NSW Police has honoured the memory of young constable, Mia Lay, who was killed in a car accident while on duty in Redfern last week, as part of its National Police Remembrance Day commemorations today.
National Police Remembrance Day is a day for police to pause to honour officers whose lives have been cut short while performing their duty as a police officer.
The day is also a time to remember police officers who have lost their lives through illness or other circumstances.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon was joined by the Governor of NSW, Margaret Beazley AC KC; NSW Premier, Chris Minns; Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley and other distinguished guests at Sydney’s Domain to commemorate the occasion.
The service held special significance following the tragic death last week of Constable Lay (pictured, right), who had attested in May last year, serving just 16 months in uniform at South Sydney Police Area Command.
“As we honour those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our community, we also mourn the loss of Constable Lay, whose dedication and commitment to serving others will not be forgotten,” said Commissioner Lanyon.
“To Mia’s family, friends, and colleagues, no words can ease the pain of your loss, but please know you remain in the thoughts of the entire policing family and the broader community.
“Today is about reflecting on the women and men whose names are etched on our Wall of Remembrance. Behind every name is a story of courage, service and sacrifice.
“As a police family, we stand beside them today and always.
“We remember those we have lost, honour their service, and express our deepest gratitude for their dedication to protecting the community,” Commissioner Lanyon said.
Premier Minns said Police Remembrance Day was always an important day, but this year had particular meaning after the tragic loss of Constable Lay.
“Being a police officer is one of the hardest jobs in this state. You start a shift not knowing what you are going to face, and we ask these young men and women to put themselves in harm’s way to keep the rest of us safe.
“Today is about remembering those officers we have lost, but it’s also about their families, their colleagues and everyone who continues to feel that loss.
“I’m incredibly grateful to every man and woman who puts on that uniform and serves our state. We owe them an enormous debt of gratitude.”
NSW Police Force Sergeant Mark Anthony Bransgrove became the 285th serving NSW police officer whose name has been etched into the Wall of Remembrance.
Sergeant Bransgrove served the NSW Police Force and the community of NSW with outstanding dedication and devotion to duty for 38 years until his retirement in April 2017. Thirty of his years in service were spent working in the Forensics Services Group.
Sergeant Bransgrove died on Monday 7 July last year.
Commissioner Lanyon also awarded three NSW Police Legatees with the 2026 NSW Police Legacy Commissioner’s Scholarship following the National Police Remembrance Day commemoration.
The Scholarship was established by former Police Commissioner, Ken Moroney, to support the educational needs of families connected with NSW Police Legacy and provides meaningful support to each nominated Legatee by contributing to their educational and personal development.
Funding may be used for school-related expenses, tutoring, access to professional mental health services, and recreational activities that support wellbeing, confidence, and resilience.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said National Police Remembrance Day is a day to pause and remember the state’s fallen officers.
“Today is a solemn reminder of the dangers our police face in keeping us safe,” she said.
“Policing is a job like no other. Officers put on the blue uniform every day not knowing what lies ahead. They are called upon to respond to situations most of us could never fully imagine and for that, they deserve our profound gratitude.
“My thoughts are with the families of Constable Lay, Sergeant Bransgrove and everyone else who has lost a loved one in the line of duty. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
