THE founder of the city’s innovative Safe City Program was honoured in Ipswich City Council with a tribute moved by councillor and fellow former policeman Andrew Antoniolli.
Stacey Kirmos passed away aged 74 on September 30 after a tragic accident during a training session at his karate dojo.
A decorated Queensland Police officer, Mr Kirmos received international recognition for his rescue of a drowning man in floodwaters during the 1974 floods.
He worked as a covert operative, working undercover, and successfully infiltrated and brought down several organised crime figures involved in matters from drugs to gun-running.
After leaving the QPS, Mr Kirmos started in the security industry, which brought him to Ipswich at a time when social disorder and safety concerns affected the reputation of the city’s CBD.
Ipswich City Council established a permanent police beat office in the Ipswich Mall, and engaged Mr Kirmos to implement a live, monitored, closed-circuit TV security camera system.
The Safe City network began with 20 surveillance cameras and now boasts 360 cameras covering Ipswich Central, many other suburbs, parks and public spaces.
Ipswich is recognised as a leader in public safety CCTV networks because of the work and passion of Mr Kirmos.
Cr Antoniolli suggested the city should consider honouring him with a form of recognition within the Safe City program and spoke of his time working with Mr Kirmos when he was police beat officer and as a councillor.
“To say that Stacey packed a lot into his life would be an understatement,” Cr Antoniolli said.
“He was full-on, and all the time, a husband, father, brother and friend to many. Karate was just another of his loves and devotions. A sixth dan black belt, he continued to practice, train and commit himself to the art all of his life.
“It was a passion that he shared with many others, and his feats in this space alone would fill the lifetime of any other person. But in many cases, Stacey lived the equivalent of many lifetimes.
“Those who ever met him would be won over by his knowledge, confidence, charm and charisma. Maybe it was his Greek heritage, maybe it was his action-packed life. Maybe it was the perfect recipe of all those ingredients, despite it all, it was his humility and humbleness.”
