Police Remembrance Day service

Police staff joined with family and friends at the Police Remembrance Day Service to honour staff, both serving and retired, who have passed away. The event was held at the Royal New Zealand Police Training College in Porirua on Tuesday 29 September.

Australian and South Pacific Region colleagues are also remembered at the service, which is held annually.

The last year has seen two new names added to the Police Roll of Honour with the deaths of Sergeant Don Wilkinson and Senior Constable Len Snee, both killed on duty, bringing the total to 29.

Acting Commissioner Lyn Provost lays a wreath at the foot of the Memorial Wall. Photo: Kathryn Fitzpatrick

Padre David Dell, Chaplain to the Police College, led the service which was attended by around 400 people. Bishop Richard Ellena, Bishop of Nelson, gave the address emphasising the importance of public service in policing.

In her official welcome Acting Commissioner Lyn Provost said, “While this day focuses on those who have fallen in the line of duty, we also remember the dedication, the sense of duty and the risks every police officer undertakes on a daily basis.”

Napier Police Chaplain the Reverend Trevor Harrison, who gave enormous support to police staff during the Hospital Hill siege that followed the death of Senior Constable Len Snee, read the following prayer:

Gracious God, in the midst of life we face the reality of death: open our hearts as we remember those who have gone before us.

Remind us of your promise to be with us always, and make us ever grateful for those we remember today, as colleagues from the past and present.

We thank you for the men and women who have given their all to maintain law and order in New Zealand, Australia and the region of the South Pacific, as they have helped keep our communities safe.

May God rest their souls.
In the Name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.