Western Australian police officers killed in the line of duty were remembered at a National Police Remembrance Day ceremony in Joondalup last week (29 September).
Minister for Police, Paul Papalia joined senior officers at the Police Wall of Remembrance which carries the names of 87 officers who, since 1834, have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Commissioner for the Western Australia Police Force, Chris Dawson said this year marked the 20th anniversary of the most significant loss of police life in the State’s history.
“Four officers were killed when a police plane returning to the north-west town of Newman crashed, just kilometres from the airstrip,” Commissioner Dawson said.
“This year, we also pay our respects to Detective Senior Constable, Michael Cursiter, who died in November last year after pursuing an offender on foot.”
Mr Papalia said the community was made safer every day by the men and women of the Police Force.
“On behalf of the State, I extend thanks for their dedication and the sacrifice they make while protecting the community,” Mr Papalia said.
“I also want to pay tribute to Police Legacy who does an incredible job supporting the families of fallen officers.”
Mr Papalia and Commissioner Dawson laid wreaths in memory of those officers who had paid the ultimate sacrifice.
The service was one of many repeated at regional centres around the State and in capital cities across the country.
