Police officers who have died in the line of duty have been remembered with marches and memorial services across the country for National Police Remembrance Day.
A memorial service held in Buddina on the Sunshine Coast gave current and former officers, families, friends and community members the opportunity to honour and remember police officers whose lives have been lost in the line of duty.
Sunshine Coast District Officer Superintendent Craig Hawkins said the memorials provide an opportunity to reflect on the dedication and courage of officers who have lost their lives on duty.
“This is a very important day for the Queensland Police Service, including all officers here on the Sunshine Coast,” Superintendent Hawkins said.
“National Police Remembrance Day is a reminder of the commitment and dedication of police officers to protecting and serving their community.
“Today we reflect and remember the police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice while working to keep our community safe.
“It’s also a reminder of the challenges and dangers police officers face each time they come to work.
“In the 160-year history of the Queensland police, we’ve tragically lost 150 members on duty.
“Today we stand together as a blue family to remember and honour of our fallen officers.
“With honour they served.”
In Brisbane, Premier Steven Miles and Police Minister Mark Ryan joined the Acting Commissioner of Police Shane Chelepy for the annual National Police Remembrance Day candlelight vigil.
The Queensland Police Memorial in the Brisbane Botanic Gardens was lit by the soft glow of candlelight as attendees paused to honour and reflect on the selfless devotion of fallen police officers.
This year, the Acting Commissioner and seven families lit candles as each fallen officer’s name was read.
Fallen QPS officers, including Constables Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow, who died in December 2022 at Wieambilla and David Masters, who died in June 2021 were remembered.
The sacrifice of officers from across Australia was also recognised, including Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig, Sergeant Peter Stone and Senior Constable Glen Murray, who will be added to the National Police Memorial in Canberra this year.
The QPS recognises the profound impacts of recently losing Senior Sergeant Brendan Wiblen while participating in the Wall to Wall remembrance ride.
