Remembering: About 60 people attend the Shepparton National Police Remembrance Day commemoration.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
National Police Remembrance Day held a special meaning for many of those who attended a service in Shepparton this year, with familiar names on the list of those who had died in the past 12 months.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
The names of police administration support officer Gail Jury and former Benalla and Wangaratta Detective Sergeant Shannon Murphy were both included on a list read out at Thursday’s commemoration of those police officers and police staff who died this year.
Ms Jury fell ill at work while on temporary duties at Shepparton Police Station and was rushed to hospital in July, but sadly died later.
Det Sgt Murphy, who died in August, was also well known among police in the Goulburn Valley area.
Solemn: Inspector Ashley Mason and Acting Inspector Dean Williams lay a wreath in Shepparton for National Police Remembrance Day.
Inspector Bruce Simpson said the remembrance day was extra poignant this year.
“A lot of us here know someone who has died,” he said.
“It’s pretty raw at times.”
Moment to reflect: Inspector Bruce Simpson glances at the Australia flag flying at half mast during the National Police Remembrance Day commemoration in Shepparton. Photo: Monique Preston
“We don’t want any of our fallen officers or staff forgotten.”
Insp Simpson said the remembrance day was about supporting the family of those who had died and to serve as a reminder to officers of their role and the dangers involved.
He said the deaths of officers or other staff had an impact on those who knew and worked with them.
Flag: The Australian flag was flown at half mast to remember those police officers and staff who had died.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
“Police are human beings. They suffer as much as anyone else in the community when someone passes away,” Insp Simpson said.
A crowd of about 60 people, including police, Shepparton Fire and Rescue officers and community members took part in Thursday’s service, which included reading the names of those officers and staff who had died this year, the laying of a wreath, and the raising of the Australian flag, which had been flying at half mast to remember those who had died.
Salute: Leading Senior Constable Leigh Johnson raises the flag from half mast.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Speaking officially at the service, Insp Simpson said everyone was gathered to remember the 175 officers who had died on duty since 1853.
Honour: Inspector Damian Keegan reads aloud the names of active police officers and police staff who died in the past year as part of the National Police Remembrance Day service in Shepparton.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
“The best tribute we can pay to our fallen colleagues is to let their lives be a continuing source of inspiration to us,” Insp Simpson said.
