EAST coast police from across the state will set off to walk more than 300km next year, in remembrance of fallen Tamworth Highway Patrol officer, Senior Constable David Rixon.
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The contingent of 24 police, from the Tuggerah Lakes and Brisbane Water Local Area Commands, will walk for “our mates, our families” – a fundraising event for Senior Constable Rixon’s
family. On February 25 at 6am, the officers intend to begin their 370km walk with plans to arrive at the Tamworth Police Station by March 2.
The significance of their arrival is to commemorate the first anniversary of the tragic loss of their colleague and workmate.
They will walk through six other commands, including Lake Macquarie, North Region HQ, Newcastle City, Port Stephens, Central Hunter and the Hunter Valley. Fellow officers will join them along the way. The walk is thought to be similar to the 1915 Cooee recruitment march during World War I.
Tuggerah Lakes Commander Superintendent Swilks said, in contrast to the Cooee march, their intention was to show the level of support they had for each other and their families.
“Essentially we are one big family and when we lose one of our own, not only does the officer’s family grieve, we all grieve,” Superintendent Swilks said.
“We are also mindful that the whole community is adversely affected.”
More than 90 walkers are anticipated to arrive at Tamworth in March as part of the walk, including police from the rank of assistant commissioner to constable as well as their unsworn support staff.
