We had the honour of hosting National Police Remembrance Day for the local community here in St Mary’s Catholic Church, Maryborough this year at a ten am ecumenical ceremony.
The service and the homily I gave are printed below. It is a long file, so please be aware if trying to print out.
NATIONAL POLICE REMEMBRANCE DAY
ORDER OF SERVICE
28th SEPTEMBER 2012
10:00AM
ST MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH
269 Adelaide Street,
MARYBOROUGH
The procession
(Congregation to stand for the procession)
Piper plays
Clergy enter
œ
Flag party pageant
œ
(Please remain standing for The National Anthem)
The National Anthem
Australians all let us rejoice
For we are young and free,
We've golden soil and wealth for toil;
Our home is girt by sea.
Our land abounds in nature's gifts
of beauty rich and rare.
In history's page, let every stage
Advance Australia Fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing
Advance Australia Fair.
(Remain standing please)
œ
Church welcome
Police Chaplain Father Paul Kelly
The Lord be with you
All respond: And also with you
(All be seated please)
Welcome to all Police and Police staff and your families, and Members of the retired Police associations, Members of Parliament both State and Federal, Fraser Coast Regional Council Mayor O’Connell, and council members. Representatives from the Returned Services League sub-branches, Emergency Services groups, fellow religious pastors and representatives from their church communities, school and community groups. And a special and heartfelt welcome and prayers for all Family and friends of Police officers who gone to their eternal rest. Our thoughts are especially with you today.
Welcome to everyone.
Opening prayer
Police Chaplain Father Paul Kelly
(Let us pray:
Almighty God, we acknowledge that you are the giver of all life, and Lord of all that exists. We meet today in your name to remember those men and women who have served in the police services throughout Australia and the South West Pacific Region, and whose lives have been lived and lost in the effort to bring peace, security and justice into society. We pray that in the heart of a grateful people their memory will never fade and that their examples will continue to inspire the cause of selfless goodwill among all people. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen. )
Commissioner’s Message
Mr Bruce McNab
Acting Superintendent of Maryborough Police District
Police Commissioner Atkinson highlighted the inherent risks faced by police officers everyday as they provide for the safety and security of Queensland and acknowledged the tireless work of all QPS members, taking into account the diversity of Queensland.
“Our thoughts are with the families, friends and colleagues of those officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, as we honour their memories on National Police Remembrance Day,” Commissioner Atkinson said.
“At the beginning of each shift, every officer faces uncertainty as to what may occur. The QPS operates 24 hours-a-day, 365 days-a-year; and we have at least 15,000 interactions with the public every day.
“No matter how experienced, skilled, equipped, or courageous an officer may be, at times fate and circumstances will conspire resulting in the serious injury or tragic death of an officer,” Commissioner Atkinson said.
“During tragic times that we have faced as a Service, we have seen, and are very grateful for the great support of the Queensland community,” he said.
Commissioner Atkinson acknowledged the loss this year to the Rixon family and New South Wales Police Force of the death of Senior Constable David Rixon, 40 years. He was fatally shot on 2 March in Tamworth, NSW.
2012 also holds great significance for the QPS, with the 25th anniversaries of Senior Constable Peter Graham John Kidd’s death in July 1987, Senior Constable Ashley Anderson in June 1987, the 50th anniversary of Constable Douglas Wrembeck in August 1962 and the 50th anniversary of Constable Gregory Olive in February 1962.
+++++
{Additional information:
(fiftieth anniversary: Constable G.J. Olive 1962; Constable D.W. Wrembeck 1962.
Twenty-fifth anniversary: Senior Constable A.P. Anderson 1987; Senior Constable P.G.J. Kidd 1987; Senior Constable P.A. Wegner 1987)}
+++++++
œ
Prayer of Confession
Police Chaplain Rev Brian Hoole
Chaplain: Let us confess our sins to almighty God.
All respond: Lord God, we thank you for your mercy which reaches out to touch us, and for your love that is ever ready to forgive us. We confidently ask for forgiveness for those things that are wrong in our society, and for those things that have distracted us from the duties which are ours. Father forgive and strengthen us to do your will, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Chaplain: The gospel by which we seek to live, states clearly that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. On the authority of this gospel I declare to all who truly repent: In Jesus you are forgiven! For which we give glory to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
Hymn
Amazing Grace!
John Newton 1725-1807 Public Domain
Amazing Grace!
how sweet the sound,
That saved a
wretch like me!
I once was
lost, but now am found,
was blind, but
now I see.
‘Twas grace
that taught my heart to fear,
and grace my
fears relieved;
How precious
did that grace appear,
the hour I
first believed!
Through many
dangers toils and snares, I have already come;
‘tis grace has
brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.
When we’ve been
there ten thousand years,
Bright shining
as the sun,
We’ve no less
days to sing God’s praise, than when we’d first begun.
(Please be seated)
Ministry of the Word
Acting Inspector Troy Pukallus
Acting Inspector Maryborough Police District
Psalm 139:7-12
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle in the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light will become night around me,”
even then the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
.
(Please stand)
Gospel Reading: Police Chaplain Father Paul Kelly
Chaplain: The Lord be with you.
All respond: And also with you.
Chaplain: A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. John Chapter 11:17,32-37.
On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord.” they replied. Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him.” But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”
This is the word of the Lord.
All Respond: Thanks be to God.
(please be seated)
SERMON
Police Chaplain Father Paul Kelly
In the silence, and with remembering hearts, we mark this special day. The events that we commemorate today, bring up so many thoughts, prayers and memories, - many of them too deep for words. So, I will not speak long today… the moments of respectful silence and silent prayer in our hearts will speak more profoundly than anything today…… and the notes from the music of the piper and the our hymns and readings, express the values that gather us here today…
As we pause today to remember the police who gave their lives in this state, and throughout Australia and Oceania, we also spare a thought and prayer for police officers throughout the world who have died in the service of their community. The list we will hear read out very soon, may our deepest and most heartfelt prayers, feelings and thanksgiving for their abiding memory and peace, reach God’s loving presence…
Their memory lives on… and we believe that their souls live on in eternal life… and 9as scripture says….)….”no greater love has a person than to lay down their life, for their friends”.. even more so, to sacrifice their life in the conduct of their duty to serve and protect..
The tragic loss of any police around the world, resonates with all police everywhere.. so, as we remember the officers of our local and regional memorial roll…. we also call to mind the recent deaths in England… of Constable Nicola HUGHES aged 23 years and Constable Fiona BONE aged 32 years. They were from the Manchester Police and were murdered around the 18th of September in a gun and grenade ambush at Tameside. And whether it be the recent murder of New South Wales police officer Senior Constable David James Rixon in march this year, or further back in time. The enormity of the sacrifice is not dulled by the passing of time for any of the Police we remember today. Our gratefulness to them, our debt of honour to our fallen, and our thanks to all police who serve or have served in this difficult and challenging vocation, is absolute !
Jesus, is the Lord of the Resurrection, and yet, in the gospel that we just heard, he still wept for his friend Lazarus who had died, even though he knew the truth of eternal life… because Jesus shares our losses and helps us carry our burdens.. and promises ultimate justice to all who call. May this time of remembrance give fitting tribute to the memory of those who have gone into eternal life. And may it give peace and renewal to us who remain, to continue to uphold the values which they kept so bravely.
We will always remember them.
Prayers of Intercession
Police Chaplain Rev Brian Hoole
Chaplain: O Lord our God, you hear our prayers before we speak and answer before we know our need. May your Spirit now inspire us, and draw us to you and to each other.
All: Amen
Chaplain: We pray for the whole of creation: may all things work together for good, and may all human beings act wisely and unselfishly in using the resources which you have provided.
All: Let the whole creation praise you, Lord our God
Chaplain: We pray for peace in the world: Disarm weapons, silence guns, and put out ancient hatreds that smoulder still, or flame in sudden conflict. Create goodwill between every race and nation.
All: Bring peace on earth, O God.
Chaplain: We pray for those who govern us: for those who make and administer our laws. May this country always be a land of free people who welcome truth, righteousness and justice..
All: Govern those who govern us, O God.
Chaplain: We pray for those whose tears are not yet dry, who listen for familiar voices and look for familiar faces: in their loss, may they affirm all that you promise in Jesus, who prepares a place for us within your gracious love..
All: Comfort those who mourn, O God.
(Please Stand)
Chaplain: Conscious that God hears our prayers, let us say together the prayer that Jesus taught us to pray:
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom the power and the glory
Forever and ever.
Amen.
œ
(Please be seated)
Act of Remembrance
The Honourable Mention of Queensland Police Staff and Officers
Mr Bruce McNab
Acting Superintendent of Maryborough Police District
The Queensland Police Service acknowledges the contribution of all staff members who have died since National Police Remembrance Day 2011. In doing this we remember them and honour their diligent service. The staff members we remember today are:
<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>Deborah Eaton
<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>Paul Colbran
<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>Jason Geesu
<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>Chaplain Ernest Lemmon
In silence we remember them.
(Observe 30 seconds of silence)
The Queensland Police Service acknowledges the years of service, commitment and integrity of Retired Police Officers. Their dedicated service over many years has provided safety and justice for the Queensland community.
Together we remember and honour the contribution of retired police officers who have died in the past year.
In silence we remember them. (Observe 30 seconds of silence)
The Queensland Police Service acknowledges the contribution of all serving police officers who have died since National Police Remembrance Day 2011 and whose deaths were not work related. In doing this we remember them and honour the service, courage and integrity with which they served..
The officers we remember today are:
- Senior Constable Michael Bryan
- Sergeant Nigel McBain
- Constable Helen Mitchell
- Senior Constable Peter Frith;
- Detective Sergeant Kathryn Dorge
- Detective Sergeant Jeffrey Salter
- Senior Constable Patrick Ring
<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>Constable Timothy Lovelock
In silence we remember them.
(Observe 30 seconds of silence)
Reading of the Roll of Honour
Senior Sergeant Paul Behne
(Police officers light a candle at the beginning of the first name and then last name read out reminding us that after physical life there is eternal life.)
In the past 12 months since last National Police Remembrance Day there have been a total of five police officers, from across all Australian jurisdictions and jurisdictions of the South West Pacific Region, who were killed in the line of duty. Joining with police officers and communities around our nation, we honour them.
Roll of Honour 2012
New South Wales
Senior Constable David James Rixon
(Died on 2nd March 2012, after being fatally shot whilst conducting a traffic stop in Tamworth)
Tasmania
2 historical inclusions
Superintendent Joseph James McCluskey
(drowned in a boating accident on 25th November 1896)
Chief District Constable William Bennett
(died from a spear wound in the back on 24th October 1827)
Victoria
1 historical inclusion
First Constable James Norman Brewis
(Died instantly from traffic accident on 28th November 1954)
Papua New Guinea
First Constable Elmes Travertz
Senior Inspector Charles Parinjo
Sergeant John Negeripa
Constable Justine Wamahombi
Laying of floral tributes
Chaplain Father Paul Kelly
( we now come to the very special time for Laying of Floral tributes, in Remembrance. I invite people and groups to come forward to lay the Floral tributes, as our piper plays a special tribute song)
(PIPER tribute song)
The Police Ode
Senior Sergeant Dan Willett Officer In Charge Hervey Bay Police
(Please Stand)
As the sun surely sets
dawn will see it arise
for service above self
demands its own prize.
You have fought the good fight
life’s race has been run
and peace your reward
for eternity begun.
And we that are left
shall never forget
rest in peace friend and colleague
for the sun has now set.
We will remember.
All: We will remember. Hasten the dawn.
The Requiescant
Music to be played
The Silence
Snr Sgt Willett: They served with honour
All: With honour they served
Reflection and Affirmation
A/Senior Sergeant Hayley Skyring Officer in Charge Maryborough Police
(All say together, please)
Today, we remember and acknowledge the sacrifice of those officers who committed their lives to the safety and security of others.
In recognition of those officers, we affirm our commitment and support to the principles of all those involved in law enforcement - to serve with honour, courage, compassion, integrity and honesty, in the quest to secure a safe environment for all our communities.
Police Chaplain: Rev Brian Hoole
(please stand)
An offering will be taken during this hymn
for the work of Police Legacy
Hymn
How Great Thou Art
Stuart K. Hine 1899-1989
1953, 1955 Manna Music, Inc. International copyright secured. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Licen Sing No A1293 copyright cleared for churches
O Lord, my God! When I in awesome wonder
consider all the works Thy hands have made,
I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,
Thy pow’r throughout the universe displayed;
Refrain:
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee:
how great thou art! How great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee:
how great thou art! How great thou art!
When through the woods and forest glades I wander
and hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur
and hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze:
When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration
and there proclaim, my God, how great Thou art!
(Please remain standing)
(You are invited to share in light refreshments following the service)
Blessing and Dismissal
Police Chaplain Father Paul Kelly
Go forth into the world in peace; be of good courage; hold fast that which is good; render to no one evil for evil; strengthen the faint hearted; support the weak; help the afflicted; give honour to all; love and serve the Lord; rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always.
All: Amen.
Recovery of flags
Recessional
(Clergy, piper, flag party, official guests)
Queensland Remembrance List
Name Year of death
Constable M. Connolly 1861
Constable P.W. Cahill 1867
Constable J.F. Power 1867
Constable A. Wood 1872
Sub-Inspector G. Dyas 1881
Sub-Inspector H.P. Kaye 1881
Cadet Sub-Inspector M. Beresford 1883
Constable W. Dwyer 1883
Constable N. Roberts 1884
Constable J. McMullen 1884
Constable J. Stewart 1885
Senior Constable W. Considine 1887
Constable T.J. Callaghan 1888
Senior Constable A. Wavell 1889
Constable W. Arundell 1890
Constable P.J. Curtin 1891
Constable W.J. Doyle 1891
Constable J. Sangster 1893
Constable E. Lanigan 1894
Constable T.M. Black 1895
Senior Constable W. Conroy 1895
Constable W.G. Clarke 1895
Constable A. Lowe 1896
Constable J. Quinn 1896
Constable R. Roots 1897
Constable P. Cahill 1898
Constable J. Cullen 1901
Constable G. Doyle 1902
Acting Sergeant D. Johnson 1903
Constable C. O'Kearney 1904
Constable A.G. Price 1905
Constable R. Orme 1905
Constable J. Murtagh 1908
Constable P. Ryan 1908
Constable F. Hoge 1908
Sub-Inspector M. Broderick 1909
Constable W.J. Mercer 1910
Constable P.J. McCabe 1913
Constable W. Murray 1913
Constable W. Quinlan 1914
Constable S. Tierney 1914
Constable P.J. Moynihan 1915
Constable D.C. Bourke 1915
Constable W.J. Hughes 1915
Constable J. Johnston 1915
Constable R.N. Ritchie 1915
Constable J.W. Harris 1915
Constable P.C. Vowles 1915
Constable E. Nugent 1915
Constable J. Christiansen 1915
Constable J. Thompson 1916
Constable T. Dedman 1916
Constable G. Dewhurst 1916
Constable W.E. Bishop 1916
Constable P. Mulvie 1917
Constable A.J. Curvey 1917
Constable H. McLean 1917
Constable J. Graham 1917
Constable O.H. Goodrich 1917
Constable P. Devine 1917
Constable J. Warfield 1918
Constable J. Fitzgerald 1918
Constable H. Wells 1918
Constable W.W. Dumbrell 1918
Constable F.A. White 1918
Constable D. O'Donoghue 1918
Constable T. McGillycuddy 1918
Constable C.E. Castree 1918
Constable J. Herbert 1918
Constable D.J. Dodds 1918
Constable E.R. Pastorelli 1918
Constable J.P. Taylor 1918
Constable T. Griffin 1921
Acting Sergeant W. O'Rourke 1924
Constable R.S.R. Alexander 1926
Constable A. Crust 1930
Constable E.J. Dawson 1931
Constable J. Herbert 1931
Constable R. Kyle 1933
Constable G.R. Young 1938
Constable D. Nicol 1947
Sergeant A. Neden 1947
Constable H.F. Bidner 1951
Constable J.R. Ward 1952
Constable M.J. Howard 1953
Constable R. Doyle 1956
Constable K.S. Mason 1956
Senior Constable D. Gregory 1956
Constable B.G. Gabriel 1956
Constable L. Smith 1957
Constable A.R. Muir 1958
Constable G.J. Olive 1962
Constable D.W. Wrembeck 1962
Senior Constable C.R. Bagley 1963
Senior Constable D. Trannore 1964
Constable J. Reid 1966
Senior Constable C.M. Wilson 1966
Senior Sergeant J. O'Hara 1967
Constable D.G. Gordon 1968
Constable L.G. McCosh 1968
Sergeant S.C. Cupples 1968
Senior Constable D.R. Ney 1968
Senior Constable C.W. Brown 1969
Constable N.A. Steele 1969
Constable A.R. Cambage 1969
Senior Constable R.P. Moore 1970
Senior Constable J.Rynne 1971
Senior Constable G. Ball 1972
Constable N.A. Green 1974
Sergeant R.J. Harris 1975
Senior Constable L.M. Hoey 1975
Inspector J.M. Walsh 1977
Constable R.E. Seefeld 1977
Technical Officer J.P. Browning 1979
Constable V.J. Hennelly 1980
Constable T.R. Thompson 1981
Constable R.A. Wilson 1981
Senior Constable R.J. Moody 1982
Constable J.M. Sturrock 1984
Constable M.L. Low 1984
Sergeant J.D. Neideck 1984
Senior Constable A.P. Anderson 1987
Senior Constable P.G.J. Kidd 1987
Senior Constable P.A. Wegner 1987
Constable B.T. Handran 1989
Constable A.L. Greaves 1991
Constable M.L. Goodwin 1991
Constable S.N. Lena 1992
Constable S. W. Gill 1996
Detective Sergeant L.J. Hooper 1997
Senior Constable N.J. Watt 2000
Senior Constable D.A. Shean 2001
Senior Sergeant P.J. Irwin 2003
Constable S.E. Urquhart 2005
Senior Constable C.I. Barwise 2005
Detective Sergeant S.I. Kerlin 2006
Constable B.A. Irwin 2007
Sergeant D.A. Stiller 2010
Detective Senior Constable D. Leeding 2011
With honour they served