NT Police Commander Danny Bacon on National Police Remembrance Day, 2024
Two NT Police officers will be memorialised at this year’s National Police Remembrance Day service. Read one Territory commander’s personal connection to the sombre day.
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Northern Territory Police Commander Danny Bacon has seen 37 of his colleagues die while serving – two in the line of duty.
In the context of Mr Bacon’s long career with the force, that’s one life lost per year.
He said National Police Remembrance Day was a chance for members such as himself to reflect and process the personal tragedies officers face, as well as the day-to-day challenges.
Services across the country will be held on Friday, September 27.
A number of buildings across the Territory, such as Parliament House, will also “shine blue” in honour of the day’s significance.
“To me, it holds a personal connection – Glen Huitson was a fellow colleague,” Mr Bacon said.
“I was very young at the time when he was tragically taken from us.
“Mick Read – who is recorded as (having) died in the execution of his duties – I worked with Mick for a number of years over a different portfolio.
“Both those officers are recognised on the Wall of Remembrance within Canberra.”
Mr Bacon is set to travel to Canberra as a representative of Commissioner Michael Murphy while two historic NT officers are added to the Remembrance Day Wall on Friday.
He said the two men – Mounted Constable Thomas McNulty and Mounted Constable Arthur Clapp – had previously been recognised as having died while serving, but a review found they had “been killed on duty or died in the execution of duty”.
Mr Bacon said McNulty was a prisoner escort on a ship when he fell overboard and drowned in 1917.
He said Mr Clapp seized a weapon from offenders and the firearm discharged after it was placed in his belt, causing fatal injuries in 1925.
“Death is not too far from our day to day work,” Mr Bacon said.
“When you do lose a colleague … it does hit home a little bit harder because you do have that personal connection to those officers.
“Having this national day of remembrance assists us.”
Commissioner Michael Murphy said the day was important to remember the work of current members as well.
“It’s also to remember the incredible, hard work our officers do each and every day and the dangers they face,” Mr Murphy said.
“I really want to thank the Northern Territory community for the incredible support.”
His message to Territorians considering a job as a cop was to look forward to an “exciting career”.
“I urge anyone who’s interested in making a difference every day around community safety, keeping your loved ones, keeping your own community safe - come and and look on our website and see what it takes,” he said.
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Originally published as NT Police Commander Danny Bacon on National Police Remembrance Day, 2024
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