Today we paused to remember those who lost their lives while performing their duty as a police officer, through illness or other circumstances.

Single-minded dedication

POLICE gathered in ceremonies around New South Wales yesterday to honour the lives of police officers lost in the line of duty, or to illness or other circumstances.

In Taree at the National Police Remembrance Day service, a local life was honoured. Special mention was given to Manning Great Lakes Area Command Senior Constable Joy-Anne Trewick, who sadly passed away on Monday night, after a long and hard fought battle with breast cancer.

"She'll be remembered fondly as a vibrant and happy person," reflected Superintendent Peter Thurtell.

"She was always professional and loved her career. She will be sadly missed."

The superintendent expressed his heartfelt condolences to Senior Constable Trewick's family.

The service is commemorated each year on the feast day for Saint Michael the Archangel, patron saint of police and the Taree service was hosted by the Baptist church at Kolodong.

According to master of ceremonies Inspector Christine George, the day is the most significant event on the Australian police ceremonial calendar.

Police chaplain Pastor Chris Thornhill performed the welcome, opening prayer and homily.

"Today is a day of mixed emotions," the chaplain said. "But also pride in their single-minded dedication and the willingness to pursue justice at great costs.

"Today we remember the diligence, the courage and the integrity of these lives."

Scripture readings were carried out by retired inspector Bob Barnes and Detective Acting Inspector Natalie Stephens, later followed by the commissioner's address read by Superintendent Peter Thurtell.

Names of serving members of the New South Wales Police in Papua New Guinea and Australia who have died during the period of September 26, 2014 to September 28, 2015 were read aloud by Inspector Tony Power.

A collection of recent photos of the officers of Manning Great-Lakes Local Area Commend at work, offered a visual reflection of policing as it is today.

A poem was then read by retired Senior Constable Neville Mays, which painted a picture of the various lives and sacrifices that have been made across policing in Australia, in past and present times.

A wreath was laid, memorial candles were lit and prayers of intercession read to honour these lives.

"The courage of our fallen officers will never be forgotten," said Superintendent Thurtell when reading the commissioner's address.

Towards the end of the ceremony the police prayer was read by Inspector John Sullivan, with Constable Stephen Doust reading the police ode.

"As the sun surely sets; dawn will see it arise," read the constable.

"For service above self, demands its own prize.

"You have fought the good fight; life's race has been run,

"and peace, your reward, for eternity begun.

"And we that are left, shall never forget,

"rest in peace friend and colleague,

"for sun has now set.

"We will remember,

"We will remember,

"Hasten the dawn."

Police retirees increasing in Manning-Great Lakes area

FOLLOWING the National Police Remembrance Day service, retired members of the New South Wales Police Force were honoured in a ceremony as part of Retired Police Day.

Each retiree received a NSW Police commemorative pin.

Some of those honoured included the most senior retired officer living locally, former Chief Superintendent Colin Cogle.

The 90-year-old started his career in 1942 as a cadet when he was 16-years and two-months-old.

Through the years he climbed the ranks before retiring after 43 years of diligent service in 1985.

Another officer honoured was Sergeant Michelle Clarke who began her career in 1981.

Michelle held various policing roles across Australia before coming to the Manning Great-Lakes Local Area Command in 2006 as a highway patrol officer and later roster officer.

She retired in 2014, and this year was part of the 100 Years of Women in Policing celebrations in Sydney.

Michelle said her love of being a police officer came from the simple feeling "of wanting to help people."

A video address was delivered by the NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione to the audience, with him stating the importance of recognising women in policing.

"It is important we recognise the path you have blazed for your colleagues of today," he said.

Superintendent Peter Thurtell further supported the commissioner's words of the importance of women in policing and spoke on the success of the baton relay carried out locally in June of this year to commemorate the milestone.

The superintendent also added the creation of the Retired Police Day has been one of the best things NSW Police have done to honour its past police force.

In 2012, Commisioner Andrew Scipione APM, formally announced the creation of Retired Police Day.

Retired Police Day was launched to honour the contribution, sacrifice and ongoing legacy of retired NSW police officers who provided diligent and ethical service over many years.

"You set the path for the rest of us to walk down," said the superintendent.

Various local retired officers, those newly retired to the area, were named and awarded their commemorate pin.

Retired Inspector Laurie Easter said the numbers of retired police retiring to the area and attending the event is growing each year.

The former inspector commended the work of Manning Great-Lakes Local Area Command in finding the names of police who have retired to the area and inviting them to the service.

Greater Taree City Council deputy mayor and retired senior constable David West added police "...never retire from the need to assist."

Two former co-workers also had an unexpected reunion on the day.

Retired senior sergeant Rodney O'Regan OAM VA, had no idea former colleague retired detective senior constable Tony Callandine had moved to the area around six weeks ago.

They didn't recognise each other until their names were read out, and they had a good look at one another.

"You never forget their eyes!" said Tony.

National Police Remembrance Day and Retired NSW Police Officer Day at Taree 2014