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The following is the speech delivered by the Commissioner of Police, Mr Tsang Wai-hung, at the Force Remembrance Day today (October 14):
Ladies & gentlemen, we are gathered here today to pay tribute to both the Regular and Auxiliary members of the Hong Kong Police Force who have given their lives in the line of duty. This solemn ceremony is also a fitting tribute to the dedication and fortitude of all members of staff who have served with the Force over the past 167 years.
Today we honour the memory of those who, whilst performing their sworn duty, have made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives in the service of the people of Hong Kong. Time and time again we police officers confront danger and continually face the uncertainty of whether our duty to protect and serve will place us in harm's way. To ensure our community can live in a safe and stable society, we will never flinch from this challenge.
In the past year we have tragically lost Detective Station Sergeant Lau Chi-kin and Sergeant Fung Kwok-ho, both of whom died in the execution of their duty. Station Sergeant Lau and Sergeant Fung's sacrifices reflect the dangers and rigours faced daily by all police officers and their selfless dedication to duty is an example to us all.
Today we are also joined by members of the Hong Kong Police Old Comrades Association, the Royal Hong Kong Police Association and other former-members of the Hong Kong Police Force. Like the many officers who came before them they represent the finest traditions of service to the community for which the Force is both famed and justifiably proud. Traditions which our younger generation of officers must take forward into the future.
To all of you present here today may I ask that you remain standing, and following the 'Last Post' join with me in observing a two-minute silence in memory of all the officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
Police Report No. 11
Ends/Friday, October 14, 2011
Issued at HKT 10:55
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