PANNAWONICA SERGEANT SWAPS BLUE UNIFORM FOR A BULL
Sergeant Danny Richmond fulfilling his bucket-list dream and competing. Credit: Jasper Blair McDonald and Jenson Pryar
Pannawonica police Sergeant Danny Richmond has swapped the blue uniform for the rodeo arena, taking on his first-ever bull ride to raise money for WA Police Legacy.
The 50-year-old climbed aboard at the 2026 Robe River Rodeo & Campdraft after holding onto the idea since childhood.
“When I was eight years old, it was a bit of a bucket-list thing,” Sgt Richmond said.
“Fifty-year-old me finally gave into that little kid.”
His preparation was limited.
“I think I YouTubed something yesterday morning,” he said.
“Never sat on a bull before … absolutely no knowledge on how to do it at all.”
Sgt Richmond said he had received some advice before the ride, but any technical plan quickly disappeared once the gate opened.
“You have a plan — as soon as that gate opens, it’s out the window,” he said.
“You just hold on and hope for the best.”
Sgt. Danny Richmond right after attempting his first ride. Credit: Jenson Pryar and Jasper McDonald Blair.
RIDING FOR POLICE FAMILIES
The ride was also a fundraiser for WA Police Legacy, which supports police families and officers facing difficult circumstances.
Sgt Richmond said the cause was particularly important because of the risks police officers could face in the course of their work.
“Not everyone goes home at the end of the shift,” he said.
He said WA Police Legacy provided support to families, including assistance for children and help with everyday costs and activities.
Challenge coins were also being sold at the rodeo, with proceeds going towards the organisation.
Sgt Richmond said raising money for the charity was the main reason he decided to take on the challenge.
While the bull ultimately denied him the full eight-second ride, he said the experience was still worthwhile.
Sgt. Richmond being bucked off his first bull. Credit: Jenson Pryar and Jasper McDonald Blair.
“I can say I’ve sat on the back of a bull,” he said.
“I didn’t get a full ride unfortunately, but you can’t win it unless you give it a go.”
Asked whether he would consider another attempt, Sgt Richmond did not rule it out.
He said he had already encouraged some younger colleagues who were unsure about trying bull riding to give it a go themselves.
POLICING A BIG RODEO WEEKEND
Sgt Richmond has been based in Pannawonica for more than two years and described policing the Pilbara town as one of the best roles he has had.
“The town is absolutely fantastic,” he said.
“Every time I need help with something, there’s no shortage of people who are willing to step in and look after their fellow townsfolk.”
The Robe River Rodeo also brings a significant increase in visitors to Pannawonica, with thousands of people attending and camping around the event.
Sgt Richmond said additional officers were brought in from other parts of the Pilbara to help manage the weekend.
“I’ve got police from as far as South Hedland and Newman that have come across,” he said.
He said visiting officers were often working long hours while much of the community was enjoying the event.
“I had guys working through till about four this morning,” he said.
“They sleep, they work.
“When everyone else is having fun, we don’t.”
Sgt Richmond also acknowledged the rodeo committee for helping organise accommodation for visiting police officers.
Despite the long shifts, he said the community spirit surrounding the event was what continued to stand out.
“The community is really all about looking after each other,” he said.
“If that spirit went across the rest of the state and country, we’d all be better off for it.”