Cootamundra Police gathered last Thursday at the front of the Cootamundra Police Station to unveil a Police Remembrance Day Plaque.
Unveiled by Riverina Police District Commander Superintendent Bob Noble, the plaque commemorates the loss of police officer lives in the course of serving the community.
He spoke about the ever-present danger of policing and the constant devotion to duty by police not only across the Riverina Police District, but NSW and Australasia.
National Police Remembrance Day is held annually on September 29 but due to Covid-19 restrictions this year, it was moved to a date when restrictions eased.
This day gathers families and loved ones, fellow officers and the wider community across the state, nation and South West Pacific Region, to remember those police officers who died serving on the frontline.
As Master of Ceremonies Detective Phil Malligan read the names of the officers killed on duty, the NSW state flag was lowered to half-mast.
Former NSW Police Officer Senior Constable Joe Camilleri read several prayers which identified the ever-present danger of policing.
All police officers live to make a difference in the great state of New South Wales.
They leave their own families to protect people and families they may never meet.
But willingly, and with a clear sense of duty, they place themselves between right and wrong.
They commence each shift knowing that the job has exacted the ultimate sacrifice in the past, and sadly, will do so again the future.
In recognition of lives lost this year:
NSW Police Officer Constable Aaron David VIDAL, killed in a motor vehicle accident on the June 18, 2020 returning home after his shift at Kings Cross.
Four Victorian Police Officers, Leading Senior Constable Lynette Rosemary TAYLOR, Senior Constable Kevin Neil KING, Constable Glen Andrew HUMPHRIS and Constable Joshua Andrew PRESTNEY, who were all killed on April 22, 2020 when they had stopped a motorist for speeding on the Eastern Freeway Melbourne. The four officers were hit by truck, while dealing with the speeding motorist.
We also remember New Zealand Police Officer Constable Matthew Dennis HUNT, shot and killed during a traffic stop in Auckland on the June 19, 2020.
Christopher Tan
