National Police Remembrance Day
Today September 29 is National Police Remembrance Day.
The two police tragically killed at Porepunkah will be honoured in a ceremony recognising all officers whose lives have been lost in the line of duty
National Police Remembrance Day will see Victoria Police members, family and friends gather with the community to pay their respects to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
A march and service will be held this morning
There have been 178 Victoria Police officers killed while serving and protecting the community since the force was established in 1853.
All will never be forgotten.
A historical death is also being added to the memorial’s honour wall.
Constable Patrick Whyte died after becoming seriously ill while on a drill at the Russell Street Barracks back on 20 November 1866.
Today and every day, Victoria Police pays tribute to each and every officer whose life has been cut short keeping the community safe.
The commemorative march will commence at Princes Bridge at 10am and proceed down St Kilda Road to the Victoria Police Memorial.
The formal remembrance service will then begin at 10:20am.
The 11 police, protective services officers, police custody officers, Victorian Public Service employees and police chaplains who died through illness or other circumstances in the last year will all be recognised in the commemorations.
Services will also be held today in towns and suburbs across the state including Albury, Ararat, Bairnsdale, Ballarat, Bendigo, Boroondara, Doncaster, Hamilton, Horsham, Korumburra, Macleod, Mildura, Rosebud, Seymour, Shepparton, Wangaratta and Warrnambool.
Dates, times and locations for all regional services are listed on the Victoria Police website.
National Police Remembrance Day coincides with Blue Ribbon Day, an initiative of the Blue Ribbon Foundation which raises money for new and improved emergency facilities in Victorian public hospitals.
Equipment is named in memory of fallen officers.
For more information about National Police Remembrance Day, including details of regional services visit https://www.police.vic.gov.au/national-police-remembrance-day-and-memorial
