National Police Memorial

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 since the advent of policing in Australia and to recognise the unique nature of police service and the dangers that police face in their daily pursuits.
The $2.4million memorial was jointly funded by the Australian Government (through the Australian Federal Police), State and Territory Police Services and Police Federation of Australia.

The Memorial was completed and dedicated on 29 September 2006 (National Police Remembrance Day). Following the dedication ceremony, a criteria for future inclusion of names on the National Police Memorial was agreed upon together with a National Police Memorial Co-ordination Committee.

On this day

Detective Sergeant

Alexander H PITMAN

YEAR OF DEATH

28 April 1926

JURISDICTION

Western Australia

DETAILS OF DEATH

Detective Sargeant Pitman and Detective Inspector John Joseph Walsh were members of the Gold Stealing Squad at Kalgoorlie when they surprised William Coulter and Phillip Treffene at their illicit smelter 27kms south of the town. They shot the detectives and tried to stuff their bodies into a gold furnace but, discovering it was too small, went to the Cornwall Hotel and collected a sway and a carving knife. On returning to the smelter, they cut up the bodies, incinerated them and dumped them down a mineshaft. Born Rokewood, Victoria in October 1872.

On this day

Detective Inspector

John J WALSH

YEAR OF DEATH

28 April 1926

JURISDICTION

Western Australia

DETAILS OF DEATH

Detective Inspector John Joseph Walsh and Detective Sargeant Pitman were members of the Gold Stealing Squad at Kalgoorlie when they surprised William Coulter and Phillip Treffene at their illicit smelter 27kms south of the town. They shot the detectives and tried to stuff their bodies into a gold furnace but, discovering it was too small, went to the Cornwall Hotel and collected a sway and a carving knife. On returning to the smelter, they cut up the bodies, incinerated them and dumped them down a mineshaft. Born in Limerick, Ireland in February 1862.

Complete Honour Roll

Affiliated events

Remembering mates – Wall to Wall Ride is held in September each year. Click here for more information.

Please check with your state/territory police organisation for local information of services to be held on 29 September, or click here for more information.