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

Protective Service Officer

Adam DUNNING

YEAR OF DEATH

22 December 2004

JURISDICTION

Australian Federal Police

DETAILS OF DEATH

Protective Service Officer Adam Dunning commenced with the Australian Federal Police Protective Service in March 2003. In the early hours of 22 December 2004 PSO Dunning was fatally wounded by a gunman during a patrol around high-risk premises in Honiara, Solomon Islands. He was a serving member of the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI).

On this day

Inspector

Herbert THOMAS

YEAR OF DEATH

22 December 1920

JURISDICTION

Western Australia

DETAILS OF DEATH

Died from sunstroke during racial riots at Broome.

On this day

Trooper

Robert CODRINGTON

YEAR OF DEATH

22 December 1857

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

On the 22 December 1857 Trooper Codrington rode out to meet the gold escort from the Turon Valley. His duties included escorting the gold being carried either by coach or packhorse down the steep Wyagdon Hill and into Bathurst. After he was reported missing a search was conducted and his body was found off the side of the Bathurst-Turon Road at the top of Wyagdon Hill. Bushes were found nearby piled on the roadside and it is thought that the bushrangers who probably killed the trooper had hidden at that spot to await and rob the escort. No other satisfactory reason could be found for the murder although the escort passed the spot unmolested on that day. The constable was born about 1832 and joined the Gold Escort about 1854. At the time of his death he was stationed at Cheshire Creek Barracks (Bathurst/Peel area).

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.