More than two dozen of Orange’s current and former police officers paused at St Barnabas’ church on Friday to remember colleagues across the country who had fallen in the line of duty.
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Officers lit a candle for each officer killed over the past 12 months before constable James Rutton performed for the roughly 50 people assembled at the church for the Central West Police District’s annual remembrance day.
A sermon delivered by police reverend Gary Neville focused on the reasons why police did the work they do.
“All the hymns we’ve sung today, the readings we’ve done have all spoken about Jesus’ commandment to love one another,” he said.
“Not a request, a command. You all know what a command is.”
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He encouraged police officers to embrace this command and spread light into what is often a line of work that deals with violence and tragedy.
Central West Police District chief inspector Peter Atkins said it was an important day for officers in Orange.
“It’s an opportunity to remember all 252 former NSW police officers who have died during the course of their duty,” he said.
“It’s important to remember officers who have served before us and died doing their duty and for families to come around and remember those who have come before us.
“Remembrance Day is an opportunity to honour the families of all deceased police officers and to reassure them that their loved one's will never be forgotten. Our loss is great, however a families’ loss is greater.”
It’s important to remember officers who have served before us and died doing their duty.
- Chief inspector Peter Atkins
The Central West Police District hold an event annually, with September 29 marking an international day of reflection for the police officers who have lost their lives in Australia, New Zealand and many Pacific nations.
The day is especially significant in Orange as the first NSW Police Officer killed on duty was Constable William Haviland at the corner of Byng and Sale Streets Orange on the 16 June 1862.
Other officers to lose their lives on duty in the Central West Police District are Sergeant Robert Robinson in 1864, Senior Constable John Herbert in 1865, Senior Sergeant 2nd Class Andrew Sutherland in 1872, and Sergeant Eric Bailey in 1945.
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