National Police Remembrance Day in the Shoalhaven took on special meaning for many this year.
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The South Coast Police District’s memorial service at St Stephen's Anglican Church in Bomaderry attracted a large crowd, with special mention made of local Chief Inspector Steve “Jonno” Johnson who passed away suddenly on May 22.
A much-loved member of the local community and a stalwart of what was the Shoalhaven Local Area Command, Jonno was just 47.
Jonno’s life was celebrated by hundreds of community members and the NSW Police Force at a special service on May 30.
He was one of 16 officers across the country who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the past 12 months.
They have all been added, along with another historical addition, to the NSW Police Force Roll of Honour and Wall of Remembrance, which now has 270 names of fallen officers.
The service was led by region chaplain Reverend Graham Olsen, who thanked all police “for who they are and what they do”.
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“We appreciated everything our officers do,” he said.
Each year on September 29 police throughout Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and the Solomon Islands pause to honour those 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.
Senior Constable John White spoke about what Remembrance Day means to him and life as a police officer.
Readings were also performed by Chief Inspector Sue Charman–Horton and Detective Senior Constable Simone Hackett.
Detective Senior Constable Erin Pavitt read the Police Ode and Inspector Ray Stynes read the Honour Roll of officers who have lost their lives in the past 12 months.
Acting Superintendent Mark Wall said Remembrance Day was to remember those who lost their lives serving their community.
“It is a day to honour their devotion to duty and their sacrifice,” he said.
“This mission can be a dangerous one - the oath to protect is a dangerous one.
“It is our duty to ensure the courage and selfless actions of these 270 officers is never forgotten.
“Importantly, today is a day where rank has no meaning - commander or constable, no one person is more important than the other.
“We must stand side by side and support all those who have lost - lost a friend, lost a teammate, a partner or parent - we must support each other because that sort of selfless behaviour is what the fallen have pledged in death.”
Supt Wall thanked the community for its tribute on Remembrance Day.
“We will continue to repay that support by protecting you 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” he said.
“I’m privileged to honour the memory of 270 brave officers who made the ultimate sacrifice.”