By CASEY NEILL
ABOUT 150 people honoured police who have died in the line of duty at Springvale Botanical Cemetery last Monday.
Springvale Senior Sergeant Alan Dew said “the weather smiled on us” for the occasion on Monday 29 September – National Police Remembrance Day and Victoria’s Blue Ribbon Day.
“Considering what happened in Endeavour Hills last week it was all very close to home,” he said.
“It’s that sort of job.
“You never know what’s going to happen when you go to work.”
Sen Sgt Dew said he and his team were grateful to members of the public who wore the police ribbon with pride.
“It’s nice to see that appreciation from the public,” he said.
Since 1853, 157 Victoria Police officers have been killed in the line of duty.
Chief Commissioner Ken Lay said it was important that police took time to reflect on the important job they did.
“And it is an opportunity for the community to acknowledge the risks that our men and women take every day to keep them safe,” he said.
Blue Ribbon Day is held each 29 September to coincide with National Police Remembrance Day.
The Blue Ribbon Foundation initiative raises money for improved emergency facilities in Victoria’s public hospitals named in memory of officers who have been killed on duty.
The inaugural Blue Ribbon Day was held following the deaths of Sergeant Gary Silk and Senior Constable Rod Miller who were killed on duty in Moorabbin in October 1998.
