriarch. An Inspector of Police, I have been a Queensland cop for 26 years. Served with the Australian Air Force before that, including a year with the US 35th Tactical Fighter Wing in Vietnam in 1969. Completed nine official marathons and about fifty half marathons. Looking forward to the Mojave Desert, Las Vegas Boulevard, a great run, and a cold American beer. Favourite quote " If you want to avoid criticism - Do nothing, Say nothing, Be nothing". And yes, I do know the Crocodile Hunter!!!!
email- Cybersurreal@uq.net.au
Vicki Lee
I am a Constable and I'm currently attached to Rockhampton Generals (General duties). I live in Rockhampton which is located on the Tropic of Capricorn. I am a mad keen runner like the rest of the team (I hope) and I've competed in a couple of marathons as well as Australia's biggest Fun Run, the City to Surf, held in Sydney every year. BZBZ@bigpond.com is my email address. Will feel like a fish out of water - never been overseas before.
Stewart Manning
D.O.B. 28 February 1973
Hi, I'm 28 years old, and have been in the Queensland Police Service for 6 years. I am a Plain Clothes Constable, currently performing duty in the Major Fraud Investigation Group at Police Head Quarters in Brisbane. When I'm not working I play Australian Rules Football and I also enjoy fishing and camping (although I don't do it as often as I like).
I have two reasons for wanting to participate in the B2V. The first, is after injuring my back last year, I needed something to motivate me into training again and my goal was running in the B2V. The second, I wanted to meet law enforcement officers from around the US as I have always had a keen interest in US Law Enforcement.
Dave Melville
David is a Chief Superintendent of Police and is currently the Operations Co-ordinator for the Queensland Police Service's, South Eastern Region. This Region includes the Gold Coast (Surfers Paradise) where he lives with his family. He has a Bachelors Degree in Sociology and Political Economy, a Graduate Certificate in Public Policy, Graduate Certificate in Executive Management and a Master of Educational Administration. He is a member of a number of professional bodies including being a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management and an Active Member of the International Chiefs of Police Association. In 1998 he was honoured on the Queens Birthday Honours List with an Australian Police Medal (APM) for outstanding service to policing.
Graeme Alan MILLARD
50 yrs as at race time. Resides on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia Rank: Detective Senior Sergeant 24 years in the Queensland Police Service...one of two o/c's in charge of 50 detectives at Surfers Paradise. Wife..Beverley…..6 grown children between us. Son in law is David NILSSON played 8 years major league baseball for Milwaukee Brewers in USA and All star team in 1999.( therefore Graeme is frequent visitor to the USA). Has attended the race on 5 occasions as guest of the LASD Homicide 800 Bulldog team. Loves to throw down the odd ale and will be the non running team captain of the Aussie Challenge 2001 Baker to Vegas.
Andre Nant
D.O.B. 14 July 1970
My name is Andre NANT. I am a 30 year old plain clothes Constable of Police stationed at the Burleigh Heads Criminal Investigation Branch on the Gold Coast. I have 5 (five) years service. My inspiration to run the Baker to Las Vegas is to scam a free ride in a helicopter. Due to the great expense involved in this type of 'sight seeing activity', I believe the only way I will be able to do it is when I collapse whilst running my leg of the race.
I will then receive a 'free' medivac to the hospital where I will make an astonishingly quick recovery in order to greet my fellow team members at the finish line, with a beer or two in hand (and perhaps a nurse as well).
I am looking forward to participating in this event and are proud to be running for my country. Aussie, Aussie, Aussie - Oi, Oi Oi
Bob Pierce
Born 21 February 1951 at Brisbane, Queensland Also lived in Mackay, Townsville, Norfolk Island and Mt Isa. Worked in a bank and was a part time soldier, then surveying and mining before joining the Police. In the Police I worked general duties on the Sunshine Coast, Mapping, Firearms, bomb technician, FBI Hazardous Devices, undercover Break and Enter squad, Woolloongabba generals, Witness Protection, Weapons Licensing, Firearms training. I have previously travelled all over Australia and to Japan and Papua New Guinea. I have a small rural property about three hours out of town, great views, just a weekend retreat. I enjoy long distance walking, gentle running and some shooting
While in the United States I would be interested in checking out shooting facilities, clubs, retailers etc. and training programs
I hope to travel around the United States to see as much as possible of the people and geography and possibly some history.
Contact me if you are thinking of coming to Australia and are interested in anything that you think I could assist with.
My phone number at home is 07 349 6282 I can receive incoming faxes at work on 07 3246 8401 I do not have an e mail address.
Dale Pointon
Dale Pointon (1961 – late model, baby boomer)
My successful running career started and finished at primary school where my cousin and I were the 3 legged race champions for several years. At 15 years of age I joined the Queensland Police and discovered shortly after that it was humanly possible to run 1500 metres without walking . . . if you take it slowly. In recent years I adopted a running strategy to get out of the 100 kilogram and above club . . . it worked . . . but only just. I've decided to run in B2V so that my kids can tell their friends that their father is an international runner.
Robbie Smith
D.O.B. 2 November 1978
Constable Stationed at Broadbeach Police Station - I can probably take out the young whipper-snapper prize. I'm 22 and have been in the job for 2 years. I'm into Martial Arts and am not a runner by any stretch of the imagination, but I thought I'd give it a shot anyway. I thought Baker to Vegas would be a good challenge, not to mention a little ripper of a holiday. I think I speak for most of the team when I say we aren't out to smash any records, but were definitely going to show the yanks how things are done down-under. Can't wait....
Jillian Steinkamp
D.O.B. 25 April 1948
"I am an Inspector of Police presently working at Ethical Standads Command. I have twenty-six years service with the Queensland Police Service. My running (or rather jogging) career began with a mid-life crisis and has led me to many 'fun run' events and a wardrobe full of T-shirts.
Some months ago, I received this offer: 'How would you like to travel over 2,000 kilometres with a bunch of coppers, to run about 10 kilometres in another country on an unknown road in the dark?' Well, how could I resist? Here I am part of the Aussie Challenge with my own support team (husband Harald and son Rowan) ready to take on leg 12 of the Challenge Cup Relay and to add to my T-shirt collection.
It's been many years since I visited the West Coast of the US. Looking forward to the visit and to meeting you all."
Matt Stevens
D.O.B. 13 March 1973
Constable stationed at Burleigh Heads Criminal Investigation Branch. G'day I'm Matt. I am a 27 year old keen runner based on the sunny Gold Coast prepared to try anything once. My inspiration to run this event is the team spirit, the unknown challenge, the "do or die" Aussie attitude and the cold beer and warm hospitality at the finish line. Here's to hoping for an experience of a life time and plenty of memories and mates.
Mark Wheatley
D.O.B. 6 June 1968
Mark is a senior sergeant at State Crime Operations Command. This Command houses all of the specialist investigative units within the Queensland Police Service. Mark has been in the Police Service for approximately 13 years. The last 7 have been at various units within the Command.
Mark has never been overseas before, but there are two countries that he has always wanted to visit. One is Ireland and the other is the USA. When the opportunity to be part of this team and visit the USA arose, I jumped at the opportunity. The only other person I had to convince was my wife. Catherine could not come with me because she thought that it might be too much for baby girl, Erin Philomena.
Mark has a sister, Helen. She is a police officer who is also competing in the race.
Helen Wheatley
D.O.B. 25 August 1969
'Hi, I'm Helen. I'm a new member to Queensland Police Service following a early mid life crisis whilst working as a midwife (baby and mother registered nurse). I am currently stationed in Logan which is arguably the busiest district in Queensland. My brother Mark is also in the team. Some brother! He has informed me that I am not allowed back into Australia unless I have been married by an Elvis impersonator in Vegas. Looking forward to meeting you all.'
Mark Williams
D.O.B. 8 January 1963
Age 38, Married one child. Sport involves half marathons and triathlons. Detective Sernior Sergeant in charge of the Corrective Services Investigation Unit, (Prison Squad).
Hobbies, Sea kayaking, white water rafting, skiing and travelling. After Baker to Vegas heading up to Mammoth Mountain to ski and then sight seeing around the west coast. Looking forward to meeting a lot of new people and having a good time.