Police service, sacrifice remembered

A commemoration at Warragul for Victorian police that have died in service attracted about 60 people.
Held at the Warragul RSL clubrooms the National Police Remembrance Day service on September 29 included tributes to and recollections of former officers by several of their colleagues.
It was the second year the day had been marked with a special service at Warragul.
Guest speaker detective senior sergeant Rod Findlay, a police officer for 25 years whose time has mostly been spent in Gippsland, highlighted the variety and breadth of work police undertake.
He used a 14-month period during which a number of major events, including bushfires that involved the evacuation of Mallacoota in East Gippsland, where police spent long days ensuring people were safe.
The names of Victorian police that have died over the past year while still serving were read to the audience by senior constable David Baker and retired senior sergeant Brian Grist spoke of his career that spread over more than four decades.
Speakers also drew attention to concerns about the increasing number of officers that have died by suicide and the need to address prevention.
Right: Guest speaker detective senior sergeant Rod Findlay who has served in Victoria Police force for 25 years.