December 2024
We are coming to the end of 2024 and the challenges and gifts it brought to us.
September shone a light on the pride and sadness we feel for all police that are no longer with us. We solemnly reflected on the courage and sacrifice made by Sergeant Peter Stone as he was formally added to the Police Wall of Remembrance in Sydney and the National Police Memorial in Canberra. We solemnly reflected on the courage and sacrifice the Stone family make every day without him – an understanding many of you have had more than your fair share of living through.
September through to now also shone a light on the strength of the police family who came together to show their care of legatees through participation in amazing events and fundraising to ensure everlasting support. Sergeant Nathan Hardman and Constable Ben Kerr from Northern Region ran from the Domain in Sydney to the National Police Memorial in Canberra over five long footsore days. An outstanding achievement. The Sydney Roosters held the Inaugural Emergency Services Round celebrating all that is policing by flying 10-year-old Legatee Jack Lucas and the game ball in PolAir onto the field to start play. There were many other fantastic events combining with our tried and very true hallmark events of the Remembrance Bicycle Ride and the Wall 2 Wall ride, that saw well over 1000 police and their families working together to show with their actions that our legatees and their police officer will never be forgotten.
October came out swinging with the Police Boxing – Million Dollar Fight Night. A special addition to the night was the Inaugural Perpetual Senior Constable Allan McQueen SC VA Best Up and Coming Boxer award being presented to Joe Schmitzer. Allan was a keen boxer prior to his tragic murder in 1989 on the streets of Sydney. Next was the amazing Legs For Police Legacy run by Campsie PAC for the third year in a row. Another ten commands joined in across the state to ride for 24 hours straight, with over 500 police officers and their families participating. Our country cousins in the Murray River and Riverina Police Districts held Police Legacy Balls, raising funds and great camaraderie.
Through November into December, we hastened slowly into Christmas and the brand-new year. We thoroughly enjoyed each other’s company at the Christmas Luncheon and the second annual Family Camp. We look forward to many more days through 2025 in the excellent company of legatees who are by far the nicest and strongest people I know.
Police Legatees aged 8 to 18 get ready for great fun on the Children’s Camp at Camp Ainsworth on the Queensland Border, and over 18s at the 23rd Blue Ribbon Ball on 29 March 2025.
Thanks for amazing memories and all the heartfelt moments with each and every one of you this year. All the best over Christmas and into the New Year.
