“Full of life”: Father remembers young constable killed in patrol car crash

As New South Wales marked National Police Remembrance Day, Constable Mia Lay was remembered as “full of life” after her death in a patrol car crash in Sydney last Friday.

The 20-year-old officer died after the squad car she was travelling in crashed in Redfern, in Sydney’s inner city. Her death came only days before Tuesday’s remembrance ceremony, where officers and families gathered to honour those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Speaking to 9 News, her father Clem said his daughter had loved being part of the force. “The last time we had an in-depth conversation, she was enjoying herself in the force, really enjoying it,” he said.

“She met the love of her life, Dan, and was extremely happy. I couldn’t be proud of her.

“She wanted to serve and protect people, just like her aunt.”

At the ceremony in The Domain on Tuesday, a moment of silence was held for Constable Lay and other fallen officers. Her name was also added to the NSW Police Wall of Remembrance in Sydney’s CBD.

Constable Lay is the 286th and most recent name inscribed on the wall. Family and loved ones attended the service, which is set aside for police to pause and remember officers whose lives have been cut short while carrying out their duty.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said the “tragic loss” of Constable Lay was especially poignant because of her age and the timing of her death so close to the day of remembrance.

“Mia Lay was 18 when she signed up to the police force. She was 19 when she graduated from the Goulburn Academy and she was 20 when she died on Friday morning, in uniform, serving the people of our state,” Mr Minns said during the ceremony.

“In recent days, we’ve heard Mia’s family and colleagues explain what a special young woman she was – talented, optimistic, calm under pressure and a gun athlete.

“With all those assets, Mia could have done anything.”

He added: “Today’s events show the reality that this is an inherently unpredictable, often difficult, often dangerous work.”

Also added to the wall was Sergeant Mark Anthony Bransgrove, who died in July after serving for almost 40 years before retiring in April 2017.

Liberal leader Kellie Sloane said Police Remembrance Day is a “reminder of what we ask of those who wear the uniform, and of the families who stand beside them”.

“Today we remember the NSW police officers who lost their lives in service, and the families and colleagues who carry that loss every day,” she said.

“This year, our thoughts are especially with the family and colleagues of Constable Mia Lay, whose death on Friday is so painfully recent. We also remember Sergeant Mark Bransgrove and honour his decades of service.”

NSW Police and Counter-Terrorism Minister Yasmin Catley said: “Today is a solemn reminder of the dangers our police face in keeping us safe”.

“Policing is a job like no other. Officers put on the blue uniform every day, not knowing what lies ahead,” she said.

“My thoughts are with the families of Constable Lay, Sergeant Bransgrove and everyone else who has lost a loved one in the line of duty.

“Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”