State Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, attended the National Police Remembrance Day service at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Bairnsdale, paying tribute to members of the force who have lost their lives in the past 12 months.

“The police play an integral role in upholding law and order and community safety and today’s service recognised those who have served the Australian people.

“We need to engender greater respect for the police and the work they do within the community,” Mr Bull said.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Peter Ryan, said that in Victoria 157 brave men and women police officers have died while protecting and serving their community.

“National Police Remembrance Day is an important time for all Victorians and Australians to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who died in the line of duty and to celebrate their lives and achievements.

“Known across Victoria as Blue Ribbon Day, today is also a time for us to praise the members of Victoria Police who continue to serve our community displaying bravery in the face of adversity.

“Victorians proudly wear blue and white ribbons to show support, appreciation and remember those brave police officers who have died while striving to make our state safer.”

Since being established in 1988, the Blue Ribbon Foundation has raised more than $5.4 million to buy specialised emergency equipment for public hospitals across Victoria, which assist about 200,000 Victorians every year.