26 September 2013

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 of September, the feast day of the Archangel Michael, patron saint of police. The day is being observed with a service at the Royal New Zealand Police College on 27 September, and in services around the country.

“Every police officer knows they work in a unique and inherently risky profession. While members of the public are running away from danger, police officers must run towards it. But increasingly, police are also faced with life-threatening situations even in the course of ‘routine’ tasks. Tragically, we have seen several officers killed in the course of routine duties in recent years, and many more near misses,” Police Association President Greg O’Connor said.

“Police Remembrance Day is an occasion for us to reflect on the sacrifices police officers make to willingly confront dangerous situations every day, in service of the public they protect, and to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives doing so.”

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.

ENDS

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