Community members and the NSW Police Force will unite across the state today to honour more than 270 police officers and pay tribute to their courage and sacrifice at National Police Remembrance Day services, NSW Police say.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller APM, Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Police The Honourable Troy Grant will attend the National Police Remembrance Day service held at the NSW Police Force Wall of Remembrance in the Domain today (Friday 28 September 2018).
Commissioner Fuller said today’s commemoration reminds us of the dangers that come with the oath to protect.
"Facing adversity on the job is something police officers do daily. These men and women often place themselves in harm’s way, risking their own lives to help others," Commissioner Fuller said.
"Their determination to protect the community sometimes has tragic outcomes and our duty is to ensure their courage and selfless action is never forgotten.
"Today, rank has no meaning, Commissioner or Constable, we stand side by side in support of all those who have lost a loved one, a friend, or a team mate and honour their integrity, loyalty and commitment to duty," Commissioner Fuller said.
Minister Grant said there is a sense of great pride and commitment when putting on the uniform and that pride means officers are prepared to pay the ultimate price to protect each other and the community.
"Our thoughts are with the extended police family as we pay tribute to all those we have loved and lost, knowing that they will never be forgotten," Mr Grant said.
Commissioner John Avery AO, APM retired will be remembered with a special tribute as part of this year’s ceremony to honour his service as the 17the leader of the organisation between 1984 to 1991. Mr Avery passed way in May this year, aged 90.
A dedication ceremony was held at the Sydney Police Centre in Surry Hills this week to honour the 102 sworn and unsworn members of the NSW Police Force who either died whilst serving, or have been unable to continue working because of injury or illness and who subsequently passed away. There are currently 102 names on the Service Memorial with 12 names added at this year’s ceremony.
Traditionally observed on 29 September each year, Police Remembrance Day holds great significance for police and the community alike, with local services to be held across NSW today.
