Police Remembrance Day

This week, Police staff and others are wearing the distinctive huia feather-shaped Police Remembrance Pin as they reflect on those who have lost their lives in service to the society they swore to protect.

Police Remembrance Day falls on September 29, the feast day of the Archangel Michael, patron saint of police.

Over the last three years three officers have been tragically slain carrying out their duty. With nine officers shot in the last three years, it is not without some reservation that police reflect on the loss of only two officers from those shootings.

“The killings of Senior Constable Len Snee, Sergeant Derek Wootton and Sergeant Don Wilkinson all within a relatively short period have been sobering reminders that even seemingly routine police tasks can quickly become life-threatening situations,” Police Association President Greg O’Connor said.

“Those officers made the ultimate sacrifice to the society they swore to defend.

“Police go to work every day knowing their job is dangerous, but also firm in the belief it is job that must be done. The tragic deaths in recent years have brought the potential risk into stark focus, but also steeled the determination amongst our police to honour the memory of those who have given their lives, through their own service,” Mr O’Connor said.

Police employee, Pamela (Pam) Brien also sadly lost her life in the deadly Canterbury earthquake in February this year.

The Police Remembrance Pin, introduced in 2007 by the Police Association in partnership with Police, has been embraced across Police as a way for people to show their remembrance of the loss of their colleagues.

“Wearing the Police Remembrance Pin on Remembrance Day is a sign of respect for those who have lost their lives in service to society. The pin is in the shape of a tail feather of the extinct huia bird – a taonga traditionally sacred to Maori – and is embedded with the Police chevron. A nick in the top of the feather symbolises the great loss of one dearly departed."

“The growing observance of Police Remembrance Day, similar to the resurgence in the recognition of Anzac Day, is both heartening and humbling. Police can see the support shown not only by their colleagues, but also by ordinary New Zealanders who are moved to publicly acknowledge the sacrifices others have made for their safety,” Mr O’Connor said.

The official national remembrance service will be held at the Police College on Police Remembrance Day, with some police districts holding a complementary localised service in their area.