Today we honour and remember all the people of the NSW Police Force who have died in the line of duty.
September 29th holds special significance across Australia and the Pacific as National Police Remembrance Day.
It is a day to reflect and pay tribute to the bravery of those who dedicate their lives to protect, serve and keep their communities safe.
No new names have been added to the NSW Wall of Remembrance this year, but we pause to remember Constable Matthew Joseph Arnold and Constable Rachel Clare McCrow of the Queensland Police Force and Constable Anthony Woods of the Western Australia Police Force who died while performing their duties in the previous 12 months.
We pay our respects to 14 serving members of the NSW Police Force who have passed away in the previous 12 months and remember the 275 names already inscribed on the Wall.
The annual National Police Remembrance Day service was today held at the NSW Police Wall of Remembrance in the Domain.
Premier, Chris Minns and Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley attended alongside Acting NSW Police Commissioner, Dave Hudson, Lieutenant-Governor of NSW, His Excellency the Honourable Andrew Bell and other distinguished guests.
Premier Chris Minns said:
“Police Remembrance Day is a reminder to the entire community of the dangers police officers face every day.
“We owe police a great debt of gratitude and we pay tribute to all the officers we have lost.
“Today is not only about honouring the officers who have died but also showing our support to all serving officers. We thank you for your commitment to serve our community.”
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:
“We can never forget those who have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.
“The NSW Police Force do an outstanding job day in, day out. They have a tough job but do it with such dedication, compassion and commitment and for that we thank them.”
“Our thoughts go out to the grieving families of our fallen officers. The scale of their loss is difficult to conceive but the NSW Police family is there to support them.”
Acting NSW Police Commissioner Dave Hudson said:
“Each year on 29 September, we pause to remember these officers for their courage and selfless dedication to protecting the community.
“We also pay our respects to the families, friends and colleagues left behind, who will forever mourn the loss of their loved one.
Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”