The day honours the 151 police officers who have been killed in the line of duty since 1853, the annual event coinciding with Blue Ribbon Day.

A service was held in Sale's St Paul's Anglican Cathedral for both the public and police members to remember those who had died.

Eastern Victoria MLC Philip Davis spoke during the service, highlighting Victoria Police's increasingly important role in society.

"We take the opportunity to reflect on the nature of their sacrifice, and it is a poignant reminder of the risk in the daily life of a police officer in the role that they take on,'' Mr Davis said.

"The working day for operational officers can be an experience that none of us would relish in the least.''

Blue Ribbon Day began 11 years ago following the murders of Sergeant Gary Silk and Senior Constable Rodney Miller in Moorabbin on August 16, 1998.

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Simon Overland said National Police Remembrance Day and Blue Ribbon Day provided the community with the opportunity to acknowledge the sacrifices made by police who had been killed in the line of duty.

"National Police Remembrance Day highlights the risks police face in serving the community,'' he said.

"Today we stop to recognise the everyday actions of our police members whilst honouring those who made the supreme sacrifice going about their duties.

"We are eternally grateful for their actions.''

Badges and other Blue Ribbon Day products are available from Victoria Police stations, authorised newsagents and RACV outlets.

Since its formation, The Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation has contributed more than $5 million to help build 23 life-saving units in hospitals.