Lindt Cafe police officers sent farewell texts to loved ones
Police officers involved in the Lindt Café siege texted their loved ones farewell messages, fearing they would be killed when they stormed the café.
As the first anniversary of the siege nears, it’s been revealed police felt hostage taker Man Monis was armed with explosives and was prepared to detonate them if police tried to capture him.
The Daily Telegraph reports at least one police officer was still unable to return to work as a result of the traumatic event in Martin Place.
Detective Sergeant Damian Loone was one of the first officers to arrive at the scene last December and said the city still gave him "the shivers".
"It's something that just stays with you and I'm not afraid to say that," he said.
Detective Loone said he spent most of the day near the cafe and watched the siege end on television when he got to his South Coast home, unable to sleep.
"The next morning I was back at work and had to take the toe tags to the scene for the body bags," he told the Daily Telegraph.
The next day, in a statement, he told of his involvement in the siege.
He has only worked about eight hours since then.
