Police officers who have died while serving their community will be remembered at a ceremony at the Police Academy at Rokeby this morning.

Each year September the 29th holds a special significance for police officers throughout Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and the Solomon Islands.

“On this day we remember and pay tribute to police officers who have lost their lives while serving and protecting their communities,” said the Acting Commissioner of Tasmania Police, Darren Hine.

“Particularly in our thoughts today are the family, friends and colleagues of New South Wales Police Detective Constable William Crews who died earlier this month after a shooting incident in Bankstown,” said Mr Hine.

“Detective Constable Crews was farewelled at a funeral attended by 5,000 police officers, family and friends. I attended the funeral to honour the sacrifice he made.”

“His death is a sobering reminder of the dangers police can face, even when carrying out routine operations, and it’s important we do not forgot those who have died in the line of duty.
 

“We also remember police officers who have died through various illnesses while in service,” said Mr Hine.

Tasmania has not lost any men or women in the line of duty in the last 12 months. Australia-wide, one officer has died while performing their duty during this period.

Since the first Police Remembrance Day Service was conducted 21 years ago, 10 Tasmanian police officers have died.

“Today we pay tribute to all of the 176 officers who have died while members of Tasmania Police since 1817,” said Mr Hine.

“They have all undertaken important duties that have contributed to making our communities a safer place in which to live.

Mr Hine also paid tribute to the hard work and dedication of all members of Tasmania Police.

“On behalf of all Tasmanians, I wish to thank members of Tasmania Police who work tirelessly to serve and protect our community. I also thank their families and friends for the support that they offer our officers in what can sometimes be difficult work.

“While our officers are highly trained and skilled to deal with a variety of situations, we know only too well that the ordinary can turn into the extraordinary.”

National Police Remembrance Day is identified by the wearing of the traditional blue and white chequerboard ribbon, officially recognised as the symbol of Remembrance Day.

Tasmania Police Media
(03) 6230 2296