This year’s Police Remembrance Day which was held recently around the country was a quieter and more reserved event this year, due to the COVID-19 restrictions.

The Police Remembrance Day was first held on 29 September 1989 and holds a special significance for police throughout Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Samoa.

It is a day for police to pause and honour officers whose lives have been lost while performing their duty as a police officer.

Coffs/Clarence Police District, Chief Inspector Joanne Reid – Officer in Charge, Grafton Police station said that a small, short ceremony was held on Tuesday morning (29 September) at 11am in the front of the Grafton Police Station.

“While the service was a little different this year because of COVID restrictions, the sentiment and importance of this solemn day remains the same,” Chief Inspector said.

“This is a day when we remember those whose lives were cut tragically short while serving the community.

“These officers were children, siblings, partners and friends. That didn’t stop when they put on a uniform. We grieve with the families that have lost a loved one.

“Six police officers across Australia/New Zealand died while performing their duties in the previous 12 months, while 19 serving members of the New South Wales Police Force have passed away in the previous 12 months, including two from the Coffs/Clarence Police District, Sergeant Ryan Lynch and Detective Senior Constable Damian Knowles and we stand beside their families and loved ones today.

“The challenges of 2020 highlight the unpredictability we are faced with as a global and local community and policing is no different.

“Tomorrow is promised to no one and police go about their duties every day to serve the community and keep them safe, despite being faced with danger on a regular basis.

“Policing is about putting service to the community above yourself, but on this National Police Remembrance Day, we ask the community to remember those lost and keep serving officer’s in their thoughts to remain safe and return home each shift,” she said.