Officers from Mudgee Local Area Command were joined by residents to remember fallen national and state policemen and women at St John’s Anglican Church on Monday.
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Forming part of National Police Remembrance Day, the small Mudgee ceremony paid tribute to 15 officers who passed away this year either through duty, illness or other circumstances.
Monday’s service was led by Reverend Doctor David Craig who reminded guests of the task police face in being “committed to and responsible for the peace, order and security in our communities.”
“Each generation creates new problems and has different understandings of how local communities operate,” Dr Craig said.
He spoke about the unpredictable actions of humans, how decisions are made spontaneously and why it was important to be at peace “with the police force there to protect us.”
Two-hundred and fifty-two NSW Police officers have died in the line of duty since 1862.
Mudgee Local Area Command acting superintendent, Mark Minehan, said the state was richer for officers services and relayed the importance of support from husbands, wives and other family members during what can be difficult circumstances.
Scriptures from Isaiah 42: 1-6 and Colossians 1: 9-14 were read before prayers of intercession for several facets of policemen and women. The ceremony finished with a light morning tea in the parish hall.
NSW Police Commissioner, Andrew Scipione APM, also joined hundreds of his fellow police colleagues at the Wall of Remembrance in The Domain for a service on Monday.
Commissioner Scipione said National Police Remembrance Day was a day to stop and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
“National Police Remembrance Day is a time to reflect on the courage and selfless sacrifice made by those police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, as well as paying tribute to their collective and individual legacies,” he said.
“Every day hundreds of brave men and women go to work not knowing what the day will bring. At times they face adversity and risk their lives to help others.
“Our thoughts are with the extended police family of all those we have loved and lost. They will never be forgotten.”