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
Michael Leslie
LOW
29 February 1984
Jurisdiction: Queensland
Details of Death:
At 6.17pm 29 February 1984 a 000-phone call was received at the Rockhampton communications room regarding a complaint of aggravated assault. Constable Michael Low and his partner Derek Pickless were directed to attend. The suspect was Glen Douglas Reuter a mentally disturbed Vietnam veteran who earlier in the day had attended court on minor matters. On arrival at the suspect's address Constable Low knocked on the door. His partner heard a shot and the breaking of glass. He saw Constable Low fall backwards resting on his back with blood spurting from the left side of his chest. Pickless dragged Low behind a nearby retaining wall out of view from the doorway. Pickless ran to the police car and called for urgent assistance. As he was about to return to Low he saw a male person standing beside the driver's side door with a shot-gun held across his chest. At this time the male person brought the gun around and pointed it at him. Constable Pickless brought his revolver up and said "Drop it you bastard". Reuter quickly ducked behind a retaining wall. Pickless ran back to Low putting his hand on Low's chest to try and stem the bleeding. Shots were exchanged between Constable Pickless and Reuter who was now back inside the unit. From inside the unit a woman was heard crying and appeared to be in a distressed state. Other police soon arrived however the shotgun blast received by Constable Low proved to be fatal he died before medical assistance could be rendered. Reuter committed suicide his body was found on a bedroom floor inside his unit. Constable Pickless was awarded the George Medal for his actions. Constable Low as laid to rest in the Gympie cemetery.
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.