Wall to Wall Ride for Remembrance: Paying tribute to our brave fallen officers

The annual Wall to Wall Ride brought together almost 2000 members of the police community to honour officers we’ve lost in the past year and raise funds for Legacy.  

Three brave constables who died in the line of duty were commemorated by hundreds of police officers at the annual Wall to Wall Ride for Remembrance last month.

The annual motorcycle ride pays tribute to members of the police community who have passed away during the last 12 months while working to protect the regions they serve.

Constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold died in the Queensland siege in December last year, and Constable Anthony Woods was killed while trying to intercept a car in Western Australia. He died in June.

The three constables’ names were inscribed on batons being carried to the National Police Memorial Wall, where they will be added to the Wall as a permanent tribute.

The event brings together colleagues, ex-colleagues and families to honour the brave work of police officers. Wall to Wall organiser Geoff Garland said it’s always difficult to add another name to the wall.

“Each year we do this, we pray that there aren’t going to be any more names added to the wall,” he said.

‘We’re all riding as one’

Mr Garland said the event attracted serving members of the police force, retired police officers and friends and families from across Australia. Police Commissioners, politicians and sponsors also joined the motorcycle ride.

“Many joined this year for the first time and many vowed to return,” he said.

There were 1858 registrations in 2023, with the vast majority riding on the day. For those who couldn’t make the motorcycle ride, the event was livestreamed on Facebook.

The ride also raises important funds for Legacy. While the totals are still being tallied, Mr Garland said it’s estimated that the event raised more than $110,000. Across 10 years, it has raised close to $1.6 million.

Mr Garland said the Wall to Wall Ride gives anyone within the police community the opportunity to celebrate the bravery of police officers.  

“We’re all riding as one, in solidarity,” he said.

Since the inaugural event in 2010, Police Bank has been a key supporter, providing financial sponsorship and representation on the day.

Mr Garland said Police Bank is a “highly valued sponsor”, with its support allowing organisers to offer merchandise and memorabilia to participants, which helps spread the word about the event.

The annual event takes much planning and co-ordination – a process that has already begun for next year, Mr Garland said. The 2024 event will be held on September 14.