Police Remembrance Day

This week, Police staff and others have been 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 the 29th of September, the feast day of the Archangel Michael, patron saint of police. The day is being observed on Monday 29 September with a service at the Royal New Zealand Police College, and in services around the country.

“Every police officer knows they work in a unique and inherently risky profession. Increasingly, police are faced with potentially life-threatening situations even in the course of ‘routine’ tasks. With so many near misses in recent years we are thankful not to be adding another name to the Remembrance Wall,” Police Association President Greg O’Connor said.

“These near misses include Sergeant Simon Tate who was bashed at the roadside in South Auckland, Community Constable Todd Martin who was stabbed in the face at Bastion Point, an officer grazed by a bullet during a routine traffic stop in June 2012, and an officer in Hamilton who was shot in the foot as he tackled an armed offender last month.”

The Police Remembrance Pin was designed by the Police Association as a way by which members of Police across New Zealand can feel part of the day. Introduced in partnership with NZ Police, the pin has been promoted and embraced as the symbol of Police remembrance in New Zealand.

“A growing number of police and others are now wearing the Police Remembrance Pin on Remembrance Day, and in the days leading up to it, as a sign of respect for those who have lost their lives. It is humbling for police to see the widespread support shown not only by their colleagues, but also by ordinary New Zealanders, through this public acknowledgement of the sacrifices fallen police officers have made for their safety,” Mr O’Connor said.

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