South West police have gathered to honour fallen State/Territory and Federal officers during today’s National Police Remembrance Day service in Bunbury.
Thursday, September 21’s service saw police, City of Bunbury, RSL and WA Government representatives attend the City of Bunbury’s council chambers for the event.
WA Police Sergeant Gerard Murphy led the service, with WA Police SW Superintendent Mick Sutherland APM providing an address.
Pastor Dennis Jetta provided a Welcome to Country while WA Police Chaplain Keith Carmody recited the Lord’s Prayer.
The service also included the Police Ode, Police Prayer and a reading of the names of fallen officers.
A pair of handcuffs, a cap, a mobile phone and a copy of the police philosophy were offerings laid at the memorial to acknowledge the police’s work in the community.
Community members and police representatives also laid wreaths during the event.
National Police Remembrance Day has been acknowledged across the country on September 29 since 1989.
The service has typically been held on the 29th to coincide with the feast of Saint Michael, the Patron Saint of battle, and security personnel.
The annual occasion has honoured police who have fallen in the line of duty.
Sgt. Murphy said the service paid respects to fallen officers and their assistance in protecting their communities.
“We don’t get the opportunity very often to thank our families and this is the time we thank the families for their ultimate sacrifice,” he said.
“It remembers those that died on duty and also remembers those that passed away while still being serving police officers.”
He stated National Police Remembrance Day provided time to reflect upon each fallen officer’s efforts.
“It is particularly significant for those police officers who worked with those people that died, we had one in 2004 in the South West in Senior Constable Jamie Pearson – I actually worked with him,”
“Even though it was 13 years ago, the memory is still very recent so it’s very significant that we actually take the time to remember them.”
Sgt. Murphy thanked police personnel and community members for attending the service and pledging their support.
“It makes you feel that you are thanked for that job and you are recognised so it’s good to see members of the community be here as well,” he said.
The Remembrance Day Ribbon has been worn to symbolise friends, colleagues and loved ones.
