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

Sergeant 2nd Class

Cecil William James ELLIS

YEAR OF DEATH

29 April 1956

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

On the evening of 18 April 1956 Sergeant Ellis and Sergeant Fitzpatrick arrested two men in Liverpool Street Sydney. The offenders were then marched off toward Central Police Station one to be charged with drunkenness and the other with indecent language. Nearing the courtyard of the Police Station the offender detained for indecent language began to resist violently punching and kicking the Police. After being subdued and taken inside the offender continued to climb out of the dock and attempt to assault any Police near enough to him. The assault followed by the effort of constantly restraining the offender exhausted Sergeant Ellis and the following day he was suffering from severe chest pains. He was placed on sick report on 20 April and unfortunately died of a coronary occlusion nine days later. The Sergeant was born in 1898 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 3 February 1927. At the time of his death he was stationed at Central Police Station.

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.