Police will pause at remembrance ceremonies around the country today to honour officers who have fallen in the line of duty.
“Today is a sombre and important day, as officers stand in solidarity at National Police Remembrance Day ceremonies, to honour the brave men and women who have died serving their community,” said Deputy Commissioner Donna Adams.
“During services across the nation, we will pause and remember the officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice.”
This year five historical bereavements have been added to the Tasmania Police Memorial Baton.
- Constable George Lucas, died in 1829, aged 37
Constable Lucas died after a blow to the head from a captured runaway convict who he was transporting to Oatlands. The convict was convicted of murder.
- District Constable Michael Blackburne, died in 1849, aged 40
District Constable Blackburne died after he was accidentally shot by a police colleague while disembarking from a boat at Rokeby while returning from a call out.
- Constable Ferdinand Christopher Hauth, died in 1869, aged 32
Constable Hauth drowned after the Guard Boat overturned in Norfolk Bay, while collecting supplies from the Norfolk Bay convict station for the Woody Island guard station.
- Chief District Constable Edward Rainsford, died in 1854, aged 42
Chief District Constable Rainsford died following an accidental fall from a 25-foot rock formation while leaving the Bothwell police watch-house at night.
- Constable William Doodie, died in 1863, aged 54
Constable Doodie drowned while on duty delivering mail on the Tasman Peninsula.
“As we stand united today to honour the fallen, we also remember the officers whose death was not a direct result of their duty,” said Deputy Commissioner Adams.
“Today is a solemn reminder the dedicated men and women who wear the badge often put themselves in danger, to protect their community.
“While we remember the fallen today, I also encourage everyone who has worn the badge, serving or past, to take care of themselves and others in our policing family.”
