The Thin Blue Line – Police at the Brighton Cemetery

The Victoria Police was formally established on 8 January 1853 from an existing  colonial police force of 875 men. Of the large numbers of Irish who joined  the Police Force many were Laborers, Miners, Farm workers and even pardoned Convicts. These early policemen worked very hard, especially in country Victoria. They covered wide areas, their wives and children would have to move constantly when  their husbands were transferred and often these wives were single parents for long periods of time. Today we will hear just a few stories of those buried within the walls of Brighton General Cemetery. Stories about the Policeman who was found guilty of misconduct by lying about his blossoming weight and the Policeman who rescued many people in the 1890 floods and was recognised with the Valor Award. So come and join us as we look behind the thin blue line and see the private lives of those sworn to serve and protect us.