Service marks Police sacrifice

ROUGHLY one hundred people gathered at St Peter’s Anglican Church on Thursday last week to acknowledge police officers who’ve lost their lives in the line of duty.

The local service was one of 19 regional events in honour of National Police Remembrance Day, held annually on 29 September.

Local area commander for Ballarat and Pyrenees regions Inspector Jason Templar took part in the service which he said is a reminder on the role police officers play in the community.

“It’s important to remember those that have been killed in the line of duty and to remember their service,” he said.

“National Police Remembrance Day offers not only community but also police the opportunity to reflect on the dangers that come with policing.”

Since the establishment of Victoria Police in 1853, 175 officers have died in the line of duty, 30 of whom were murdered.

Victoria’s Blue Ribbon Day, led by the Blue Ribbon Foundation, is held concurrently on 29 September.

Between hymns and prayers, widows of deceased officers were invited to light a candle during the service, followed by all attendees.

Inspector Templar said it was heartening to see members of the community participating in the service alongside members of the Victoria Police.

“I get an enormous sense of pride in seeing the community come together with police to celebrate this day,” he said.

“There’s the state service that occurs in Melbourne but it’s important for those that can’t get there that there is a local service that offers them the opportunity to pay their respects and also show support to our local police.”