National Police Remembrance Day honours officers who have served their communities and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The Territory is paying tribute to former and serving members lost over the past year, alongside officers killed in the line of duty across Australia.
Acting Chief Minister Gerard Maley thanked police officers and their families for their dedication, courage and sacrifice.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government joins the Northern Territory Police Force in honouring National Police Remembrance Day, paying tribute to police officers who have served their communities and remembering those former and serving officers who have passed away.
Today police officers across Australia will unite in remembrance, reflecting on the courage, dedication and sacrifice of their colleagues.
Over the past 12 months, the Northern Territory Police Force has farewelled 11 former members, as well as serving officer Sergeant Clinton Stewart, whose passing was deeply felt across the policing family.
The day will also honour four police officers from around Australia who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty over the past year: New South Wales Police Sergeant Mark Anthony Bransgrove, Victorian Police Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, Victorian Police Senior Constable Vadim De Waart and Western Australia Police Detective Senior Constable Maxine Bembridge.
Their names will be added to the National Police Memorial Wall in Canberra.
The Territory also pays its respects to New South Wales Police Constable Mia Lay, who died in a crash while on duty last week whose name will be added to the memorial wall next year.
National Police Remembrance Day is recognised by the wearing of the traditional blue and white chequerboard ribbon, a symbol of remembrance and respect for police officers across the nation.
Acting Chief Minister Gerard Maley, son of a long serving Territory police officer reflected on the importance of National Police Remembrance Day and honouring those who have served their community.
“Police Remembrance Day is an important opportunity to honour the men and women who have served and protected Territorians, and to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” Minister Maley said.
“Having grown up in a police family, I know the weight of the job does not end when a shift is over. Families share the worry, the uncertainty and the sacrifices that come with a life of service.”
“I thank our police officers for their dedication to the Northern Territory, and I thank their families, whose unwavering support makes that service possible.
“Tonight Parliament will be illuminated in blue as a mark of respect and solidarity, as we pay tribute to police officers across the nation.”
Deputy Police Commissioner Clint Sims said the day was about both remembrance and commitment.
“Today is a time to mourn, but also to recommit.
“Let us honour those we have lost by living the principles they stood for. Let us support each other, in service and spirit.
“Let us ensure their memory endures, not just in ceremony, but through our actions.”
Members of the public are invited to attend National Police Remembrance Day services being held in Darwin, Katherine, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs and Nhulunbuy this morning.
Police Commissioner Martin Dole joins police commissioners from around the country in Canberra for the national commemorations.
