My University of New South Wales Experience
By
Anthony J. Curry
On January 21, 2018, the world suffered a great loss. I say it is the world because the death of Police Chief Thomas E. Engells will impact many things and few may realize the total impact for years to come. Thomas E. Engells was a scholar, a leader, an innovator, and much more. As an adjunct professor at the University of New South Wales, Chief Thomas E. Engells both received and provided opportunity. Chief Engells was a great believer in life-long learning and chose to continue to expand his knowledge in any and all aspects of security that could potentially impact any organization that he was a part of. When he travelled to Australia to lecture at the University of New South Wales, Chief Engells would return and speak of not just his opportunity to teach the students, but also his opportunity to learn new aspects of biological terrorism and how he might use that knowledge to improve his own organization, the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas, USA.
When the opportunity to compete for a scholarship to attend a course on biological terrorism presented itself this past summer, I never hesitated to apply. I had the privilege of working with Chief Engells for almost eight years prior to his passing. Still stinging from the great personal loss I felt from the passing of Chief Engells, I also saw this as a great opportunity that I knew Chief Engells would have wanted me to pursue. It was indeed a great honor when I was informed that I had won the first scholarship to attend the course in honor of Chief Thomas E. Engells.
Throughout the weeklong in person series of lectures that I attended on campus, many of the things that Chief had discussed regarding biological terrorism over the past few years appeared in various lectures presented during the week. The opportunity to expand my knowledge base in the area of public health became evident to me early on. As a law enforcement executive, I had a clear understanding of the various legal aspects within the discussions. However, I had much to learn regarding the medical aspects. I took copious notes throughout my week that I intend to use as I move forward in my law enforcement career.
A better understanding of what public health professional look for when attempting to determine if outbreaks are natural or unnatural was gained. However, that knowledge must be tempered with a common sense approach – just because three people sneeze in a room does not mean someone has intentionally tampered with the air supply.
The various lecturers were considerate and professional. The various approaches and insights were both meaningful and impactful. My fellow students took great delight in the most well intentioned way to my approach to understanding the public health aspects of the topic, while I thoroughly enjoyed my opportunities to provide insight as the only law enforcement professional and student in the room. Additionally, my perspective as an American, and a Texan, allowed for several moments of levity that made my stay thousands of miles from home more comfortable.
In closing, I would like to reiterate how honored I was to be selected for this opportunity and I am committed to ensuring that the knowledge I gained during this opportunity will not be wasted as I continue my career in law enforcement. It was an incredible program that I was humbled to attend and my hope is that my insight as a law enforcement professional provided at least some benefit to the room of Public Health professionals. I was truly impressed by everyone’s commitment to learning and look forward to continuing my commitment to lifelong learning as well.
Sincerely,
Anthony J. Curry
