In 2001, it was resolved to establish a National Police Memorial in Canberra.
The Memorial pays tribute to Australian Police Officers who have been killed on duty or have died as a result of their duties since the advent of policing in Australia and to recognise the unique nature of police service and the dangers that police face in their daily pursuits.
The $2.4million memorial was jointly funded by the Australian Government (through the Australian Federal Police), State and Territory Police Services and Police Federation of Australia.
The Memorial was completed and dedicated on 29 September 2006 (National Police Remembrance Day). Following the dedication ceremony, a criteria for future inclusion of names on the National Police Memorial was agreed upon together with a National Police Memorial Co-ordination Committee.
On this day
26 April 2005
Victoria
About 9 a.m. Tuesday 26 April 2005 Senior Constable Page was struck and killed by a car whilst performing a routine traffic interception on the Hume Highway near Benalla.
On this day
26 April 1958
New South Wales
The Constable was the Lockup Keeper at Gulgong and was on duty on Anzac Day 1958. A patron of the local RSL Club a man named Lester Haley had become intoxicated and argumentative with other patrons and was escorted from the club. Constable Joe Johnson was asked to supervise Haley’s ejection and did so however as the offender left the club he turned on the Constable with a knife and stabbed him several times. The wounds proved to be fatal and the Constable died the following day at the Gulgong Hospital. The offender was later arrested by Detective Constable 1st Class Jim Tutill convicted of manslaughter and imprisoned. The Constable was born in 1918 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 21 January 1946. At the time of his death he was stationed at Gulgong.
On this day
26 April 1859
Victoria
Between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. 26 April 1859 Detective Rendell went to the lighter ‘Pauline’ which was moored in the Yarra River and searched it for stolen property. A quantity of stolen goods was located and the lighter’s master Morey Tucker was taken into custody. He and the Detective left the vessel together and as they crossed the gang plank to the wharf Rendell fell into the water and was drowned. Tucker used this opportunity to flee the scene and was arrested in Richmond the following day. The circumstances surrounding Rendell’s death were thought to be highly suspicious. The detective was a strong swimmer there was bruising on the body apparently inflicted just before death and no witnesses could be located. However at the inquest a man came forward and stated that he had seen Detective Rendall accidentally slip and fall into the water. Police claimed that this witness had previously told a detective that he had not seen what had occurred. However as no statement had previously been taken from the man the Coroner chose to accept his evidence and returned a verdict of ‘accidental death’.
Remembering mates – Wall to Wall Ride is held in September each year. Click here for more information.
Please check with your state/territory police organisation for local information of services to be held on 29 September, or click here for more information.
The National Police Memorial is located in Kings Park on the northern shore of Lake Burley Griffin adjacent to Queen Elizabeth II Island and the National Carrillion. View in Google maps