A HIGHLIGHT of the National Police Remembrance Day service at Frankston RSL, Thursday, was the presentation of the Victoria Police Star to the son of a former officer who died after ending his shift.
Acting Superintendent Simon Humphries, of Southern Metro Division 4 – which covers the Mornington Peninsula – made the presentation to Andrew Simmons, the son of Edward Simmons who was killed when his police motorbike crashed on Oliver’s Hill late on Christmas Eve, 1957.
Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation Mornington Peninsula branch president Darryl Nation said the first constable in the mobile traffic section was riding home to help wrap Christmas presents when he lost control of his police bike. Son Andrew was two and his sister Cathy, now deceased, was four at the time.
The award was presented posthumously to Andrew, the former member’s son.
Mr Nation said the Remembrance Day service at the RSL headquarters was “excellent”, giving police the opportunity to reflect on those who had died while on duty.
A drummer and a piper from HMAS Cerberus performed at the ceremony and Frankston High School choir sang the national anthem.
Since 1853 when Victoria Police was established, 159 officers have died on duty.
The Blue Ribbon Foundation raises money for improved emergency facilities named in memory of fallen officers in public hospitals.
