Minster of Home Affairs Clement Rohee and Commissioner of Police Henry Greene joined relatives of slain police officers to honour their memory at a wreath-laying ceremony at the Monument for Fallen Heroes, Eve Leary on Sunday.

The Government Information Agency (GINA) said the ceremony also marked the 170th anniversary of the Guyana Police Force (GPF). Relatives of the deceased and ranks laid wreaths to honour the fallen officers’ service.

Rohee said the officers were patriots, who gave their lives for their country, living and dying by the GPF’s motto “Service and Protection.” He said the ceremony serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of policing. The minister said too a number of initiatives have been developed to prevent heinous attacks on ranks and citizens should be proud of the service of ranks who died with honour.

The commissioner said the occasion was sad but honourable. “We cannot and should not forget” our fallen heroes, he said. Greene said, “We remember they are gone but not forgotten.”

According to GINA from 1913 to 2008, about 55 police officers have been slain in the line of duty. The ceremony included marches by the GPF’s various divisions and branches followed by two 21-gun salutes. The services ended with a Reveille.