New Zealand Police will join police services throughout Australia and the South Pacific tomorrow to remember police staff who have been slain or killed on duty over the past year.
The New Zealand Police Remembrance Service is being held at The Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC) on Friday 28 September, 11am-12 noon.
The commemoration provides the opportunity to acknowledge and honour NZ Police men and women, serving and retired, sworn and non-sworn who have passed away during the past 12 months. The thoughts of those attending the service will also be with the family of the person shot in Christchurch in this week's tragic event.
The RNZPC is home to a national memorial to the 23 New Zealand police officers and three traffic officers who have been slain on duty since New Zealand Police was formed in 1886.
This year has seen the passing of two respected recruit wing patrons. Sir Hugh Kawharu ONZ FRSNZ was patron of Wing 205 who trained at the RNZPC from May-October 2002 and Sir Angus Tait KNZM OBE was patron of Wing 213 (May-September 2003).
Coordinating Chaplain for the New Zealand Police Father John Walls will deliver the address at the service and music throughout will be provided by Take Note Singers, Upper Hutt soloist Toni Baird and the RNZPC Waiata group.
A total of 56 serving and former staff members as well as Police dog Enzo, killed in Tauranga in August, will be remembered at this year's service.
Commissioner Howard Broad and Deputy Commissioners Lyn Provost and Rob Pope will be present along with High Commissioners from Australia, Niue and Papua New Guinea.
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For further information or to attend the Remembrance Service, please contact: Katrina Graham 238 3572, or 027 441 9216