NSW Police graduates impacted by the pandemic have been honoured with a special ceremony paying tribute to the ‘Classes of 2020’, who joined the Police Force during the catastrophic bushfire season and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The NSW Police Force Attestation Parade was held at the Sydney Cricket Ground last week (4 December) to officially welcome 1,000 graduating officers in front of friends and family members.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the ceremony also recognised the work of the other emergency services during the year, including NSW Health, Ambulance NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, State Emergency Service, Fire and Rescue NSW and the Australian Defence Force.
“Every member of the NSW Police Force deserves our State’s greatest thanks after a year that saw police play an unprecedented role in keeping our community safe,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“On behalf of the State, congratulations to our newest recruits and thank you to our police officers and emergency service workers for their incredible effort over 2020,” she said.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott said police cadets faced exceptional challenges this year, but had shown that they could overcome difficult circumstances to complete their training.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said the ‘Classes of 2020’ attestation ceremony acknowledged the efforts of all serving officers over the course of the year.
“It has been a challenging year for NSW and police have taken on an extraordinary role in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic threat, alongside the other critical issues we have faced this year,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“I am proud to be able to honour our newest recruits and all of the ‘Classes of 2020’ recruits in this official parade – an unprecedented and significant event,” he said.
