LATE in the evening of Thursday, August 26, 1803, thieves stole a small desk, some cash, three pieces of gold and  documents relating to a property sale from the residence of Mary Breeze at an address that is now part of Phillip Street in Sydney.

Mary rushed up the street, known then as “Back Row”, and told off-duty police constable Joseph Luker, who lived nearby.

Luker promised Mary he would commence inquiries when he clocked on for duty at midnight.

“I have a fair idea who the thieves might be,” he told her.

Luker was true to his word. Shortly after starting the graveyard shift, he found the desk in scrubland behind Back Row but was ambushed by the alleged thieves.

Tragically, Constable Luker was the first police officer killed while on duty in Australia.

The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser said Luker was “found on the edge of the road

leading to Farm Cove, a breathless corpse, shockingly mangled, and with the guard of his cutlass buried in his brain; the sheath lay near the body, and his hat more than 20 yards distant”.

New England Police District Inspector Phil Malligan (centre) with (at left) sergeant Jack Mitchell and Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer Rod Tighe at Moree Police Station.

Since then, more than 800 Australian police officers have died or been killed while on duty, 276 0f those in New South Wales.

In 2001, it was resolved to establish a National Police Memorial in Canberra.

The Memorial pays tribute to Australian police officers who have been killed on duty or have died as a result of their duties.

The memorial also recognises the unique nature of police service and the dangers officers face in their daily lives.

The Memorial was completed and dedicated on September 29, 2006 and that date is now the official remembrance day of Australian police officers who have died while on active duty.

Each year, the date holds a special significance for police officers throughout Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and the Solomon Islands.

It is a day to pause and honour officers whose lives have been cut short while performing their duty.

New England Police District Inspector Phil Malligan said the important day is also a time to thank police officers who go about their daily lives protecting the community.

“National Police Remembrance Day is an opportunity for the community to come together and thank the police that are out there on the streets 24/7 protecting the people,” Insp Malligan said.

“It’s a chance to support the police who are out there each week, and to remember the officers who have unfortunately paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

“This is an opportunity to think of those officers, think of their loved ones and friends, and think of their colleagues who lost someone as a result of them just coming to work,” he said.

Earlier this month, 58-year-old Gold Coast district duty officer Brendan Wiblen died in a devastating crash while taking part in the Wall to Wall Ride for Remembrance, which honours officers killed in the line of duty.

South eastern region assistant commissioner Brian Swan said Sergeant Wiblen was a dedicated officer who served with distinction throughout his career.

“He was highly thought of by his colleagues and was known for his attention to detail and quick wit.  “His service to the community will not be forgotten, and our thoughts are with all those who knew Brendan during this incredibly difficult time,” Mr Swan said.

Locally, a National Police Remembrance Day Service will be hosted by the New England Police District at Armidale on Friday, September 27 at the Catholic Church Chapel, on the corner of Barney and Jessie Streets, Armidale.

The Service will commence at 10.30am.

“Because National Police Remembrance Day this year falls on a Sunday, a special service will be held at Armidale on Friday,” Insp Malligan said.