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

Detective Senior Constable

Damian LEEDING

YEAR OF DEATH

01 June 2011

JURISDICTION

Queensland

DETAILS OF DEATH

At the time of the incident Damian Leeding was serving at the Coomera District Criminal Investigation Branch and held the rank of Detective Senior Constable. At approximately 10.45pm on Sunday 29 May 2011 Detective Senior Constable Damian Leeting and Detective Senior Constable Nicole Jackson were the first response unit to attend an alleged armed robbery, reported as being in progress, at the Pacific Pines Tavern, Pacific Pines. It was further reported that staff and patrons were in the Tavern at the time of the robbery. Their welfare and safety was unknown to Detectives Leeding and Jackson. Detective Senior Constable Damian Leeding and Detective Senior Constable Nicole Jackson exited their Police vehicle to investigate the matter and shortly thereafter were confronted by an armed offender resulting in the shooting of Detective Senior Constable Damian Leeding. Following emergency treatment the Detective Senior Constable was transported to the Gold Coast Hospital, Southport where he passed away, as a result of his injuries, on Wednesday 1 June 2011.

On this day

Constable

Stephen R KNIGHT

YEAR OF DEATH

01 June 1993

JURISDICTION

Western Australia

DETAILS OF DEATH

Knight was performing radar duty when he was run down by a vehicle in Kalamunda being driven by Scott Anderson. The Crown case against Anderson was that the death was deliberate, however, a jury convicted him only of manslaughter. Knight joined the police force on 12th February 1990.

On this day

Sergeant

Lionel Stanley BAUM

YEAR OF DEATH

01 June 1975

JURISDICTION

Victoria

DETAILS OF DEATH

About 2 p.m. Sunday 1 June 1975 Sergeant Baum was preparing to set up a road block on the Princes Highway at Cann River when he accidentally killed himself with his own shotgun. The weapon had been on the front seat of his car and he had picked it up by the barrel was was pulling it towards him when it discharged severely wounding him in the stomach. He died within 15 minutes. The road block was being set up in response to a report that a wanted man was in the vicinity. It was later learned that the information had been part of a deliberate attempt to mislead police about the fugitive’s direction of travel thus allowing him a better chance to escape.

On this day

Constable

Garnet Frederick MORTLEY

YEAR OF DEATH

01 June 1953

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

On 27 May 1953 Constable Mortley was riding a Police Special Traffic Patrol solo cycle to Sydney following an escort to the south coast. Whilst travelling along the Princes Highway near Waterfall the front tyre on the cycle blew out. The Constable was thrown to the roadway sustaining compound fractures and severe head injuries. He was conveyed to the St George District Hospital where he died five days later. The Constable was born in 1928 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 17 January 1949. At the time of his death he was attached to the Special Traffic Patrol Sydney.

On this day

Constable

William J MERCER

YEAR OF DEATH

01 June 1910

JURISDICTION

Queensland

DETAILS OF DEATH

Died from injuries received in a riding accident near Cloncurry.

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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