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 Sergeant

John Henry HODGE

YEAR OF DEATH

25 February 1976

JURISDICTION

Victoria

DETAILS OF DEATH

In the early hours of Wednesday 25 February 1976 Detective Sergeant Hodge was returning to his office having performed ‘observation’ duty on suspected criminals in the Drouin area. His car ran off the road went down an embankment and overturned. Although the accident occurred on the Princes Highway just east of Drouin he was not located for a considerable time and was dead when help arrived.

On this day

Constable

Jeremiah O'HORRIGAN

YEAR OF DEATH

25 February 1863

JURISDICTION

New South Wales

DETAILS OF DEATH

On Wednesday 25 February 1863 the Constable was patrolling the Weddin Mountains. On his return journey to Forbes he was required to cross the flooded Lachlan River. As he did so the strong current began to carry his horse along. As the Constable attempted to check the horse it rolled over throwing the rider into the water. As he was unable to swim the Constable was drowned. His body was recovered downstream some hours later. The Constable was born in 1831 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 1 May 1860. At the time of his death he was stationed at Forbes.

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.