Imagine working in a job, if you don’t already, where you know that day might be the day you are called to put your life on the line for someone else.
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Not only someone else, but someone else you don’t know. A complete stranger.
That is the reality facing many of our service workers every day and the police force is at the forefront of that.
Each year on September 29, Police Remembrance Day is commemorated in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and the Solomon Islands.
The day gives us all a chance to stop and reflect on the officers who have had their lives cut short while performing their daily duties as a police officer.
It also offers the police force a chance to reflect on those in their ranks who have been lost through illness or other circumstances.
On Friday, the police force gathered in Kiama for a special service.
Since the NSW Police Force was born in 1862, 270 members have lost their lives in the line of duty and through injury or illness.
“It gives us an opportunity to remember fallen colleagues, to reflect on their service to community, on their dedication, and not only what they’ve given but what their families have given to maintain peace and order in our community over many, many years,” Assistant Commissioner Peter Barrie told the Illawarra Mercury.
“But also it’s an opportunity to celebrate their lives, to celebrate their careers and their service.”
It is also fitting in today’s edition at the same time we recognise a long-serving police officer in our region with the front page ‘Against All Odds’.
A motorbike accident took Paul Jones’ ability to walk but it didn’t take his career.
While wheelchair-bound, he has played a role in fighting and investigating some of the region’s most shocking crimes and is now set to retire from the police force.
“I don't like the word 'pride' ... but I'm proud to say I'm a member of NSW Police," he told Mercury reporter Angela Thompson.
You have every right to be proud Paul.
Congratulations on your career and enjoy your retirement.