John McKenna - The Capture of Moondyne Joe - The Mirror Aug 19, 1933

The capture fo 'Moondyne Joe,' the notorious bushranger, was only one of the memorable incidents in the adventurous police career of the late John McKenna, former Chief Inspector who passed over on Wednesday.
John McKenna was Western Australian born and, joining the police force in 1873, he served with marked distinction for 50 years. He was appointed a first class constable in 1881, corporal in 1883, second class detective sergeant
in 1886, sub inspector in 1893, inspector in 1895, and senior inspector of distilleries in 1900. When the Coolgardie goldfields broke out he was sent up in charge. And to him was greatly due the orderliness which prevailed during that hectic period. One of his earliest experiences was the tracking of the three men Miller, Brown and Carberry, who were suspected of murdering P.C. Hadkett at Beverley. The suspects were bailed up near the Dale River, some 20 miles from Beverley, and a BATTLE ENSUED between McKenna's posse and the trio. Miller and Brown were shot dead; Carberry was captured, tried and hanged.
When Captain Bynton, of Oborgomah, in the Kimberleys, was murdered by natives of the Robinson River district, Mr. McKenna led an expedition against the blacks. It became a battle of wits between the native cunning and white man's knowledge and though many times attempts were made to lure the pursuers into an ambush they failed.
Mr. McKenna was stationed at Fremantle for many years and did fine work there.
One adventure for which he will always be remembered was his capture of the NOTORIOUS 'MOONDYNE JOE' the elusive bushranger, who was as hard to hold as he was to catch. Only by chaining himself to his captive was McKenna able to bring him in to Fremantle. To make sure that this elusive Pimpernel would not get away again, a special iron-lined rail, with heavy iron plate covering the window, was prepared for him.
In 1884, McKenna was awarded a gold watch as a tribute for his work in connection with the Beverley murderers and in July 1920 he was the recipient of the King's police medal. In 1914 when he was due to retire his services were retained, and he put up a remarkable record of 23 years as a commissioned officer. Mr. McKenna, who had reached the great age of 81, had been in failing health for some months.
He celebrated the diamond anniversary of his wedding in April last.
Mr. McKenna set a grand example to the men of the Force, and the name of 'Johnny Mac', as he was affectionately known, will be long remembered and revered.