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
Owen Edwin
BELL
27 May 1927
Jurisdiction: New South Wales
Details of Death:
Shortly after 8pm on 27 February 1927 Constables Bell and Lawman were talking in Auburn Street Goulburn. Constable Lawman noticed an approaching vehicle that appeared to be travelling directly toward them. He jumped aside calling a warning to his colleague. The vehicle however struck Constable Bell inflicting serious head and back injuries. The Constable was conveyed to the Goulburn Hospital where he died of his injuries. The Constable was born in 1883 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 29 October 1913. At the time of his death he was stationed at Goulburn.
Constable
Patrick
CONARTY
27 May 1862
Jurisdiction: Victoria
Details of Death:
About 11.30 a.m. 27 May 1862 Constable Conarty and Sergeant McDonald who were escorting two prisoners to Dandenong stopped to speak to Michael Kennedy at a point on the Melbourne Road between the Narracan Creek and the Moe Creek. Kennedy a potential witness in a forthcoming court case had been grubbing a tree prior to their arrival and whilst they were speaking the tree fell and struck Conarty who was fatally injured.
Senior Sergeant
James
O'HARA
27 May 1967
Jurisdiction: Queensland
Details of Death:
Senior Sergeant O'Hara collapsed and died while making an arrest at South Brisbane.
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.