Police from across Australia will gather on Friday 29 September to honour their fallen colleagues this National Police Remembrance Day.
Victoria Police will hold a service at the St Kilda Road memorial to remember the 175 officers killed since the force was established in 1853.
For the first time a wreath will be laid in honour of police who lost their lives serving in forces interstate and in the South West Pacific.
The Queensland Police Service, Western Australia Police Force and Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary have all had members killed in the last year.
Friday’s service will begin with a commemorative police march along St Kilda Road at 10am before a formal ceremony at the Victoria Police Memorial.
The 16 Police Officers, Protective Services Officers, Police Custody Officers and Victorian Public Service employees who died through illness or other circumstances in the last year will be included in the commemorations.
Services will also be held in towns and suburbs across the state including Ararat, Bairnsdale, Bannockburn, Ballarat, Bendigo, Boroondara, Colac, Geelong, Hamilton, Horsham, Mildura, Rosebud, Shepparton, Springvale, Sunshine, Swan Hill, Warragul and Warrnambool. Details are listed on the Victoria Police website.
National Police Remembrance Day coincides with Blue Ribbon Day, an initiative of the Blue Ribbon Foundation which raises money for new and improved emergency facilities in Victorian public hospitals that are then named in memory of fallen officers.
For more information about National Police Remembrance Day visit police.vic.gov.au/national-police-remembrance-day-and-memorial
Quotes attributable to Chief Commissioner Shane Patton:
“Every year on National Police Remembrance Day we pause to reflect and remember our brave colleagues who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
“This year in addition to honouring the 175 Victoria Police officers who lost their lives we pay tribute to police across Australia and from the South West Pacific with a wreath in their honour.
“When a police officer dies in the line of duty the impact is felt across every force and unites us all.
“This year we have been deeply saddened by the loss of police in Queensland, Western Australia and Papua New Guinea.
“It is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by the thousands of dedicated police who wear the uniform every day and make the choice to serve the community.”
“We will never forget those who have made the ultimate sacrifice serving and protecting the community.”
