National Police Memorial

In 2001, it was resolved to establish a National Police Memorial in Canberra.

The Memorial pays tribute to Australian Police Officers who have been killed on duty or have died as a result of their duties since the advent of policing in Australia and to recognise the unique nature of police service and the dangers that police face in their daily pursuits.
The $2.4million memorial was jointly funded by the Australian Government (through the Australian Federal Police), State and Territory Police Services and Police Federation of Australia.

The Memorial was completed and dedicated on 29 September 2006 (National Police Remembrance Day). Following the dedication ceremony, a criteria for future inclusion of names on the National Police Memorial was agreed upon together with a National Police Memorial Co-ordination Committee.

On this day

Senior Constable

Ronald Noel ROE

YEAR OF DEATH

25 December 1987

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

Senior Constable Roe died at the Campbelltown Hospital on Christmas Day 1987 as a result of myocardial infarction. His death was attributed to his stressful occupation carried out in busy centres over a period of almost twenty years. The Constable was born in 1945 and joined the New South Wales Police Service as a Trainee on 27 October 1969. At the time of his death he was stationed at Macquarie Fields.

On this day

Foot Constable

Cyril Fletcher CLAYTON

YEAR OF DEATH

25 December 1928

JURISDICTION

South Australia

DETAILS OF DEATH

Clayton died on bicycle patrol after a motorist ran him down on West Terrace Adelaide. The offending driver fled the scene but was later arrested and charged with murder.

On this day

Senior Constable

James Gibson MURDOCH

YEAR OF DEATH

25 December 1900

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

Senior Constable Murdoch is recorded as having ”died after he drank bad water whilst fighting bushfires”. The Constable had been out for the weekend fighting bushfires before returning to Burrangong Police Station where he soon fell ill. Stricken with diarrhoea and vomiting the Constable was treated by the local doctor before being taken to Burrangong Hospital. He died two days later – on Christmas Day. The Senior Constable was born in 1862 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 7 March 1884. At the time of his death he was stationed at Burrangong.

Complete Honour Roll

Affiliated events

Remembering mates – Wall to Wall Ride is held in September each year.

Click here for more information.

National Police Remembrance Day is an annually recognised on 29th September.

Please note for 2025, services will be held on Monday 29th September.

Check with your State/Territory police organisation for local information of services to be held, or click here for more information.