Photographer: Senior Constable Andrew Taylor
Last night the Bundaberg Patrol Group held a Candlelight Vigil with Police Commissioned Officers, special dignitries including Minister for Police and Community Safety Hon Jack Dempsey MP and community members, to pay tribute to and remember the police officers listed on the Queensland Roll of Honour who have lost their lives in the line of duty. We also acknowledged the contribution of all serving Police officers and Staff members who have died from the Wide Bay Burnett Police District.
Police Chaplain Ray Nutley led the vigil and shared the following words…
At this Candlelight Vigil on the Eve of National Police Remembrance Day we intentionally take time to gather in the busyness of our community to reflect upon the sacrifice made by police officers in their service to the Queensland Community.
It is appropriate that as darkness falls over our city that we recall the sad loss of those whose lives were taken as they worked to protect our lives as individuals and our community from those who would work to destroy the good order and the safety of our society.
It is in this sadness that we remember these officers and their sacrifice, a sadness filled with gratitude for their commitment to the values of our society, and to the protection that they, as police officers, provided for us as members of the community.
Light in the form of a living flame is indeed a powerful image. The flame that consumes the candle is like the flame of the Spirit encouraging a self consuming love for others, representative of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The flames of the candles we hold make the statement; please join the light of your faith with mine in prayer for those police officers who have died, and for those who love them.