National Police Remembrance Day

National Police Remembrance Day on September 29 marks the day the Queensland Police Service stops to honour its 137 officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

As Police Remembrance Day falls on a Saturday this year, vigils will be held in Queensland on Thursday, September 27 and services will be held on Friday, September 28.

Remembrance List additions will include Detective Sergeant Stewart Kerlin and Constable Brett Irwin, who recently lost their lives conducting duties considered to be routine in their respective fields.

Detective Sergeant Kerlin was killed in a traffic crash at Coffs Harbour, New South Wales in November 2006.

Constable Brett Irwin was killed in Keperra on July 18. He and his partner had attended a residence with an arrest warrant when Constable Irwin was fatally shot. 

Candlelight vigils will be held in Brisbane, Cairns, Gladstone, Rockhampton, Charleville and Toowoomba.

Blue Ribbons

Police officers, police liaison officers and staff members are encouraged to pay tribute by wearing a blue ribbon. Ribbons are available at all police stations around the state. Blue ribbons are free of charge but donations are greatly accepted as money received will go towards Queensland Police Legacy and Community Supporting Police.

History

National Police Remembrance Day has been held in Brisbane and in many regional centres throughout Queensland since 1989. It has now become a tradition for uniformed and plain clothes police officers, together with the Queensland Police Pipes & Drums, the Mounted Unit, Dog Squad and staff members to march through the streets of Brisbane to the church where the Remembrance Day Service is held. Police in many regional centres also hold similar services or marches through cities and country towns.

Police Remembrance Day is observed on September 29 as it marks the Feast of the Archangel, St Michael, who was always fighting evil.