SERVICES will be held across the country today, September 29 to mark National Police Remembrance Day,.
The annual event that honours police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
National Police Remembrance Day falls on September 29 each year, giving police forces within Australasia the opportunity to honour officers who have sacrificed their lives in the course of their duties.
The day also provides a time to remember police officers who have lost their lives through illness or other circumstances.
Since the inception of the NSW Police Force in 1862, 254 members of the force have died in the line duty.
NSW Police Commissioner, Andrew Scipione, will join hundreds of officers at the NSW Police Wall of Remembrance in The Domain on Thursday morning for a service to commemorate fallen colleagues.
Commissioner Scipione said National Police Remembrance Day said was a time for everyone in the police community to come together and honour those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
“National Police Remembrance Day is about recognising the incredible courage of those officers who’ve lost their lives while serving the community of NSW,” he said.
“It is with great sorrow that we pause to remember two of our beloved policing colleagues; Curtis Cheng and Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson.”
Commissioner Scipione said the event was about honouring the legacy they leave behind and standing in solidarity with their loved ones who had joined the police community to mark this solemn occasion.
“The tragedy of their passing is a sober reminder of the continued dangers that thousands of brave men and women face each day in service to the community, where there’s no way of knowing what potential risk they may face,” he said.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to the Cheng and Richardson families; today we honour the memory of their loved ones and reflect on the dedicated service and bravery of all police officers.”
“National Police Remembrance Day is about recognising the incredible courage of those officers who’ve lost their lives while serving the community of NSW."
- NSW Police Commissioner, Andrew Scipione
The service at The Domain includes a police march, reflection presentation and prayers.
A national service will be held later in the day at the National Police Memorial in Canberra, which was officially opened on September 29, 2006.
If you would like to show support for police, Police officers invite you to fly blue ribbon on your car, tied to your front fence or anywhere where you think it sends a clear message of support.