Hundreds of serving and retired police officers gathered today to mark National Police Remembrance Day. Together, we remember the fallen who lost their lives protecting and serving the people of NSW.
A service was held at the Wall of Remembrance in The Domain to honour 275 fallen officers who have died in the line of duty since 1862.
PANSW President Kevin Morton was joined by NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb APM, the Governor of NSW, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole and other distinguished guests.
Mr. Morton said Police Remembrance Day is a vital day on the calendar not just for the NSW police officers and their families but also the broader community.
“When dangerous situations occur, our police are running towards it in order to keep our community safe. Police Remembrance Day is our time to stop and think about the sacrifices our women and men in blue make every day in order to protect us all.
“The fact that the two recipients of this year’s National Police Bravery Awards both come from NSW should be a real source of pride for each and every one of us in this state.
“The circumstances surrounding both recipients of the National Police Bravery Awards this year are a reminder that whether on duty or off, our police are there when we need them most.”
NSW Police Commissioner, Karen Webb APM, said today’s ceremony is one of the most important events of the NSW Police Force calendar.
“Today is the day we stop and remember those officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
“This is a day for police, their families, friends and the community to pause to honour officers whose lives have been cut short while performing their duty.
“We also remember those who have lost their lives through illness, injury or other circumstances, and we stand with those they have left behind.
“National Police Remembrance Day is an opportunity to come together to support those in our blue family who have lost a loved one, a friend or a colleague and this year I’m grateful we can gather – for the first time since the pandemic began – in full capacity.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole said it was important for the community to pay their respects to those who have lost their lives to protect us all.
“Our police spend every day working to keep our community safe, often running towards danger, when the natural instinct would be to run the other way.
“Today is an opportunity for the wider policing family and the community to rally together to support all our officers and thank them for their bravery and service every single day – and to remember those fallen and departed officers who will forever be a part of the NSW Police family.”
Watch the live stream of the NSWPF Service here
Watch the live stream of the National Service here
Read more about the National Police Bravery Award winners here