NATIONAL Police Remembrance Day looked a bit different in Swan Hill this year, but the memories of our fallen was not forgotten.
Police across Australia paused on Wednesday to honour the sacrifice of their colleagues who had died in the line of duty.
Since its establishment in 1853, Victoria Police has lost 174 police officers killed while serving the community.
Swan Hill police and visiting members from Melbourne gathered in a room at Swan Hill police station to watch the streamed online service, followed by refreshments.
“It’s a very special day, but it’s sad that we can’t celebrate it in the normal way,” Swan Hill police Senior Sergeant Michelle Kerley said.
“Normally the families of police members who have lost their lives are involved, as they stay part of our police family forever.”
The station remembered not just those in the police force who died in the line of duty, but those who died while off-duty.
“I’m pleased that we had the opportunity to remember our fallen members, and I look forward to the end of COVID-19 to do it like we used to,” Sen-Sgt Kerley said.
The service honoured the lives of six police officers and three Victorian public servants who died since last year’s memorial.
Chief Commissioner Shane Patton honoured fallen colleagues by placing a wreath at the Victoria Police Memorial Wall on St Kilda Road in Melbourne.
Coinciding with National Police Remembrance Day was Victoria’s Blue Ribbon Day.
Blue Ribbon Day provides the opportunity for the community to say thank you to those who protect and serve our community and ensure that those who have fallen are never forgotten.
Mr Patton said National Police Remembrance Day was a solemn day for police and their families, remembering the price paid while protecting the community.
“While we are disappointed we cannot unite in person to mark the occasion, we remain united today as we honour the sacrifice of the dedicated men and women who have lost their lives while seeking to keep us all safe,” he said.
