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IN MEMORY OF FALLEN POLICE A young constable killed on duty has been recognised with an emergency department named in her honour. The fitting tribute comes ahead of National Police Remembrance Day on Friday, 29 September.
In 1983 Const Bourke was performing watch house duties at Sunshine Police Station when another officer shot her with what he believed were blanks in his gun. Members of Const Bourke's family attended the dedication on 9 August where a commemorative plaque was unveiled.
Werribee Mercy Hospital’s Emergency Resuscitation Unit has been upgraded in honour of Constable Clare Frances Bourke who was fatally wounded in 1983.
The Blue Ribbon Foundation will hold another two hospital dedications in Echuca and Wangaratta in September.
The Westgate branch of the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation and the community raised money to upgrade the equipment and rename it the Clare Bourke Emergency Resuscitation Unit.
National Police Remembrance Day is on Friday, 29 September, where Victoria Police and the community will take part in a march and service to acknowledge police who have died in the line of duty.
The upgrade allows resuscitation equipment to be transported to other parts of the hospital and provide mobility when attached to patients. The donation of $100,000 also provided equipment suitable for children in emergency care.
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In Victoria Police’s 164-year history, 159 police have died on duty and Victorians are invited to remember their lives at services across the state. The Melbourne memorial service will take place at 9am at the Victoria Police Memorial, St Kilda Road, Kings Domain in Melbourne. Visit police.vic.gov.au to find out more. Donate to the Blue Ribbon Foundation at remember.org.au
Image Remembering the fallen 01 Police and the community come together for National Police Remembrance Day to recognise fallen officers with a march and service. 02 An emergency unit has been named in honour of Constable Clare Frances Bourke. Editorial: Andria Cozza
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POLICE LIFE | SPRING 2017