Today is National Police Remembrance Day, a day of reflection, reverence and a day to count our blessings.

We are fortunate that we have not lost any Tasmanian Police officers in the line of our duties during the past twelve months. However we stand in formal ceremony to offer support and what little comfort we can, to the families of fallen officers, who are among us.

The ceremony will be held at the Tasmania Police academy at 11am today, Tuesday 29^th September 2015.

Today is a day to pay tribute to colleagues who have lost their lives in the line of duty or those who have lost their battle with illness.

We often refer to our colleagues as brothers or sisters in service, sharing a common almost familial bond. The police support network is, in a sense, one large extended family and the joys and pains of policing life are shared by all.

Today reminds police officers throughout Australasia of the very real dangers associated with the uniform we wear and the unpredictability any situation we respond to and we pause to reflect upon past incidents and ‘close-shaves’.

In that moment of reflection, we also offer thanks and acknowledgement to our colleagues who “have our backs” in unfolding situations.

“Today is a day of mixed emotions,” said Commissioner Darren Hine.

“We remember fallen colleagues and share the losses felt by families and loved ones.”

“We give solemn thanks that we as a jurisdiction have not lost any serving officers in the past year but pause to reflect the losses felt by our colleagues in Papua New Guinea who lost five officers while on duty last year,” he said.

“I would like to thank all the officers throughout Tasmania, for the pride with which they wear the uniform and for their hard work and dedication to serving the Tasmanian community.”

Today Police wear the traditional blue and white chequerboard ribbon, officially recognised as the symbol of Remembrance, as an addition to their uniforms, in a visual mark of respect.

More information on National Police Remembrance Day can be found on the National Police memorial website at: www.npm.org.au