SOUTH East dignitaries and community members gathered at the Mount Gambier Police Station on Friday for the annual National Police Remembrance Day memorial service.
Marked by services at regional police centres across the state, National Police Remembrance Day is an opportunity for communities to pay tribute to officers who have died in the line of
duty.
“Today we join with comrades across the country to remember the sacrifice of those whose lives were given in service,” Limestone Coast Police chaplain Pastor Mark Hann said.
“We especially honour our colleagues who have died in South Australia.
“Our commitment to our high calling and to our community may cost us dearly, but it makes us resilient, spirited and more determined to uphold the values of honour and dignity among the people we serve.”
Superintendent Grant Moyle addressed the crowd and spoke about the inherent dangers of policing.
“Most workplaces provide a safe, stable environment generally dealing with reasonable people,” he said.
“Policing always carries an element of risk which at times can lead to fatal consequences.
“While men and women in the frontline of policing face inherent dangers, it takes dedicated commitment and support from all members of the organisation to ensure best service is provided to the community.”
Supt Moyle said in the history of South Australian policing, 61 police officers had lost their lives in the line of active duty.
“Their deaths are a great loss to their loved ones and friends, the police family and the South Australian community,” he said.
“This year we remember Dennis Michael Green from the Western Australia Police.”
Dignitaries and emergency services representatives placed floral tributes at the wall of remembrance before Detective Sergeant Tony Scott led attendees in the remembrance response prayer.
“In reflecting upon their passing, we are inspired by their dedication, their commitment to service and their deeds of bravery,” he said.
“We remember them and pay our tribute.”
