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

Sergeant

Denis BUTCHER

YEAR OF DEATH

23 October 1979

JURISDICTION

Tasmania

DETAILS OF DEATH

Sergeant Butcher together with Senior Constable Colin Chesterton 33 was stationed at George Town. They were on their way to the scene of a mysterious animal disease at a farm at Bridgenorth. Both officers died instantly when their vehicle collided with a log truck near the turnoff to the Longreach woodchip plant on the East Tamar Highway. Senior Constable Chesterton was driving at the time of the accident which occurred around 11am in torrential rain.

On this day

Senior Constable

Colin CHESTERTON

YEAR OF DEATH

23 October 1979

JURISDICTION

Tasmania

DETAILS OF DEATH

Senior Constable Colin Chesterton together with Sergeant Butcher 39 was stationed at George Town. They were on their way to the scene of a mysterious animal disease at a farm at Bridgenorth. Both officers died instantly when their vehicle collided with a log truck near the turnoff to the Longreach woodchip plant on the East Tamar Highway. Senior Constable Chesterton was driving at the time of the accident which occurred around 11am in torrential rain.

On this day

Constable

Frank A MORTON

YEAR OF DEATH

23 October 1954

JURISDICTION

Western Australia

DETAILS OF DEATH

Killed in a traffic accident. He joined the Police Service on the 30th of October, 1950.

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 2026, services will be held on Tuesday 29 September.

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