When a police officer is killed in the line of duty, the pain of loss is felt right across the force.
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So, when Detective Inspector Bryson Anderson died in December while responding to a neighbourhood dispute at Oakville, near Windsor, police in the Illawarra grieved.
Wollongong police will honour Insp Anderson's memory next week by holding a fund-raising event for his family.
Officers will host an expo in Crown Street Mall on March 17, giving the community a chance to meet police and check out the equipment and skills they use.
Sergeant Bob Minns said the region's police were keen to support Insp Anderson's family, while also reaching out to the community.
"I think it's important that, being part of the police brotherhood and sisterhood, when children suffer a tragedy such as this, that we pull in around the family and do as much as we can," he said. "This is also a good opportunity for the community to interact with the emergency services such as ambulance paramedics, the State Emergency Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, and an opportunity for them to contribute to a good cause."
One of the highlights will be a rescue display of emergency service crews in action, cutting a trapped person from a car.
The police dog squad will show off their exceptional training and nose for detail, a highway patrol car and motorcycle will be on display, while POLAIR is expected to fly overhead.
A barbecue and raffle, with prizes donated from numerous businesses, will be held.
Sgt Minns said money raised would assist Insp Anderson's three children.
The expo will be held between 10am and 2pm. For more information, contact Sgt Minns on 4226 7899.