For families of police officers who have died in service, Police Remembrance Day is a reminder of both the sacrifice made by their loved ones and the years of service they gave to the country.

Emily Chand, wife of late Sergeant 2757 Mahesh Chand, was among the families who gathered this morning to honour officers who have died while serving with the Fiji Police Force.

Chand said the ceremony was emotional, but also a proud moment as she remembered her husband’s 30 years of service.

She said Mahesh Chand was proud of his work and was passionate about helping others.

“He loved his job. Saving people was what he was always proud of,” Chand said.

Her husband was based at the Police Special Branch before his death.

Chand said becoming a police officer had been her husband’s dream since childhood, and he remained committed to the profession throughout his career.

“He was a man of principles and coming into this discipline force was really his dream since he was small,” she said.

For Chand and her son, however, the loss remains deeply personal.

She said her son was unable to attend this morning’s remembrance ceremony because he was too emotional and feared he would not be able to control himself.

Chand travelled from Koranivia to attend the ceremony and pay tribute to her late husband.

She also acknowledged the Fiji Police Force for continuing to remember the sacrifices made by officers and their families.

The remembrance comes as Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu calls for greater attention to the physical and mental well-being of serving officers.

Tudravu said the Force recorded 38 deaths over the past year and warned that officers must be encouraged to seek medical and psychological assistance early.

He said the culture of officers fearing they may be labelled weak or unfit if they seek help must change.