POLICE officers and their families will gather at services around the country today to mark National Police Remembrance Day.
This year is expected to be a particularly sombre occasion following the shooting deaths of two police officers in Victoria last month, and the murder of a Tasmanian police officer in June.
Acting NSW Police Commissioner Peter Thurtell said while no police officers lost their lives in New South Wales while undertaking duties in the past 12 months, the loss of three interstate colleagues was deeply felt.
“The fatal shooting of Tasmanian Constable Keith Smith and Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart of Victoria Police brings home the dangers that police across Australia face every day,” Acting Police Commissioner Thurtell said.
“This year the NSW Police Force pays special tribute to eight NSW officers who have lost their lives in service but who had not been previously recognised on the NSW Police Force Wall of Remembrance.
“Whilst adding these names may be long overdue it also shows we never forget our fallen officers no matter how long the passage of time has been,” he said.
A service will be held at the NSW Police Force Wall of Remembrance in The Domain, to honour the 284 officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Following the analysis of historical records an additional eight officers will be added to the NSW Police Force Wall of Remembrance.
Governor of New South Wales, Margaret Beazley, NSW Premier Chris Minns and Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley will join Mr Thurtell for the service.
The Premier said Police Remembrance Day is a time of reflection for police officers and their families.
“Today, we honour the extraordinary men and women of the NSW Police Force who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep us all safe,” Mr Minns said.
“Each name on the Wall of Remembrance is a story of service, courage and loss that can never be forgotten.
“The addition of eight names this year – some more than 100 years since they passed – is a powerful reminder that no matter how much time passes, we will always stand with our officers and their families.”
Ms Catley said Police Remembrance Day was one of the most important days on the police calendar.
“Today we take time to stop, reflect and honour the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice serving their community,” she said.
“Policing is a job like no other. Every officer who wears the uniform knows the risks, yet they step forward with courage and commitment to keep us safe.
“This year, the names of eight officers are being added to the Wall of Remembrance. Some of these lives were lost more than a century ago, but their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
“To the families of fallen officers: your grief is shared, your loved ones’ sacrifice is remembered and their legacy will always endure.”
The eight officers added to the memorial include:
Constable James Coady: 12 June 1870;
Sergeant 2/C Thomas Devonald: 19 July 1873;
Constable Walter Tombs: 25 November 1897;
Constable 1/C William Hamilton Pearce: 13 December 1898;
Sergeant 2/C Alfred Francis Stone: 14 May 1899;
Sergeant 2/C Joseph Wirrell: 18 September 1899;
Constable George Shiell: 7 December 1912; and
Senior Constable Stephen Nixon: 24 November 2019
NSW Police Media
