Published Sunday, 28 September, 2008 at 08:15 AM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
National Police Remembrance Day – a chance to honour the fallen
Police Minister Judy Spence and Commissioner Bob Atkinson will join Queensland Police Service (QPS) members, their families and friends, and the members of the community tomorrow, as they pay tribute to the 137 members of the Service who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Ms Spence said National Police Remembrance Day is a significant and poignant day on the policing calendar.
“National Police Remembrance Day is a time for the people of Queensland to stop and pay tribute to the dedicated men and women of the QPS whom we entrust with the protection and preservation of our cherished way of life,” Ms Spence said.
“Since 1861, when Constable Matthew Connelly drowned whilst bravely attempting to traverse a flooded creek to deliver medicine to a sick woman near Laidley, 137 Queensland Police officers have died in the service of our community.
“National Police Remembrance Day is a day to remember and honour their sacrifice.
“This event serves to remind us all of the unpredictability of policing and the often perilous situations that can unfold for our police officers while they perform their daily duties.
“It is a day for the people of Queensland to reflect upon the vital role police play in keeping our community safe – and to say thank you.
“It is also an opportunity to acknowledge the grief of the families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty – those who have endured great hardship and sacrifice in our community,” Ms Spence said.
Commissioner Atkinson said that National Police Remembrance Day not only honours those who have lost their lives in the line of duty but also recognises the commitment, dedication and bravery of past, present and future police officers.
“Every police officer swears an oath to protect and serve the people of Queensland but in discharging that responsibility it is unavoidable that officers have to put their own personal safety at risk for the safety and security of the community.
“The men and women of the QPS are highly trained law enforcement professionals but no matter how well trained or equipped an officer may be, sadly there can be times when the forces of fate conspire against us and an officer’s life is lost,” he said.
“While policing is not a risk free occupation; it is a career that still attracts courageous and dedicated men and women committed to upholding our way of life and serving the people of Queensland.”
Candlelight vigils, marches and church services will be held across the state in honour of the fallen. Members of the community are encouraged to take part in Police Remembrance Day activities and wear a blue ribbon as a mark of respect.
Blue ribbons are available from any police station free of charge. Donations are accepted and will go towards two charities - Queensland Police Legacy and Community Supporting Police.
National Police Remembrance Day Services will be held on Monday 29 September with candlelight vigils occurring on Sunday 28 September in Brisbane, Cairns, Charleville, Gladstone, Rockhampton and Toowoomba.
Media Contacts:
Minister’s Office – 3239 6172
Police Media – 3015 2444 (Sergeant Robyn Taylor-Ward)
28 September 2008
Ms Spence said National Police Remembrance Day is a significant and poignant day on the policing calendar.
“National Police Remembrance Day is a time for the people of Queensland to stop and pay tribute to the dedicated men and women of the QPS whom we entrust with the protection and preservation of our cherished way of life,” Ms Spence said.
“Since 1861, when Constable Matthew Connelly drowned whilst bravely attempting to traverse a flooded creek to deliver medicine to a sick woman near Laidley, 137 Queensland Police officers have died in the service of our community.
“National Police Remembrance Day is a day to remember and honour their sacrifice.
“This event serves to remind us all of the unpredictability of policing and the often perilous situations that can unfold for our police officers while they perform their daily duties.
“It is a day for the people of Queensland to reflect upon the vital role police play in keeping our community safe – and to say thank you.
“It is also an opportunity to acknowledge the grief of the families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty – those who have endured great hardship and sacrifice in our community,” Ms Spence said.
Commissioner Atkinson said that National Police Remembrance Day not only honours those who have lost their lives in the line of duty but also recognises the commitment, dedication and bravery of past, present and future police officers.
“Every police officer swears an oath to protect and serve the people of Queensland but in discharging that responsibility it is unavoidable that officers have to put their own personal safety at risk for the safety and security of the community.
“The men and women of the QPS are highly trained law enforcement professionals but no matter how well trained or equipped an officer may be, sadly there can be times when the forces of fate conspire against us and an officer’s life is lost,” he said.
“While policing is not a risk free occupation; it is a career that still attracts courageous and dedicated men and women committed to upholding our way of life and serving the people of Queensland.”
Candlelight vigils, marches and church services will be held across the state in honour of the fallen. Members of the community are encouraged to take part in Police Remembrance Day activities and wear a blue ribbon as a mark of respect.
Blue ribbons are available from any police station free of charge. Donations are accepted and will go towards two charities - Queensland Police Legacy and Community Supporting Police.
National Police Remembrance Day Services will be held on Monday 29 September with candlelight vigils occurring on Sunday 28 September in Brisbane, Cairns, Charleville, Gladstone, Rockhampton and Toowoomba.
Media Contacts:
Minister’s Office – 3239 6172
Police Media – 3015 2444 (Sergeant Robyn Taylor-Ward)
28 September 2008