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

Lindsay William SPENCE

YEAR OF DEATH

13 May 1981

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

On 13 May 1981 Senior Constable Spence and Constable Michael Bradley were travelling in a Police four-wheel drive vehicle along the Sturt Highway near Galore. As a truck loaded with stock feed approached the Police vehicle from the opposite direction a tyre blew out and the truck crossed to the incorrect side of the roadway. The vehicles collided head-on. Both Constables were conveyed to the Wagga Base Hospital where Senior Constable Spence was found to be dead on arrival. Constable Bradley was admitted suffering severe injuries. Senior Constable Spence was posthumously promoted to Sergeant 3rd Class. The Sergeant was born in 1943 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 10 May 1965. At the time of his death he was attached to the Riverina District Stock Investigation Unit.

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.