Slain police officers honoured at service

Police Commissioner Mike Bush lays a wreath at the Royal New Zealand Police College memorial wall. Photo / Rebecca Quilliam

The names of 29 slain police officers who were killed in the line of duty were read out today at the start of a remembrance service held at the Police College north of Wellington.

They, alongside police staff who have died in the past year, have been remembered today at services around New Zealand as part of Australasian and South Pacific Police Remembrance Day.

Governor-General Lieutenant General Sir Jerry Mateparae, Police Commissioner Mike Bush and Deputy Commissioner Viv Rickard attended the Porirua service, alongside hundreds of police staff and members of the public - many of them family members of those who had died.

Police padre David Bell said they were privileged to have those family members join the service.

Mr Bush said today was the most poignant day in the police calendar.

"Today we remember those who have been slain in the course of duty - 29 officers who made the ultimate sacrifice."

In the past year 10 serving members of police and 83 retired members of police had died, he said.

The 29 officers who had been killed by a criminal act during service since 1886 all gave their lives "doing what police do - keeping the public safe".

There had not been a new name added to the memorial wall since 2009, when Senior Constable Leonard Snee was shot dead when he was carrying out a search warrant in Napier, Mr Bush said.

"And long may that continue.

"The safety of our people is paramount."

Acting Deputy Commissioner Grant Nicholls said the service was held near the college's memorial wall to remind everyone of the officers who died.

"We salute them today and we remember their loved ones who are still living."

During the service, Sir Jerry, Mr Bush and Mr Rickard laid wreaths at the memorial wall.