Despite the ongoing global pandemic, police from across the country have paused to reflect on their 274 fallen colleagues for National Police Remembrance Day today.
In previous years, hundreds of officers have come together to attend the memorial service at the Wall of Remembrance in The Domain.
However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was a more intimate ceremony today (Tuesday 29 September 2020), with NSW Police Commissioner Michael Fuller, NSW Governor Margaret Beazley, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott, Shadow Minister for Police and Counter Terrorism Lynda Voltz, and Police Association President Tony King in attendance.
They were joined by the family of the late Constable Aaron Vidal, who tragically passed away on Thursday 18 June 2020 following a two-vehicle crash.
The kind, well-loved officer’s name was added to the wall to reflect his service at Sydney City Police Area Command.
Commissioner Fuller said, despite having to physically distance, the police family have come together to make sure their fallen colleagues were not forgotten.
“It’s a very solemn day for all police officers across the state as we remember those who have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“Sadly, we have another name to add to this list with young Constable Aaron Vidal, who had a bright future ahead of him, joining those who have come before him.
“We ask the community to keep him, his family and all police families in your thoughts today and remember their service.”
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott, said the extraordinary events of this year have proven how crucial our police officers are to the fabric of our society.
“During the ‘Black Summer’ bushfires, thousands of officers were involved in the relief effort, conducting lifesaving work for their communities. The men and women in blue have also been on the frontline during the fight against COVID-19,” he said.
“These operations have played an enormous part in keeping our state safe and every officer in the force deserves thanks for their efforts this, and every year.
“This year, we pay tribute to Constable Aaron Vidal, a beloved member of the Sydney City Police Area Command. His passing is a loss to the whole community. And we mourn with his family, friends and colleagues.”
