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

Constable 1st Class

Craig Francis ZUCCHETTI

YEAR OF DEATH

16 March 1988

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

On 16 March 1988 Constable Zucchetti was driving along the Oxley Highway Tamworth. Constable Burns was a passenger in the vehicle. At the time both were attached to the State Drug Crime Commission and were engaged in an operation in the area. While negotiating a right hand bend in the highway Constable Zucchetti lost control of the vehicle crossed onto the incorrect side of the road and collided with a semi trailer. Constable Zucchetti was killed instantly and Constable Burns died the following morning in the Tamworth District Hospital. Constable Zucchetti was born in 1959 and joined the New South Wales Police Service on 14 January 1980. At the time of his death he was attached to the State Drug Crime Commission. Constable Burns was born in 1962 and joined the New South Wales Police Service on 12 October 1981. At the time of his death he was attached to the State Drug Crime Commission.

On this day

Constable

Clare Frances BOURKE

YEAR OF DEATH

16 March 1983

JURISDICTION

Victoria

DETAILS OF DEATH

Shortly after 1 am on Wednesday 16th March 1983, Constable Clare Bourke was fatally shot by a round from an off duty officer’s revolver at the Sunshine Police Station.

On this day

Detective Constable

Ivan SMITH

YEAR OF DEATH

16 March 1977

JURISDICTION

Western Australia

DETAILS OF DEATH

Detective Constable Smith died in a traffic crash.

Complete Honour Roll

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.