National Police Remembrance Day – Honoring Police Officers

National Police Remembrance Day 2013Last Friday, we paused to honor officers who lost their lives while performing their duty as a police officer, or through illness or other circumstances.

The Police Ode
As the sun surely sets, dawn will see it arise.
For service above self demands its own prize.
You have fought the good fight; life’s race has been run,
and peace, your reward, for eternity begun.

And we that are left shall never forget.
Rest in peace, friend and colleague, for sun has now set.
We will remember, we will remember.
Hasten the dawn.

National Police Remembrance Day, traditionally held on the 29th September, holds a special significance for Police throughout Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and the Solomon Islands. This year, remembrance services around the Pacific were held on 27th September.

National Police Remembrance Day 2013

Glen Norris, Tait Business Development Manager, attended the service at the NSW Police Force Wall of Remembrance, in The Domain, Sydney, Australia. He recounts the day:

“The service began with a flag bearer, followed by parade of 100 marching uniformed police officer representatives. Heartfelt addresses were given by Commissioner Andrew Scipione, APM, the Premier Hon. Barry O’Farrell, MP, and the Governor, Her Excellency Prof. Marie Bashir, AC, CVO, in honor of these men and women.’
“The valedictory to the three police officers from New South Wales, Queensland and Papua New Guinea, who were killed while performing their duties in the previous year, and 22 serving members of the NSW Police Force, was especially moving.’
“On a beautiful spring day, with the sun shining over the service, it set the scene perfectly for a poignant and respectful service. Hearing the many tributes during the service, I was honored to be there, to be able to show my respects to those fallen, but also my support to the families left behind.”

Jamie Quinlan-Stafford, Senior Client Executive-Global Managed Networks at Tait (pictured above left) attended the service at the Royal New Zealand Police College in Porirua, Wellington, New Zealand. Jamie shares his sentiments:

“It was a very sobering day. We have a very strong relationship with the New Zealand Police – they are engrained in our business and daily lives – however, we do not share the enormous cost that some of the front line people pay in serving New Zealanders. I am thankful every day for the role they play in our communities.’
“The service was attended by the Minister of Police, Chief and Deputy-Chief of New Zealand Police, Chief of Police Tonga and other dignitaries from the NZ Defence Force. I was honored to be able to attend and pay my respects.”

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