On this day
Constable
Graeme John LEES
YEAR OF DEATH
04 April 2005
JURISDICTION
New South Wales
DETAILS OF DEATH
Motor vehicle accident en route to duty.
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
04 April 2005
New South Wales
Motor vehicle accident en route to duty.
On this day
04 April 1984
New South Wales
About 11.30am on 4 April 1984 Constable Katsivelas was on duty at the Concord Repatriation Hospital where he was guarding a prisoner who was suffering from heroin withdrawal. The prisoner asked to be allowed to visit the toilet so the Constable unlocked one handcuff and with a nurses aide escorted the prisoner to the toilet area. As the prisoner left the toilet cubicle he suddenly leapt at the Constable knocking him to the ground. A violent struggle ensued during which the prisoner seized the Constable’s service revolver and shot him twice in the chest before escaping. Constable Katsivelas died a short time later from his wounds. The offender was later located by other Police and when warned to surrender he shot himself in the head. The Constable was born in 1964 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 13 December 1982. At the time of his death he was stationed at Newtown.
On this day
04 April 1938
Victoria
About 11.15 p.m. Monday 4 April 1938 Constable Bateman was driving a police motor cycle outfit in pursuit of a speeding motorist in Lygon Street Carlton. Near the intersection with Curtain Street the offending vehicle crashed into the rear of another motor car. Bateman swerved to avoid a collision and struck a tramway pole receiving fatal injuries.
On this day
04 April 1863
Victoria
On 4 April 1863 Constable Strahan was performing duty in the Seymour area when a prisoner in police custody escaped and swam the Goulburn River. Strahan crossed the river in a boat and with other police pursued and soon recaptured the offender. He then started to re-trace his steps and accepted a lift in a passing dray. As they crossed at a nearby ford they got into difficulties and both the Constable and the driver were drowned.
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 2025, services will be held on Monday 29th September.
Check with your State/Territory police organisation for local information of services to be held, or click here for more information.
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