Police who died in the line of duty were honoured on National Police Remembrance Day on Tuesday of this week (29 September).
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) said two services were held to honour the fallen, including Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor, Senior Constable Kevin King, Constable Glen Humphris and Constable Josh Prestney, who were killed on duty at a vehicle stop on Melbourne’s Eastern Freeway in April this year.
“It was the biggest loss of life in a single event for Victoria Police,” the AFP said.
“They will be memorialised on the National Police Memorial Wall, which will now enshrine 798 names of fallen police who made the ultimate sacrifice for the communities they served,” it said.
AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw described National Police Remembrance Day as a time to pay tribute to police who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“We remember those whose lives were cut tragically short because they were serving their community,’’ Commissioner Kershaw said.
“To those families who have lost loved ones, we grieve with you. We also reflect on their commitment to duty and striving every day to keep the public safe,” he said.
“In particular, we stand with the families and loved ones of the four Victoria Police officers who were tragically taken from us earlier this year.”
“While we can never take away the weight of your loss, across Australia, the entire policing family, is here to support you.”
Commissioner Kershaw said there were too many names on the Memorial Wall and too many families who no longer had a father, mother, husband or wife.
The AFP said police Commissioners and representatives from most policing jurisdictions were unable to pay their respects in person this year because of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, but sent a virtual message which was screened at the ceremony.
Events carried by Facebook marking National Police Remembrance Day can be accessed at this PS News link.
