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National Police Rememberance Day allows us to remember support and appreciate those police in Victoria
across Australia and around the world who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our community.
In Victoria National Police Remembrance Day is also Blue Ribbon Day. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the good work done by Police Legacy and Blue Ribbon Foundation.
Money raised from Blue Ribbon Day is used to build new and improved emergency facilities in Victoria’s public hospitals named in memory of fallen officers.
So Blue Ribbon Day is one of those occasions where everyone has the opportunity to pause and reflect on the fact that 157 officers lost their lives, they’ve been killed in the course of duty.
Thirty of them murdered and it’s an opportunity afforded to all of us to be able to give due respect to the memory of those who have died on duty and to their family and loved ones.
I think it is important because it helps the community come together with Victoria Police to respect and appreciate what we do.
It respects the members who have fallen during the courses of their duties as well as their family members who suffer from the loss.
It is a day that gives you pride as well when you see someone wearing a blue ribbon or you see it on a car sticker. It gives you a sense of pride knowing that that’s the job that you do day to day and people to respect and appreciate the job that you do.
A significant event in my career that reinforces the significance of BRD was the death of Senior Constable Tony Clarke in 2005.
Tony and I worked at neighbouring stations and his death impacted me in both personal and professional level.
His death illustrated to me the ever present dangers that we as police face everyday and the importance of Blue Ribbon Day in the sense that people like Tony should not be forgotten especially in the ultimate sacrifice that he made.
There are many opportunities to become directly involved. I think attendance at the march is a wonderful thing I enjoy doing it each year, I’m honoured in the extreme to be part of those who are marching that day.
In addition to that there are many other events not only in Melbourne but across the regions where the loss of the police is honoured.
And in addition to that there are of course plenty of chances for fundraiser events to be able to make a contribution for those many many worthy causes that are there in the name of those who have been killed in the line of duty for Victoria Police.
Our Remembrance Day is usually on the September 29th but this year the march and service it will be held on the 28th.
Let’s all take the opportunity to remember our colleagues who have been killed while serving the community and remember their families, friends and colleagues who have been left behind.
I hope to see you all at the march and service.