Commissioner to unveil

plaque to fallen policeman

NEW South Wales Police Commissioner, Andrew Scipione, will this morning (Saturday) unveil a plaque in Tamworth honouring fallen police officer, Senior Constable David Rixon, during a ceremony to commemorate the first anniversary of his death.

The Highway Patrol officer, aged 40, was fatally shot in a routine traffic stop in West Tamworth on March 2 last year.

Senior Constable Rixon’s family, including wife Fiona and their children, will be joined by officers from across the state to mark the anniversary, many of whom have spent the past week completing a 370km charity walk from the Central Coast to Tamworth in his honour.

Commissioner Scipione says he’s proud of all the officers who took part in the relay-style walk from Wyong Police Station to Tamworth, raising money for both the NSW Police Legacy and the David Rixon Memorial Fund.

“Last year we experienced the tragedy of losing two of our officers and so we all have extremely heavy hearts today,” Commissioner Scipione says in a statement this morning.

“However, the ceremony gives us the opportunity to reflect on Senior Constable Rixon’s life and career, and to remember the outstanding husband, father, friend and colleague that he was.

“More than 140 officers embarked on an epic fundraising walk on Monday and throughout the week the memory of their fallen comrade was never far from their mind.

“A group of the officers have walked the entire distance before arriving in Tamworth today, where I’ll have the honour of unveiling a memorial plaque to commemorate the first anniversary of David’s death.

“The walk and ceremony are testimony to the honour that exists among those who have chosen to become part of the police profession.

“It also demonstrates our respect, our grief and our resolve to continue, despite the hardships that may confront us,” Commissioner Scipione says.

Oxley Local Area Commander, Superintendent Clint Pheeney, says his officers were honoured to take part in the walk, and ceremony, to remember their former colleague.

“David’s death was heartbreaking for all of us at Oxley Local Area Command,” says Superintendent Pheeney.

“But when a police officer is killed it’s not only the local police and their immediate colleagues who are touched; it’s the entire Force and community in whole.

“I’m extremely proud of all the officers who have taken part in the gruelling walk as it shows their resolve and determination to honour their mate, and to raise funds for not only his family, but the families of other fallen officers.

“I’m particularly proud of all of David’s colleagues here at Tamworth who have continued to do their job on a daily basis since his death, even though all their hearts have been broken.

“David has never been far from our minds and this is certainly the case today, but the plaque will serve as a permanent honour to him in the community and one I’m sure all who knew him will be extremely proud of,” Superintendent Pheeney says.

The official ceremony will take place at 11am today at Tamworth Community Centre.

Members of the community can make donations to support the walk for “Our Mates, Our Families” via direct deposit to Police Bank – Account name Our Mates Our Families, BSB 815000, Account No 272676S1.