Passing The Baton On A Day Of Remembrance

Serving and retired police gathered at St Clare’s Catholic Church for Tully’s National Police Remembrance Day service. Image supplied

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Serving and retired police officers from across the Cassowary Coast joined community members in Tully this week for National Police Remembrance Day, honouring officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

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A colour party marched through the town in a formal procession before gathering at St Clare’s Catholic Church for the annual service where among the traditions was the handover of the Cassowary Coast community baton.

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Originally presented to the Inspector at Innisfail Police Station on behalf of the Cassowary Coast community, the baton symbolises the goodwill and trust placed in local police and is carried each National Police Remembrance Day by a retired officer during the march.  

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At this years’ service, retired Police Special Constable Darrin Padget formally carried and passed the baton to First Year Constable Bryce Haigh.

Accepting it on behalf of current members of the Cassowary Coast Patrol Group, Constable Haigh acknowledged the trust it represented.

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“We understand it is a symbol of goodwill and trust on behalf of the community and will endeavour to do our best to uphold the values the community expects from us,” he said.

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Following the service, officers and guests gathered for morning tea provided by the St Clare’s Catholic Women Tully.

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First observed nationally in 1989, National Police Remembrance Day is held annually on 29^th September, the feast day of St Michael the Archangel, traditionally regarded as the patron saint of police. In 2006, the National Police Memorial in Canberra was dedicated on the same date, providing a permanent place of remembrance for Australian police officers who have died because of their duties.

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