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
Samuel William
LONG
19 January 1903
Jurisdiction: New South Wales
Details of Death:
In the early hours of 19 January 1903 Theodore Trautwein the licensee of the Royal Hotel at Auburn was awakened by a loud noise. The sound had appeared to come from the bar area of the hotel and taking a revolver with him Trautwein went to investigate. In the bar he saw and heard a person lying on the floor apparently in great pain. As other residents of the hotel appeared a candle was lit and it was found that the injured person was a local Constable Samuel Long. A doctor was called and it was found that the Constable had suffered a severe gunshot wound to his head. He died a short time later unable to identify his attacker. A lengthy investigation eventually revealed that the Constable had been shot whilst trying to apprehend two offenders Grand and Jones whom he had caught after they had broken into the hotel. After the shooting the offenders had escaped by horse and sulky. Both offenders were hanged on 7 July 1903. The Constable was born in 1865 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 6 July 1894. At the time of his death he was stationed at Auburn.
Special Constable
Mervyn George
CASEY
19 January 1951
Jurisdiction: South Australia
Details of Death:
As Sparkes Casey and Kroemer tried to fight a bushfire near Waverley Ridge Upper Sturt they became trapped and died of heat and burns.
Special Constable
Colin Roy
KROEMER
19 January 1951
Jurisdiction: South Australia
Details of Death:
As Sparkes Casey and Kroemer tried to fight a bushfire near Waverley Ridge Upper Sturt they became trapped and died of heat and burns.
Sergeant
Cecil William
SPARKES
19 January 1951
Jurisdiction: South Australia
Details of Death:
As Sparkes Casey and Kroemer tried to fight a bushfire near Waverley Ridge Upper Sturt they became trapped and died of heat and burns.
Detective Inspector
Reginald Hugh
STEVENSON
19 January 1980
Jurisdiction: New South Wales
Details of Death:
On 9 December 1974 Detective Sergeant 1st Class Stevenson was shot in the chest after confronting an armed offender in Newtown. Although seriously wounded at the time he continued to direct other Police at the scene until he was taken to safety. As a result of the incident Sergeant Stevenson was awarded the Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct and the Queen's Police Medal for Distinguished Service. He was promoted to the rank of Detective Inspector in 1976. On 19 January 1980 Inspector Stevenson died of a coronary occlusion and it was determined that his death was ultimately caused by the injuries sustained when he was shot in 1974. The Detective Inspector was born in 1926 and joined the New South Wales Police Force as a Cadet in 1943. He was sworn in on 21 February 1947.
The National Police Memorial is located in Kings Park on the northern shore of Lake Burley Griffin adjacent to Aspen Island and the National Carrillion. You can access the Memorial either from the city-bound lanes of Kings Avenue Bridge or by passing under Parkes Way on Wendouree Drive, off Constitution Avenue. Click on the map for a more detailed view.