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

Brett Andrew IRWIN

YEAR OF DEATH

18 July 2007

JURISDICTION

Queensland

DETAILS OF DEATH

At around 10.44pm on Wednesday 18 July, Constable Brett Irwin and Constable John Edwards of the Ferny Grove Police Station attended a home in Keperra for the purpose of executing a Bail Act Warrant on Craig Anthony Semyraha.Initially both Constables went to the front of the front of the house where Constable Irwin knocked on the door. There was no answer, however the officers suspected that someone was inside. Constable Irwin went to the rear of the house whilst Edwards remained at the front. Constable Edwards then heard a scuffle at the rear of the house and Irwin shouting “gun”. Edwards then heard a gunshot and Irwin calling “I’ve been shot, I’ve been shot”. Constable Edwards called out to Irwin but got no reply and since he had no cover, he withdrew to safety and called for urgent assistance.A negotiator arrived and successfully talked Semyraha into letting his de facto wife and two children leave the house. However then Semyraha failed to surrender and Sert entered the house. The body of Craig Semyraha was found. He had shot himself in the head and died later in hospital. The body of Constable Irwin was found in the front yard where he had managed to stumble after being shot in the chest.Constable Brett irwin died at the scene.

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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 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.

National Police Memorial Australia

  • 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