With many taking part in satellite motorcycle rides, the police family has come together online to commemorate the annual Wall to Wall: Ride for Remembrance.
The charity event, first held in 2010, is a police memorial motorcycle ride that honours the service and sacrifices of fallen Australian police, raises funds in support of fallen officers’ families and promotes road safety.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Karen Webb, joined former Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy and Wall to Wall NSW president, Acting Superintendent Ben Macfarlane, for an intimate ceremony in The Domain this morning (Saturday 12 September 2020).
Assistant Commissioner Webb said that, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, there was still an overwhelming support from the community for the ride.
“We do acknowledge members of the police family that are unable to be with us due to the current restrictions,” Assistant Commissioner Webb said.
“Although they are not here with us physically, we know that we have the support of our police family across the country.
“It’s a very solemn occasion as we remember five police officers killed across the country, including the tragic passing of Constable Aaron Vidal from Sydney City Police Area Command.”
Following the ceremony, a small physically-distanced group of police motorcyclists began the ride from The Domain to the National Police Memorial in Canberra today.
A total of 1300 people have registered, despite not being able to participate the official ride. Many have instead organised their own satellite rides in small groups before viewing the live streamed ceremony from Canberra.
The names of any officers who have died in the past year are added to the National Wall of Remembrance.
All funds raised during the Wall to Wall ride by the NSW contingent will go toward NSW Police Legacy.
NSW Police Legacy provides care and support to more than 20,000 serving and retired police officers and their families during times of tragedy and need.
Visit www.walltowallride.com for more information on the history and significance of the Wall to Wall ride.
