DECORATED Albury police veteran Marg Saunders has been saluted as part of National Police Remembrance Day after dying at the age of 56 from a brain tumour.
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It was on an honour roll of NSW police members who have died over the past year.
Albury Inspector Owen Hill told The Border Mail after the service that Detective Senior Constable Saunders "was loved and respected in the region, particularly here in Albury".
"It's very raw for the serving members," Inspector Hill said, with some colleagues in tears following the memorial.
"It adds that level more significance about why we're here today."
Detective Senior Constable Saunders passed away on Saturday.
She had been in the police force for 38 years, having stints at Sydney stations, before serving in Albury from 1986.
In 2012, the police commissioner presented Detective Senior Constable Saunders with a NSW-wide local hero award with a citation declaring her an "outstanding role model and mentor to general duties officers".
It continued: "She has been a front line officer for her entire career and is known for her professionalism and strong work ethic."
Detective Senior Constable Saunders' other great community contribution was in the water polo world.
She was a life member of the Ovens and Murray association and Albury Water Polo Club.
Tigers president Zoe Singer described her as the "heart" of the club.
"The club will never be the same without her, never ever," Ms Singer said.
"She will be remembered every time somebody touches the water.
"She was one of the biggest personalities in the club."
In April, Detective Senior Constable Saunders won a C grade best and fairest, which followed a premiership in 2017-18 and decades of service via junior development and committee roles, including president and treasurer.
Detective Senior Constable Saunders is survived by husband of 26 years Rob Moran and daughter Majella, 23.
A full police funeral will be held at Albury's Hovell Tree Park from 11am Friday.