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

Foot Constable

Walter John WISSELL

YEAR OF DEATH

24 June 1919

JURISDICTION

South Australia

DETAILS OF DEATH

Wissell died of pneumonia and heart failure after he suffered a serious injury in the arrest of a drunken man at Kadina. He had approached William Dibballs a 39-year-old labourer whose behaviour in Graves St had become somewhat raucous on a Saturday evening in February 1919. The patient police officer reasoned with Dibballs whom he asked to behave and head for home. But the troublemaker rather than co-operate struck Wissell with a forceful punch to the face. Each man then struggled to overpower the other until Wissell was able to bring Dibballs under control and arrest him. In the Kadina Court on the following Monday after confinement to a police cell Dibballs pleaded guilty to charges of drunkenness and assault.

On this day

Sergeant

David MAGINNITY

YEAR OF DEATH

24 June 1864

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

The Sergeant was returning to Tumbarumba from a patrol to Copabella with Constable Charles Churchley when they encountered another rider on the road. When the Sergeant cantered up to the rider a shot was fired almost instantly. The Sergeant’s horse then plunged into the bush carrying its mortally wounded rider. The stranger was later identified as the bushranger Daniel Morgan who was later shot dead. The Sergeant’s body was recovered the following day. The Sergeant was born in 1815 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 8 July 1853. At the time of his death he was stationed at Tumbarumba.

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.