WHEN a few blokes gathered at Miranda RSL Club in the 1980s, little did they know their casual chats would become a bigger event of shared memories.
Now, many of those men who formed friendships in the line of duty will join forces again at their annual commemoration of retired police officers.
The south metropolitan associated branch of the Police Association of NSW, established a decade later, is hosting its annual service at St Catherine's Catholic Church, Gymea, on September 29 — the same month as national police remembrance day.
Former police officers and the community will pay tribute to those killed on duty.
There will also be a eulogy for retired commander Henry (Harry) Brennan, of Caringbah, who died in June this year, at 86, after a 39-year career.
Mr Brennan cheated death when a shot was fired at him at point blank range. Luckily, the bullet missed.
For his bravery, he received the rare George Medal in 1956.
Probationary constable Warren Dennis Burns, 25, was killed in 1968 when his motorbike collided with a tree in the Royal National Park.
Former police officer Denis Robert Ware, 33, was shot and killed on duty at Sutherland in 1970.
The branch has grown to about 500 members — many of whom regularly meet for social events.
Former police officer John Prince, of Caringbah, organised the service.
"Once you retire, the rest of us stay mates . . . you rely on each other so much when you work together," he said.
The public service is at 10.30am.
