NSW honours its fallen: eight names added to police Wall of Remembrance

National Police Remembrance Day is a time of deep reflection for families who live with loss every day, for colleagues who carry the memories of mateship and service, and for a community that is kept safe by the courage of its officers.

At the heart of the commemorations is the Wall of Remembrance in Sydney's Domain. Since 1862, 284 names have been inscribed on the Wall, each one representing a life cut short, a family forever changed, and a legacy of service to the people of NSW.

This year, eight additional names will be etched into history. Their stories span from the 19th century to as recently as 2019. Officers who drowned, were thrown from horses, died in vehicle crashes and in one case took his own life following the burden of his duties.

Some of these names are being formally recognised more than a century after their deaths, a powerful reminder that no matter how much time passes, NSW never forgets its fallen officers.

While NSW Police has not lost an officer in the line of duty in the past 12 months, the tragic deaths of three interstate colleagues weigh heavily on the hearts of all who serve.

These events are a stark reminder that policing is never without risk, and that every officer who puts on the uniform does so knowing they may face danger in order to protect the community.

The eight officers being added to the Wall of Remembrance include:

•  Const James Coady - 12 June 1870
•  Sgt 2/C Thomas Devonald - 19 July 1873
•  Const Walter Tombs - 25 November 1897
•  Const 1/C William Hamilton Pearce - 13 December 1898
•  Sgt 2/C Alfred Francis Stone - 14 May 1899
•  Sgt 2/C Joseph Wirrell - 18 September 1899
•  Const George Shiell - 7 December 1912
•  Sen Const Stephen Nixon - 24 November 2019

A solemn ceremony will be held this morning at the NSW Police Force Wall of Remembrance in The Domain. Joining officers, families and the public are Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Premier Chris Minns, Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley MP, Acting NSW Police Commissioner Peter Thurtell APM and Commissioner-elect Mal Lanyon APM.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:
"Today, we honour the extraordinary men and women of the NSW Police Force who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep us all safe.

"Each name on the Wall of Remembrance is a story of service, courage and loss that can never be forgotten.

"The addition of eight names this year, some more than a 100 years since they passed, is a powerful reminder that no matter how much time passes, we will always stand with our officers and their families."

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:
"Police Remembrance Day is one of the most important days on the policing calendar.

"Today we take time to stop, reflect and honour the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice serving their community.

"Policing is a job like no other. Every officer who wears the uniform knows the risks, yet they step forward with courage and commitment to keep us safe.

"To the families of fallen officers: your grief is shared, your loved ones' sacrifice is remembered and their legacy will always endure."

Acting NSW Police Commissioner Peter Thurtell said:
"While no NSW Police officers have lost their lives in the course of their duties in the past 12 months, the force still felt the loss of three of our interstate colleagues.

"The fatal shooting of Tasmanian Constable Keith Smith and Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart of Victoria Police brings home the dangers that police across Australia face every day.

"This year the NSW Police Force pays special tribute to eight NSW officers who have lost their lives in service but who had not been previously recognised on the NSW Police Force Wall of Remembrance.

"Whilst adding these names may be long overdue it also shows we never forget our fallen officers no matter how long the passage of time has been."