Law enforcement officials gathered in Canberra to pay tribute to their fallen colleagues who lost their lives in the line of duty during the National Police Remembrance Day service.
Numerous attendees assembled near Lake Burley Griffin for the poignant ceremony held in 2026.
During the event, four officers’ names were newly inscribed on the National Police Memorial, honoring their sacrifices.
The service featured a heartfelt remembrance for officers who have died while serving, including Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart of Victoria Police. The two were tragically killed by Dezi Freeman in Porepunkah, located in the northeastern part of the state, in August 2025.
Governor-General Sam Mostyn addressed the gathering, condemning the violent circumstances surrounding the officers’ deaths while they were fulfilling their responsibilities.
Also remembered were Western Australia’s Detective Senior Constable Maxine Bembridge, who passed away in May due to a traffic incident while heading to work, and retired New South Wales Sergeant Mark Bransgrove, who succumbed to cancer linked to his service.
“These narratives represent only a fraction of the extraordinary lives of these four individuals,” remarked Ms. Mostyn.
A somber procession, consisting of approximately 300 officers on foot, horseback, and motorcycles, journeyed from the Australian Federal Police headquarters to the memorial site.
Grieving family members placed wreaths at the national monument, located by Lake Burley Griffin, as a symbol of their loss.
Acting AFP Commissioner Ian McCartney emphasized that this day serves as both a time for mourning and a moment to honor the bravery and selflessness of the fallen officers.
“I see many loved ones and colleagues here today who were not present last year, and we understand the significance of that,” he stated. “We will bear the weight of grief alongside you and celebrate the inspiring lives of those who will remain eternal heroes in our nation.”
Tributes were also paid to Sydney Constable Mia Lay, who tragically lost her life in a police vehicle accident the previous week.
“Mia was just 20 years old, a tender age, and had served with the New South Wales Police Force for a mere 16 months,” Ms. Mostyn recounted. “Her parents and partner have shared how deeply she cherished her role as a police officer.”
Acting Commissioner McCartney described her passing as “heartbreaking,” casting a somber tone over the ceremony. “This highlights the cruel unpredictability of service, where our members are taken from us far too early,” he lamented.
Constable Lay’s name is set to be officially added to the National Police Memorial in the coming year.
This occasion marks the 20th anniversary since the memorial’s establishment in Canberra, with the number of inscribed names having risen from 719 to 836 over the years.
