POLICE and dignitaries paused to pay tribute to fallen colleagues as part of National Police Remembrance Day on Tuesday.

Each year, 29 September holds a special significance for police throughout the nation – it’s a day where police pause to honour officers whose lives have been lost while performing their duty as police officers.

The day highlights the risks associated with the job and what stepping into the uniform and serving the community represents.

Commission Jamie Chalker said this year’s Remembrance Day was particularly important in light of the loss of four Victorian police officers in one incident while on duty in April.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has also seen policing at the forefront of not just community safety but also a global health emergency,” he said.

“Our police officers were thrust into new roles to engage and enforce new policies and laws governing societal behaviours.

“I am particularly grateful our frontline police officers, staff and volunteers who continue to do an exceptional job in keeping our community safe.

“As we transition to living in a world none of us have experienced before, the new ‘normal’ so to speak, National Police Remembrance Day allows us to reflect on the role of our police as we serve, protect and uphold the laws.

“In particular, we pay tribute to the men and women in the police service who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Together, we must ensure their legacies are preserved.”

The day is marked by the wearing of the traditional blue and white chequerboard ribbon, officially recognised as the symbol of Remembrance Day.

Locals gathered at the graveside of Sergeant Shane Kappler who died while serving in Alice Springs on 11 January, 2000.

The moving service was followed by a morning tea at the Tennant Creek Police Club, hosted by Superintendent Kylie Anderson.