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

Probationary Constable

Damian Jeffrey EYRE

YEAR OF DEATH

12 October 1988

JURISDICTION

Victoria

DETAILS OF DEATH

About 4.50 am Wednesday 12 October 1988 Constables Tynan and Eyre attended outside 222 Walsh Street South Yarra in response to a report that a suspicious vehicle had been abandoned at that location.On arrival they were ambushed by a number of offenders who had deliberately lured police to the scene for the purpose of murdering them. Both Constables were shot at close range in the back of the head with blasts from a shotgun. As Eyre lay dying his service revolver was taken out of its holster and he was again shot in the head. The offenders then fled the scene. An intensive police investigation was launched immediately and a number of men were arrested and charged with murder.

On this day

Constable

Steven John TYNAN

YEAR OF DEATH

12 October 1988

JURISDICTION

Victoria

DETAILS OF DEATH

About 4.50 am Wednesday 12 October 1988 Constables Tynan and Eyre attended outside 222 Walsh Street South Yarra in response to a report that a suspicious vehicle had been abandoned at that location.On arrival they were ambushed by a number of offenders who had deliberately lured police to the scene for the purpose of murdering them. Both Constables were shot at close range in the back of the head with blasts from a shotgun. As Eyre lay dying his service revolver was taken out of its holster and he was again shot in the head. The offenders then fled the scene. An intensive police investigation was launched immediately and a number of men were arrested and charged with murder.

On this day

Constable 1st Class

William G PENSE

YEAR OF DEATH

12 October 1979

JURISDICTION

Western Australia

DETAILS OF DEATH

Constable Pense and Sargeant James Keelan, stationed at Mt Barker, attended at the farm of Donald Edwin Parre. As Keelan approached the front door, Parre shot him with a .22 calibre rifle. Pense ran towards Parre as he advanced, firing from his hip, and was shot four times in the upper body. He continued forward, seized Parre, and disarmed him. Parre pulled a .32 calibre pistol, firing three shots into Pense’s heart. Keelan ran to help Pense who lay dying. Parre began shooting with another rifle as Keelan radioed for help, hitting the van another five times. Parre was arrested by Albany Detectives and is serving a life sentence. Pense was posthumously awarded the George Medal for Bravery on the 4th of November 1979. He was born in Wickepin the 16th of August 1934. Pense joined the Police Force on 15th August 1958.

On this day

Constable

Ernest Richard PASTORELLI

YEAR OF DEATH

12 October 1918

JURISDICTION

Queensland

DETAILS OF DEATH

Gunner Ernest Richard Pastorelli 156th Brigade British Royal Field Artillery number 39702. Returned to England from the Queensland Police Force. Captured by Germans during the war and later died in a prisoner of war camp on Saturday 12 October 1918. He is buried in the Niederzwehren Cemetery Germany.

On this day

Constable

Oswald Horatio GOODRICH

YEAR OF DEATH

12 October 1917

JURISDICTION

Queensland

DETAILS OF DEATH

Corporal Oswald Horatio Goodrich A.I.F. number 3034 12th Australian Light Trench Mortar Battery. Killed in action in Belgium on Friday 12 October 1917. He is buried at Tyne Cot Military Cemetery Zonnebeke West-Vlaanderen Belgium.

On this day

Constable

Richard JOHNSTON

YEAR OF DEATH

12 October 1902

JURISDICTION

Victoria

DETAILS OF DEATH

About 11 a.m. Sunday 12 October 1902 Constable Johnston was off duty at his home at Elwood. He responded to a complaint that a man had tried to abduct a neighbour’s 8 year old daughter. Johnston immediately set off in pursuit and located the man in Milton Street Elwood. The suspect George Shaw had a lengthy criminal record. Unbeknown to Johnston Shaw was also the prime suspect for the murder of Constable Guilfoyle in Redfern New South Wales some months previously. When Johnston approached him Shaw produced a revolver and fired. Fatally wounded Johnston died within minutes. Shaw committed suicide at the intersection of Chapel Street and Rosamond Street a short time later.

On this day

Constable

William G CLARKE

YEAR OF DEATH

12 October 1895

JURISDICTION

Queensland

DETAILS OF DEATH

Accidentally shot by the discharge of his own weapon at Alton Downs Station near Hughenden.

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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 2026, services will be held on Tuesday 29 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