Police from across the country have gathered in their respective states and territories this weekend to pay tribute to their colleagues who have died in the line of duty, for National Police Remembrance Day.
Since 1853 when Victoria Police was established, 166 officers have made the ultimate sacrifice serving their community.
At this year’s service two fallen police officers are being added to the Victoria Police Memorial Honour Wall.
The service and legacy of Leading Senior Constable Keith Patterson and Detective Senior Sergeant Victor Kostiuk will be formally honoured during a plaque dedication.
Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton and attending relatives of the honoured police will unveil a new plaque with the officers’ names.
Detective Senior Constable Felix Kostiuk, son of Detective Senior Sergeant Victor Kostiuk, will address attendees on behalf of his family and all police families who are remembering lost loved ones today.
Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said the memory of police officers tragically killed in the line of duty would live on forever.
“We will never forget them and their contribution to keeping Victorians safe,” Mr Ashton said.
“We are well aware of the dangers our officers face when they hit the street. Yet every day, more than 15,000 police and 1,400 Protective Services Officers put on their uniforms every day and night and come to work to protect Victorians.
“Today is a time for all Victorians to unite and honour the sacrifice of the dedicated men and women who have lost their lives doing their job.”
The annual National Police Remembrance Day commemorative march will commence at 10am at St Kilda Road (between Princes Bridge and Linlithgow Avenue).
The march is followed by a formal service at the Victoria Police Memorial at Kings Domain on St Kilda Road.
Blue Ribbon Day is held on the same day each year (29 September) to coincide with National Police Remembrance Day.
This is an initiative of the Blue Ribbon Foundation and raises money for improved emergency facilities named in memory of fallen officers in Victoria’s public hospitals.
Five regional ceremonies are also being held across the state:
• Bendigo – 10am, Sunday 29 September, Bendigo Town Hall, Hargreaves Street
• Echuca – 11am, Monday 30 September, Christ Church Anglican, 500 High Street
• Horsham – 11am, Tuesday 1 October, St Michael’s and St John’s Catholic Church, corner Urquhart Street and McLachlan Street
• Kinglake – 11 am, Monday 30 September, St Peter’s WW1 Memorial Church, corner of Bald Spur Road and Whittlesea-Kinglake Road
• Wodonga – 10.30am, Monday 30 September, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 285 Beechworth Road, Wodonga
Further information can be found at www.police.vic.gov.au/national-police-remembrance-day-and-memorial.
