The green grounds of the Domain in Sydney turned blue today in honour of fallen police officers in the line of duty.
It was a scene replicated across the country for National Police Remembrance Day, where tribute is paid to the police officers who have lost their lives while serving the community.
It is the 30th anniversary of the event to honour the, now, 273 police officers who have been killed doing their job in NSW
The gravitas of the event was signified by the dignitaries that included NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, NSW Governor Margaret Beazley, NSW Police Commissioner Michael Fuller and NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliot.
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Commissioner Fuller said: “It’s our duty to make sure that the courage and selfless actions of these heroes are never forgotten.
“It is with great sorrow we add another name to the wall of remembrance this year, following the tragic death of Constable Timothy Proctor from Liverpool City Police Area Command.”
Constable Proctor, a rookie police officer only nine months into his career with the force, was critically injured in a four-vehicle crash in January this year, and died in the days following.
Ms Berejiklian said: “All of us are here this morning because of the deep respect and appreciation we have for our police. As we poignantly remember today, police men and women, day in and day out, put their lives on the line to keep us all safe.”
That deep respect the Premier described was evident through the absolute silence displayed by the crowd.
Governor Beazley simply ended her speech with: “Once again, the two words that I must reiterate to you all today are, thank you.”
National Police Remembrance Day is usually commemorated on the feast day for Saint Michael Archangel, Patron Saint of Police, an angel officially recognised by Christian, Jewish and Islamic faiths.