National Police Remembrance Day: How you can honour our fallen police officers
This Friday will mark 35 years since National Police Remembrance Day originated and will also be the first since the devastating deaths of Western Downs Constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold. See where you can pay your respects.
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Each year the country honours those who have quite literally given their lives to protect and serve as police officers, and this year marks 35 years since the beginning of National Police Remembrance Day.
For many, especially across regional Queensland, this year is “particularly sombre” as we remember Constable Rachel McCrow and Constable Matthew Arnold from Tara Police Station, who lost their lives while attending a job in Wieambilla last year.
In a horrific event that shocked not just our small patch of the world but made international headlines, the two officers were gunned down at the hands of three killers in what was declared by Deputy Police Commissioner Tracy Linford as a “religiously motivated terrorist attack”, and left many people even now, grappling with the loss.
This Friday, September 29 the beloved officers will have their names added to the National Police Memorial Wall in Canberra, as not only loved ones but everyday civilians pause to honour them and others who lost their lives while protecting their communities.
Deputy Commissioner Cameron Harsley shared the importance of honouring those who have given their lives and how this year’s Remembrance Day differs to others.
“No greater sacrifice can be asked for, or made, than that of the fine men and women we acknowledge each year,” he said.
“The community support shown across the state during these events are a reminder of the importance of the work that we do. This year’s NPRD will be particularly sombre as we will be remembering Constable Matthew Arnold and Constable Rachel McCrow.
“It is the hope each and every year, that no new names will be added to the memorial, so to have two names is a tragedy that will be felt regionally and across the state.”
Many police stations will be hosting special services this Friday to honour all fallen officers which residents are welcome to attend.
See where you can attend a service in your area below.
Dalby
Dalby residents can join officers and other community leaders at the Dalby Events Centre located at 54 Nicholson St from 10am.
Tara
Locals can honour fallen police officers by attending the Tara Lagoon Parklands for a special service at 11.30am, which will be followed by a free barbecue.
Chinchilla
Residents can pay their respects to fallen officers by laying wreaths or flowers underneath the flagpole at Chinchilla Police Station located at Heeney and Bell streets.
A minute silence will take place at midday.
Roma
Residents are invited to participate in a service at the Church of Christ located at 119 Currey St and begins at 10am.
Charleville
Charleville is hosting a service at St Mary’s Catholic Church located at 59 Watson St and will begin at 10am on Friday.
Warwick
Warwick residents are welcome to attend a service at Warwick Police Station at 86 Fitzroy St which will begin at 2:15pm on Friday, September 29.
Toowoomba
Toowoomba will be hosting a candlelight vigil in honour of the fallen police officers on Thursday, September 28 that starts at 6pm.
The vigil will take place at Southern Region Memorial, 52 Neil St.
The town will also host a service at St Patrick’s Cathedral located at 123 Neil St on Friday, September 29 from 10am.
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