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

Constable

Laurence ALPEN

YEAR OF DEATH

17 February 1928

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

The Constable was a Mounted Policeman and the Officer in Charge of a temporary Police Station which had been established at Richmond Gap during the building of the Kyogle-Brisbane railway line. On the 17 February 1928 during severe flooding in the area he was assisting with the clearing of debris from a bridge across Grady’s Creek. He fell from the bridge and was swept away and drowned in the floodwaters. The Constable was born in 1901 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 27 May 1924. At the time of his death he was stationed at Richmond Gap (Kyogle area).

On this day

Constable

William THOMPSON

YEAR OF DEATH

17 February 1883

JURISDICTION

Tasmania

DETAILS OF DEATH

Constable Thompson had been called to assist a woman and her daughter who were being abused by a drunken employee a Mr James Connolly. It was reported that when Constable Thompson attempted to subdue Connolly with his police stick Connolly seized an axe in retaliation and killed him.

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.