Police honour dead officers

By Nathan Johnston
MEMBERS of the Knox Traffic Management Unit joined the family of murdered policeman Tony Clarke at a moving ceremony at The Necropolis in Springvale on Thursday.
Senior Constable Clarke was shot after pulling up a motorist near Launching Place on 24 April this year.
The ceremony also honoured the life of Benalla police officer Rennie Page who was killed two days later when he was hit by a car while booking a motorist on the Hume Freeway.
Sen Const Clarke’s wife Tina and twoyear old son Connor were at the ceremony where two plaques were unveiled and blessed by Police Chaplain, The Reverend Jim Pilmer.
“We need to recognise that this memorial and plaque are a very important tribute to life, not death,” Rev Pilmer said.
“The need to be here is something we could all do without. It can only occur in the aftermath of a tragedy and in the midst of our grief and ongoing sadness.”
Rev Pilmer said both police officers were people whose sense of public duty led them into their vocations.
“They followed their calling. They were and are valued and respected by the police force.”
He also said the men relied heavily on their families.
“Both sought the refuge from their work life in the comfort and support of their loved ones.”
The Necropolis Police Memorial was established following the shootings of police officers Gary Silk and Rodney Miller in 1998.
It bears the names of 141 members who have been killed on duty, including 30 who were murdered.
“Some small thing the Victorian Police can do is recognise, with dignity, the names of those who’ve paid the supreme sacrifice,” Rev Pilmer said.
“It will be a constant reminder to all who visit the memorial in years to come.”