A HANDSHAKE that preceded two policemen being stabbed and a terrorism suspect shot dead last week in Melbourne was fresh in the memory of more than 120 people at yesterday’s national police remembrance day service in Warrnambool.
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They gathered to honour officers killed in the line of duty defending the thin blue line and in support of loved ones.
Anglican minister Father Scott Lowrey told the audience challenges facing the police force in upholding the right to freedom and justice would always be a rewarding and noble undertaking, but with serious risks.
“It is a role Victoria Police take exceptionally seriously,” he said.
“The very simple gesture of offering the hand to another person can become much, much more and lives changed in upholding the right.
“Death is no respecter of office, rank or character.”
Police chaplain Reverend Peter Cook of Hamilton said the Warrnambool service conducted at Christ Church honoured the 159 Victorian officers who paid the supreme sacrifice since the force was formed in 1853.
Regional superintendent Don Downes said the turnout to yesterday’s service showed the community appreciated its police force.
“This is a great opportunity for us to embrace the community and take them in,” he said.
“We were really heartened by the number who came along.”
In his address Superintendent Downes said the service helped focus public attention on police officers who were responsible to ensure public peace and good order.
Officers took a leading role in the service with Camperdown’s Sergeant Sally Slingsby playing the bagpipes.
Detective Sergeant Chris Asenjo, First Constable Emily Durham, Acting Senior Sergeant Sean Halley and Senior Sergeant Russell Tharle also presented parts of the service while singer Kayla Dwyer, of Koroit, and bugler Kelan Galbraith, of Warrnambool, assisted.