Police who have died while on duty were remembered at a ceremony in Shepparton to commemorate Police Remembrance Day on Friday, September 29.
The service paid tribute to the 175 Victorian police officers who have died in the line of duty since the 1870s.
Police officers and support staff who have died in the past year were honoured, with 16 names read out from this year’s honour roll.
Shepparton police and Shepparton RSL sub-branch members laid wreaths and there was a minute’s silence to remember all those who have died.
Police Eastern Region Division Three Acting Superintendent Mick Layton said the national Police Remembrance Day was an important occasion for police.
“It’s about being able to reflect and remember the police and support staff who, as I say, didn’t get to finish their shift,” he said.
“Sometimes, when we leave for work, we don’t know that it is the last time we will see our loved ones.
“It’s an inherently high-risk vocation, is sometimes dangerous, and the reality is, if it’s not us, who’s going to do it.”
Supt Layton said the day was a chance to not only reflect on those Victorian police officers who had lost their lives, but also those from throughout Australasia.
Front of mind for many this year would have been Queensland Constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold, who were killed in an ambush at Wieambilla in the Western Downs region in December last year.
Supt Layton said the day was a solemn reminder of how police must look after officers’ physical and mental wellbeing.
“We’ve got a responsibility to keep our people as safe as we possibly can,” he said.
“It’s important to not only think of physically, but also mental wellbeing and the cumulative toll (the job) can have on staff.”
The crowd of about 35 at Friday’s service included local serving police officers and several officers who have retired – something Supt Layton was pleased to see.
“It was good to see so many retired members at the service today,” he said.
“Once you leave the service, your connection still continues.”
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali also spoke, saying the service was a chance to pause and honour police members who have died while serving the community.
He also said it was a chance to continue to acknowledge the work of every police member serving our community.