Western Highlands police hold first commemorative parade for National Police Remembrance Day

Western Highlands Police personnel on parade at the Mt Hagen Police Station to commemorate the National Police Remembrance Day in tribute to their fallen comrades (NBC News)

The Western Highlands Provincial Police Command held its first-ever parade yesterday to honor police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, commemorating National Police Remembrance Day.

Observed annually on 29 September in Papua New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, and other Pacific nations, the day is dedicated to remembering the ultimate sacrifices made by law enforcement personnel in maintaining peace and safety.

The parade, called last month by Provincial Police Commander Chief Superintendent John Sagom, saw police personnel in Mt Hagen gather to pay tribute to fallen colleagues. “Regardless of their rank, all officers must be honored for serving this noble profession,” Sagom said. A two-minute silence was observed for officers who died in the past year, including Senior Constable Jacky Kitan, Senior Constable Napoleon Wagambie [RPNGC], Constable Keith Anthony Smith [Australian Federal Police], Lyn Flemming [New Zealand Police], and Senior Police Constable Paul Maesilia [Royal Solomon Islands Police Force].

Western Highlands PPC Chief Superintendent John Sagom (third from right) and ACP Eastern End Command Clement Dalla (fourth from right) along with Western Highlands Police leaders in a 2 minute silence in honour of the fallen police officers during the National Police Rememberance Day in Mt Hagen yesterday (NBC News)

Senior Constable Jacky Kitan died in December 2024 after falling from a cliff while pursuing a drunk driver, while Senior Constable Wagambie perished in a plane crash between Wasi and Lae.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Eastern End Command, Clement Dalla, praised the fallen officers’ dedication and urged colleagues to continue their legacy. “Their service lives on in the values they upheld: justice, integrity, and duty,” ACP Dalla said. “Those still standing wear the uniform with pride, often facing risks most of us cannot imagine.”

National Police Remembrance Day coincides with the Feast of Saint Michael and All Angels, honoring the patron saint of police officers and remembering those who died over the past 12 months, particularly in the line of duty.