Recognising a forgotten fallen officer

Constable Louis Bidois died of complications from injuries he suffered in the line of duty.

Police officers who were killed in the line of duty were remembered in services today, but one officer who died from injuries he suffered during an arrest never made it to the Roll of Honour.

Constable Louis Bidois was badly injured in 1949 when he was attacked by two drunk men he was attempting to arrest.

He took permanent sick leave and retired in 1953. Mr Bidois died from complications from the injuries in Rotorua on May 24, 1955, his great niece Erin Bidois said.

She discovered his story on the encyclopaedia website Te Ara while researching her family tree.

Ms Bidois came to the memorial service at the Royal New Zealand Police College north of Wellington today in an attempt to have her great uncle's name included on the roll.

"He was pretty well regarded in the force," she said.

"My hope is to get him included on the Roll of Honour."

It was not known why Mr Bidois' name was not included, she said.

"It would mean a great deal to have the family history recognised."

Ms Bidois, who is on a sickness benefit, said she was determined to see her great uncle's name on the roll.

She borrowed money to pay for petrol to get to today's service because of the importance of her mission.

"You can make a difference even though you're struggling. I can't give up."

Erin Bidois wants to see her great uncle's sacrifice officially remembered

Assistant Police Commissioner Malcolm Burgess said it was great to meet Ms Bidois and discuss the information she had gathered.

He said, coincidentally, Mr Bidois' death was under review as part of police's Recognition Project.

"The Recognition Project seeks to properly acknowledge officers who have died while on duty or as a result of the injuries sustained on duty," Mr Burgess said.

"Depending on the outcome of those reviews we plan to recognise these officers in the appropriate way at future Remembrance Day services.

"We are always happy to receive and review any additional information about these cases."