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

Senior Constable

Christopher John THORNTON

YEAR OF DEATH

13 April 2002

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

About 6.10pm on 13 April 2002 the Senior Constable was driving a Highway Patrol vehicle in Hillview Street Woy Woy. When the vehicle reached the intersection of Nambucca Drive it collided with another vehicle before leaving the roadway and hitting a power pole. Senior Constable Thornton sustained extensive injuries and died at the scene of the accident. The Constable was born in 1966 and joined the New South Wales Police on 7 August 1987. At the time of his death he was attached to the Brisbane Waters Highway Patrol.

On this day

Senior Constable

John HERBERT

YEAR OF DEATH

13 April 1865

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

In April 1865 Senior Constable Herbert along with Constables Cook and Ambrose and Tracker Peter were searching for the Hall Gang of bushrangers in the bush between Forbes and Canowindra. The bushrangers had earlier robbed a store at Forbes and information had been obtained indicating that they were headed for Canowindra. The police party made camp in the bush near Molong and Senior Constable Herbert announced that he and Constable Ambrose would be leaving the camp to keep watch on a hut where they suspected the gang might be hiding. It was arranged that should either he or Constable Ambrose return during the night he would whistle to alert the camp of their approach. Unfortunately Herbert and Ambrose decided to return during the night but after losing their way in the darkness they approached the police camp from a different direction than expected. Being closer than they believed to the camp they also did not whistle to signal their arrival. Believing the approaching riders to be the bushrangers Constable Cook issued a challenge on two occasions without receiving a reply. On the second occasion his challenge unanswered both he and Peter fired at the sounds in the darkness. As a result Constable Herbert was shot in the groin neck and shoulder. He died about a week later. The Senior Constable was born in 1837 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 1 September 1859. At the time of his death he was stationed in the Western District.

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Affiliated events

Remembering mates – Wall to Wall Ride is held in September each year.

Click here for more information.

National Police Remembrance Day is an annually recognised on 29th September.

Please note for 2025, services will be held on Monday 29th September.

Check with your State/Territory police organisation for local information of services to be held, or click here for more information.

National Police Memorial Australia

  • The National Police Memorial is located in Kings Park on the northern shore of Lake Burley Griffin adjacent to Queen Elizabeth II Island and the National Carrillion. View in Google maps