BLUE RIBBON LAUNCH TO COMMEMORATE POLICE
Published Monday, 25 September, 2006 at 09:45 AM
Minister for Police and Corrective Services
The Honourable Judy Spence
Queenslanders are being encouraged to wear a blue ribbon and show their support for police in the lead up to National Police Remembrance Day on Friday.
Police Minister Judy Spence, Commissioner Bob Atkinson and volunteers today handed out ribbons to launch the campaign to commemorate fallen officers.
“In the past 145 years, 135 Queensland police officers have been killed in the course of duty,” Ms Spence said.
“We are fortunate to have police who go above and beyond the call of their duties in helping others, but sadly, all too often that comes with the price of lives that are lost.
“This campaign is about all of us showing our gratitude to our police.”
Mr Atkinson said wearing a blue ribbon was a significant gesture in the lead-up to National Police Remembrance Day on September 29.
“You will be showing your support for the families and colleagues who have had to deal with the grief that comes with losing a loved one in the most unfortunate of circumstances,” Mr Atkinson said.
“During this time it is also an opportunity to reflect on the daily duties of current police officers and appreciate the risks they take to ensure the safety of our community.”
Ms Spence said the blue ribbons are free and are available at police stations across the state.
Ms Spence is encouraging Queenslanders to make a donation when they collect their ribbon, which will go to the Community Supporting Police and the Police Legacy Scheme.
“Any donation to these groups will ensure assistance is given to officers and their families in times of great need,” Ms Spence said.
“Queensland Police Legacy provides assistance to the widows or widowers and dependent children of police families – such as urgent financial relief for a spouse, or to pay for ongoing expenses for children right up to university level.
"Legacy is currently supporting around 37 families and providing educational assistance to approximately 65 children.
“It has also recently changed its constitution to provide support to officers if their spouse dies and also if an officer is terminally ill.
"However the organisation is more than just financial support. Legacy also organises an annual vacation for surviving spouses and children and these holidays are tremendous morale boosters and create great bonds between those involved.”
Media contacts:
Alison Smith 3239 6218 / 0439 673 287 (Minister’s office)
Police media 3015 2444
Police Minister Judy Spence, Commissioner Bob Atkinson and volunteers today handed out ribbons to launch the campaign to commemorate fallen officers.
“In the past 145 years, 135 Queensland police officers have been killed in the course of duty,” Ms Spence said.
“We are fortunate to have police who go above and beyond the call of their duties in helping others, but sadly, all too often that comes with the price of lives that are lost.
“This campaign is about all of us showing our gratitude to our police.”
Mr Atkinson said wearing a blue ribbon was a significant gesture in the lead-up to National Police Remembrance Day on September 29.
“You will be showing your support for the families and colleagues who have had to deal with the grief that comes with losing a loved one in the most unfortunate of circumstances,” Mr Atkinson said.
“During this time it is also an opportunity to reflect on the daily duties of current police officers and appreciate the risks they take to ensure the safety of our community.”
Ms Spence said the blue ribbons are free and are available at police stations across the state.
Ms Spence is encouraging Queenslanders to make a donation when they collect their ribbon, which will go to the Community Supporting Police and the Police Legacy Scheme.
“Any donation to these groups will ensure assistance is given to officers and their families in times of great need,” Ms Spence said.
“Queensland Police Legacy provides assistance to the widows or widowers and dependent children of police families – such as urgent financial relief for a spouse, or to pay for ongoing expenses for children right up to university level.
"Legacy is currently supporting around 37 families and providing educational assistance to approximately 65 children.
“It has also recently changed its constitution to provide support to officers if their spouse dies and also if an officer is terminally ill.
"However the organisation is more than just financial support. Legacy also organises an annual vacation for surviving spouses and children and these holidays are tremendous morale boosters and create great bonds between those involved.”
Media contacts:
Alison Smith 3239 6218 / 0439 673 287 (Minister’s office)
Police media 3015 2444