SPRINGVALE Botanical Cemetery honoured Victoria’s fallen police officers with a moving service.
The End of Day Reflection was part of National Police Remembrance Day on Tuesday 29 September.
Since Victoria Police was established in 1853, 159 officers have been killed in the line of duty.
Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said their memories would live on forever.
“We are well aware of the dangers our members face,” he said.
“Yet every day, more than 13,000 police and 1100 protective services officers put on their uniforms and come to work to protect those around them.”
Senior Police Chaplain Reverend Dr John Broughton conducted the service at the cemetery’s Police Memorial, which features a plaque commemorating each officer who died performing their duties.
Guests laid 13 wreaths and speakers included Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT) CEO Jane Grover and Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton.
Ms Grover described the service as an opportunity to “recognise the enormous debt we as a community owe the men and women of Victoria Police, who risk their well-being each and every day to keep our streets and neighbourhoods safe”.
The lowering of the Police Flag to half-mast while the Last Post played, a minute’s silence and the raising of the flag concluded the service.
