Visit our website at www.afp.gov.au for all the latest information on the Australian Federal Police
29 September 2008
Media Release
Canberra honours fallen Victoria Police
Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner Mick Keelty will today honour the
service of Victorian Police officers killed in the line of duty at a memorial service
in Canberra to acknowledge the ultimate sacrifice made by all Australian police
jurisdictions.
The National Police Memorial, completed in 2006, honours all Australian police
killed on duty since 1803 and at the conclusion of this year’s service, will carry
the names of 731 police officers.
While no police were killed on duty in Australia during 2008, five historical
names will be added this year after the deaths of three South Australian and
two Victorian police officers were discovered during ongoing historical research.
The Victorians honoured this year are Constable Edward Dore who died in a
police motorcycle accident in 1957 and Senior Constable Edward Hubbard who
drowned during Special Operations pre-selection training in 1999.
The South Australian police deaths all took place in the 19th century. Police
Trooper James Higgins suffered fatal head injuries in a horse riding accident in
1855, Corporal Henry Nixon succumbed in 1861 to the effects of multiple stab
wounds inflicted six years earlier and Constable Thomas Charlesworth drowned
crossing a swollen creek in 1884.
Relatives and descendents of the officers being remembered have flown into
Canberra for this year’s service.
AFP Commissioner Mick Keelty said that each name on the Memorial
represents a loved one killed while serving the community in their role as police
members.
“National Police Remembrance Day was one of solemn reflection and gives
each family a chance to draw support from others who have lost loved ones
and from the wider community,” Commissioner Keelty said.
“The role of a policeman has changed significantly over the years, but is no less
dangerous as our members go about their work.”
National Police Remembrance Day is commemorated each year on 29
September, the feast day of Saint Michael the Archangel and Patron Saint of
Police.
The dusk ceremony will begin at 5.15 pm with the arrival of the official guests
and conclude at 6.10 pm at the National Police Memorial, Kings Park,
Wendouree Drive, Canberra.
Visit our website at www.afp.gov.au for all the latest information on the Australian
Federal Police
Members of the community are encouraged to attend the ceremony.
Media enquiries
AFP National Media Team
Phone: (02) 6275 7100
Additional information
NPRD Website
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