Mount Gambier’s Police Station hosted a service for National Police Remembrance Day late last week.
The day is held to honour and remember the 61 dedicated SAPOL members and those from other Australasian jurisdictions, who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Limestone Coast Officer in Charge Superintendent Campbell Hill said the day was designed to recognise the sacrifice of police officers who died in pursuit of a safer community.
“The reality behind it is everyone who walks through the gates of a police academy around Australia, or the world, are doing it voluntarily,” he said.
“It is a job they go into knowing there is an inherent risk of danger involved.
“The pinnacle of Police Remembrance Day is to remember those police officers that left (their homes) and never ever came back as part of their duty.
“We are dealing with people who are essentially at the tragedy of their lives; they have either committed an offence, become involved in something on the wrong side for them or they have been victimised and they are at a terrible point.
“The reality is it could quite literally be a life-changing day for the people we come into contact with.
“It is not lost on us; I think ultimately ‘the why’ behind it is going out and serving the community.”
The service was attended by local politicians including Member for Barker Tony Pasin, Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin OAM, Grant District Mayor Richard Sage and chief executive Darryl Whicker and Wattle Range Mayor Des Noll.
Also in attendance were South Australian Police, Returned Services League, emergency services, partner services and agencies and State Operation Service employees and volunteers.
The service was conducted by Reverend Murray Earl and included speeches from Supt Hill and Chief Superintendent Paul Ralph.
There were performances by the Mount Gambier City Band led by musical director/conductor Patricia Bruggeman and Tenison Woods College Year 12 student Maixence Williams, who sang Amazing Grace and the National Anthem.
Wreath laying was accompanied by RSL Blue Lake Highland Pipe Band pipe major Barry Ward.
