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National Police Remembrance Day: Commissioner Col Blanch to lead wreath-laying ceremony at Police Academy

The West Australian
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WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch.
Camera IconWA Police Commissioner Col Blanch. Credit: Justin Benson-Cooper/The West Australian

Ceremonies will be held across Australia on Thursday to mark National Police Remembrance Day.

Police Commissioner Col Blanch will be joined by Police Minister Paul Papalia to lead speeches and a wreath-laying ceremony at the WA Police Academy in Joondalup.

Blue and white chequered ribbons are worn on Police Remembrance Day to honour fallen police officers who have died in the line of duty.

More than 80 officers who’ve lost their lives in the line of duty in WA have their names etched on a memorial wall at the academy.

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Mr Blanch highlighted the case of Detective Sergeant Geoffrey Bowen, who was assassinated in the 1994 bombing of the National Crime Authority in South Australia.

eoffrey Bowen who was killed in the NCA bombing in Adelaide in 1994.
Camera Iconeoffrey Bowen who was killed in the NCA bombing in Adelaide in 1994. Credit: Kate Campbell/Supplied

Earlier this year a man - Domenic Perre - was finally convicted over the bombing.

“Sergeant Bowen’s murder was an outrageous crime against all we stand for, not only in policing, but as a community”, Mr Blanch said.

“His killer was convicted in June, and just weeks later his son Matt became the sixth member of the family to join the police ranks. We remember and honour the Bowen family, and all those families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty.”

“Words alone can never console these families, but we will always be there to offer our support, and walk with you in your grief.”

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