Katherine Police and community members today paid respect to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
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Members of the RAAF, ambulance, fire and emergency services departments gathered with local law enforcement at Katherine’s cemetery for National Police Remembrance day.
The service was held at the grave of fallen Katherine policeman Constable William Condon.
Katherine’s previous Commander Matt Hollamby opened the ceremony.
Constable Bruce Atkinson, Constable David Woodbury and Senior Constable Ellis Tracey provided the service with readings.
Aboriginal Community Police officer Bianca Copeland read the Police Ode.
And both Greg Howard and Julie Howard from The Salvation Army read prayers.
“We know that every day you put on your uniform you place your life on the line, and for that we are grateful,” captain Greg Howard said in his speech.
Wreaths were laid by members of the community, including RAAF Wing Commander Andrew Tatnell, Katherine Mayor Fay Miller and Katherine MLA Sandra Nelson.
The ceremony marked both the contributions of local police officers and also the police officers who were killed on duty.
Katherine policeman Constable William Condon, was among those commemorated.
On June 9, 1952, Constable Condon was in Katherine from his usual station of Maranboy, assisting with the Katherine Races, when he was called upon to search for an armed gunman, 23 year-old Terence Stapleton.
About 7.25pm the 29 year-old police officer, married for only 12 months, observed Mr Stapleton in the main street of Katherine.
Without hesitation he approached Mr Stapleton with hands open to show he was unarmed.
But Mr Stapleton produced a firearm and fired twice, killing the young constable.
Constable Condon was posthumously awarded the Queen’s Police Medal for Gallantry and a plaque was erected at Katherine police station.
"Police Remembrance Day is one of the most important dates in the calendar for not only our members here in the Territory, but the wider Police family across Australia, New Zealand and our corner of the Pacific,” Northern Territory Police commissioner Reece Kershaw said.
"We come together to remember friends and colleagues who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their community, giving their lives whilst protecting others."
Since the foundation of the Northern Territory Police, 10 police officers have been killed on duty or died as a result of their duties.
Northern Territory Police Association president, Paul McCue said today was special day for police officers and their families across Australia, and none more so in than in the Territory.
“We are very proud of every one of our past and present police officers, who undertake a dangerous and unpredictable job, each and every shift,” Mr McCue said.
“National Police Remembrance Day is an opportunity to reflect on the service of our brave men and women.
“I encourage the Northern Territory community to say thank you to our Police, not just today, but each and every day.”
Each jurisdiction honours its fallen members, and at the National Police Memorial in Canberra a wall bears the names of 764 police officers who have lost their lives in the execution of their duty.
This year, 12 new names will be added to the wall, including that of Senior Constable Brett Andrew Forte of the Queensland Police Service, who was killed in May after following a known offender who stopped and opened fire.
Today’s National Police Remembrance Day services call for reflection on the ultimate sacrifice made by brave Police Officers.
