They include the death of a friend and colleague.

In 1998 Superintendent Darren Franks was a detective working on a investigation into a series of armed robberies in Melbourne’ south east.

Read more: Service reflects changing times in the police force

Surveillance of possible target restaurants was a key part of the investigation.

Superintendent Franks had been rostered to work the night of Saturday August 16, but swapped his shift for the Friday.

That Saturday night two of his colleagues Sergeant Gary Silk and Senior Constable Rodney Miller were shot at close range while on stakeout.

The last time Superintendent Franks had seen Gary Silk had been just 48 hours earlier.

Then they had been sitting on the couch, drinking beer, and watching football.

His thoughts turn to these fallen friends and colleagues on Police Remembrance Day every year.

“Gary was a good guy, he was a fun guy, and he was a really good policeman, so he deserves to be remembered,” Superintendent Franks said.

“That goes the same for a lot of the other people that were taken too soon.

“Being that close to the event and having a friend killed as a result, it’s just something that you never ever forget.”

For police being exposed to danger is almost a daily occurrence. 

Over the years Superintendent Franks has come to recognise just how important day to day safety is for members of the police force.

It’s an ongoing concern. Danger can come to police on any day, in any situation. 

For Superintendent Franks, Police Remembrance Day is a chance to remember those friends and workmates who have passed away while doing their job.

“Being exposed to dangerous scenarios is not that unusual. And it can come at you from any angle. It could be going to a family violence incident, or it could be pulling over a car on the side of the road,” Superintendent Franks said.

Bendigo Police will hold a service in remembrance of police officers who have died during the course of duty on Saturday September 29.

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