On this day
District Constable
Michael BLACKBURNE
YEAR OF DEATH
08 May 1849
JURISDICTION
Tasmania
DETAILS OF DEATH
Accidentally shot
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
08 May 1849
Tasmania
Accidentally shot
On this day
08 May 1988
New South Wales
About 10.15pm on 8 May 1988 Constable Schetor was driving an unmarked Police Highway Patrol vehicle along John Middleton Drive Gundagai. For reasons unknown he lost control of the vehicle which crossed onto the incorrect side of the roadway and collided with a truck. As a result of the collision Constable Schetor and a civilian Mr Anthony Smith were killed instantly. Two other members of the public were also injured. The Constable was born in 1963 and joined the New South Wales Police Service on 27 October 1984. At the time of his death he was attached to the Gundagai Highway Patrol.
On this day
08 May 1869
New South Wales
On Saturday 8 May 1869 Constables Byrne and Beck launched the police boat on the flooded Cowpasture River near Camden. The mail coach from Campbelltown waiting on the far side of the river had been unable to cross. The two Constables rowed across and collected the mail and a number of passengers before attempting to return. Nearing the bank of the river on the return journey the boat suddenly overturned casting the occupants into the water. Constable Byrne unable to swim weakened by rowing on the flooded river and heavily clothed with a cape about his neck sank beneath the surface and was drowned. The Constable was born in 1841 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 25 February 1864. At the time of his death he was stationed at Camden.
On this day
08 May 1864
New South Wales
A mounted Constable stationed at the Sydney Police Depot James Johnston was killed when he was thrown from his horse. Further details of the incident are unknown. The Senior Constable was born in 1836 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 1 March 1862. At the time of his death he was stationed at the Sydney Police Depot.
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 2024, services will be held on Friday 27th September.
Check with your State/Territory police organisation for local information of services to be held on 27 September, or click here for more information.
The National Police Memorial is located in Kings Park on the northern shore of Lake Burley Griffin adjacent to Queen Elizabeth II Island and the National Carrillion. View in Google maps