Community policeman Tony Tamplin dies on the job Sen-Constable Tony Tamplin / Pic: Waide Maguire Source: The Daily Telegraph HE was a "larger than life" police officer who dedicated more than 35 years to the force and his local community. But Senior Constable Tony Tamplin's career in blue came to a tragic end yesterday after he collapsed at work and could not be revived. Colleagues found the 54-year-old in his office about 6.30am and immediately performed CPR, but he was pronounced dead an hour later. Sen-Constable Tamplin was the public face of policing in the Hunter region for more than two decades due to his role as public relations officer. Newcastle local area commander Superintendent John Gralton said the father of six was also a champion of local charities. "The Hunter has lost a piece of its heart today," Supt Gralton said. He said Sen-Constable Tamplin would be farewelled at a full police funeral service.