By Melissa Coleman
The National Police Remembrance Day service was held at the Warwick Killarney Uniting Church last Thursday to honour the brave police officers, both men and women, who lost their lives over the past year.
With more than 100 attendees including police officers and their families, political dignitaries, representatives from QAS and local schools, the vigil got underway with the sombre sounds of the bagpipes played by Nathanael Amos.
Acting Inspector Jamie Deacon said during his Commissioner’s address that it is important for police officers and community to come together to honour the memory and sacrifices of fallen officers.
“It’s important honour them and acknowledge the unimaginable loss their loved ones have suffered.”
The vigil acted as a pause to reflect on police officers who served in the past and alongside colleagues, not only locally but throughout Australia.
“We also acknowledge the loss of police officers from other Australian districts and jurisdictions since last year’s Remembrance Day,” Acting Inspector Deacon said.
Senior Constable Bria Kathleen Joyce from the Victorian Police was one of many officers acknowledged.
On April 8 the police officer died in a car crash in Mildura.
“Her vehicle was struck head on by another vehicle whose driver was driving on the wrong side of the road,” Acting Inspector Deacon said.
“Today her name is being added to the National Police Memorial in Canberra.”
Fourteen historical police officer names were also added to the Memorial, mostly from Tasmania and the northern Territory.
“These names were not previously added to the Memorial, however further research into the circumstances of their deaths shows that they were killed or died in the execution of their duties,” he said.
Some of these police officers’ names date back into the mid-1800.
“We will never forget them, those that have fallen we honour their service, courage and integrity in which they served,” he said.
The heartfelt memorial ended with a light morning tea.
