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

Senior Constable

Gordon James LOFT

YEAR OF DEATH

07 April 1991

JURISDICTION

South Australia

DETAILS OF DEATH

Loft on speed-detection duty died from injuries he sustained after a motor vehicle struck him on Gorge Road Athelstone. Police arrested the vehicle’s driver whom they charged with cause death by dangerous driving. Although convicted and sentenced to four years’ imprisonment with a two-year non-parole period he won his release on home detention after six months. Loft left behind his wife Pauline killed in a car accident the following year and daughter Melissa. His father Des continues to pay tribute to his son at the Police Remembrance Day memorial service at Fort Largs every year. “The loss of a person is like a big hole in any family” he told the Police Journal in 1998. “I’ve got a great affection for the South Australian police (and) not solely because my son was killed as a policeman. Many of them find themselves in danger and do get injured. To me they’re a great group of men and women.”

On this day

Constable

Hugh CAMPBELL

YEAR OF DEATH

07 April 1868

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

On 7 April 1868 Constable Campbell was riding from Mudgee to Green Swamp in search of an offender who had attacked Naughton’s Public House at Green Swamp the previous evening. The Constable had spent most of the night searching for the offender. He was a foot policeman and was not an accomplished rider however at the time there were no mounted troopers at the police barracks to pursue the offender. While riding at a fast canter the constable fell from his horse. He died of his injuries. The Constable was born in 1823 and joined the New South Wales Police Force in July 1855. At the time of his death he was probably stationed at Mudgee.

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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 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.

National Police Memorial Australia

  • 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