Media Release: National Police Remembrance Day - Honouring lives lost in the line of duty
Release Date: Friday, September 28 2012, 08:34 AM
Police across Australia and the Southwest Pacific will today pay tribute to the officers who have lost their lives while on duty, marking this year’s National Police Remembrance Day.
Sadly, this year the name of New South Wales (NSW) Police officer Senior Constable David Rixon will be added to the National Police Memorial wall in Canberra. Senior Constable Rixon was tragically shot and killed on 2 March 2012 after a traffic stop in Tamworth, NSW.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) will host a dusk service in Canberra this evening to commemorate those fallen police officers.
The National Police Memorial was completed in 2006 and honours all Australian police killed on duty since 1803. At the conclusion of today's service, it will carry the names of 754 police officers.
AFP Commissioner Tony Negus said National Police Remembrance Day is an important day to reflect, remember and honour those officers who have dedicated their lives to duty.
“These fallen officers have put their lives on the line for the safety and protection of others, as do thousands of police across Australia every day.
“Today we pay tribute to the memories of these brave men and women and show that the sacrifices these officers have made will never be forgotten,” Commissioner Negus said.
The names of three officers identified from historical records will also be added to the National Police Memorial wall today.
- First Constable James Norman Brewis suffered injuries following a vehicle accident near Derrinallum in Victoria in 1954.
- Superintendent Joseph James McCluskey drowned in 1896 following a boating accident at Tasmania’s Spring Bay.
- Chief District Constable William Bennett suffered a spear wound in 1827 while defending a homestead at St Peter’s Pass in Tasmania.
The memorial service will begin at 5:00pm today at the National Police Memorial in Kings Park and the public is encouraged to attend.
Media enquiries:
AFP National Media (02) 6131 6333
Additional information
NPRD Website: www.npm.org.au