Chance to reflect on fallen police

GEELONG region residents will pause and reflect today on Victoria Police members who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Today (Thursday, September 29) is Blue Ribbon Day, which coincides with National Police Remembrance Day, which commemorates people who have died while protecting and serving their community.

A 10am service at Geelong’s St Paul’s Anglican Church, at La Trobe Terrace and Brougham Street, will be open to community members who wish to pay their respects.

Geelong Superintendent Peter Ward will host the service alongside a police chaplain and local ministers, while other police members will attend.

Blue Ribbon Foundation Geelong branch president Gary Bruce – who recently retired from a 45-year stint with Victoria Police, including 25 years in Geelong – encouraged locals to take par tin the day.

“It’s particularly pertinent for Geelong, in that there was a serving policemen that was killed in 1987, Russell Thompson, who was sergeant at Corio Police Station and was killed whilst on duty as a result of a traffic accident,” Mr Bruce said.

“It’s obviously relevant across the state to all police that have lost their lives.”

The Blue Ribbon Foundation raises funds on its marquee day for emergency and life-saving medical facilities across Victoria’s public hospitals, including Geelong, which has delivered $11 million since it launched in 1999.

“Blue Ribbon Day holds a special place in the hearts of Victorians because it’s the community’s chance to pay tribute to our police; to its members who have paid the ultimate price and to acknowledge all those who continue to serve,” Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation chair David Mann said.

People can also participate by wearing a blue ribbon or decorating their home or workplace or by donating to the appeal online at remember.org.au