It was a tragic start to the New Year when the highly regarded Lithgow police officer lost her life while trying to save another. Sen Const Foster died while attempting to rescue her 24-year-old companion from a whirlpool at Mount Wilson in the Blue Mountains.

Police from across the country paid their respects to Sen Const Foster and the other 274 fallen colleagues for National Police Remembrance Day on Wednesday, September 29.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said it is a tragedy each time a new name is etched into the Wall of Remembrance.

"It is a sad day to lose a serving member of the NSW Police Force because our officers go to work each day not knowing if they might come home," he said.

"In adding Senior Constable Foster's name to this wall, we remember her as a brave woman who upheld our policing traditions of professionalism, commitment, honour and courage.

"While Senior Constable Foster has been taken from us too soon, we share her family's pride in the career she forged in policing, her dedication to the Lithgow community and her passion for the outdoors."

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Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the memorial was restricted to a small audience attended by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott, NSW Governor Margaret Beazley, NSW Police Commissioner Michael Fuller and Police Association President Tony King.

The intimate ceremony replaced the usual gathering of hundreds of officers at the Wall of Remembrance in The Domain and acknowledged the family and friends who were not able to attend due to COVID restrictions.

"We pay tribute to all the officers we have lost; we thank you and know that you will never be forgotten. For the officers who continue to serve our community, especially during the past almost two years supporting our country through the pandemic, your efforts are extraordinary," Mr Elliot said.

"We also remember sixteen service members of the NSW Police Force who have died during the period of September 29 2020 to September 28 2021 from illness or other circumstance."

Commissioner Fuller reflected on Wednesday's service and said despite the small gathering, the impact of these officers on the force, their family, and their friends was huge.

"We will never forget our fallen colleagues and the years of service they dedicated to protecting our community," he said.

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