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POLICE and their families gathered at Pall Mall on Monday for a public service to remember those who have died in the line of duty.
Police officers marched to the RSL Soldiers Forecourt bearing flags as a band played and the community watched in silence.
Then in prayer, song, words and the laying of flowers, attendees honoured police members whose lives ended too soon.
Acting Inspector Craig Gaffee said the day was a chance to acknowledge the work and sacrifice of police members.
He said the event was also for police families who had to "put up with a lot" because of demanding shift hours and overtime, let alone the life-threatening dangers.
But he said danger was not enough to deter police, who were community minded and want to help.
I'm lucky I've got my husband.
- Debbie Rye
Detective Senior Constable Jason Smith said he saw his role as a privilege.
Joe Henry travelled from Castlemaine for the service to honour his late partner who died of cancer during her time with the police force.
Mr Henry said working for the police force was "more than just a job" for his partner.
"It's commitment and a belief," he said.
Former policeman Graeme Jenner travelled from Baynton to the Bendigo service.
He came to honour a colleague who was murdered in 1983.
Wife of a policeman, Debbie Rye, said National Police Remembrance Day was not only about those who had died but also those who were injured and abused on the job.
Ms Rye said every Christmas Eve when her husband was on duty, she could not sleep because she feared for his safety.
"I'm lucky I've got my husband," she said.
Ms Rye said friends and families of police members tended to stick together and support the families who had lost loved ones.
Policeman Bill Horman said many police deaths over the years occurred in unexpected circumstances.