Police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty have been remembered across Queensland and the nation today, as communities gathered to mark National Police Remembrance Day (NPRD).
Held annually at the end of September, NPRD pays tribute to the 151 Queensland police officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting their communities since 1861.
It stands as one of the most significant days in the policing calendar, and gives Queenslanders the opportunity to pause, reflect and honour the courage and dedication of those who served with honour.
In Brisbane, the commemorations began with the NPRD march, which saw more than 400 participants, including QPS personnel, the State Emergency Service (SES), and Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ) members march in solemn procession from Reddacliff Place through the city to the Queensland Police Service (QPS) Memorial in the Brisbane Botanic Gardens.
There, wreaths were laid as a symbol of respect and remembrance for the fallen.
Among those reflecting and honouring the memory of fallen officers at this year's NPRD is 97-year-old Trevor Price, who will again pay his respects to his late grandfather, Constable Albert Price, who was tragically murdered in 1905 at just 29 years of age.
Though more than a century has passed since his tragic and untimely death, Constable Price's story is one which tugs at the hearts of all policing and community members, as a routine patrol turned to tragedy.
"My grandfather was a young policeman who was making an arrest when he was stabbed to death up in Mackay in 1905," Trevor Price said.
"Our family suffered because of that, as it meant my father had no father and nothing was passed on, so we had to start from scratch."
While Mr. Price never had the opportunity to meet his grandfather, he takes immense pride in the legacy he left behind and is heartened by the courage has been and will continue to be remembered.
"When we have the remembrance sessions, it's a help and it gives you a bit of pride that there was someone in the family that was prepared to give up his life in protecting others," he said.
"The remembrance helps in that what happened is not forgotten and that your grandfather is remembered for what he was prepared to do in the force."
Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said NPRD was a solemn but important tradition for both the Service and the wider community.
"Today, we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice during their service to others," Commissioner Gollschewski said.
"Each name etched onto the memorial represents a life of courage, dedication and honour.
"Their stories live on through their loved ones, and through every officer who carries their legacy in their daily duties.
"We also hold in our hearts our colleagues in Tasmania and Victoria Police as they mourn the loss of their officers this year."
NPRD serves as a powerful reminder of the risks that come with policing, and the courage of those who choose to protect and serve their communities.
With Honour They Served.
