"EACH (police) officer faces considerable risk every day they go to work, in the name of making Queensland safe. The honourable commitment they make... deserves to be recognised."
These were the words of Chief Superintendent Bill Graham to Redlands police, retired police and their families at a Cleveland service on National Police Remembrance Day.
The service was one of many held across Australia to honour police officers who were killed in the line of duty, and those who lost their lives through other circumstances.
While COVID-19 limited numbers at the service at Cleveland Uniting Church, more guests spilled into the church hall, where a livestream of the proceedings was played.
Others watched the livestream from home.
Chief Superintendent Graham said even though commemorations were impacted by COVID-19, it was an important day on the police calendar.
"Despite not being able to be with those family members and friends of those who are no longer with us... we stand and reflect together in honour of them and their loved ones, and acknowledge the unimaginable loss they have suffered," he said.
"We stand alongside our Victorian police colleagues as they honour the recent and tragic loss of four of their own."
Senior Constable Lynette Taylor, Constable Glen Humphris, Senior Constable Kevin King and Constable Josh Prestney were struck and killed by a truck on the side of a Melbourne freeway in April.
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The ceremony included readings of the Prayer of Intercession and the Police Ode, with the Sounding of the Requiescant performed by bugler Lauren Folster.
Reverend Peter Smale also gave an address, saying police played an important role in every community.
"At the most basic level, our depth of belonging to a community is related to our willingness to contribute to it... the people that we recognise here today have done that to an incredible level," he said.
The service came after Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Police Minister Mark Ryan joined Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll to honour and remember fallen officers of the Queensland Police Service at a candlelight vigil in Brisbane.
Representatives from the families of fallen officers gathered at the Queensland Police Service Memorial at dusk on Monday where candles were lit in memory of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Ms Palaszcuk said she was grateful for the work police did on behalf of all Queenslanders.
"Police are special people, they run towards danger to keep the rest of us safe.
"And sometimes, tragically, they make the ultimate sacrifice.
"It is up to all of us to make sure that sacrifice is honoured."
Commissioner Carroll said that despite current circumstances, it was extremely important to come together and honour those officers who were no longer with us.
"We are coming together to reflect on the sacrifice and unwavering commitment our fallen officers displayed for the safety of Queensland," she said.
"Their deaths have not only had an impact on their loved ones but also the Service and the community.
"We will continue to gather to honour their sacrifice and memory and to make it known that they will never be forgotten."
National Police Remembrance Day is held on September 29 to coincide with Michaelmas, as the Archangel Michael is the patron saint of police officers.