Victoria Police remembers fallen officers on National Police Remembrance Day

Honouring the fallen

Yesterday, 29 September, Victoria Police marked National Police Remembrance Day, paying tribute to the 178 officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Police members, family and friends gathered for services at the both the Victoria Police Memorial Wall in Melbourne and the National Police Memorial Wall in Canberra to pay their respects, while others honoured the fallen officers at services held across the state.

Since Victoria Police was established in 1853, 178 officers have died while serving and protecting the community.

All of their names are etched into the Victoria Police Memorial Wall, and none of them will be forgotten.

Neal and Vadim remembered

During the 20th Anniversary National Police Remembrance Day Service in Canberra, the names of Neal and Vadim were formally added to the National Police Memorial Wall.

Chief Commissioner Mike Bush attended the national service alongside Neal and Vadim’s family and a large contingent of Victoria Police members.

“The deaths of Neal and Vadim remain a profound loss for our organisation,” CCP Bush said.

“I was honoured to stand with their loved ones and colleagues as we remembered their lives and sacrifice.”

Remembering courage, service and sacrifice

He also spoke about the importance of the day in remembering all police officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, noting the recent loss of New South Wales police officer Constable Mia Lay.

“National Police Remembrance Day reminds us of the commitment, courage and sacrifice shown by police officers across the years, and the debt of gratitude we owe to those who paid the highest price,” CCP Bush said.

“This year, our thoughts are with our New South Wales colleagues who have experienced that loss only days ago.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to those who gave their lives in service to others, and we honour their memory.”

Services held across Victoria

In Melbourne, Victoria Police’s metropolitan service commenced with a march down St Kilda Road at 10am, followed by a formal remembrance service at the Victoria Police Memorial.

During the Victorian services, Victoria Police also paid respects to the 13 police members, protective services officers, police custody officers, Victorian Public Service employees and police chaplains who lost their lives over the past 12 months, through illness or other circumstances.

Learn more about National Police Remembrance Day on the Victoria Police website.

Welfare and support

Memorial services can make us feel a range of emotions, especially when honouring a tragic loss of life.

Ongoing welfare and wellbeing support is available for current and former Victoria Police employees, and the general community.

Current or former Victoria Police employees

Bluespace is available to current and former Victoria Police employees, their family and partners. Visit the Bluespace website for:

• mental health and wellbeing information and resources
• referral support.

Police veterans can also visit the Police Veterans Victoria website.

General public

Beyond Blue offers advice and support for mental health concerns.

For mental health information and support, contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or visit the Beyond Blue website.

If you are experiencing a personal crisis, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit the Lifeline website. Their crisis support service is available 24/7.

Callout: Editorial Lane Mihaljevic and Danielle Ford
Callout: Photography John Pallot and supplied

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