Last week, people from across our Diocese gathered at Sacred Heart Cathedral to commemorate National Police Remembrance Day.

It was a chance to honour and pay respects to officers who gave their lives in the line of duty across Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and the Solomon Islands.

The service was also an opportunity to recognise the vital work our local and national police officers do in our communities.

On Friday 27 September, Bishop Michael Kennedy presided over the service, and in his Homily, reflected on the selflessness of our police force.

“Just as God calls his people by name, police officers answer a calling to serve and protect. It is a vocation that demands courage and selflessness. On this day, we honour those who have fallen in the line of duty, acknowledging their service as a profound response to a higher calling of justice and peace. We remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Their willingness to give their lives for the protection of others reflects Christ’s own example of self-sacrificial love,” he said.

“In our Gospel this morning, we hear Jesus’ commandment to love one another as he has loved us. Policing, at its best, embodies this command to serve the community with compassion, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility. And so today we also pray for unity between law enforcement and the communities they serve, recognising the mutual need for respect, trust, and love.”

 The service also included special addresses by:

• Assistant Commissioner David Waddell APM, Northern Region Commander
• Superintendent Kylie Endemi APM, Commander Newcastle City Police District
• Reverend Russell Vandervelden, Chaplain Hunter Valley Police District
• Superintendent Wayne Humphrey APM. 

Assistant Commissioner David Waddell highlighted the significance of National Police Remembrance Day, which occurs every year on 29 September.

“It is important for us to come together to remember those police officers who have given their lives in the line of duty,” he said.

Wreaths and tributes were laid by officers and family members as a mark of respect for their fallen colleagues and loved ones.

Bishop Michael Kennedy was proud to see so many people support the service.

“It was such a pleasure to see so many members of the community attend this service to show their support and gratitude for all our police officers who serve and protect us,” he said.

“I think all the police personnel present on the day received a real sense of that.”

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