Families of slain police officers have paid tribute as those who gave their lives for the good of the community are remembered at services across Australia, reports DUNCAN MURRAY. 

THE families of police constables Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow have remembered the “evil” day their lives were shattered when both were gunned down.

Friday marks National Police Remembrance Day when services are held across the country. Three officers were killed on the job in the past 12 months.

Family members travelled to Canberra as their names were officially added to the National Police Memorial, along with that of 28-year-old Constable Anthony Woods, who was run over and killed following a pursuit in Perth in June this year.

Constables Arnold, 26, and McCrow, 29, were following up a missing persons report on a remote Queensland property in December last year when they came under fire from a high-powered rifle.

Const Arnold was killed, while a wounded Const McCrow returned fire before she was also fatally shot.

In a statement, the families said the pair epitomised what it meant to be a police officer, always putting others before themselves.

“Bright, brave, thoughtful and kind,” they said.

“Outside of work, they were loyal friends, full of laughter, a devoted daughter and dedicated son – they impacted the lives of everyone around them.

“Every day, our families deeply miss their presence, and our love and pride in both Matthew and Rachel will never waver.”

Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said this year’s observance would be especially personal as she stood with the fallen officers’ families at the national service.

“It’s the worst thing that can happen in your commissionership is to get that phone call where you’ve lost an officer,” she said.

“It is incredibly important to show that we will never forget them.”

In Queensland, serving officers stood shoulder to shoulder on Friday as they paid tribute in ceremonies held across the state.

Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy led the service at the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens and said it was one of the most important days for police across the country.

“It is a chance for us to pause, reflect and remember the ultimate sacrifice made by those who have come before us and remember their dedication and commitment to keeping (the) community safe,” Mr Chelepy said.

“We stand together with many of their loved ones and acknowledge the unimaginable loss they have suffered.”

The families of the slain Queensland officers also offered their heartfelt thoughts to all police families struggling with the loss of a loved one.

“There are no words to express the pain, but we stand with you in remembering them today and every day,” they said.

National Police Remembrance Day is commemorated on September 29, the feast day of Saint Michael the Archangel – the patron saint of police officers.