Despite the ongoing global pandemic, police officers from across the country have paused to reflect on their 274 fallen colleagues for National Police Remembrance Day on Tuesday.
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In previous years officers attached to the Central West Police District have come together to attend memorial services at Parkes, Forbes and Orange.
However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a more intimate ceremony was held this year, one taking place outside the Parkes Police Station.
Officer in Charge of Parkes Police, Detective Chief Inspector Scott Rayner laid a wreath in commemoration of fallen officers, while Police Chaplain Father Barry Dwyer led attendees in prayer and Senior Constable Daniel Greef recited the Police Ode.
"It is a solemn day for all police officers and their respective families as we remember those that have paid the ultimate price in protecting communities within NSW," Chief Inspector Rayner said.
Ceremony attendees also held a minute's silence in remembrance of two Central West Police District officers lost in the last year.
"Our district was personally touched by tragedy during 2020 with the loss of two respected colleagues and friends, so a 'moving' ceremony was even more poignant this year," Chief Inspector Rayner said.
Speaking for all those who stopped to remember wherever they were in the country on Tuesday, NSW Police Commissioner Michael Fuller said despite the pandemic and having to physically distance, the police family came together to make sure their fallen colleagues were not forgotten.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott, said the extraordinary events of this year have proven how crucial police officers are to the fabric of society.
"During the 'Black Summer' bushfires, thousands of officers were involved in the relief effort, conducting lifesaving work for their communities," he said.
"The men and women in blue have also been on the frontline during the fight against COVID-19.
"These operations have played an enormous part in keeping our state safe and every officer in the force deserves thanks for their efforts this, and every year."
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