Albany police pause to honour officers lost in line of duty

The sacrifices made by WA Police officers were honoured at a ceremony on National Police Remembrance Day in Albany on Tuesday.

The names of 85 officers, all of whom lost their lives in the line of duty, were read out at the ceremony outside Albany Police Station.

Acting Superintendent Glenn Spencer welcomed those paying their respects and commended officers for their efforts to save lives and protect the community.

“Police Remembrance Day is a day of reflection — reflecting on the past, looking for lessons from mistakes, finding ways to do things better, finding ways to treat people better and I think as a community, as an agency, we’re doing that,” he said.

“Most importantly, Remembrance Day is about remembering those we have lost.

“So my message is to the families who have made the ultimate sacrifice who have lost a loved one in service community: We recognise your loss and we will remember them.”

On Tuesday night, parts of the Albany CBD were lit up in police blue in recognition of WA’s fallen officers.

Albany Sergeant Danny Richmond said it was an important day for the police force.

“It just helps to bring awareness to the community that there are people out there who do pay the ultimate sacrifice and are prepared to do so for the better of society,” Sgt Richmond said.

“Police officers go out of their way every day to put themselves at risks in serving the community to help those who are unable to protect themselves in vulnerable situations.

“Officers that are remembered on Police Remembrance Day, they’ve paid the ultimate sacrifice — them and their families.”