Police from across the nation will converge on the National Police Memorial in Canberra this evening to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives protecting their communities.
National Police Remembrance Day commemorates the brave members of Australian policing organisations who have lost their lives on duty or as a result of their duties.
This year will mark the 11th service at the National Police Memorial, where an engraved touchstone will be added to the wall to commemorate the sacrifice of Queensland Police Service Senior Constable Brett Forte, who was killed in the line of duty on 29 May 2017.
Historical research identified an additional 11 officers that will have their names added retrospectively to commemorate their sacrifice in the line of duty between the late 1800s through to the 1950s.
The addition of these twelve members will bring the total number of names honoured and commemorated during the service to 776.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Andrew Colvin said the service was a solemn reminder of the high price individuals pay for the safety of our nation.
“Each person named on at the National Police Memorial has made the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting communities across Australia,” he said.
“Policing will never be an ordinary career; it requires people with extraordinary ability, commitment and belief in what they do. The memorial stands as a stark reminder that the job we do is hazardous, and at times police officers are called on to make the ultimate sacrifice.”
“I encourage members of the community to attend this evening’s service to stand by current and former members of policing organisations from across Australia as we remember our fallen colleagues.”
The community is welcome to attend the national service today at 4.30pm at the National Police Memorial in Kings Park, Canberra. Details of National Police Remembrance Day events across Australia are available at www.npm.org.au