Community members and the NSW Police Force will unite across the state today to honour more than 273 police officers and pay tribute to their courage and sacrifice at National Police Remembrance Day services.
NSW Police Commissioner Michael Fuller APM will join hundreds of officers at the NSW Police Wall of Remembrance in The Domain this morning (Friday 27 September 2019), for a service to honour our fallen police.
Governor of NSW, Her Excellency, The Honourable Margaret Beasley AO QC; NSW Premier, The Honourable Gladys Berejiklian MP; NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services; The Honourable David Elliott MP, along with other distinguished guests, will also join the Commissioner at the service.
In the Northern Region, Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell APM will join hundreds of officers and distinguished guests at Christ Church Anglican Cathedral in Newcastle this afternoon to honour those who have fallen on duty.
Nine lcoal services will be held in the Northern Region today, so local communities can pay their respects to those in the police family.
Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell APM said National Police Remembrance Day is a time for the whole community to come together as one, to unite with their local police family and honour those who have fallen protecting our way of life.
"Today, we take a moment to say thanks and honour the officers across the state who have made the ultimate sacrifice while doing their jobs.
"We thank and honour those officers and their incredible courage. We stand in solidarity with their families and loved ones, you will always be part of our police family.
"These men and women go to work every day to ensure everyone can go about their daily lives feeling safe and secure.
"I am proud of how our Northern Region officers execute their duties with the upmost dedication and courage. Today, and every other day – we thank you," Assistant Commissioner Mitchell APM said.
Commissioner Fuller said today is a time for everyone in the policing family to come together and honour those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
"It is with great sorrow that we add another name to the Wall of Remembrance this year, following the tragic death of Constable Timothy Proctor from Liverpool City Police Area Command.
"National Police Remembrance Day is about honouring the legacy our officers leave behind and standing in solidarity with their loved ones who will always be part of our blue family.
"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 Elliott said National Police Remembrance Day also provides a time to remember police officers who have lost their lives through illness or other circumstances.
"Today is a solemn occasion to pay respect to those officers who have lost their lives while performing their duties. It is an important reminder of the continued dangers that our brave men and women in blue face each day in serving the community," Minister Elliott said.
"Our deepest sympathies go out to the Proctor family; today we honour Tim, and the memory of all those who have died before him as part of the NSW Police Force family.
"Since the inception of the force in 1862, 273 officers have died in the line of duty – they will never be forgotten," Minister Elliott said.
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.
