Blacktown Mayor condemns violence after councillor and top cop assault

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Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM has condemned violence in all its forms after a Councillor and senior police officer was allegedly assaulted.

Councillor Bob Fitzgerald, who is a long-serving member of NSW Police and a Chief Inspector at Blacktown Local Area Command, was allegedly assaulted by three teens on his way to work on Monday morning.

Mayor Bleasdale said the alleged attack was absolutely despicable, involving one of the most respected members of the Blacktown City community.

“Cr Fitzgerald is a pillar of our community who has earned widespread respect over many years,” he said.

“Not only is he a dedicated police officer, he is a community volunteer, and a passionate Blacktown City Councillor who has given so much to his community for so long.

“As Mayor, I condemn this alleged attack on one our City’s finest and denounce violence in all its forms.”

Mayor Bleasdale said Blacktown City Council was committed to promoting a culture of non-violence through its work with NSW Police, the PCYC and a range of other community organisations.

“Council is committed to creating a safe community for our residents to live, work and play,” he said.

“We pursue this through our Crime Prevention Plan and work with our local police in particular.

“Council encourages residents to call out violence in any shape or form and report any acts of violence to police.

“I wish Bob a speedy recovery.”

Three teenagers have been charged and are due to appear at a children’s court today. Police are urging witnesses to come forward.

Photo: Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM with Councillor Bob Fitzgerald, who was elected to Council in 2021.

/Public Release. View in full here.