A century after his death, a New South Wales Police sergeant and Boer War veteran has been laid to rest with the honour and recognition he deserved, following a moving ceremony at Broken Hill Cemetery last week.

Sergeant John Everett Lumley, who died in 1919 at just 39 years of age, had remained in an unmarked grave until recently, when community organisation Back to Barrier stepped in to ensure his service would not be forgotten.

The dedicated group, which works to connect former police officers who served in the Barrier region, organised the reburial ceremony that brought together representatives from across the law enforcement and veteran communities.

Sergeant Lumley's remarkable life of service began during the Boer War, where he served his country before returning to Australia to join the NSW Police Force.

At the time of his death, he was stationed in the remote outpost of Tibooburra, serving communities in one of the state's most challenging and isolated regions.

Historical records show Sergeant Lumley died of "paralysis," though modern medical understanding would likely provide a more specific diagnosis for his condition.

His death at such a young age, particularly after surviving the dangers of war, highlighted the harsh realities faced by those serving in remote areas during the early 20th century.

The ceremony attracted significant community support, with Broken Hill City Council Mayor attending alongside current serving police officers and members of the Broken Hill RSL. Roy Butler MP was also present to pay his respects to the fallen officer.

Among the distinguished attendees was Rodney O'Regan OAM, a Vietnam veteran and retired Broken Hill police officer who serves as a patron of the Australian Light Horse Association. His presence created a poignant link between different generations of service members.

The successful campaign to honour Sergeant Lumley demonstrates the ongoing commitment of organisations like Back to Barrier to preserve the memory of those who served their communities, often in difficult circumstances and far from public recognition.

The remote nature of Sergeant Lumley's final posting in Tibooburra underscores the challenging conditions faced by early police officers in outback NSW, where vast distances and harsh conditions made their role particularly demanding.

This long-overdue recognition serves as a reminder of the sacrifice made by countless men and women who dedicated their lives to serving others, ensuring their contributions to Australian history are properly acknowledged and remembered for future generations.