National Police Memorial

In 2001, it was resolved to establish a National Police Memorial in Canberra.

The Memorial pays tribute to Australian Police Officers who have been killed on duty or have died as a result of their duties since the advent of policing in Australia and to recognise the unique nature of police service and the dangers that police face in their daily pursuits.
The $2.4million memorial was jointly funded by the Australian Government (through the Australian Federal Police), State and Territory Police Services and Police Federation of Australia.

The Memorial was completed and dedicated on 29 September 2006 (National Police Remembrance Day). Following the dedication ceremony, a criteria for future inclusion of names on the National Police Memorial was agreed upon together with a National Police Memorial Co-ordination Committee.

On this day

Probationary Constable

Dana Therese HEFFERNAN

YEAR OF DEATH

17 April 1987

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

On 17 April 1987 Constable Heffernan was travelling to work at Waverley Police Station. At the intersection of Avoca Road and Darley Road Randwick another vehicle drove through a red traffic light and collided with the Constable’s vehicle. As a result Constable Heffernan suffered severe head and internal injuries and was found to be dead on arrival at the Prince of Wales Hospital. The driver of the offending vehicle was later charged with serious offences relating to the collision. The Constable was born in 1967 and joined the New South Wales Police Service on 14 April 1986. At the time of her death she was stationed at Waverley.

On this day

Constable

William George BENBOW

YEAR OF DEATH

17 April 1971

JURISDICTION

Victoria

DETAILS OF DEATH

At 9.51 a.m. Saturday 17 April 1971 Constable Benbow attended at the site of a partly demolished building which stood at the intersection of Swan Street and Lennox Street Richmond. The building was in an unsafe condition and as Benbow attempted to move bystanders out of the danger zone a wall collapsed killing the Constable and three others.

Complete Honour Roll

Affiliated events

Remembering mates – Wall to Wall Ride is held in September each year. Click here for more information.

Please check with your state/territory police organisation for local information of services to be held on 29 September, or click here for more information.