I am a constable, an officer of the law;

I seek such little credit, but give of so much more

I served in Sydney, and in Melbourne, in Perth and Brisbane too;

in Darwin, Hobart, Adelaide, in Canberra wore the blue;

and at the stations in between, I gave my very all;

I kept my pledge to the end, until a higher call.

I rode saddled as a trooper, and camel past Lake Eyre,

I searched hard in alpine blizzards, Cyclone ‘Tracey’, I was there;

I pursued across the city streets, burning houses entered free;

plucked children from their taker, at the Hilton, that was me;

I swam against such torrents, a little life to save,

I swept aside the consequence,

and never thought it brave.

I have served in Cambodia, Cyprus, and Haiti’s heat,

in Mozambique – malaria, disease and death to greet;

I often did not question, the tasks so set for me,

nor harboured thoughts of valour, or wistful gallantry;

I took with me my chances, and often paid a price,

‘The Job’ so like no other,

to cost of one their life.

I died in Walsh Street, and Russell, and then at Crescent Head;

I have died before so often, for sworn oath such I’ve bled;

I ask no retribution, no hurtful anger dealt;

just guard for me my family, hold my children, such loss now felt;

and of my grieving sweetheart, comfort for now alone,

explain in words of kindness, no more will I be home.

Chosen bearers, six in all, bore the weight of me;

as carried forth, with deep regret, and lowered tenderly;

I saw for me the slow march, the draped flag lay so still

my peak cap rest majestic my heart with pride to fill;

for mine was not a death of vain, and never see as such

I lived and passed with honour,

who else can say as much.

I look upon you, gathered, this quiet September day;

await the pipers sad lament, muffled drum and wreaths to lay;

once yearly, quiet pilgrimage; silent homage, paid respects.

spit polished, stand in reverence, pressed tunics free of flecks;

you come to praise those fallen; comrades, one and all;

who made the highest sacrifice,

in duty we stood tall.

I am a Constable, of past and present day;

and of the future, friends, in your hands, may I say;

we stand beside you, in the shadows, learn from our mistakes;

cherish values that we died for, be warned the price it takes;

and as you kneel in silence, gently bow your heads to pray;

I thank you, for all of us, whose sacrifice, marks this day.