Scars remain as ‘darkest day’ for police remembered
The physical and mental scars of one of Australia’s most brutal bombings are still fresh for those present and their families, four decades after the tragedy.
As police officers and pedestrians mingled outside Melbourne’s Russell Street police station at lunchtime on March 27, 1986, a car full of gelignite sticks exploded.
The explosion fatally injured 21-year-old Police Officer Angela Taylor, who was crossing the road to buy lunch for her colleagues.
Another 21 people were injured in the explosion and a series of other explosions that occurred when the fuel tanks of nearby cars caught fire.
A memorial service will be held at the Victoria Police Academy on Friday, attended by Const Taylor’s parents, Marilyn and Arthur, and his brother, Michael.
Const Taylor suffered extensive burns and died 24 days later; This marked the first time an Australian police officer had been killed in the line of duty.
The horrific impact led some of those involved to leave the force and left many others struggling with physical and psychological scars.
Victoria Police Chief Mike Bush called it “one of the darkest days in the history of our force.”
“This ceremony is an important opportunity to commemorate the life of Angela Taylor and the goodness she represented,” he said.
“We also know the injured, countless police officers and ordinary citizens who live with the memories of what happened that day.”
The attack is considered one of Australia’s first and most brutal acts of terrorism; The bomb will go off at exactly 1pm, when most people will go out for lunch.
The explosion was so large that debris was found three blocks away.
Police Veterans Victoria chief executive Debra Richardson, who survived the attack, said the incident still lives on in the hearts of those who were there.
“As a survivor and now CEO of Police Veterans Victoria, I stand in honor of those we lost and with those who continue to bear the silent wounds of that day,” he said.
“It is important to remember because their service, their sacrifices and their stories should never be forgotten.”
Friday’s ceremony aims to commemorate the ongoing impact of the bombing on everyone involved and will include a minute’s silence and a special tribute by the Victoria Police Pipe Band.
178 Victoria Police officers have been killed in the line of duty.
