Archbishop Dr Peter Jensen and the New South Wales Commissioner of Police, Andrew Scipione, led prayers for the safekeeping of police at a National Police Remembrance Day service at St Andrew’s Cathedral this morning.

The service was to honour NSW Police Force officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, and Dr Jensen told the congregation that “a nation which forgets, is a nation in decay.”

He continued, “We do not want to remember for the sake of vengeance; we do not want to remember so that we can constantly dwell on the past with anger and bitterness. But we do want to remember so that evil will be held in check, and so that we can be properly grateful.”

Pictured: Police officers filed into St Andrew’s Cathedral in George St, Sydney

Now in its 20th year, National Police Remembrance Day recognises the sacrifices made by police officers in Australasia and the South West Pacific region.

Tribute was paid to those officers who died on duty, as well as all serving and retired officers who have passed away in other circumstances in the past 12 months.

Dr Jensen said “We remember so that evil may be kept in check. The police service is on the front line of our endeavour to prevent evil taking over our community. We want to commit you to God today so that you will go about your duties in safety and integrity and with success. We do not want evil to gain the upper hand. We believe that there is right and wrong, truth and falsehood and we are committed to the things which are right and true.”

Pictured: Commissioner Scipione addresses the congregation.

Senior Police Chaplain Hartley Hansford also prayed for the healing of the emotional scars of those who have lost loved ones in the service of police forces throughout Australasia.