On Friday communities all over the country paused to remember those that put their lives on the line for the community for National Police Remembrance Day.
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In Tamworth a crowd of over one hundred people, including dignitaries from the Liverpool Plains, Gunnedah and Wee Waa, as well as representatives from other emergency services gathered at St Patrick’s Church for a ceremony.
Fortunately only one police officer lost his life in the line of duty in the past 12 months, Western Australian Constable Dennis Michael Green, although former Narrabri officer Robert Wayne Tait, who lost his life in 1996, was added to the honour role after years of campaigning.
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Another 15 members of the service who lost their lives whilst not on duty were also honoured.
Following the Flag Party and welcome from Father Anthony Koppman, Oxley District Commander Superintendent Fred Trench gave a rousing address on the importance of the day.
He began by reminding the crowd of the losses suffered locally in recent years in both Sabine Altmann, who lost her life in 2011, and Senior Constable David Rixon, who was shot in 2012.
“The joys and triumphs of fighting crime are celebrated by all officers, but at the same time when one officer is hurt we all hurt,” Supt Trench said.
“So it is fitting that we gather and remember not only that they gave their lives, but also how they lived their life.”
The service concluded with Inspector Michael Wurth reading The Path of The Fallen, before Inspector Robert Dunn recited the Police Ode.
