2016 South West Police remembrance day service | photos

Since 1989, National Police Remembrance Day has honoured officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. 

The service is normally held on September 29 to coincide with the feast of Saint Michael, the Patron Saint of battle, security forces and paratroops. 

In the South West this year, the service was held a week early to enable retired and past police officers, community members, school children and police staff to be involved in the ceremony. 

Led by Sergeant Gerard Murphy, South West Superintendent Mick Sutherland and WA Police chaplain Keith Carmody, the service featured the police prayer, the police ode and the reading of the names of fallen officers. 

A number of offerings were laid at the memorial to symbolise the work done by WA Police to serve the community. 

A pair of handcuffs as a symbol of the overall fight against crime, a helmet as a sign of road safety, a cap representing the dedication of frontline officers, a mobile phone to represent the importance of communication and a copy of the police philosophy which represents the qualities necessary for public confidence in the police. 

The service also included the last post and reveille, a laying of wreaths, and the national anthem performed by the Adam Road Primary School choir. 

To conclude the ceremony, the conference room of the South West Police Complex in Bunbury was officially named the ‘Pearson Room’ in honour and memory of Senior Constable Jamie Pearson. 

Senior Constable Pearson joined the police force as a cadet aged 18 in 1993 and graduated in August 1995.

He took a posting at Bunbury Police Station in October 2002 and was killed in a traffic crash on Bussell Highway, Capel on November 27, 2004 while working with the South West Traffic office. 

Superintendent Sutherland read a short message from Senior Constable Pearson’s parents Gary and Kathleen that thanked those who have helped to honour their son. 

“Jamie only ever wanted to be a policeman and he took great pride in his profession,” the message said. 

“We are very honoured in the way he is being remembered today.”