Gary Silk, Rodney Miller memorial: 19 years since police officers killed in line of duty

THE son of Sen-Constable Rodney Miller says he’s so inspired by his dad and Victoria Police he might become a cop, as loved ones mark 19 years since the fallen policeman’s death alongside Sgt Gary Silk.

Constable Rodney Miller and Sergeant Gary Silk.

FAMILY members of fallen police officers Sergeant Gary Silk and Senior Constable Rodney Miller who were tragically killed in the line of duty gathered at a special memorial service to honour 19 years since they died.

Sgt Silk and Constable Miller were murdered 19 years ago today while staking out a Moorabbin Chinese restaurant as part of an undercover investigation into a series of armed robberies.

More than a hundred uniformed and uniformed police officers along with family members gathered at Prahran police station this morning in memory of the men.

Jimmy Miller, son of Sen-Constable Rodney Miller, and Carmel, his former wife, lay flowers. Picture: Alex Coppel

Hundreds of police were also gathered at Prahran police station. Picture: Alex Coppel

Family members of fallen officers Sgt Silk and Const Miller lay a flower memorial in their honour at Prahran Police Station @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/jjDCts0d3Y

— Cassie Zervos (@cassiezervos) August 16, 2017

The Australian flag sat at half mast while bagpipes played to commence the special service.

Superintendent Philip Green said Sgt Silk and Sen-Constable Miller made the ultimate sacrifice.

“Today we remember the tragic event 19 years ago of the ultimate sacrifice these officers made,” he said.

“Today we respect and honour our fallen officers.”

Prayers were read before a minute of silence officers bowed their heads as a sign of respect as the tragic night remains raw in their minds.

Sen-Constable Miller’s son, Jimmy, said knowing his dad’s memory still lives was “extremely important” to him.

“It’s touching to know everyone still remembers and pays respect 19 years on to the boys and the sacrifice they made,” he said.

Superintendent Philip Green said remembering the legacy of Sgt Silk and Sen-Constable Miller was as “important as it comes”. Picture: Alex Coppel

“I’m proud of both of them. They didn’t expect what was coming that night and they handled it in the most courageous way they could.”

The 19-year-old said his mum helped shape a positive memory of his father as he was growing up.

“I always asked about how he lived rather than how it ended and to hear about happy stories from the past,” he said.

“He was outgoing and liked sport like I do and just little traits that mum sees in me which she saw in him.”

Jimmy said Victoria Police and his father had inspired him so much he was considering becoming a police officer himself.

“I’ve grown up around it and you feel a part of the family ... it’s just something I want to do,” he said.

Supt Green said remembering the legacy of Sgt Silk and Sen-Constable Miller was “important as it comes”.

“Rod and Gary are two members who paid the ultimate sacrifice the their influence in Melbourne and the wider community is still felt to this day,” he said.

“All you need to do is walk through the front door of this police station or have a look at the memorial and you have a very moving reminder about the people who were behind those names.”