Police remembrance day

Today is National Police Remembrance Day in Australia, where we pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.My family has a long history with the NSW Police, with my grandfather (mum's dad), father, and now brother serving. My sister posted these stories of two police officers who will be honoured today, and I felt it important to share them as well. Information from the NSW Police website.OAKLEY, David IanDetective Constable 1st Class14 August, 1990.On 18 December, 1988, Constable Oakley was at the Wagga Base Hospital where he was involved in restraining a berserk offender. During the struggle, the Constable was kicked in the face, causing injuries and swelling to his mouth, face and jaw. When the swelling did not subside, he was diagnosed as suffering from metastatic melanoma and was required to undergo surgery. It was found that the condition had been aggravated by the injuries received on 18 December, 1988. Although he later returned to full duties, Constable Oakley died on 14 August, 1990.The Constable was born in 1964 and joined the New South Wales Police Service on 15 September, 1984. At the time of his death he was attached to the Chatswood Detectives.Dad worked with Dave, and introduced him to his wife. He died just before his son's first birthday, they didn't think he'd see his birth.SCHELL, Adam BolandSergeant 2nd Class8 October, 1968.In the early hours of 8 October, 1968 Sergeant Schell and Probationary Constable Dick Letchford attended Halvorsens Boats, Bobbin Head, following a report of a break and enter in progress. On their arrival the Police were met by the caretaker Mr Frederick Marshall, and the Sergeant accompanied him to check inside the premises. A short time later Constable Letchford apprehended two offenders whom he had seen running from the direction Sergeant Schell and Mr Marshall had taken. When Police reinforcements arrived a few minutes later they were informed that Sergeant Schell and Mr Marshall had been found critically wounded in a storeroom. Mr Marshall had been shot in the head, and Sergeant Schell had been shot five times in the head and body. Despite being rushed to Hornsby Hospital, Sergeant Schell died a short time later. The offenders were later sentenced to life imprisonment.Sergeant Schell was born in 1916 and joined the New South Wales Police Force on 3 July, 1939.Both my grandfather and dad knew Adam Schell, and if they'd been rostered on that night it could as easily have been one of them who attended the scene. Dad still regularly sees Adam's son.Dad will be attending our local Remembrance Service today, as Secretary of the local Retired Police Association branch.