Police Remembrance Day services across regional Western Australia honour officers’ lives lost

A moment of silence fell over Police Pools last week as the community paused to honour members of the WA Police Force who had lost their lives in the line of duty.

The names of fallen officers were read out at a National Police Remembrance Day Service at Police Pools memorial near Katanning on Wednesday.

Katanning police Senior Sergeant Carlos Correia opened the service by speaking about the significance of remembrance to police personnel who had given their lives in service.

“On this day, we honour and remember fallen colleagues from State, Territory and Federal police who have sacrificed the ultimate in line of duty — their life,” he said.

“The ceremony provides the opportunity to publicly remember officers and reflect on the sacrifices they have made in serving the community.”

Senior Constable Ayden Tonkin gave a prayer to ask God to give police the support and strength to meet the challenges in maintaining law and order.

“Give us courage and the resolution to carry on our duty in all circumstances, as we continue our pursuit of justice without promise or threat,” he said.

Katanning Foursquare Church pastor Nigel Heard followed with a prayer of intercession for community and police.

A pair of handcuffs, a police cap, radio and the Police Service Code of Conduct were left at the memorial to represent different aspects of police work.

“We present these symbols of the various sections of the WA Police as a sign that all our work is offered to God and the service of the community,” Sergeant Roy George said.

Sen. Sgt Correia read the police ode before members of the public were invited to lay a wreath at the memorial.

“And we that are left, shall never forget. Rest in peace friend and colleague, for the sun has now set,” Sen. Sgt Correia said.

After the laying of wreaths, the Last Post was played and a minute of silence was observed to remember WA’s fallen police officers.