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

Detective Sergeant 2nd Class

William ROBERTSON

YEAR OF DEATH

19 October 1918

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

The Sergeant was attached to the Sydney Metropolitan Detectives Office and in October 1918 was in the Braidwood area on special assignment. On the day prior to his death he left Braidwood with Sergeant Face and an Army Intelligence Officer with the intention of executing a search warrant in the Upper Deva River area. When the party had travelled about thirty kilometres Sergeant Robertson’s horse took fright and began to buck. The Sergeant was thrown very heavily to the ground where he sustained severe internal and spinal injuries. Due to a heavy storm the party were unable to seek help and the injured Sergeant’s two companions sheltered him overnight before conveying him to Braidwood the following morning. He died a short time later. The Detective Sergeant was born in 1865 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 16 October 1890. At the time of his death he was attached to the Sydney Metropolitan Detectives Office.

On this day

Constable

Henry RUCKER

YEAR OF DEATH

19 October 1863

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

The Constable was drowned whilst attempting to cross a tributary of Lake Macquarie. He was one of a group of police searching for a number of offenders who had earlier robbed James Williams’ jewellery store in Hunter Street Newcastle. Whilst endeavouring to cross the creek the Constable’s horse rolled over throwing him into the water where he drowned. The Constable was born in 1832 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 4 March 1863. At the time of his death he was probably stationed at Newcastle.

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.