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

Gary KEPPLER

YEAR OF DEATH

08 November 1995

JURISDICTION

Western Australia

DETAILS OF DEATH

On 8 November 1995 Constable Keppler was participating in a timed run activity with his other squad mates. He appeared to be struggling towards the end of the run and his class mates ran back to provide moral support to assist him to complete the time stipulated. Having just completed the run, Constable Keppler apparently stumbled across the parade ground and collapsed on the lawn outside the entrance to the Gymnasium. He was unable to be resuscitated. Whilst at the Academy he contracted Glandular Fever and was regrettably back squadded into the following recruit squad 11/95 due to the medical condition. He was subsequently medically cleared by the Treating Practitioner to return to duty prior to 8 November 1995 with no limitations or restrictions recorded on his medical certificate.

On this day

Constable

Kenneth Walker SHAW

YEAR OF DEATH

08 November 1982

JURISDICTION

Tasmania

DETAILS OF DEATH

Constable Shaw was assisting colleagues in an arrest when he was kicked in the left leg; he collapsed and was transported to hospital. He was released from hospital and died two days later. The cause of death from the autopsy was identified as: bilateral pulmonary embolus due to deep venous thrombosis of the left calf due to a recent injury of the back of the left knee.

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.