IT was the tear in the eye, the comforting arm around the shoulder and the smart police hat sitting alone on the church pew.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The signs of sacrifice were strong at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Newcastle on Thursday, as a small but strong congregation met to remember lost police officers.
The service, one of many held across the country on National Police Remembrance Day, was solemn in parts after two of the region’s officers – Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson and Senior Constable Clinton Williams – were lost in the past year.
Sergeant Richardson, a Port Stephens highway patrol officer, was killed as he made his way to a police pursuit in March while Senior Constable Williams died just a fortnight ago after falling ill at Brisbane Water local area command on the Central Coast.
Regional police chaplain, Reverend Chris Yates, worked alongside “Richo” at Port Stephens while his son had been taught by the wife of Senior Constable Williams.
He told the congregation that their “final sacrifice” had reminded them about the many others who had been killed.
“[There is a temptation] when we see police officers named as headlines that they are distant, not personal. Robots that are on charge at night and come out when they are called upon,’’ Reverend Yates told the service.
“For those of us invested in the police force, and serving our community, we know that police officers are real people.
“We need rest. We need joy and highs. We bleed and die.”
A service at The Domain in Sydney formally honoured Sergeant Richardson and Curtis Cheng, who was shot dead last year outside Parramatta police headquarters, for losing their lives on duty in the course of their duties.
“Today is about honouring the legacy they leave behind and standing in solidarity with their loved ones who have joined the policing family to mark this solemn occasion,” police commissioner Andrew Scipione said.
“The tragedy of their passing is a sober reminder of the continued dangers that thousands of brave men and women face each day in service to the community, where there’s no way of knowing what potential risk they may face.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to the Cheng and Richardson families; today we honour the memory of their loved ones and reflect on the dedicated service and bravery of all police officers.’’
