Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula pay their respects on National Police Remembrance Day

Last Thursday and Friday, local National Police Remembrance Day services were held at the Frankston and Rye RSLs. Both services were very well attended by police, local community leaders and members of the public.

National Police Remembrance Day was on Saturday September 29. Local services were held in Frankston and Rye earlier in the week.The crowd at the Frankston National Police Remembrance Day service.I attended the Frankston service on Thursday, which was very moving. An officer from HMAS Cerberus helped Victoria Police members form a colour party and marched the national flag into the room. A piper from the Victoria Police Highland Band also played as the colour party marched in.

Acting Superintend Shayne Pannell (pictured below), the Divisional Commander Sothern Metro Division 4, delivered a very special poem at the Frankston service. I will share it with you all. The author is unknown.

The Frankston serviceTHE FINAL INSPECTION

The policeman stood and faced his God, which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman. How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek? To my church have you been true?

The policeman squared his shoulders and said
"No, I guess I ain't because those of us who carry a badge can't always be a Saint."
I've had to work most Sundays and at times my talk is rough,
And sometimes I've been violent, because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny that wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills got too steep.
The Frankston serviceAnd I never passed a cry for help though at times I shook with fear,
And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here.
They never wanted me around except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand,
I never expected or had too much, but if you don't...I'll understand"
There was a silence all around the throne where the Saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman. You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets. You've done your time in Hell"
(Author Unknown)

The Rye service, on Friday, was equally well attended. Local Federal Member Greg Hunt MP - pictured below with Local Area Commander Mornington Peninsula, Inspector Martin Tynan, attended the service. A piper from the Police Highland Band also played.

Acting Superintendent Shayne Pannell reads a poem at the Frankston serviceLocal Area Commander Mornington Peninsula Inspector Martin Tynan (left) with Federal MP Greg Hunt.Thank you to everybody who attended and made both services very special. A special thank you to the Frankston and Rye RSLs for their ongoing support.

Michael Lamb

The Rye serviceMembers gather at the Rye serviceSenior Sergeant

The Victoria Police Highland band performed at both services.