An Honour Board commemorating Tasmania Police members who have served overseas in their capacity as police officers has been unveiled at the Tasmania Police Academy today.

“To commemorate the service of Tasmania Police officers who have served overseas on United Nations and Australian Government mandated peacekeeping and capacity building missions, an Honour Board has been unveiled at the Tasmania Police Academy,” said Commissioner Donna Adams.

“Many Tasmania Police officers have served with distinction overseas and the instalment of this Honour Board acknowledges their service and pays tribute to their contribution over many years.”

Since 1964 Tasmania Police has seen deployments of:

• 33 officers to Cyprus from 1964-76
• 22 officers to East Timor / Timor Leste from 2000-06 (7 completed two deployments)
• 2 to Papua New Guinea in 1972-74
• 4 to Papua New Guinea in 2004-05
• 22 to the Solomon Islands in the period 2004-10.

“Tasmanian Police has always been a strong supporter of international programs to help countries in their times of need and our officers who have volunteered for overseas duty have each done our police service proud,” said Commissioner Adams.

“On behalf of Tasmania Police, I thank our members who have served overseas, and their families for the support they have given them to undertake their duties.

“Whilst our service has been fortunate that none of our members have lost their lives whilst serving overseas, sadly some were injured to various degrees, and several have passed away since returning from their duty.”

The Honour Wall has been provided for through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs ‘Saluting Their Service’ Commemorative Grants Program.  The grants program provides funding for commemorative projects and activities that directly commemorate the involvement, service and sacrifice of Australia’s service personnel in wars, conflicts and peace operations.