It was National Police Remembrance Day, a time to remember and a time to reflect on the deeds of police officers passed.

As the sun shone through the stained glass windows of St Paul’s Anglican Church, dozens of police officers and members of the public paused to pay their respects to Senior Constable David Rixon who was tragically gunned down while on duty in March 2012.

The remembrance service was held in the same church the fallen highway patrolman’s colleagues and family members bid their final goodbyes.

Officers also took a moment to remember the police force’s former domestic violence co-ordinator Sabine Altmann who worked in Tamworth and was killed in a car accident while on duty in 2011.

Photos of the duo were displayed at the front of the church as a sign of respect.

Oxley Local Area Commander Superintendent Clint Pheeney told The Leader, police remembrance day would always have special significance for his officers.

“It’s the most important day of the year,” he said.

“Not only for police in Tamworth and across the state but also across the country.

“It has a special place in our hearts because it has only been nearly three years since we tragically lost one of our own – our dear friend David Rixon,” he said.

“It’s a time for police, their families and the community to not only pay their respects but remember those that have fallen while serving the communities of NSW.”