The Australian policing community observed the 30th anniversary of National Police Remembrance Day last week, honouring and remembering their fellow police men and women who have given their lives in the line of duty.
The ceremony also marked the 13th anniversary of the service at the National Police Memorial in Canberra.
National Police Remembrance Day was first declared in 1989, coordinating the dates Australasian and Pacific police jurisdictions acknowledged the sacrifice given by their members.
Acting Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police, Karl Kent said National Police Remembrance Day was a time to reflect on those officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
“It is about remembering those who sacrificed their lives serving their communities, but we cannot forget their families and loved ones,” Acting Commissioner Kent said.
“On a daily basis, they feel the loss of missing a husband, wife, partner, parent, child or friend,” he said.
“Policing is a career that calls on members to place service to the community first, ahead of potential risk to themselves, to ensure the safety of others.
“Policing is a critical part of the fabric of Australian society, and the way of life we all enjoy owes so much to those people forever on the National Police Memorial wall.”
Acting Commissioner Kent said the past year had seen the loss of Constable Timothy David Proctor from the NSW Police Force, and Senior Sergeant Victor Kostiuk and Leading Senior Constable Keith Patterson from Victoria Police.
They were honoured at the ceremony with their names added to the National Police Memorial wall.
An additional two historical touchstones were also added on behalf of Tasmania Police.
There are now 794 names on the wall.
