Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
28 September 2012

Police Remembrance Day

This week, Police staff and others have been wearing the distinctive huia feather-shaped Police Remembrance Pin as they reflect on those who have lost their lives in service to the society they swore to protect. Police Remembrance Day falls on the 29th September, the feast day of the Archangel Michael, patron saint of police.

“The killings in recent years of Senior Constable Len Snee, Sergeant Derek Wootton and Sergeant Don Wilkinson were sobering reminders that, in carrying out our duty to protect the public, police may be faced with life-threatening situations even in the course of ‘routine’ tasks,” Police Association President Greg O’Connor said.

“Those officers, like those slain on duty before them, made the ultimate sacrifice. Police know their job is dangerous, but also that it must be done, to do all they can to give us all a society in which we can be safe.

“Police Remembrance Day is an occasion for us to reflect on the determination of police officers past and present to fulfil that duty, knowing the dangers they face, and pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in service to their fellow New Zealanders,” Mr O’Connor said.

The Police Remembrance Pin, designed by the Police Association and introduced in 2007 in partnership with Police, has been embraced across Police as a way for people to show their remembrance.

“A growing number of police and others are now wearing the Police Remembrance Pin on Remembrance Day, and in the days leading up to it, as a sign of respect for those who have lost their lives. It is humbling for police to see the widespread support shown not only by their colleagues, but also by ordinary New Zealanders, through this public acknowledgement of the sacrifices fallen police officers have made for their safety,” Mr O’Connor said.

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