Service remembers fallen police

POLICE officers killed in the line of duty have been remembered as part of the National Police Remembrance Day memorial service at Kings Domain on Friday.

September 29 marked 100 years that women have been in policing roles in Victoria and was a time to recognise the dedication, sacrifice and danger that all the state’s police officers face every day while protecting the community.

Since the establishment of Victoria Police in 1853, 159 police officers have been killed in the line of duty, including 30 who have been murdered.

In 2017, Victoria Police is proud to have more than 4,000 women serving as police officers, and many more public servants, Protective Services Officers and Police Custody Officers.

This year’s event at the Victoria Police Memorial – which was attended by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull – recognised the four women who made the ultimate sacrifice but tragically lost their lives in the line of duty.

Clare Frances Bourke was the first woman to be killed on duty – on March 16, 1983. She was performing watch-house duties in the Sunshine Police Station. Constable Angela Taylor died on April 20, 1986, after suffering extensive burns during the Russell Street bombing. Senior Constable Fiona Frances Robinson was killed instantly in a car accident while responding to an emergency call in Northcote on May 20, 2000.

Senior Constable Ann Brimblecombe died on 16 August 2006, after her vehicle ran off the Omeo Highway and hit a tree near Eskdale while she was driving to Wangaratta to give a lecture.

Blue Ribbon Day coincides with National Police Remembrance Day. It was established by the Blue Ribbon Foundation which raises money for improved emergency facilities in Victoria’s public hospitals.

“Today, on National Police Remembrance Day, we recognise the ultimate sacrifice made by 159 brave Victorian police officers,” Acting Premier Jacinta Allan said. “Every police officer should know the community stands with them every time they turn up to work to make Victoria a safer place.”