A BLAYNEY police officer handcuffed his own killer just eight days after first reporting for duty in the town. The year was 1945 and while on duty in Adelaide Street, 39-year-old Sgt Eric Bailey received reports a man was in possession of a revolver at the Exchange Hotel. After Sgt Bailey questioned Cyril Norman and prepared to search his room, Norman pulled out a revolved and shot Sgt Bailey in the stomach. Two more shots were fired in an ensuing struggle but while Sgt Bailey was succumbing to his injuries he managed to handcuff Norman and restrain him until backup arrived. Sgt Bailey died hours later at Orange Base Hospital with his wife by his side. These brave and rare actions saw Sgt Bailey posthumously honoured as the first Australian police officer to receive the George Cross, which at the time was the highest non-military honour awarded for "bravery and devotion to duty of the highest honour". Sgt Bailey's story and that of hundreds of other officers from across the state are featured in a new book that traces the stories and events which have shaped the NSW police force over the past 150 years. Written by Patrick Lindsay, True Blue - 150 Years of Service and Sacrifice of the NSW Police Force was launched last week. NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said the book recounts how the police force has changed over the years and captures the spirit of the force. "The book recounts the challenges and successes of our earliest days as a united body in 1862, before exploring the many characters, cases, stories and events that have made us the proud organisation we are today," he said. The book is available for purchase online now at policeshop.com.au SERGEANT ERIC BAILEY (1906-1945) * Born at Tenterfield and worked as a postal assistant before joining police force in 1927 * Worked in Sydney, Gundagai, Narrandera and other rural stations after finishing training * Married Florence May O'Connor in 1928 at Waterloo *Transferred to Blayney on January 14, 1945 * Died eight days later after being shot by a man wanted in relation to the murder of a Sydney shopkeeper * Awarded George Lewis trophy in 1945 for the most courageous act by a policeman * Accorded an official police funeral in Sydney and buried at Rookwood cemetery