Queensland Police Service (QPS) has welcomed 123 new officers to its ranks, following the latest cohort graduation from the Brisbane Academy.
The First Year Constables (FYCs) are set to begin their policing careers, serving a diverse range of communities across Queensland including one to Noosa, one to Maroochydore and one to Caloundra.
During the ceremony, attendees also observed a poignant moment of reflection to honour the service and sacrifice of two officers who tragically gave their lives in the line of duty.
The families of Senior Constable Brett Forte, who lost his life responding to a violent offender in 2017, and Senior Constable David Masters, who died in Burpengary in 2021 after being fatally struck by a stolen vehicle, were presented with Queensland Police Blue Heart Medals.
This posthumous honour recognises their ultimate sacrifice and unwavering commitment to protecting the community.
The officers were honoured with floral tributes and a minute of silence, before the graduating recruits marched on to the parade ground.
Acting Police Commissioner Brett Pointing APM congratulated the new officers and welcomed them to the Service.
“A career in policing is more than a job; it’s a calling to protect and make a meaningful difference in the lives of Queenslanders,” Acting Commissioner Pointing said.
“Our newest officers’ diverse backgrounds will strengthen our ability to serve the community.”
Many of the graduates come from a diverse range of backgrounds, including England, New Zealand, India, and South Africa, bringing with them a wealth of professional experience in fields such as defence, childcare, education, and professional athletics.
Among the newest Constables is Olympian and marathon swimmer, Kai Edwards.
Constable Edwards joined the QPS after retiring from professional swimming, where he represented Australia in the Men’s 10km Marathon Swimming event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
“Being an athlete is both mentally and physically demanding, and it requires a high level of resilience, discipline and determination – qualities I believe will be so valuable in my role as a QPS officer,” Constable Edwards said.
“After retiring from swimming, I was participating in a lot of community engagement, and I saw how officers supported their communities, and I felt it would be a privilege to be a part of the QPS.”
Constable Jaiden Cruz was inspired by local officers to take up a career in the QPS. He will now be deployed to the same station where his dream began.
“Since I was little, I’ve wanted to be a police officer. I wanted a job that was rewarding but challenging and where I could make a genuine impact on people’s lives,” Constable Cruz said.
After 13 years as a police officer in Kenya, Constable Annette Munyao is eager to serve the community of Townsville and bring her wealth of experience and dedication to the area.
“Everything we learn here at the Academy is tailored to the community need – I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn the skills and to support the diverse community of Townsville,” Constable Munyao said.
While policing was always her ambition, Constable Rachel Goodwin’s experience in education strengthened her resolve to apply, as she saw the positive impact she could make.
“Being a police officer gives me a chance to support vulnerable people and be there for people who are having the worst day of their life,” Constable Goodwin said.
“The work is so meaningful and varied – I can’t wait to help make a difference in the Bundaberg community.”
As these new officers enter their policing career in Queensland, they will work alongside experienced officers to delivering high-quality policing and building strong connections with the communities they serve.
