POLICE Remembrance Day in the Shoalhaven has been marked with a special service at St Stephen's Anglican Church in Bomaderry.
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The service led by region chaplain Reverend Graham Olsen, remembered officers from Australian police agencies who have lost their lives in their course of their duties.
“We are here to mourn and honour officers who have lost their lives and offer support to one another in grief, especially to the families and friends of those killed,” Rev Olsen said.
“It is also an opportunity to allow us, as a community to say thank you, to those who wear blue and thank you for what you do.”
Each year on September 29 police throughout Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and the Solomon Islands pause to honour who have died in the line of duty.
It is also a time to remember officers who have lost their lives through illness and other circumstances.
A Wall of Remembrance on the southern side of the NSW Art Gallery in The Domain, Sydney records the names of officers who have lost their lives performing police duties.
Senior Constable Vicki Ferraris spoke about what Remembrance Day means to her, Inspector Deb O’Reilly read the Police Ode and Chief Inspector Steve Johnson read the Honour Roll of officers who have lost their lives in the past 12 months and those who have become historical additions to the Honour Roll.
Shoalhaven Local Area Commander, Acting Superintendent Joe Thone told the service Remembrance Day was a chance to honour the 269 officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, their devotion to duty and sacrifice.
“Their names are etched in stone at the NSW Wall of Remembrance,” he said.
“It is the mission of NSW Police to work with the community to reduce violence crime and fear.
“Each name of the wall should remind us this mission can be a dangerous one.
Their sacrifice will not be forgotten, their memory will live on with each of us.
- Shoalhaven Local Area Commander, Acting Superintendent Joe Thone.
“Sometimes the ode of office placed on police officers can weigh heavily on them. It is our duty to ensure their courage and selfless actions are not forgotten.
“Since this day last year there has been 15 historical additions to the wall, including six officers who have sadly met the new criteria in NSW, having died from suicide resulting from their duties.
“We know no recognition can make good the loss which is unfairly carried by families or loved ones.
“On behalf of the men and women of the NSW Police force I offer you our heartfelt condolences.
“Their sacrifice will not be forgotten, their memory will live on with each of us.”
Act Sup Thone thanked the community for its support.
“The community and police share a special bond and the community’s recognition of that sacrifice each fallen officer has made is important to their families and those who continue to serve,” he said.
“As Shoalhaven Commander I am privileged to honour the 269 brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
A special presentation was also made to the family of former officer Senior Constable Peter Richardson who passed away in 2014.
“Peter served the community of the Shoalhaven for many years. Was in the police for 27 years,” Act Sup Thonse said.
“Despite passing away a number of years ago from a medical condition, Richo is still heavily missed.
“Recently Peter’s cap was located. A cap he wore throughout his career and service to the community. Today I present it and Peter’s police medals and national service medal to his family.”
Shoalhaven City Council Assistant Deputy Mayor Mitchell Pakes thanked police on behalf of the community.
“Thank you for what you do. I want to not only thank you for the work you have done in the past, the work you do today and what you will do in the future.” he said.
“Police don’t always receive the recognition they deserve.
“We thank you for the work and sacrifice you do each day protecting our wonderful city.
“And we thank you for doing your job, keeping us safe, protecting us, day after day.”
He said Remembrance Day was also a chance to show the respect and overwhelmed gratitude for officer’s sacrifices.
“Police officers today are exposed to some things no one should ever be subjected too,” he said.
“Our officers often have to bear witness to the not so good side of our community. And for that we thank you for the job you do.”